Photographer Questions

rheiner

Now that I've found a venue and a dress, my next project is a photograhper.   A friend who is starting a photography business is taking engagement pictures for me but I really want a professional to do the wedding.  What do you think the average price for a decent photogragher is?  I know this will be a big part of our budget but still need to be mindful of the cost.  Any recommendations?  Names? 

mtsookasem

I am using SB Image Studios.
http://sbimagestudios.com/html_home.cfm?menu_itemID=1691&load=html

I shopped for photographers at Bridal Extravaganza. The price ranges were crazy. Some photography packages start at $8k!

I went with SB Image Studios because their photos were really beautiful. Their package is $4200 and includes 3 photographers on you wedding day, engagement or bridal session, flushmount books (multiple - even a set for your parents), unlimited time coverage, and more. They were definitely the "biggest bang for your buck" - without sacrificing quality.

pooh8402

it really depends on the package you choose, but I think average price for a wedding day photographer is $2000-3000. you can find many photographers both above and below that price range, but it just depends on you. although in my opinion, $8K for wedding photography (even if it includes e-pics, bridals, albums, the works) is ridiculous and whoever pays that is just asking to get ripped off.

my personal thoughts about photography are:
1) it is the only thing that remains from your wedding day (other than your new H). you'll never wear the dress again, the food and drink and desserts are gone, no one remembers the favors or the table linens, etc. but the pictures will remain. so for me, photography was the most important aspect of our wedding day, and therefore, very prominent in our budget (in fact, the largest single line item in our budget).
2) you have to like your photographer. aside from the coordinator if you have one, this is the vendor you'll be spending the most time with. this person is catching your facial expressions and preserving them forever. you want to be happy, and having a photographer who makes you happy is important. if you don't "click" with your photographer, the pictures will show it. my H didn't mesh well with the photographer who did our e-pics, but loved the one who did our wedding pics. it shows in the pictures--he is so much more comfortable and relaxed on the wedding day.

and as for recommendations: KD Loftis is very reasonable on the budget with good pics. she did our e-pics. very sweet, I'm still in contact with her. Glenna Harding is an old friend of mine, and very talented. she is also very sweet. a little more expensive, but worth it imo.

aricherry

I found Organic Faith Studios. SHe as pretty good prices.  You can go to her website.

FutureMrsRoss2010

I agree with pp, $2000-3000 is totally doable, and even lower if you're not needing engagement pics or don't want albums. 

lola6207

I wrote a recent blog article with some helpful tips on selecting a photographer.  You might find it helpful. - it talks about some of the excellent points pooh made along with some other tips.  http://www.polishedweddingplanning.com/?p=383

slwilliams84

Check out Jonathan Ivy Photo.  The price range is $2250-$4500 depending on what you need.

website: http://www.jonathanivyphoto.com

blog: http://www.jonathanivyphotoblog.com

Good Luck Planning!

bronze8584

I highly recommend Mindy Fuller with Ree Photography, she is seriously an artist with her photography. I love EACH and EVERY one of my photos and to top it all off she is VERY affordable! She is super sweet and has a great eye!!!

You can check out her work on Facebook Page: Ree Photography http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ree-Photography/36340497903#!/pages/Ree-Photography/36340497903?v=photos

Lucy062405

I am not from Houston, but my photographer is I would highly recommend Nicole McCorkle. She is experienced at weddings and loves what she does She is coming to our location for us in SC. Her website is www.nicolemccorkle.com