photographer in Houston

jenal

hi Ladies,I live in Houston but getting married in Las Vegas so i usually hang out on that site. Now i need help from Houston brides. We are wanting to take pictures here in Houston. I have a friend that has told me that her friend started taking pictures for a side job and would love to take ours. We would be the first wedding couple for her. Due to her not having any reviews but the prices being good i think i am going to take that chance.Her website http://powerfulexpressions.webs.com/Am i doing the right thing? Thanks Jenifer

FutureMrsDang

Honestly, I would not do it.  I am not impressed with her work at all, not even for a beginning photographer.  To be brutally honest, I would not pay for pictures like that.If you don't want to spend alot of money on pictures I am sure there are girls here who could give you a better recommendation.

sweet__pea

OMG!  NO!  I have to agree w/Dang on this one.  What is your photo budget.  I have plenty of photographer resources and could definitely find someone, good and economical.

Eboix518

meh I agree with Dang, from what I saw it looks like I could take those with my regular digital camera.... What are you wanting to spend in the pictures?

furturemrslewis

i'm going to be honest with you...i am exactly what you are about to take a chance on...and here is what i suggest. WAIT....you are not talking about your wedding are you? you are talking abount engagement pictures only?if she has not shot a wedding then i would say no, i have and it is very very hard and alot of work too hard to do as a single photog...i would not have a photog shoot my wedding that has not even 2nd shot a lot.  there is so much too it, she needs back up equipment for everything.with that said if you are referring to engagement pictures then look at her work and see if it is consistant...lighting, composure, talk to some one that has used her not just your friend and you can get honest opinions.  believe me as a photog the best advertise is word of mouth. is she charging you?  if not go for it, you won't loose anything but a little time.  if she is, then it needs to be considerbly less than what you could get it for using an est pro.hope that helps  

jenal

Okay thanks ladies.. YIKES what is the biggest issue you see? Do you think it is her website or what's wrong with the photos? How do i tell my friend about these reviews?HELP one more time.

furturemrslewis

i would have to agree and say no....her work is not consistant. her lighting is off and editing is great but a good photog can take a great picture and grunge it up not have to fix it first.her composition is off, no use of the rule of thirds at all.  sorry, give her more time to work on her stuff before letting her do your images.

FutureMrsDang

Brutally honest again, its the pictures.  They look like she does not know how to use a camera.  If she is trying to charge you, you are getting ripped off.  I could take better pictures than that with my point and shoot. 

FutureMrsDang

Oh and PS you don't need to make a new post saying you responded to this post.  just sayin.

furturemrslewis

i wouldn't worry about giving a review just nicely decline.  her lighting is very flat and no depth of field at all. you can find inexpensive photogs that can produce better quality...not trying to be harsh just being honest. it seems like she shoots on auto....she needs to know how to use her iso, ss and f/stops first.  the combination of the three gives different results...

Eboix518

You can just tell her that you would rather have someone with more experience, my point and shoot sony that has been dropped 3 times takes better pictures....she needs more practiceIf she offers a free session for more exposure then go for it, but don't spend your money when you get get a better quality elsewhere

furturemrslewis

what e said...free yes...paying no.  tell her you can be a model for her portfolio and get the images on cd for free but not pay for it. ;0)

abramlett79

I agree with all of the other girls. Her work is not that good. It looks like you're taking your digital camera from home and just snaping shots. I would do a little more research if I were you or go with some of the other girls' suggestions of local photogs.I did a google search for local photogs and researched them a LOT. I think I was really lucky to find mine.

TXsun

I agree with everyone else, But I'll also comment on her website. If she is serious abut this she needs a much better site. I understand someone starting out doesn't have lots of $ to spend on that but it can make a big impression on possible clients.

furturemrslewis

OMG....$125 for a 2 hr session.  That is high for a session fee AND she is just starting....you should build your portfolio for free for at least a yr.  sorry i do not mean to beat a dead horse but i just read over her entire site and that is just crazy.

jenal

Ladies,   Thanks for all the input. I am going to let her take the shots of us. i feel if i dont give her a chance than she will never know what is exactly wrong with her photo's. and no one else will give her a chance. ya'll gave her bad reviews right off the bat. i feel that is not fair considering this lady needs to start somewhere to get better. and i am going to be that person.  I am going to pay her as well.thanks jenifer  

furturemrslewis

Um Jennifer is it....don't ask for honest opinions if you don't really want them. You asked we delivered.  If you are not paying then go for it...but you asked if we thought you should do it.Taking a chance is one thing and it could turn out great but you are only one to decide that.... Good luck.

rach1082

Whoa. That was weird.Everyone gave you there opinion and if you decide to use them anyway that is your choice. And your photos.

shelly0921

I have to agree with PP.  If you are honestly looking for help and asking what we think of the website / photos then you have your answer.  It doesn't look professional at all.  If you are ok with that, then to each their own... but I personally wouldn't do it, much less pay for it. Like FML said- the services should be free if she is building her portfolio. 

janie2002

*Rolls Eyes*At least your session will be cheap. Good Luck

shelly0921

and no one else will give her a chance

FutureMrsDang

I am hoping this is MUD or a bad attempt at vendor pimping.  bc if you are for real, I just dont know what to say.

janie2002

I'll probably sound mean, but those "editing skills" are a joke. Anyways your "friend" has a long way to go.

furturemrslewis

something smells fishy here.....like....*sniff* *sniff*...like...um....a vendor pimp....lol either that or you have a big heart and you are really loaded.  $125 is a lot to pay for not much of nothing.in my opionionjust sayin'and whatever other snide comments i can leave on my exit....

shelly0921

Maybe your friend could get the help of a professional photographer in Houston, say somewhere like A Day to Remeber (just an example) to see how it's done!

furturemrslewis

okay okay my last post...i swear...i promise... tell her to call some local photogs and tell her to have them evaluate her work or better yet tell her to visit the tx photo forum and post for praise or cc and tell her to make sure she tells them all what she charges... FAILLLL!!!!!!!!!!  

Eboix518

sounds like you already had your mind made up before you asked for our opinions but if you want to throw your money away that is your choice

jenal

ladies ya'll are rude and bridezillas. None of you have a heart. How are people able to begin a career if they don't get a chance. PS : I AM NOT A VENDOR PIMP>

Eboix518

hence the reason these bridezillas were telling you yes if you want to HELP HER BUILD HER PORTFOLIO you should, but no you should not pay for it. In the end it helps her out by getting her more exposure and you get some free pics, jesus christ if you didn't want the advice then don't ask, and we were not being rude about it we just wanted you to get your moneys worthHappy Planning

STBMrsMartin

Jenal: these knotties are not being rude. You asked a question and they told you what they thought. If you didn't want to hear an answer you didn't like you shouldn't have asked. If you want to help an photographer out that is fine. Most new photographers who are starting out by building their portfolios by doing FREE sessions to just get the experience with anyone. It is not right in my opinion to charge someone when they are trying to get some experience. They should be honored they you are taking the time out of your day to help them out. That is payment enough.

abramlett79

I would think someone wanting a chance and just starting out would do complimentary work. Especially if they want to get into the wedding/engagement biz.Good for you for giving her a chance. Make sure you tell her what you want in your pics. Most "good" photogs want you to tell them what YOU want.No need to get testy......you asked our opinions.