Hi, is the styles of these two photographers very different?
I have seend patken and fell in love...they are not cheap...w/ video
from my searches..i see DUET being more 'reasonable' and you are getting more - pictures...
but if someone can explain to me the artistic differences...
i see patken has that black and white with colors watercolored in...
please help...
i put a deposit w/ Patken...but would cancel and get my deposit back if i could practically get this and more w/ duet...
please help me...thanks
ckgmwedding
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I never went to Patken but I did see another girl's album from them and it was beautiful. I never heard of anyone who was disappointed.
I am using Duet and they are great too. I have seen many proofs from them of others that I love. They do black and white with the special coloring too if that is something you wanted. I have heard a couple of girls say they weren't too thrilled with their proofs but I am sure not everyone's happy with their pics every time and it may also depend on the photographer they had. Each time I asked and the photographer wasn't the one I am using. On the positive side, they also give you two photographers- one photojournalist which is a plus. Go talk to them and then decide.
Robin404
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I never went to Patken either, but I did go see 4 photograhpers...
Verdi- $4500 for 2 photographers and a album- that's it!
Leli- seemed reasonable and was very nice. About $4000 for 1 album, 2 11x14, 4 8x10, and 2 5x7, plus video, thank you cards
JoVon- $3800 for 1 photographer and asst. 1 album, 1 11x14, 4 8x10, 4 5x7, 70 thank you cards. The Video was $2200
Duet- $3800- 2 photographers, 1 albums, 2 11x14, and 70 thank yous.
Personally I'm going to use Duet, signing a contract this weekend.
You can negiotiate will most of them to customize packages.
KellyBride
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I saw both Patken & Duet - loved them both! My FH made the final decision with Patken. He hit it off with our photographer & seemed to be more of the relationship we wanted (personable, not intrusive but yet able to capture all the moments from our wedding). Hopefully, they will fulfill all of these promises & from past brides who have used Patken - it seems they will!
GOOD LUCK!
Diane
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I used Patken and LOVED them, people comment on how beautiful and different my pics are.
divabride
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I also visited both Patken and Duet. Their styles are very similar when it comes to photojournalistic and traditional. The bottom line was price. Duet was much cheaper and they gave us a lot more. Its a tough decision though, so follow your gut feeling. You cant go wrong with either one!
jcndd
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I compared both Duet and Patken also....I used Patken. I chose them for many reasons...First and foremost was the originality of their pictures. Everytime I saw an ad for them with pictures it was like reading a story..then I went in and met everyone in their studio and it was like I was meeting all old friends. My DH researched them through BBB and found that they were in business 20 years without a single complaint. We used Doug, the owner and I know that he does tons of seminars around the country - teaching other photographers his magic.
The day of my wedding was wonderful - I am not a picture taker and both the photographer and the videographer put me at ease right from the beginning. Importantly for me, my whole bridal party enjoyed being with them for pictures because they were fun to be around and knew how to get all our guys and girls smiling.
Our proofs were in before we were home from our honeymoon... they were given to us in an album (I don't think Duet does that.) And our album was finished only 4 weeks later. Every single moment and memory of my wedding was captured through those pictures. I never once doubted my decision to use them, but once I got that album I was so happy! It's beautiful and we get so many compliments on it!
They are not only professionals, but personable people that you'll enjoy having at your wedding... if you have any other questions feel free to FM me!! Good luck!
ETA - they'll work with you on the packages...pictures were the most important part of my wedding to me - how else do you remember all those moments - they're packages are all inclusive and when you speak with them, let them know what's most important to you - they'll work with you!
halloweenbride04
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
We looked at 3 photographers, Duet and Patken were two. We chose Duet. I thought the style of both of their work (depending on specific photographer) was similar, we were looking for more photojournalistic pics. Price wise I felt we going to get more bang for our buck with Duet but the clincher was that during our appointment with Patken, the woman we were with kept answering the phone and went so far as to make faces and roll her eyes on every call and proceeded to tell us what a pain in the a$$ that person was. No matter how much we liked their work, there was no way we were using them after that display of unprofessionalism. We were 100% happy with Duet and do not regret our choice at all!
Sweetness
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I used Patken for my wedding and absolutely LOVED THEM!! They are my choice for all future major life events.
They were the best studio I visited! Totally state of the art, comtemporary and I loved how you get your proofs in a book within 2 weeks of your wedding date. I got all my proofs in a pretty proof book instead of in a random box all loose. I did my research before I booked, they have been in business for 20 years without a single complaint from the BBB. Doug, the owner, trains all the photographers himself in house. He has told me many times he would not hire anyone he doesn't consider family and up to his standards. BELIeve me HE IS PICKY guy and knows his stuff! They work within your budget, so you can spend what you want, get what you want without having to purchase things you don't want.
I was just at their lindenhurst studio to pick up my albums, 20x20s and negatives and they re did the whole thing since I was there. They have an awesome area to take indoor pics with different scenery. ONe is a beach, Italian villa, garden view. It was great. I got my album back within 5 months of submitting the proofs for it, I got the SOHO. I got my video by the end of FEB. Which video did you get? If you got the regular one, you will get that sooner than I did after the wedding.
Let me know if you want to see my proofs, the proof is in their work.. I am happy to provide you with the website if you want to take a peek.
I have posted many times about my experiences with Patken. They were by far my absolute favorite vendor! I am in the process of trying to convince my SIL and FBIL to go with them for their wedding. They were recommended to us and I am happy to recommend them anytime! Very satisfied Patken bride here!
ETS: I responded to your FM as well! Take a look at my proofs! I included the login in the FM Also if you do a search for my past posts, you can pull up my album pages that I posted to take a peek at. I can email them to you if you want when I get home.
Kerrycec
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
We went with Patken. They are similar but we felt more confident with Patken.
designerbride
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You have FM!
Jen2999
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I choose duet because when we met with them eric was SO willing to work with us and changed the contract 3 times to make sure it included everything we wanted. He threw in some extras and had just what we are looking for. I am so thrilled to usethem and for the price they were thebest choice of the 2
DCSAAB06
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
Seeing both and their work....I believe its not so much their pricing that differs but their work IS different. They have different styles and different ways of doing their traditional shots as well as photojournalistic. It really depends on what you are looking for and what you like. I choose Duet because it is my style of photography that I want captured at my wedding. I think even their albums are put together different.
My sister and BF had Patken and their work is great..........just not my style.
all, JMO
ssdbk
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
I called Patken and the girl who answered was very rude. I then spoke to a bride who used them and she said that she loved their work, but also found that some of their employees weren't very nice.
With so many photographers out there, I decided not to even make an appointment with Patken.
Just my experience. Their photos are lovely.
Sweetness
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Posted by ssdbk
I called Patken and the girl who answered was very rude. I then spoke to a bride who used them and she said that she loved their work, but also found that some of their employees weren't very nice.
With so many photographers out there, I decided not to even make an appointment with Patken.
Just my experience. Their photos are lovely.
I have bothered Patken many times for everything under the sun and never spoke to someone who was rude. I am an out of state bride who is very demanding... Just speak to Doug about it, he will correct it and exceed your expectations.
Sorry, I am a die hard Patken Fan!!
designerbride
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Re: PLEASE Compare PATKEN v DUET PHOTOGRAPY
Posted by ssdbk
I called Patken and the girl who answered was very rude. I then spoke to a bride who used them and she said that she loved their work, but also found that some of their employees weren't very nice.
With so many photographers out there, I decided not to even make an appointment with Patken.
Just my experience. Their photos are lovely.
I had the same experience! I'd rather go somewhere where I felt welcome. I mean If you going to spend all that $$ you want the best quality & customer service!
I did not feel that way with Patken, JMO.
btrflygrl
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no comparison....Duet is much better in my opinion
jcndd
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Posted by Sweetness
[I have bothered Patken many times for everything under the sun and never spoke to someone who was rude. I am an out of state bride who is very demanding... Just speak to Doug about it, he will correct it and exceed your expectations.
Sorry, I am a die hard Patken Fan!!
I agree w/ you! I'm not sure which office these girls are calling, but they were always so helpful to me! And I was probably the most annoying with all my questions!
I'm actually getting ready to make my appt with them for my pregnancy photo's!!! Can't wait to see Doug again
OSCARtheGROOM
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No Comparison Patken!!! Doug and crew are out of this world. Their work is awesome.
serendipity0680
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Duet offers all color. digital, black & white and special coloring on their photos. We met with Eric and he was wonderful. Duet also gives you a casual photo session and they will pair you up with the photographer you will be using at your wedding. With our package we are getting: 2 photographers (traditonal & photojournalistic) for 12 hours. 2 videographers 2 albums 2 parent albums 1 20X24 sign in board of our casual session 1 16X20 3 8X10 3 DVDS The price was $5499+ tax All proofs minimum guarantee of 700 proofs That is just a few of the things we are getting, I don't have the contract sitting in front of me. If you need more information FM me.
