OK so like a year ago we started looking at photographers and I fell in love with Perceptions. I know someone who used them and her photos are absolutely AMAZING. I decided against them b/c of cost. It was our first vendor booking experience. Then I met with Bella. Liked their work. I know someone who used them and totally raved, and her pics were beautiful. However, now on this site and when I ask around I don't hear good reviews. Nothing specifically bad (besides being so corporate). Nothing good, no one seems to have used them. THIS SCARES ME! Pics are things that can never be changed. You have them forever. I already have given them (50%) $1750, but according to contract I can still get my $$ back.
Am I being a neurotic bridezilla *****? I am meeting with 3 photographers in the next week including Perceptions, who still has my date available and I am now willing to spend a few extra bucks for. North Island Photography and Millimeter Photography I am also meeting with. Any reviews on these mentioned photographers would be greatly appreciated.
Please help me ladies.. I'm in tears over this. What should I do? Should I cancel? I'm just not comfortable with Bella at this point.
Im getting Married
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Sorry your dealing with this..thought I don't have any info on the places you are going to I feel with photographery you have to be absolutly comfortable
Did you do your e-pics yet? Maybe after seeing them you will be more comfortable.
Try asking your friend that already used them or go look at the photography books again.
Sorry I'm not much help
jwleewedding
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Re: Please help me ladies..
i actually took some ephotos with bella this past weekend and unfortunately, i didn't like they turned out. they just didn't suit my style.
FutureMrsG
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Do not get upset just because people on this site have not used this particular photographer. There are many photographers in NY-Vendors become popular on this site b/c many girls choose to use them...I am a 'o9 bride and NO ONE ever mention channa plaques but the 10 girls rave about them all the time. If you are happy with the quality of the sample work you saw at their studio then there is no reason not to use them. I f you are really worried why not consider taking e-pics and see if you like their work and more importantly working with your particular photographer.
SoonToBeMrsCampos
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by FutureMrsG
Do not get upset just because people on this site have not used this particular photographer. There are many photographers in NY-Vendors become popular on this site b/c many girls choose to use them...I am a 'o9 bride and NO ONE ever mention channa plaques but the 10 girls rave about them all the time. If you are happy with the quality of the sample work you saw at their studio then there is no reason not to use them. I f you are really worried why not consider taking e-pics and see if you like their work and more importantly working with your particular photographer.
another thing is they wont match me to my photographer until i pay my last 50% (which is now past due). and their timeline is 90-180 days from your wedding you get matched and see their profile/portfolio. then meet your photographer 30 days prior. don't you think that's cutting it really close? i think maybe their price and sales lady 'sold me'. maybe i just settled??
angelscri
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Sorry you are dealing with this. I met with Bella a few weeks ago and I really did not get a good feeling about them. I did not really like their pictures and their requirement of paying everything off 30 days before the wedding did not sit well with me. If you do not feel comportable with them anymore, I say get your money back and book with someone you are completely comfortable with. Good luck
SoonToBeMrsCampos
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by Im getting Married
Sorry your dealing with this..thought I don't have any info on the places you are going to I feel with photographery you have to be absolutly comfortable
Did you do your e-pics yet? Maybe after seeing them you will be more comfortable.
Try asking your friend that already used them or go look at the photography books again.
Sorry I'm not much help
not doing e-pics (saving $$). thank you, your comfort alone is help enough!
Soon2BRomeo
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Re: Please help me ladies..
When I was doing my photographer search 1 Big thing notice was the final payment was not do until I rec'd m albums. IMHO would not go with a photographer that wants the total b4 your wedding. Seems a little fishy to me.
mybabylovesmoi
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by Soon2BRomeo
When I was doing my photographer search 1 Big thing notice was the final payment was not do until I rec'd m albums. IMHO would not go with a photographer that wants the total b4 your wedding. Seems a little fishy to me.
Yup, my photog requires a initial deposit, partial payment the day of, and the rest of the payment when we get our albums. He said himself that he'd rather not get complete payment until the job is done so he gets extra drive to do it well.
Go with your gut. If you feel uneasy, get out of it since you have the option of getting the money back
SoonToBeMrsCampos
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Re: Please help me ladies..
thank you all so much for your advice and support!!
JAAMS
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Hmmmmm it sounds like you really don't want to go with Bella, so I'm going to say since you can get your money back, seriously consider switching. You don't want to be having doubts!
lela7378
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Re: Please help me ladies..
so sorry to hear that! I FM you some information
Taunita
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Hey- You must have booked with her for a reason to begin with... but sometimes studios (corporate structures) show you their best work but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that photographer unless stated in the contract. Have you tried revisiting their offices and perhaps making an addendum to the contract rather than have them assign someone (in order to lock in the quality you want)? If you are truly uncomfortable with your choice and if the contract states that you can get a full refund… I suggest meeting with your additional choices first and then upon receipt of your funds from Bella, then locking in a contract with whomever you choose. With that being said….
I highly recommend Lighthouse Photography. Amazing quality and great packages!! Sending you an Fm. Hope this helps
Tetelove
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Re: Please help me ladies..
IMO I believe that by you taking your e-pics and not liking them...that should REALLY make your reconsider having them as your photographer for your day. Pictures is something that you can not take back nor change.
You really should weigh the pros and cons of the situation. Will you get all your money back except for the deposit? How much was the deposit?
Also ask yourself would you be crushed and pissed if you do decide to go with Bella and your pictures are a mess??
Keep these questions in mind when you make your decision.
adelya21
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Re: Please help me ladies..
ill be completely honest but I wouldnt like not knowing who my photographer is and not knowing their work. I feel lik they are sucking their customer in and then saying ok heres who u get whether you like it or not.
Posted by SoonToBeMrsCampos
Posted by FutureMrsG
Do not get upset just because people on this site have not used this particular photographer. There are many photographers in NY-Vendors become popular on this site b/c many girls choose to use them...I am a 'o9 bride and NO ONE ever mention channa plaques but the 10 girls rave about them all the time. If you are happy with the quality of the sample work you saw at their studio then there is no reason not to use them. I f you are really worried why not consider taking e-pics and see if you like their work and more importantly working with your particular photographer.
another thing is they wont match me to my photographer until i pay my last 50% (which is now past due). and their timeline is 90-180 days from your wedding you get matched and see their profile/portfolio. then meet your photographer 30 days prior. don't you think that's cutting it really close? i think maybe their price and sales lady 'sold me'. maybe i just settled??
adelya21
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Member since
Re: Please help me ladies..
My photographer is the same way final 10% when we pick up albums.
Posted by mybabylovesmoi
Posted by Soon2BRomeo
When I was doing my photographer search 1 Big thing notice was the final payment was not do until I rec'd m albums. IMHO would not go with a photographer that wants the total b4 your wedding. Seems a little fishy to me.
Yup, my photog requires a initial deposit, partial payment the day of, and the rest of the payment when we get our albums. He said himself that he'd rather not get complete payment until the job is done so he gets extra drive to do it well.
Go with your gut. If you feel uneasy, get out of it since you have the option of getting the money back
allornil
Posted:
Member since
Re: Please help me ladies..
agreed. I say don't use them if you're wary. The photos I've spoken to all ask for final payment after the wedding when they're doing albums. Go see the other photos and decide.
miamimerger
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Hey! I just did my Brides Review, and I talked about my AMAZING experience with Perceptions (even talked about price) :). Take a look!
miamimerger
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Also, if you have any questions, feel free to FM me
Lil OC
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Re: Please help me ladies..
sorry you're going through this. I dont really have much experience with Bella, except for the fact that they called me 6359265265 times about setting up an appt (dont know how they got my number in the first place), and then when I caved and said I would consider meeting with them, they said I would have to go to Roslyn (I live in Queens) and meet someone at a Starbucks (ummm very strange). I personally did not get a great feeling from them. The whole thing sounded strange. My wedding planner said they are very hit or miss because they outsourch their work to various diff photogs so you never know who you're getting. If you cant request a specific photog whose work you liked, I'd have second thoughts too. And I've never heard of paying in full before the wedding. We are using Duet and were able to choose our photog and we dont have to pay the last 10% until after we get our albums. If you can still get your money back then I would expore other companies.
