Wedding Photography and Videography Forum — The Knot Community

Seeking Cinematographer Videographer in the NJ/NYC Area

KSD101 — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:41:22 +0000

I'm having a hard time finding a videographer that shoots like a cinematographer. I'm looking for someone who knows all of the new tricks and can put together an unbelievable same day edit. Have a pretty decent budget, just want someone who has a great eye, vision and knows all of the new techniques. The wedding will take place over the course of a week as it's an Indian wedding. A vendor who has experience with Indian weddings is an added bonus.

Tipping engagement shoot photog?

kraccoon — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:35:46 +0000

Do I tip the guy who will be doing the engagement shoot? He is going to be one of the photog's for the actual wedding.

7 weeks after the wedding and still no pics.

Knottie45221735 — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 01:17:01 +0000

So... I got married on 5/17/14, and I still don't have my wedding photos. There were some warning signs before the wedding that she may be a problem. Two weeks before the wedding she never showed to the one and only appointment before the wedding. She never called or left a message or anything. She just never showed....and no joke, deleted her facebook within an hour after when our meeting was supposed to be. It was weird and completely unprofessional. She called 2 days later and apologized as a friend went into the hospital... that doesn't explain the facebook deletion. Either way... the wedding day was fine. 7 weeks later I have emailed her 3 times and called 4 times. That last time I actually got a hold of her and she told me she mailed them out on Monday 7/30 from the next town over. I should have had them NO LATER than 7/3 but they never showed.... Our contract said 3 weeks, but its been 7. I don't know what to do. Any good ideas?

4 weeks after contract date still no pics

KD+AR — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 12:50:53 +0000

( this is actually my post, not the other knottie member- I am planning her wedding and didn't realize I was still in her knot account ><)

what is a resonable price for a professional wedding photographer?

NailsScottwedding — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 02:18:16 +0000

I am in the process of looking for a wedding photographer in the memphis area. What is a reasonable price for a pro?

Must have photos

kjvaracalli — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 01:07:28 +0000

What are/were your must have photos? I would love pics with each BM and groomsman, family, combination of families. What else are you happy you did/will do?

Photographer for around $1000.00....Do you know of one?

soontobemrshamilton — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 19:52:02 +0000

In the San Jose, CA area? I did post under my local board, but it doesn't look like it gets visited much, so I thought I would post here too. FI and I can only afford about $1000.00 for our wedding day photography. Can you recommend an affordable one in the San Jose area? TIA

Need New England Photographer!

vikinganna87 — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:18:12 +0000

I'm browsing online to find a photographer for our Jan 2015 wedding in the White Mountains, NH. While most photographers have great scenery and venue shots, I haven't found one that does good portraits. Specifically I'm looking for photos of faces without shadows under the eyes, etc.

Also, why is there a de-facto wedding photo playbook? I find most of the bride-getting-ready pictures contrived. Does anyone have recommendations for a photographer who's creative and spontaneous (and also good with faces)?

Photographer Problems

nicki0527 — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:00:39 +0000

I went and booked someone I know to take my pictures. I thought she had given us a good deal free engagements pictures for being at the wedding all day. But when I set up our sessions for engagements pictures the morning of pictures my FI & I were all ready just waiting to hear from her I get a message from her a half hour late saying she couldn't make it because her boyfriend went to the hospital. I said oh that's fine, we would just reschedule. Which we did then I get another message she couldn't make it. I started to get discouraged but I wanted to stay hopeful.

So we rescheduled again, got another message saying her camera wasn't working and that she sent it to the camera shop to be worked on. She told me that it would only take a couple days. So I told her just to keep me informed. Never heard from her until I talked to her in May. When we originally wanted to take engagements pictures was back in September. We finally got our pictures done but our session was 10 minutes long. Still haven't seen my engagement pictures.

She's 8 1/2 months pregnant and I'm worried that she won't show up. My family has been telling me that I should just get another photographer. We paid half down but our "contract" was that she just wrote that she that half was paid for contracted services and the last half will be paid when the pictures are dropped off. I know that I should get another photographer because she's been flaky. I just don't want to be rude but I'm unhappy with her services. I don't know what to do. If I would to not need her services anymore would that mean that we would forfeit our half down. Or would I say I want our money back. I need some help.

Scam Artist Couple posing as wedding photographers

lovemyrunner — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 16:18:40 +0000

This article was in my hometown paper this morning. The pair has scammed several couples in the Omaha/Kansas City area out of money and never showed up to photograph any of the weddings. The article states they are believed to have left the area and may be moving to Colorado or Texas. Just a reminder to fully vet your vendors before making any payments.

http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/photographers-a-no-show-at-weddings-and-then-in-court/article_f869df1f-3489-5711-ad7c-c8c24c255350.html

How did YOU do your pictures? (Or plan)

McCMal — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 03:47:51 +0000

So we have a photographer booked for only our ceremony, to get all the family and wedding party pictures. I have gotten my FI to agree to a first look, but we don't want to spend the two hours before the ceremony taking monotonous photos. I feel like it will ruin the moment if we HAVE to get all these pictures taken before hand.

Ceremony starts at 5, we have our photographer booked from 3 to 7. That's two hours before the ceremony, and one maybe one and a half after. Dinner starts at 7, and I'm pretty firm on this because we have a hosted cocktail hour from 5:30-7:00. We once waited at a reception for two and half hours for the B&G to finish all their pictures.

My only thoughts are that if we do the first look first and the family photos for the next two hours, its going to be hot, boring and monotonous. But then we could do the Wedding party after the ceremony, and our personal pictures. We want to include up to aunts and uncles on both sides, but we don't want to ask all his close family to show up two hours early to the ceremony. I just don't know what the normal process to do all these darn pictures is. How do you fit all these photos into the 'cocktail hour' if you don't do the first look??

Choosing the right photographer

michelle2922 — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 18:41:52 +0000

I have read so many regrets by brides relating to their choice in photographer. I thought I might try to help and post some information here to remind brides/grooms/couples to do lots of research before signing a contract with a photographer. Find out if the images they are showing you, or images that are on the website were actually taken by them, or by someone else, like perhaps an assistant. Find out what the time frame is that you can expect to see your images. Spend enough time talking with them to see if you really like them, they will be with you all day, on your wedding day, so that's pretty important too. If you really want to be cautious, find out if you can do an engagement session with them before signing a contract, just to make sure they are able to produce the quality that they are showing you at the meeting. There are many photography companies out there that use photos in advertising that were not taken by the photographer that will be taking your photos. There should be a law against this, but unfortunately, there is not. Yes, there are copyright laws, but what I am talking about is companies who hire numerous photographers to work for them, and display photos that were done by someone who may not even work for the company any more. Or maybe the "good" photographer only does a small percentage of the weddings, while the other 90% of the weddings are done by other photographers who may not have the same experience or talent. Be sure of the person who you are hiring. Make sure you meet the actual person who will be taking your photos, or you could regret your decision. You can't go back and re do your wedding!

Not sure what to do with my wedding photographer?

stepslh — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 22:39:42 +0000

So I met with a wedding photographer and he showed me a bunch of his samples(which looked really great). I also saw his website, and again it looked great. We felt comfortable with him, so my fiance and I said OK, we choose you to be our photographer. He made us sign a contract and pay 50% of the deposit up front. Included in the contract was him also doing our engagement shoot. The other day we did our engagement shoot, and only a few of the photos turned out well. There were many that were crooked......What should I do? I don't know if he'd give us the deposit back.

Over anxious or rightfully annoyed?

swood9614 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 02:25:51 +0000

I know wedding pictures take a while to edit and such. But we've only gotten a sneak peek of fives pictures and it's been almost six weeks. I wouldn't be upset but my photographer tool pictures of my friends two sons about a week after our wedding and has put tons of those photos online. Am I being bridzilla esque. Or do I have a right to be a little upset.

Neon Museum Vegas

bridetobej15 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 21:17:11 +0000

Hey guys! What are your thoughts about the neon museum in Vegas. I've heard they charge around $400 to book a 1 hour photo tour there and that seems a little pricey. Has anyone paid gen admission and take pics here? I need the low down : )

Photographer - how long is enough

yorkie lover — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 04:14:10 +0000

Hi all, I've been browsing these forums for the past year and have learned a lot from all you ladies. This is my first post as I'm really starting on the planning aspect now. In my search for a photographer I was wondering how long the photographer usually stays. Do they stay until the very end of the wedding when the venue kicks everyone out? I'm having an event ceremony and reception which will start around 5:30 pm but do to some cultural items we need to do before the ceremony, my bridesmaids and I will probably need to start hair and makeup around 9 am. Should I book a photographer for 15 hours (venue kicks us out by 1 am so the last 30 mins to hour will be getting organized and packing)? Thanks!!

Videographer for wedding without dancing?

dis1010 — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 00:06:58 +0000

Hi all,

We're on the fence about hiring a videographer for our wedding. We are having professional photography (with 2 photographers). We think it might be nice to have the ceremony and the toasts. But other than that, we're not even sure what will be on the video. We feel it's particularly questionable because we aren't having any dancing at our wedding.

Curious if anyone has any thoughts on whether we should get a videographer under such circumstances?

Thanks!

Slideshow program suggestions

ksutherland07 — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:42:07 +0000

I am currently working on putting together a slideshow for our wedding reception. Are there any programs or websites that you suggest I work with? I was planning on just using PowerPoint, however I've seen some really cute ones with various options I know you cannot get from PowerPoint. Any insight would be greatly appreciated

THANK YOU

Blind First Look VS. Actual First Look

falsara — Thu, 29 May 2014 21:22:02 +0000

Ok I need some help. I brought up the idea of a First Look with my FI a couple days ago, and at the end of our conversation he told me he doesn't care if he sees me before the ceremony but he wants to at least talk to me, hold my hand at calm down a bit.

I know a lot of people who do the whole hold hands around a corner and not see each other but still talk to each other, I think someone called it a "blind first look". I know a lot of people who have done actual first looks and really love it, but I also know people who are really excited to see their FI's face at the end of the aisle when he sees you for the first time.

I thought the idea of a "blind" first look was a great way to compromise. I definitely want to be able to talk to him for a little bit before the ceremony, so I can hear his voice, hold his hand and really calm my nerves, also I want to make sure he shows up. LOL

I wish he would just tell me weather or not he wants to see me before the ceremony. URGH. Men, sometimes.

Now that I don't know which one he want's I'm having a hard time figuring out which one I want. If we spend some time just talking but not seeing each other, we still get some moments together to calm down and he still gets that WOW factor when I walk down the aisle. If we do a full First Look, we get actual time together and from what I've read from those who have done a FL we still get a WOW moment.

I really don't know and since He doesn't know either I am opening up my dilemma for outside input.

Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry its so long.

Photographer in the Family

KLee17 — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 19:46:34 +0000

A member of my family is a professional wedding photographer and casually mentioned doing our photos for us. I'm just looking for any advice on how to bring up the topic again if anyone has any experience.

NEED VIDEOGRAPHER LAST MINUTE - HELP!

kspirko — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 16:15:00 +0000

Hi Everyone -

My fiance and I were planning on having a friend be the videographer at our wedding but he just quoted us $5,000! Our wedding is in 3 months and most companies we contact are already booked. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Kristen

Is anyone else doing a bridal portrait session? I need help with mine!

sarahtrg — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:44:33 +0000

Is anyone else doing a bridal portrait session? If so, have you decided the type of photos you are going to have?

A bridal portrait session is included with our photography package. I'd like to tie the theme/feel of the photos into our wedding theme which is a Spring Victorian Garden Tea Party without doing the same thing (although my gown is "authentically" Victorian so they'll have to tie into the Victorian theme). Anyone have any thoughts on types/themes/locations I should consider? Thanks!

Trying to find a video...

[Deleted User] — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 06:01:46 +0000

Alright ladies, help me out here!

I saw a video some time ago that I thought I had pinned to my board. Evidently I did not. =(

I cannot remember the name of the couple or the company who filmed it. All I can really remember is one very specific detail: the bride had a picture of her grandfather on her bouquet. I don't think it was a locket, but it very well could have been. I just know that it was a miniature picture of her grandfather, which she showed her grandmother. Her grandmother said the equivalent of "Oh sweetie, that's beautiful..."

I want to do something similar for my wedding and have been trying like heck to find this video. I've watched over 75 videos on Vimeo and Youtube and I simply can't find it. I'm hoping that one of ya'll has either seen the video or (even better) pinned it to your Pinterest board.

I'd appreciate any leads.

Thanks everyone!

Engagement Photos are back...

Starlet514 — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:17:04 +0000

So I am having my first BRIDEZILLA moment...

We choose a rather expensive photographer because I loved their work - unique, beautiful, and great use of surroundings to make the photos pop - so I may have had my hopes up a little high... but I am wildly disappointed in them!!! There are like 4 great photos and 20 so/so... and 295 TERRIBLE ones... is this a normal ratio of good to bad?????

We are emailing the photographers to ask them for a re-do essentially - to work on finding better angles for us because the reason for about 250 terrible ones were this weird up-angle shot they kept doing. If they say no we are considering loosing our $1000 deposit and going with someone else...

HELP!! How many great pictures should I have expected? Did I set my expectations to high?

Complete Music - Photography

Dpalazzola — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:43:12 +0000

Has anyone ever used Complete for their photography? If so, pros, cons, advice??

On a budget but want good photography

Sheymyname — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:01:56 +0000

So obviously, as just about everyone on here, I'm on a tight budget when it comes to anything wedding related.

My fiance an I have about $1000 (a bit more but around that amount) to spend on photography.
Now I am kinda picky on that subject because photography IS a hobby/passion/love of mine. But seeing as we our reception is a little complicated, we're kind of forced to limit the amount of money we can spend on other things.

So basically I need an ALL DAY photographer for our wedding, for about that price. Does anyone know of any photographers?
Please help!

Friend is Editing Wedding Video

denyse1005 — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 02:21:08 +0000

Hi there!

One of my husband's groomsmen is editing our wedding video as a present to us. He is a film editor and we have full trust in him that he will do a great job. However, he thinks that a half hour video is enough for our entire wedding. I don't agree. We had coverage all day long including me getting ready. What is the norm for wedding videos? Should we ask him to do a trailer with music for us, and consider getting the full video edited by someone with experience with wedding videos? I am very appreciative that he wants to do this, but don't want to miss out on having a full video of the wedding. I mean the speeches at the reception were almost a half hour.

Thanks for your help!

How many photo's to expect for a wedding? (or for me vow renewal)

goingon10yrs — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:09:16 +0000

I found a photographer I like, well, at least I like what she has on her site. I contacted her, and she said that she charges a flat fee of $350 and about 150-200 shots. That being said, I live near Gatlinburg, TN and a lot of people elope here and maybe I just wasn't clear that we are doing a ceremony and reception.

I also told her that I wanted some family portraits done, (I was thinking rather than engagement shots) as we've never had them done, ever. So, I guess I just need to clarify.

But how many shots should you expect for a wedding/reception including getting ready shots?

Photographer Debate

DanikaMarie0227 — Wed, 28 May 2014 01:10:09 +0000

FI & I have recently started searching for a wedding photographer. I e-mailed quite a few & then narrowed it down to 5 to meet with. We met with the first two yesterday. We liked #1 a lot, specifically we really liked his style of photography. We also liked #2. We liked the style of her photography slightly less though. However, for approx. the same price as #1 (which included full day wedding photography & hi-res copies of the photos) we would get full day photography with 2 photographers, an engagement shoot, and a post-wedding shoot with hi-res copies of all three shoots plus save the dates. It appears that nobody else is going to be able to beat this value so now we are debating if we should pay a little more for the photographer whose style we like most or go with the better value (still good photos - and great reviews online). Also, we are unsure as to whether it's worth even meeting with more photographers after being offered that deal.

Thoughts? Any advice?

Vintage Photo Locations in Brookfield/Hales Corners, Wisconsin?!?

nicoleletko23 — Thu, 29 May 2014 02:45:49 +0000

I am getting married in Hales Corners, WI and my reception is in Brookfield, WI..does anyone know of any vintage photo locations in that area? I am having a 1940's wedding theme and I found some great locations out of those areas, but our time slot would not allow us to travel that far.. ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!