Photographer - help me pick!

calindi

We're deciding between two photographers, and I'm stuck.  My guy doesn't care at all which one I pick, as he's already veto'd ones he didn't like - he likes both of these choices equally.  Assume they're both the same price (they're not, but I don't want to regret a decision I based mostly on cost - I'm actually leaning towards the cheaper option and want to make sure I won't regret it) and let me know whose photos you like better!

Option 1: Studio1923 (http://www.blog1923.com/)

Option 2: Alexis Stein Photography (http://alexissteinphoto.blogspot.com/)

ETA: Alexis's blog doesn't seem to have as many pics as her main website, so here you go - http://www.alexissteinphoto.com/wed1.html

Ember01

I vote 1,000% for the first photographer

ravenray

I really like the first one too.  I thought she/he had great focus on important moments.  The second one seemed to be into really artisty photos that were distorted/unfocused.  But if I were you I would want clear shots for my wedding.  But just my opinion.

Elle1036

I actually voted for the second one.

I can't explain it, but there was something... unfinished looking about some of the first one's pictures.

I'm not a photography expert and I don't really know what to look for, though.

Goldlie11

I'm actually quite familiar with #1.  I like #2 slightly better.  However, I don't have a trained eye and most wedding pictures look fine to me.  

musikbx

I really liked the pictures I saw from photographer #2, but then again I tend to prefer more artsy-fartsy shots.

Photographer #1 also had a couple shots on the website that made me say "huh?" I don't know that much about photography, but from what I looked at there are a few that really make me question her attention to detail

ETA: Maybe I'm being weird/picky. They both have a number of really nice images.  I guess I really do just prefer the artsy-fartsy ones.

For instance, the lady that seems to be coming out of the bride's a** with a video camera in one hand: http://www.studio1923.org/blog1923images/postphotos/weddings/katiekevin/0009.JPG

In this one, the first thing I see is the flower girl bored out of her mind: http://www.studio1923.org/blog1923images/postphotos/weddings/katiekevin/0012.JPG

I understand trying to take a photo through the trees, but it's weird how one GM's head is cut out while another is perfectly framed: http://www.studio1923.org/blog1923images/postphotos/weddings/amandajensy/0018.jpg

Random head growth coming from the groom's shoulder: http://www.studio1923.org/blog1923images/postphotos/weddings/amandajensy/0021.jpg

meamolly

number one. she seems to have a better eye for the non posed pictures.

PolkaDotBella

Personally, I have to vote for photographer 2... I'm a fan of the more artsy types so I'm naturally drawn to their work!

bethsmiles

I voted for number 1. I didn't think her work was stunning but it was consistently good. It also seemed like she caught a lot of little moments you would probably miss on your wedding day but would appreciate seeing in photos later. I was unimpressed by the second one.

aah009

They both great photographers! Either one you choose will be amazing at captiviating your wedding! I would vote for number two because they are more artsy and creative! Not sure your budget but I would rather pay more for a better photgrapher and cut cost in other places such as favors ect.

Hazel_B

They are both really good. It depends what you are looking for. Option 1 would definitely work well with your venue. The other one is a different style that could bring a lot of creativity to your venue.

I pick 2

Ps. Can you stop planning for a sec? you are making me feel like a slacker!

AJesteram

I REALLY prefer the second photographer. Her photos are absolutely gorgeous and she seems to be very creative. All of the pictures I looked through were amazing- she's one of those photographers that captures beautiful moments that make you constantly want to look through your wedding pictures...years after your wedding

I feel like the first photographer photos are unorganized. Personally I don't like seeing peoples cameras and hands in the edge of the pictures...on those she should have cropped them a bit more or zoomed in while taking the photo. The first photographer seems to be better at taking pictures of food/flowers/objects rather than of people.

desertsun

My opinion is that #2 is better with humor. Her shots are not too serious. Weddings are fun, and you want a photographer who doesn't make every picture serious or posed, and I thought #2 was better at that. I'm biased b/c I much prefer a photojournalist/candid type photographer, and I thought #2 fit into that better.

let us know what you decide!

And can I just say how exciting it is to be vicariously planning with you? You've been here and NEY for a good chunk of time, so I just find it really fun to be in on it as you start putting things together. 

AJesteram

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_photographer-pick?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:ffd70521-ac41-4daa-9999-c8f647255341Post:3074b45e-4b46-4fd2-b6f5-135f2c0cf077">Re: Photographer - help me pick!</a>:
[QUOTE]I actually voted for the second one. I<strong> can't explain it, but there was something... unfinished looking about some of the first one's pictures</strong>. I'm not a photography expert and I don't really know what to look for, though.
Posted by Elle1036[/QUOTE]

Those are the words I was looking for!

loves2shop4shoes

I like the first one better.  But if you like them both equally, I'd go with the cheaper one.

Goldlie11

I'm just curious, will you be sharing later which is the more expensive one?  Also, you don't have to be specific, but is one significantly more than the other one?  

calindi

Thanks for the opinions, ladies!  You can see why I was torn - they're both very good, but there's a difference of style.

I was rooting for Option #2... it's $1100 cheaper than Option #1, and I just find the photographs more personal.  Option #1 is better at editing, but I think Option #2 is better at getting the photograph right and from a good angle.  I just wanted to make sure I wasn't trying to talk myself into it just because it's cheaper!  That money will be a great savings, but I want to take my time to make the right decision so I don't say "what if?" down the road, ya know?

Hazel - sorry!!! I'll try to slow down   Actually, after the photographer, I think we're going to take a break for awhile, at least until he's back from his summer internship.  And in the area we're getting married, affordable venues & photographers are few and far between, and they go QUICKLY!  There are photographers already booked up for 2012 - not taking any more bookings!  Crazy!

Desert - thanks!  I'm really excited about having all your perspectives as I plan - I'm really indecisive and will probably come down to 2-3 choices on everything and need a tie breaker.  You guys make a pretty kick-ass tiebreaker!

cu97tiger

At first #1's pictures just made me dizzy... every shot from a different angle, or with a different lens - fish eye! normal! sepia toned!, but after looking at #2, I just think #1 has a more professional look to them. There are some interesting shots, some cute moments, and if you tell her exactly what you want, I think you'll get great pics!

Beads921

Well since #2 is significantly cheaper than #1, I vote that one no contest. I like them both, and I think either one would be fine, although I didn't look at a ton of pics on either site.

desertsun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_photographer-pick?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:ffd70521-ac41-4daa-9999-c8f647255341Post:7ba22412-d3f8-4128-a0d5-7748c7208583">Re: Photographer - help me pick!</a>:
[QUOTE] Desert - thanks!  I'm really excited about having all your perspectives as I plan - I'm really indecisive and will probably come down to 2-3 choices on everything and need a tie breaker.  You guys make a pretty kick-ass tiebreaker!
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

My pleasure! You're engaged, so you just plan away. I really really love when people get us involved in their planning process, so personally, I'm looking forward to you asking for opinions. :)

DanieKA

As long as you like both of them, go with your gut. As far as cost, I wouldn't let that sway you either way. I love photography and have read time and time again that the photos are the one place you want to not regret. A good friend of mine went with a cheap photographer and HATES her pictures. It's the thing that lasts the longest (besides your memories). And unless everybody gets food poisoning at the wedding, recollections of the food, decor, music will fade with time. But those pictures will still be there. 

And that's what everyone not invited sees on facebook, so it's absolutely worth the investment, IMO. And really, isn't facebook what's most important???

Good luck!

SKP82

I like the first one best.  I thought the photos seemed more natural or seemed to "capture the moment" whereas the 2nd photographer's photos seemed very posed and stiff.  It might be the subjects, but that is just my feeling.

AbigailMS

I didn't vote. Personally I think they both do a great job. Either way your pictures will be gorgeous and exactly what you want. Photographers I've worked with usually have a distinct "style" but that doesn't mean they take only one kind of picture. They want you to be happy. Good luck. 

marleylikeair

Okay, I just spent a little too much time looking through (gahhh, my BSC is showing!), and I think I like Alexis Stein best.

BUT--either way, you can't go wrong. They're both good.

loopy82

I picked #2. Then I saw it was the lesser of the expensive of the two. So yay! I agree with Desert in that weddings are fun and you should have fun photos.

[Deleted User]

#2 gives me happier feelings.  Go with #2!!!! 

My happy feelings don't mean much to you but while I have no eye for photography, #2 portrays emotions that I feel more connected with.  #1 seemed distant with some of the photos, especially of one with a bride's face behind a veil, if that was my face I would be upset if the photog didn't catch any emotion.

calindi

Thanks, ladies!  All things being equal, I would go with #2 for the price difference.  But I wasn't sure, and if you all thought #1 was clearly better, I would have rethought that decision.  I'm really comfortable with both, so I think either would do a fantastic job on our wedding day!

Let's see what my Mom says, and then I think we'll book #2!

LizzyTish88

I voted number 2 as well. I don't know how to describe it, but number 1's pictures didn't sit right with me. They just looked kind of blah. I'm glad number 2 is less expensive and that you like it as well. I know photog's have different styles, but as long s you tell them the pictures you want to have taken, you should be fine.