New Jersey - South

Has anyone else had this problem with photographers?

My fiance both have crazy work schedules (he travels a lot, and I have a side job for fun). We're researching photographers and asking for package pricing (or at least a price range) so that we can see if they are even in our budget. We don't want to be visiting photographers who we can't afford. We've had a lot of luck so far with people sending what we need, but there are been two particular photogs won't give us any pricing unless we come in for a consultation. Has this happened to anyone else? How did you handle it? I like both the photographers, but I don't want to walk in there, get the whole sales pitch and then find out I can't afford them, you know?
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Re: Has anyone else had this problem with photographers?

  • edited December 2011
    I know you what you mean.  We went through this with florists, and it sucks.  Oh, and videgraphers too!  IMO, it cant hurt to go in.  They might have packages that change with your choices on certain things and it might complicated to explain in an email.  If worse comes to worse, you tell them the truth if they're too expensive for you.  Who have you been looking at?
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  • edited December 2011
    Anyone who wouldnt even give me a range i didnt go see.  Remember these people are working FOR YOU!!  IMO if they cant give you the courtesy of a range (and some ranges i got were from 4 to 10 thousand dollars...but at least i new where the bottom line was.... Good luck...I dont know where your getting married but Paul Dempsey is extremely reasonable and accommodating...we have our engagement pics on July 6th I will post them..
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  • rol769rol769 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    When we were looking into photographers, I called this one guy up who's in Haddonfield, I think.  He wouldn't give me a range of what it cost to hire him, until I told him straight out that he has to give me a ballpark figure.  He FINALLY gave in and told me that he STARTS at 7k!  That's just for his services, there's nothing else included.  I thanked him, told him that he is WAY out of my price range and ended it.  If they're hesitant to give you a price range of where they start, run away.  They're too expensive. 

    Our photographer was excellent, and we got a package deal with the pictures, huge photo album, two parents albums, a calendar with our pictures on it, videographer, and coverage for over 9 hours and we paid a little over $4k.  Oh, and we got our pictures on DVD and our video as well. 
  • Musicheals71Musicheals71 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Wow, I'm ashamed to tell you all how INEXPENSIVE my photographer will be! 

    Agilyanyi, if you want info on my photographer, let me know and I will PM you.
  • edited December 2011
    Yes, this has happened me to! I hate it! I always tell them that I do not have the time to come in. If they do not budge, then I thank them and say goodbye. No need to waste your time. 
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  • SJGirl0811SJGirl0811 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I think all vendors would have their prices on the website.  I know why they don't but they should.  I figure if I have to ask how much they charge, I probably can't afford them.

  • edited December 2011
    Sometimes I think they don't give out prices because they want to size you up and see how much they can get out of you. It makes me uncomfortable, and I think it is a poor business practice. Like you, we have a hectic schedule and I don't want to waste time on people very out of my budget.
  • edited December 2011
    I am still on the hunt for a photographer because some of my top choices are already booked for 6/4/11. But I've been doing what pp said and if they won't give me any pricing, I walk away. Right now, I'm looking at Suzanne Tenuto, Kay English, Hussey Photography, Uplift Photography, Cindy Guessford, and Artists European - so if anyone has anything to say about them, let me know! I have all but Cindy's pricing.

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  • delia5588delia5588 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I never had a photographer not give me their information. There were some who didn't post their prices online, but were happy to email it to me. (Like the photographer we booked - alimariophoto.com) If a photographer wouldn't have given me their price list, I would have moved on with my search. No reason to waste my time on a photographer who is not within my price range.


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  • Ericbennett1Ericbennett1 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hi Everyone.  This is Eric from Perfect Day Photography.  We proudly post our weddings on line.  Check them out if you don't believe me.  Our prices range from about $695 - $4,000. 

    As a second generation photographer, I can tell you that many photographers don't give their prices online becaused that's the way we are trained to sell photography.  As a sales methodology, photographers don't want to discuss your total spend, they just want to get your deposit. There are also several upsell stratgies that photographers use after they book you.

    I can tell you this because we have completed reversed the sales process here at Perfect Day and you will know EXACTLY what you are getting into.  That's probably one of the reasons why we keep getting blessed with rave reviews on this wonderful board.  I've chosen to abandon the old fashion way of doing thing and step into the new century!

    Call us if you have any questions or would like to know more.  856-241-3850, www.perfectdayphotography.com
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