Needs your Opinion on Photographer!

motoLyn

Happy Thursday Ladies!

So my FI and I have narrowed it down between two photographers. I need your opinion on which is better.  I don't have the best eye for photography so I sent the links to photographer friends, but i still would like to hear your opinion.  Danish man and I are more for natural pictures than poses.  I can pull off portraits and posing but my poor FI looks awkward when asked to do something for the camera.  Here are the two photographers, they are both based in Maui.

Marbelle Photography

www.marbelle.com/

Raama Stuart

www.raamastuart.com

 

Hazel_B

To be honest I like both of them, but I prefer Marbelle.

heyimbren

I like them both, and they look like they have a similar style. I think I'd probably go for the better package/better price.

LizzyTish88

I really like the first one better. It could also be because the second one takes nude pics and it creeps me out.

imJacksPGbelly

They are fairly similar in style, but if your FI struggles with posing for pictures, then I'd actually go for the person with the better/more natural looking people photos..   In my opinion, that would be Raama Stuart.  They're both good.  But the difference to me is that the people in Marbelle's look good because they look good, and have nice makeup, etc.  I think that in Raama Stuart's photos, the people look good because the photos look artsy, like they're telling a story, and it pulls you into it. 

Both have a fairly similar style for objects/settings, which are really good photos.  But if you're worried about how posed photos of you guys will turn out-- a good photographer will be able to be a good director.. and that will help a LOT.

Both are good options though, so if the price difference is much cheaper for Marbelle, then the price would make it worth it to go there instead. 

But all other things being equal, I'd pick Raama Stuart.    HTH

motoLyn

Thanks for your opinions ladies, Marbelle offers unlimited coverage day of, all the pictures on a CD and a 10x10 wedding book for their package.  Raama offers 6 hour coverage 500 images on a CD and two photographers plus a trash the dress shoot in their package.  Pricing for both is similar, so its not an issue of price. 

Elle1036

Lyn, stop it.  We theoretically have the same month, but you've got a venue and coordinator and now you're looking at photographers, while I've got...  zilch.  So stop making me panic, please.

kthxbai

CASK85

I really prefer the first one. The second one looks like they doctor their images too much, which can be indicative of a less highly skilled photographer. 

bourgehm

First one!

MLekathLEEN

I also vote first. Nothing about #2 really wowed me.

jemmini6

I like Marbelle better because it looks more natural.  The other one definitely looks more posed to me (not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but you just said you didn't want posed).  I also like Marbelle's use of different lenses and filters, I just think overall those pictures have more depth and creativity.

*edited for clarity

motoLyn

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_needs-opinion-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:6b8a0a64-9bd3-4dfb-b031-6e61ec22a45fPost:0eb5f160-3ded-408f-8d21-6f992dce7066">Re: Needs your Opinion on Photographer!</a>:
[QUOTE]Lyn, stop it.  We theoretically have the same month, but you've got a venue and coordinator and now you're looking at photographers, while I've got...  zilch.  So stop making me panic, please. kthxbai
Posted by Elle1036[/QUOTE]

Hey don't be raining on my efficient planning parade! I kidd I kidd!

Swrry!  I'm like a runaway train right now.  Figure I better just go along for the ride.  In reality I'm booking all this cause my coordinator gave me a check list to do and a time line to do it in.  She told me the next things I needed to book were the photogrpaher, caterer and officiant.  Once I decide between the two  photogs that's out of the way, the caterer we pretty much decided already and just need to put a deposit.  I think the hard part now is choosing the officient.  Depending on how "Hawaiian" we want the ceremony to be.  After that I can lay low because flowers and a DJ don't book this far out.  I told Danish man last night that I'm ready to go dress shopping!

Andplusalso at least you can see your venue in person before your wedding and taste the food and cake before booking.  I'm going in blind, don't think I can make it to Maui this year to do pre-wedding scouting, since FI and I already have a trip planned to the Canary Islands.  I thank the powers above for my coordinator else I be a screaming nightmare to be around when planning.

Sparrow87

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_needs-opinion-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:6b8a0a64-9bd3-4dfb-b031-6e61ec22a45fPost:ec6f5030-5da1-44b2-b752-2ccd4b33a2b9">Re: Needs your Opinion on Photographer!</a>:
[QUOTE]I like them both, and they look like they have a similar style. I think I'd probably go for the better package/better price.
Posted by heyimbren[/QUOTE]
Agreed!  They both seem very similar. 

[Deleted User]

I like the second one, they look more bright and lively. 

desertsun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_needs-opinion-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:6b8a0a64-9bd3-4dfb-b031-6e61ec22a45fPost:ae775bbd-e5c0-44a8-8b16-f155fb3d862e">Re: Needs your Opinion on Photographer!</a>:
[QUOTE]I really prefer the first one. The second one looks like they doctor their images too much, which can be indicative of a less highly skilled photographer. 
Posted by cschiano[/QUOTE]

x 2!

You want to look like yourself in your wedding photos, so you want someone who can do good photos without effects.

Narwhal

I like the first one. It seems to me like their style is really similar, but Raama does over-edit her photos. It's almost to the point where it's not certain if the brides' eye colors are really theirs. It's sort of unnerving.

lacerisesauvage

How funny... I had to write something even though I don't know anyone on this forum. I personally know Raama Stuart as a friend and a professional and she's the sweetest, most fun and one of the most talented photographers I know. To the point to go the extra mile to deliver what is expected and more. I had the pleasure to work with her 4 years ago when she took my maternity portraits here in Oahu, and since then she has been our family photographer and a good friend for all these years. Not to mention she has photographed my best friend's wedding as well as my husband's sister's wedding in California last year.

As a photographer myself back in the days, I have to admit that the comments here are unfair and based on absolutely no knowledge about wedding photography. It is indeed one of the hardest jobs and for those who can pull it off I give a lot of credit. It takes a lot of guts and hard work, a positive attitude and talent. Raama has all of the above.

Raama's photography style is mostly photojournalistic which makes the experience very relaxed, and that is why you will hardly find possed shots (except the formals of course). Also, she has the ability to find beauty in everything and yes, that is why she does an absolutely stunning job. The best way to describe it is "If you're beautiful inside, then you can find and see beauty around you".  I have many of Raama's photographs hanging on my walls, and I cannot get tired of seeing the story behind those images which are full of her artistic eye. She's always evolving and exploring her artistic side with an open heart and that is why she explores different types of phototgraphy.

Everyone has the right to an oppinion and choice. And I wish the bride, groom, family and friends the best time on Maui and a very memorable wedding. I am sure the photographer of your choice will do a marvelous job! Congratulations and Aloha!

Carla Sonne from Oahu.

PS. Raama, my friend, if you ever read this don't give me a hard time. I love your work and I love you my friend. I just had to! :-)