VIP Studios ............

Any one using them as your photographer?
O have used ? I am thinking of using them. Any info ??

Re: VIP Studios ............

I met with VIP Studios - their prices were really reasonable but I wasn't thrilled with some of the planned poses - too kitschy for me.

Photography is one of my #1 priorities so I was willing to take care of the album costs after the wedding - which takes up to a year to choose, collate, etc.

Actually, I took SonicStef's advice and saw Mark Kauffman photographers last. I was so impressed and I knew I felt completely comfortable turning the photographic responsibilities to them. They have a series of packages but they don't push the album since it's purely up to you how you want it designed. I didn't want to comprise the quality of the photographs, in order to fit my budget with the album package.

You can get a rate as low as $1750 for two photograhers (one main professional and one basic candid photographer), 500 5x6 proofs. This price is fair and reasonable for what you are getting.

I chose the advanced candid photographer instead of the basic b/c the candids are important to me. They have a great artistic and creative eye.

Good luck and hope this was helpful.

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There was a long thread on VIP studios just last week. If you do a search, it should come up (I'm not sure how to put the link here).

I used John and was very happy. I told him upfront I didn't want the ususal posed pictures, and he accomodated my wishes.

I met with Mark, too, and liked his work very much, but he was way out of my price range.

And, as an FYI, John used to work with Mark and shares some of his principles on shooting weddings.

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I didnt think they were posed at all that is why I liked his stuff and he is alot cheaper than Mark, isnt that price you got without any pictures or album?

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I agree with Dora. I found his work to be too posed. I was also turned off by him because he started talking to me about how he sends pink envelopes to brides before the wedding so they will have his tip ready for him on the day of the wedding. Needless to say, it really turned me off......

But there are alot of brides on this site who really like him. He just wasn't for me. I booked Susan Francy (www.susanfrancyphotographs.com). I really loved her style and her personality. Good luck!

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CRZYCAT, I'm going to see John tonight. I like the candids as well, not too many posed shots. I'll let you know what I think of him tomorrrow!

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Betty: Please do! We're going to see him tomorrow night? Which office are you going to? We're going to the Massapequa one.

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Marcela, We are going to Port Jeff (about an hour away ) tonight because I couldn't make it any other night. We are leaving in about 10 minutes I'll let you know what I think. You do the same after you see him! Thanks Beth PS..Your engagement party photos were great! You looked beautiful!!

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Thanks Betty! I will give a full report on Thursday! I really want to meet with him, but I couldn't get my FH to go all the way out to Port Jeff. So we asked him if we could meet with him in Massapequa.

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Betty,

I just got married-...I used VIP I didn't get my proofs yet but they were very nice ...they took alot of pics...I don't think his albums look posed at all. I actually looked at Mark Kauffman too and wasn't thrilled with his work..but everyone has different taste in photographers.

I saw you were using High Energy..I used them too! I guess we have similar taste. I was very happy with them.. Good Luck!

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Pink envelopes?! never heard anything about that either.

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I'm so upset. We're supposed to go meet with him tomorrow but now with this Northeaster storm, I don't know if we'll be able to I got to see how bad it is tomorrow.

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Beth: How did it go?

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just to let you guys know...

I used John and...

1. there was NO PINK ENVELOPE...as a matter of fact...my sister (who was a wedding photographer) just used him on friday and there was once again NO PINK ENVELOPE!!


2. some people like posed pictures (like my mom...) therefore it would depend on the proofs that you saw and what approach he took...

I posted some of my pictures...they are very candid...and not many are posed at all...

my VIP pictures..


3. what attracted me to him, was the photos he had on his wall in his studio...there is a picture of the Roman Collusium and one of Neuschwanstein in Germany...looking at them you can see his real talent for photography...

also if anyone goes...see if the picture of my niece and dad is upthere (b/w...my dad in the tophat)...he said he was going to blow it up and hng it in his office...


although its a personal choice...those of you who booked...will not be disappointed...

Re: VIP Studios ............

Thanks yabbobay.
What I saw was not posed at all. It was more natural posed. Not the everyone looking right at the camera with cheese smile look. And then the candids were great. I guess it depends on everyones personal taste.
I am meeting him tonight again. I hope this rain ends soon!
Marcela what time are you meeting him?

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Wanda: We're supposed to meet with him at 8:30. I hope the weather isn't bad

Re: VIP Studios ............

Hi everyone Well I met with John last night. It was late(10pm) and a bit hot in the studio so my FH was basically falling asleep while I did all of the work (I gave him a kick when we left) Well here's what I thought..I thought John was nice, my FH thought he was a bit wierd. We liked his photos, there were a lot of candids, We liked that there are 2 photographers, we liked that there are so many proofs (don't like that they are not in an album) and we liked his prices. We did not like that he DID MENTION THE ENVELOPE!!!!! We talked about the OT being $150 because my church is a@ 5pm and cocktail at 8 so we will need them for a long time. He was very vague and confusing saying we could work something out, but hes second photographer needs to be paid over 8 hrs, but we could give a big tip in the envelope- because photographers get gratuity that is not included - but he went back and forth for a few minutes - it was a bit confusing. We also didn;t like that he didn'' write anything down. My mom doesn't want the 'parent album' she would rather have a larger photo to display and make her own album from the proofs rather than lug around the bigger album. We customized it to get other things but how will he remember what we said, I wrote it down but will he give us a problem? at Patken eveything is written out already. He just seemed very lax on everything, it kind of worried us. The bottom line is we did like his work and he is about $500 less (w/o the OT) than Patken. We have to figure out what to do!! PS - Yabbobay - your pictures are great! Congrats...Thanks Cher for the info and btw how did you like High Energy? and Marcela good luck..Keep me posted and let me know what you think! Wanda..check your forum mail Thanks girls!!!

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Beth I sent you a forum mail.

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yabbobay,

How long did it take to getyour Thank You pics?

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That's a good question!!! I forgot to ask last night how long proofs take to come in and how long the album takes!! Marcela and Wanda if you go tonight can you ask him this?