Question for June Bride (and anyone else who wants to comment)

Question for June Bride (and anyone else who wants to comment)

I met with Chuck from Fine Art tonight, and loved his work, but I was quoted a much higher price - the lowest package was $3,300, and it didn`t even include parent albums. The next package up was $3,600, which was a lot more than I was planning to spend, and it only included the main album of 36 pics, and parent albums of 18 pics. Then 1 11x14 and 2 8x10`s. The package after that was $3,900, and that was 50 pics in the main album, and 24 in each parent`s album.
Is this too much?? I know Fine Art is good, but are they worth it for this price??
Can anyone else recommend a creative photographer between $2,500 and 3,000?

some information

Check out VIP Studios. For $2500 you get two photographers, lots of photos. He works from his home so he does not have the expensive office costs that Fine Arts has, which is why his prices are so good.
I think I posted information for you when you asked for advise. I meet with Fine Arts. And there work is very nice but I did not think it was worth almost $4000.00 I liked the actual albums and photos but felt that it was not as personal as I wanted. But that is me. That is only my opinion. And Fine Arts only gives you one photographer for that price. You can also negoaite prices. You can simply say that you would like to book them but need the $3600 for $3000. They might want your business and agree. But you should look around some more. Also, when you book appointments tell the photographer what you are looking to spend. If the photographer is a lot more than that don't meet with them. That is advise I got from a few brides and it really helped me when I was looking for vendors.

www.edcollinsphoto.com *NM*

Michele31

Sorry, yes, I did read your earlier response - Chuck did lower the prices when he saw the look on my face, but only about $200. I don't think he'd go much lower, but this was only my first appt. I have two others for next week, and I'll give VIP a call.

Thanks for your help!

Michele31

Definitely check out wedding group one. Their pictures were incredible!! If nothing look at their website. www.weddinggroupone.com

Terri

Who else are you meeting with? I would not meet with Ray O'Connor, JoVon, Verdi or Creative Concepts. They are all over $3500 +.
How much are you looking to spend our your video? I can give you some recommendations based on who I saw. VIP has a good video and it is around $1000.
e-mail me if you need information 'off-line'. Let me know how you make out.

Other appts

I`m planning to also meet with Paul Marino, Gray Studios and maybe Patken. Are they just as expensive?

It`s strange - and I thought budgeting $3,000 would give me enough options to find a great photographer. At this point, I would pay a little more than that, but not $3,700, for an average package.

After the tragic events last week, I can no longer justify in my mind to spend so much money on my wedding. It`s just not as important to me anymore. (Just my opinion - please do not take offense).

Thanks for all of your help!

In response to Teri -

I am very suprised about the price - I paid $3400 it was the second lowest price the first was $3200 - for that I got my album 40 pic.,two parent album 18 pic, all thank you's, 3 8/10 8 5/7 2 11/14 one in b&w with color all proofs and neg. and I had two photographers Jimmy and Chuck - Jimmy left after the toast (I think) Plus like I said after I was paid in full (I had our meeting) and they gave me two extra pictues in my album and she was telling me to get this picture of us that she loved and I don't know why I didn't like (so she said you will see and gave us that too in 8/10)
Like I said - I think they were really great - the fact that they only have four photograpers is what i liked and I got to see all of their work so this way you know that day you are going to get someone good. The service we have received since the wedding has been great. I have heard a lot of stories about after the photo. has your money you can't reach them - they have always called us - But my advise to you is see as many photo. as you can - the more experience you get the better you are - I went back to Fine Art three times (I did that with a lot of them) I would call and say we have seen others but we want to use you but... Price - A few of them came down in price - I was deciding between Creative Composition - Behind the Schenes, and Fine Art. Fine Art gave us the most of the money - All three would of done great work. I saw about 10 I think and then new it was betwwen the three (then went to work on those for price and packages) Good Luck.

Teri

I have heard really good things about Paul Marino and Patken but I am not sure of there prices. Do a search on their names and look at the posts. You are okay with a $3000 photography budget. There are so many photographers on LI you will find one that you love. Another way I saved a few dollars is:
-We need 3 parent albums. I got the smaller of the two sizes. If any of the parents want to upgrade or add photos they need to pay the difference.
-We are not doing very many of the small thank you photos. So many people never know what to do with them and throw them in a draw or box. Only close friends and family are getting them. I was able to get some 5x7s instead of the thankyous.
I definately want to hear what your experiences are at the other places.

Patken & Paul Marino

I met with both - the prices are within your budget.
You can get a lot for $3000 with either one of them.
I didn't like Patken b/c they were to big - I had posted after I saw them - I forget which office I went to but it was a mess - the guy just said to us what kind of package are you looking for and he started writing and then showed us a price (a lot was included) but that was the whole meeting - All I pictured was horrible servie and a lot of mistakes -
Paul Marino was a small office and seemed very organized - I think this is imp. - I have also seen very positive things about them on this board. Do a search -
Again, this is just my opinion and experience -

Photographers

I am using Chuck from Fine Art. For what I needed I found them to give the most for my money. You can also try Glenmar Studios in Roslyn. I have heard good things about them and I liked their pictures. I met with Barry the owner who I hated but He won't be taking the pictures. I think they are in you price range.

Question for June Bride (and anyone else who wants to comment)

I looked into Fine Art also. I loved them but the prices seemed high. I ended up going with Cassarino''''s. I''''ve heard great things about them. I am getting married in July. Frnklyn Square Photography was my favorite-I saw a ton of photographers-but they were high in price. However, they are very personal. Good Luck!
From, Jaime

Thanks everyone for your advice

I`m going to call and make some more appts - I`ll keep you posted!

Photographers

I went to Duval studio in Wantagh the other day and was quoted between
$2500-3000 depending on what I wanted in the package. It seemed like a lot of pictures were included: 3 parent albums (the smaller one), 30 pictures in our album-plus, they give you up to 3 pages within your album for multiple pictures, all for the same price (not additional). Plus thanks you`s, 2 folios for grandparents, and a bigger picture to hang on the all (don`t remember the size sorry). I thought that was a lot of money, but seeing what you all are posting, it seems pretty reasonable now!
Is this really how much we have to spend on a photographer? Are there any others out there that are around $2000?
-Joy

bnjoyful

You may want to start a new thread and in the subject put Looking for photographers around $2K. That way people who have not followed this thread can offer you advise.
I have heard good things about ADA studios (near the WaterMill, Nesconnset). I think they are around that price, but am not sure. Plus, VIP is around $2500 and you can get a lot more than what you were quoted from your other meeting. Also, remember to negoiate with the vendors. Tell them you need 5x7s for your bridal party and 8x10 for each parent. Most of them will do that to get your business.