Stupid Photo Question?

Given that everyone is trying to be a 'photojournalist', I am confused as to what a normal traditional wedding photographers are like? Does anyone know the websites of non-photojournalists, so that I can get a better idea as to what it is? I am really worried that I'll turn up bad in candid shots, b/c usually I look better in posed!!! Can anyone please help!!!! I have like 30 photo ppl on my list, and totally confused... How much should I expect to pay for 8-9 hr day, 2 parent albums, one bride/groom album, and several bigger enlargements (11x14, etc)... I want to keep my negative too... So far, I have seen prices around $5k for such things, and its over the budget

Please please help.

Thanks girls. You're great!

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

Don't even worry about the styles - just look at a bunch of photographers work and decide what you like best. Once you see a few examples, your preference will be obvious.


As for cost it depends on the studio. Not many studios will give you your negatives but if you really want that, just go visit those that do - that will narrow down your list A LOT!

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

And just for edification..this is a very traditional photo:


Something a little more photojournalistic


More true photojournalism

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

Stef, those pics are a perfect way to explain !!!!

BTW, Alina, you could definitely get what you're looking for less than 5K.

I'm getting more than that at Cassarino for about $3500. And they are really good. I am very excited about them !!!!!

Also, Imagine Studios is good, they could probably give you a nice package under 5K. They do more o that 'Photojournalistic' as well as traditional. Look at Shamma's pics

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

PS: If you really like the traditional stuff, the first photo is from Aldos photography in Brooklyn. I detest those sorts of photos but they were much cheaper than the photojournalistic and more artistic photographers. I don't think they give you the negatives but I think you can get the rest of what you want for under $3K there - maybe even $2K.

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

You can get traditional photos like the first one from Cassarino for less than Aldo. I priced Aldo and was really not happy with what they wanted to give us. I also didn't care for Aldo's style..it's been kind of stagnant for the last 10 years. Everyone's album looks the same. Cassarino threw in the negatives, proofs and everything else under the sun for just over 2800. I'm getting a 56 page album, 2 20 page parents, 1 11x14 black and white handpainted, 3 8x10's, 20 5x7's, 75 wallets...and i think some other stuff but I can't remember right now.

What I loved about Cassarino was that they let you thumb through albums and pic your photographer that way. We chose ours based on his not so rigid traditional style of photgraphy. Meaning he took traditional pics, but had fun with them. Nothing too cheesy, no Bridal magazine bride shots...loved them! Check em out!

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

Thank you girls, its still tough though... Sonicstef, I like the first and third picture, but not 2nd... I find 2nd a bit too casual, if that makes any sense...
I am meeting with a bunch of ppl from Manhattan that were recommended on the knot (Jason Groupp, Colm McSean, Alfonse Pagano, Laurie Rhodes) --> so far of those 4 I like Alfonse Pagano the best (www.alfonsepaganophotography.com), but he charges $3600 just to shoot, ouch..., he does give discounts if you book his daugher, so we may see her work.

Also, a friend of mine does photography for a hobby, and when she looked a a few sites, she mentioned a lot of 'poorly framed' picture ---> the head being cut off, too much foreground, etc, and while I picked up her suggestions, its still hard to find out how much of it is on purpose vs. due to lack of knowledge....

I guess I'll look through the sites, and ask the negatives question to narrow down the appointments, otherwise it looks almost as bad as my reception hall search. (FIY, we'll only have 100 ppl and this minimum what kicked a lot of places off the list)

Mistyeyed - > I'll check out Cassarino, maybe same day as I'll go to LI to look for shoes

Thanks girls again, and please keep posting.

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

I am using Marcy Studio (Bklyn). He is a mostly traditional photographer and we took him because that was what we wanted. You chose a photographer based on what you want either traditional or photojournalistic. We are paying $2500 with the owner of Marcy Studio (Chuck Marcy) actually photographing our wedding. We are getting:
Bridal Album - 50 pictures
2 - Parent Albums - 18 pictures
1 16 x 10 portrait
2 8 x 10 portraits
100 Thank Yous
6 5 x 7 Bridal Party Pictures
and all our pictures on CD-ROM

If you are interested in looking into their work, here is their website www.marcyphoto.com

Re: Stupid Photo Question?

Hmmm...thats tough. You like #1 and #3 - so you are going to have a tough time finding someone who is really excellent at #3 for much less than $5K. True photojournalism is a skill that takes years to develop AND costs more because the photographer has to use a lot more film and equipment and time to get those shots.

Most photographers do a better job of #1 and #2.

Alfonse has awesome shots - but he is very expensive as you know.

I think Colm used to work for another sought after photographer, Sarah Merians (www.sarahmerians.com) so you might be able to get the best of both worlds there since he is just starting off on his own.