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UPDATED:The low down on photography

Original post by Mrs.Ptobe

The winner is: Velvet Studio!

I'm getting 2 photographers, a decent package including high resolution CD so that I can make whatever I want in addition to the package (shutterfly.com is always emailing me offers on enlargements and such so that's where I'll get the 8x10s and the BP photos). AND...

I'm getting my unedited ceremony video. I also will be the rightful owner of the photos so that solves that issue.


ORIGINAL POST:
This has to be my millionth posting about this topic, but now I'm asking a slightly different question. I have seen Proline and Patken. I'm going to ADA this weekend. Monday I have an appointment with Jovan. Since I tell everyone that says hi how is your planning going that I'm stressing over this one area of my planning... I'm getting a million different referrals - none are the same - no 2 people mentioned the same photographer. Actually except Jovan, but I'm terrified that they are expensive b/c the 2 people are both well off. Here is my list... All were suggested to me:

Lavendar
Pro-line
Patken
ADA
Jovan
Cassarino
Mancuso
Angelica Glass
DejaVu
Right Angle
Rennesance (sp?)

Here's my problem - I work 2 jobs... I can't visit every single one of these. Pro-line was reasonable (I guess) and recommended by one of my BMs. Patken is almost off the list, they were too expensive for what they offer. ADA did my sister's wedding but I also haven't sat down with them yet. To save me some time, FM me if you have to, tell me who is just not worth the price. Again, I have a feeling that like Patken - Jovan is going to cost $4k for an album of 3 pictures - that's an exaggeration, but it's close. I do want raw video of the ceremony too, but most of the photographers will do that (except Patken). I just want to know who not to waste my time with since I can't spend more than $3500 on photography (not including the raw video of the ceremony). HELP! I want this behind me already!!
Autumn08 Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography


Posted by Mrs.Ptobe

So after visitng almost every photographer on LI... and taking all of your recommendations (and I do mean ALL). The winner is:

Velvet Studios!!!!!

Thank GOD that is over... whew!!

I'm getting 2 photographers, a decent package including high resolution CD so that I can make whatever I want in addition to the package (shutterfly.com is always emailing me offers on enlargements and such so that's where I'll get the 8x10s and the BP photos). AND...

I'm getting my unedited ceremony video. I also will be the rightful owner of the photos so that solves that issue.

One point of interest... The Better Business Bureau also helped my decision... they were one of very few photographers that DO NOT have ANY complaints against them in the last 3 years. Just a quick google search ladies... that's something I hightly recommend b/c my sister's first photographer that she had a problem with has had several complaints in the last 3 years - more than most. While Velvet is not a member (whereas ADA is a member of the BBB), there have been no complaints filed. Many other companies had complaints. They can run, but they can't hide...



I love Velvet! I love the work, service and the price! I am so confident I made the right choice!
Mrs_C_in_'07 Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography


Posted by ZuzusPetals

Please do yourself a favor and go see VELVET if you like their work. I am getting the flllowing

10x10 storybook album with 70 images plus a mini book thats a replica of my exact album

100 thak yous

1 16x20
3 8x10
all proofs and negatives
2 photographers
engagement session included

plus video 30-40 minute edited video with 3 dvds - raw footage on another dvd

coverage of ceremony and reception with honeymoon recap ... and the cost cannot be beat! It was by far the lowest quote I got without sacrificing quality!

Plus, I did NOT have a photo budget it was the one thing I was going to go all out on but luckily I receieved everything I wanted without going into debt!!! lol



I couldn't agree more! Bob is so awsome to work with! We had our e-shoot with him this past September and felt so at ease. Plus, he's workable with prices.
Mrs_C_in_'07 Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography


Posted by Mrs.Ptobe

So after visitng almost every photographer on LI... and taking all of your recommendations (and I do mean ALL). The winner is:

Velvet Studios!!!!!

Thank GOD that is over... whew!!

I'm getting 2 photographers, a decent package including high resolution CD so that I can make whatever I want in addition to the package (shutterfly.com is always emailing me offers on enlargements and such so that's where I'll get the 8x10s and the BP photos). AND...

I'm getting my unedited ceremony video. I also will be the rightful owner of the photos so that solves that issue.

One point of interest... The Better Business Bureau also helped my decision... they were one of very few photographers that DO NOT have ANY complaints against them in the last 3 years. Just a quick google search ladies... that's something I hightly recommend b/c my sister's first photographer that she had a problem with has had several complaints in the last 3 years - more than most. While Velvet is not a member (whereas ADA is a member of the BBB), there have been no complaints filed. Many other companies had complaints. They can run, but they can't hide...



Whoops! Guess I should have read that before I encouraged you to go to Velvet!!!

Great choice!!! You will love Bob!
ef922 Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography


Posted by sr081906

I used the Right Angle and would highly recommend George the owner. You can check my album.

Other good photographers:

Velvet
12th night


I suggest you do a search on the brides' review board who already used those vendors. That should give you the whole picture.



You must check out George from Right Angle. I have my e-shoot in my album if you want to see his work. He will work with you to arrange a package in your price range. Hope this helps!
Mrs.Ptobe Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography


I


You must check out George from Right Angle. I have my e-shoot in my album if you want to see his work. He will work with you to arrange a package in your price range. Hope this helps!


Decided to go with Velvet... but great info. I'm getting an excellent deal and they came highly recommended.
nifheim Posted:

Re: UPDATED:The low down on photography

I really do kick myself for not choosing velvet originally. I love Patken don't get me wrong but my biggest regret is not trying to find away to afford velvet because I got to feel comfortable with Bob. That is what I always pictured in my mind just feeding off the photographer not being best friends but just knowing him through his work. I didn't get that at Patken. I didn't know who my photographer was didn't go in there thinking I was going to book with them right away signed my name and didn't find out my photographer till this week.

I honestly think they give you the photographer they intend you to be with as your engagement shoot which I was pleased with and I could handle him and I think we weren't the ideal customer and were passed off to someone who is handles the non picture type people. I truly think that they do this in your best interests but its stressful at the same time.

My photographer is not bad, he is friendly but I don't think there is no sense of connectivity. I have to say i do regret my decision a bit but I know Patken will do a great job in the end.

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