The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

Just starting the wonderful task of finding one and I was wondering how many photographers do most people see? How long did it take for you to make your decision? Why did you choose your photographer? What is the difference between photographer and photojournalist?

Thanks from a clueless bride!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

The photographer was the toughest decision we had to make thus far. (Not that it was super difficult, but all our other decisions were relatively easy).
We saw 3 photographers - but I had done alot of research before narrowing it down to those 3. It took us about 2 months from meeting the first photographer to making our decision.

We decided to go with Imagine Studios because in addition to wanting some posed traditional shots, we wanted to have a lot of photojournalistic and candid B&W shots, and Imagine really does beautiful work especially in that area!

Good luck!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

I went to see about 5 photographers. Obviously budget was the first priority. But based on our tastes, we didnt just want a traditional photographer. I love photography so photojournalism was important to us. The difference being traditional will tell you where to stand and smile, and take posed pictures. Where as photojournalism will just catch those candid moments. Another aspect that was important to me was that it wasnt just my day and I wanted a photographer taking pictures of FH while he was getting ready. Almost instantly when I saw my photographers past work, we knew he was the one. As excited as we were about signing with them, we wanted to sleep on it and put down a deposit at the end of the week. Good luck!!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

We saw about 8-10. Budget was somewhat of an issue. We chose Artisan based on the instant rappore we had with Chuck and we were very impressed with his work. Also with my parents being divorced Artisan was the most accomodating with the additional albums/videos that we need.

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

Photographer was BY FAR the worst part and toughest decision thus far. We saw about 7 different places and never really found what we were looking for until we (unhappily) decided to go above our budget a little to ensure our peace of mind. Our inital budget was $6000 for photo & video and we ended up with a contract for $7500 for both - and a lot of peace of mind and confidence. We booked Elite because friends of mine had just used them, I was able to meet with and discuss my views with the actual person (part owner) shooting my wedding, and they were more flexible with album options.

Some places used free-lancers, which I was not going for. Some wouldn't allow flexibilty as far as black and whites and digital touches in the album or using unlimited fil on the day.

After weighing all of the places and all good and bad points to each my mom essentially sealed it when she said '$6000 is a lot to risk on bad photos but in the grand scheme $1500 is not a lot to ensure excellent work and my peace of mind for 2 years!'

Good luck!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

bump. Pricing and suggestions are appreciated!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

we only met with two...

the first totally not our style, he showed us a sample album from the 80's and it was a huge turn off...

the second was the one we went with...

www.jackroman.com

Jack was awesome to work with, the nicest guy, different style, and exactly what we imagined.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, or show you some sample pics (some are posted on here from 2 years ago).

~CarrieAnn

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

When you've seen a few photographers, go see a few more. It never hurts to have a nice selection and that way you learn about different packages and pricing. And you take notes and mark the photographers you really like. I went to 6 and then went back to 2 to ask questions again before I booked. Also, check with BBB before you sign with any vendor!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

I saw two. photojournalist is all informal pictures. MIne does a combo of both. I think most will do both.

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

I saw about 12 before I found 'The One'. It was mostly based on chemistry with the studio and price. My dream photographer (where budget didn't matter) was about 3 times what we could afford.

I don't have my pics back yet, but I was very happy with our photographer at the wedding, hope the pics come out great- I'm sure they will.

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

Rght now I'm pickingnwhich ones to visit by looking at them online, or their pics in magazines, and I'll make a list and go from there. You also want to consider budget. Some brides have spend under $2000 on photo, some close to $10,000, so that will defintiely dictate which studios you will be looking at

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

photographer was actually the easiest decision i've made for the wedding! i looked at a ton of photographers online, and spoke to many on the phone, but then i came across one set of proofs that were posted on liw. the bride had had her wedding at vanderbilt and hers were the most stunning photos i had ever seen! i found out that they were done by imagine studios, so i made an appointment there and booked them on the spot!

i would look at photographers' photos online and see if their style suits you. once you narrow it down that way, you can start calling and seeing who's within your budget. then of those, you can make appointments.

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

I was wondering if anyone can FM me about the average or approximate pricing for those who used photojournalistic photographers. Very interested in using one of them, but not sure how much its gonna set me back!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

We saw 5 different ones. After i really liked 2 and making that decision was very hard for me. I really liked them both but i went with my gut feeling. Of the other three that we didn't choose, there was always something i didn't like (ex. the video, certain pics, the $$).

After booking with our photographer...i was really thinking about the photojournalisitic pics. It was an extra 1000 but i thought it would be money well worth spending.
Got my Proofs back on tuesday...They are awesome and YES it was definately worth the money!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

The photographer was probably the easiest decision we had. We only met with one because we had already seen there work at my sisters wedding. I didn't even want to look at anyone else because the photos were that good. That made FH happy because he hates to shop around.

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

Dont look for a bargain with Photo & Video!!

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

I saw a bunch of proofs from my photographer before we booked them... I met with 11 or 12 and they were DEFINATELY the ones most worth while... They worked with us to mold our package into exactly what we needed.... and managed to keep our budget down as well....

Re: The process of finding a photographer - HELP!

It was very easy for me, looked at the albums of my stepsister and brothers and made my decision. Also many of my patients rec my photographer so it was a no brainer for me. Budget was not a concern b/c I dont want to skimp out on the only memories I wouldnt have by cutting here and there. I saw 3 of their albums told them what I wanted and that was it. Im very happy with my decision, went and booked on spot didnt have to think about it. I knew my highest besides the hall price was going to be photo and video but thats ok with me. Im very excited to see my 11x14 thier work is great!!