Do you think this photographer is a good value?

[Clairitek]

I found this guy on weddingwire.com.

Kyle Coburn

His starting rate is $2300. What do you guys think?

If you feel up to it, please compare to this team... Studio Nouveau

Thanks for your input!

 

[meresal]

I think he has some nice photos, but I'm personally more partial to sticking with wedding and event photogrpahers. It looks like some of his stuff could get a little editorial. Also, he starts at $2300... but what does he charge for what you want? Does he have set packages?

ETA: Has he shot at your venue before? I can't remember, but are you in the Dallas area?!?

Also, another thing to consider is if you get copyright release? This was a HUGE deal to me, because otherwise you could end up spending alot on prints.

 

[Clairitek]

We''re not looking for much in a package. Principally we want full day coverage and the digital negatives so that package does give us what we want. We need to decide if we''de rather do our own albums or pay the photographer to do them. His next package is $900 more but it includes stuff we probably wouldn''t use (like a bridal or engagement session) so we might be able to meet in the middle and get an album).

He is based in Dallas now but he used to live in my area (RI/MA) so he still comes up to shoot weddings. I''m not sure what his travel fee is so that could break it for us.

Last night I presented FI with 4 photographers that I liked and asked him to pick his favorite and this guy was it. Of course there are more out there but I was curious what the PS opinion was. I was wondering if there was something we had overlooked about him.

 

[meresal]

Well, I would definitely find out the travel price.

And I just looked at the second photog, and they are two compltely different styles IMPO. The first looks a little more structured, whereas the second is extremely whimsical. If it were me, I think I like the first better.

It all depends on what type of pictures you want. Sorry... no help here

 

[Clairitek]

Don''t apologize! I agree that they are pretty different styles. I appreciate your input.

The second one I included was our second choice. I''m not sure of their pricing yet as they are away on location shooting. Considering my original first choice was $5200 for their cheapest package I am pleased to see stuff that I like under that.

 

[dcgator]

Hi there,

I personally like the first one. I would say the price is pretty good too. I am paying $2500 for 8 hours for my photographer plus her assistant, so I think $2300 sounds pretty good. I also got mine to throw in an engagement session for free. However, do ask about the travel costs up front, b/c while some just make you pay their plane ticket and hotel room, others charge additional fees. Finally get their price for the negtives, b/c sometimes this can be around $1,000 or so.

Good luck!

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 12/4/2008 2:02:56 PM
Author: dcgator
Finally get their price for the negtives, b/c sometimes this can be around $1,000 or so.

Do you mean digital negatives or film negatives (if they use a film camera)?

 

[dcgator]

Digital negatives. Most people don''t do use non-digital cameras or negatives anymore.

Also, if you don''t have copyright permission, it could be harder to reprint them later on...

 

[pocahontas]

I definitely prefer the first photog - the pics are so much more vibrant and full of life. I found myself looking through his entire online portfolio and loving it! The second photog was just meh imho.

 

[Clairitek]

Update:
I spoke with this photographer last night for well over an hour on the phone. I got the low-down on his fees and his shooting style. He and I are very in sync with each other in terms of what sort of shots we like and what makes a stunning wedding photo. He said that as far as travel is concerned we would have to pay for his flight roundtrip from Dallas and then his hotel and work out some sort of per diem for food, unless he is with us all the time and he eats with us a lot. My parents live in the area we''re getting married in and might have a spare room. He said that he''d even be down with staying with them if they were OK with it to save us some money. He said that when he flies to a wedding the clients get much more than 1 day of coverage. Generally for a Saturday wedding he comes out at the LATEST Friday morning. This way he shoots the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, the entire wedding day, and then sometimes the post-wedding brunch if there is one. I personally think thats a great value! I''m really over the moon about this guy.

He also can set up a "photo booth" with a backdrop in any color we want and a trigger operated camera and light. I looked through some of the collections and the photos are HILARIOUS, especially the ones at the end where people have a little more "liquid encouragement". He puts these photos up on the web 2-3 days after the wedding so its like instant gratification. This was an additional $500 without an album but we would get the digital negatives to print what we like.

His next package up from the $2300 is $3400 and includes a bridal/engagement session, an Italian leather album, and the high res negatives w/permission to print. It also mentions that he would shoot with an associate but obviously we''re not flying up to people so maybe he can adjust the package a little for us.

Now we just need to find a venue that looks cool and has nice lighting that we can actually afford.

 

[pocahontas]

Yah C-tek, I'm so happy for you! I really did love his portfolio and I'm happy you've been able to negotiate an arrangement that works for everyone. By the way, I love the fact that you'll be getting three day's worth of pics for the entire cost - very reasonable and super exciting

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 12/5/2008 12:56:01 PM
Author: pocahontas
Yah C-tek, I''m so happy for you! I really did love his portfolio and I''m happy you''ve been able to negotiate an arrangement that works for everyone. By the way, I love the fact that you''ll be getting three day''s worth of pics for the entire cost - very reasonable and super exciting

I know! I think thats a great value too. Thanks for the comments on his work. He has a degree in Photojournalism and I think thats very obvious in his work. I don''t want to get too excited because FI needs to be fine with this too but its hard!

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 12/5/2008 2:10:32 PM
Author: Clairitek
I don''t want to get too excited because FI needs to be fine with this too but its hard!

Tell him EVERY other photog is booked solid for that weekend