Wedding Help me decide on a photographer

[sap483]

Hi ladies-

I need to pick a photographer. It''s down to two.

Number 1- I absolutely love love love her work and her personality but she really expensive. She has a background in fashion and shoots runway in her spare time. Her price includes unlimited hours of her time plus high resolution images and her signature proof magazine which is really nice and an engagement session. She shoots in digital.
Number 1 - Website
Number 1- Blog


Number 2- I like him a lot, he''s really nice. His black and white images are breathtaking but his color pictures leave something to be desired. His work seems more posed and less photojournalistic. He shoots in film. He is about 2k less and includes 7 hours of coverage, an album, proofs (4x6), 2 brag books, and negatives. You can get a cd of high resolution images for an additional price.
Number 2- Website
Number 2- Blog

So I feel like the choice is obvious, I love number 1. However as the budget is spiraling out of control, should I go with the less expensive one? Do you think I''ll regret it?

 

[Cleopatra]

Ok here''s my take on this:

You need to make a list of what is most important to you on your wedding day. For example, my list (in order of importance) was/is:

Dress
Photographer
Cake
Caterer
Reception Hall
DJ
Flowers

(with some in between, but you get my idea)

I say that if the photographer is important to you, cut back on something that is less important to stay in the budget. I found a nice, but less expensive reception hall, and am going very lightly on flowers to be able to afford my dream dress, fantastic photographer, and perfect cake.

If you prioritize, you can reset a budget for something less important and get your dream photographer. So, in essense, I would choose #1 and cut back on something esle. Hope that helps

 

[labbielove]

I agree with pp, it depends what is important to you-

To us photography was the #1 vendor- so I didn''t have a designer gown, live band, floral centerpieces, or a big honeymoon until next year but we were able to book our first choice of photographers (within our general price range).

With that said, there is still a need to be realistic- but if you are talking $2K extra to get the photographer you REALLY want, then for me it would be yes.

If you re-think the rest of your items, and still can''t find the room, then you won''t regret choosing #2 because that would be the best photog you can afford

 

[basil]

Well, obviously, I''m biased

I think the difference is only $1200, no? Or do you need engagement pics? If so, you would have to add that into the Serendipity quote. For me, I would need to add in whatever the CD costs too - cause I just don''t trust film to be around in 50 years - but that''s personal preference.

Keep in mind that if you are getting negatives from Serendipity, you are getting unedited shots. Kristin puts a lot of time, thought, and expertise into the post-processing of her images and it''s a big component of her style. I''m sure the sample photos from Serendipity on their website have been retouched. I don''t know how their CD would come, but make sure you know what you''re getting - there is a big difference in the quality of your eventual prints in unedited vs. edited photos.

Ok, I took another look at the Serendipity website. The color photos really do leave a LOT to be desired. I''m guessing he trained as a B&W photographer. I love B&W as much as the next person, but I think to go with him, you''d have to almost want all B&W.

Recalculate the actual difference in prices for a comparable package. It seems like the difference may be less than you think!

 

[sap483]

I went with Number 1. Signed the contract and mailed in the deposit today....

 

[dani13]

I've heard of Kristin Spencer... (out of RI)? Anyway, I am glad you decided to go with her....I know you LOVED her, and my best advice would be, if there is ANYTHING you should spend the extra $$$ on, its photography....The day goes SOOO unbelievably fast, and after the party is over, you will look to your pictures for the memories....Photography was #1 on our list...I am so glad we spent the extra $$ and got the photographer we wanted and really clicked with b/c she was such a pleasure to work with besides being incredibly talented!

Best of luck!

 

[chinglish]

congrats! i think photography is one good thing to splurge on for your wedding!