Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Help me pick a photographer!

Okay so I've narrowed it down to 3 photographers but I've been dwelling on this for about a month and can't make a decision. Obviously I'm not asking for ya'll to make this decision for me, but I just want an outside perspective. These are my options:

1. Photographer A: $2000
8 hours of coverage with two photographers, engagement session, high res files with print release of both sessions.
Impressions: We like her style. She is very experienced but also very busy. She works a full time job in addition to being a full time (and booked) photographer. I follow her blog and she's wrote one thing that concerned me about the last wedding she was shooting in wedding season and being tired and being ready to be done, etc. She is very nice and we like her and I don't doubt that she'll deliver quality pictures, but for some reason the super business just concerns me.

2. Photographer B: $1850-2000
8 hours of coverage with two photographers (or 7 hours for $1850), engagement session, high res files with print release.
Impressions: Her pictures are my favorite in our price range, but she has only shot 10 weddings. She said she's been doing photography for a long time but has only been doing it professionally for 3 years. I would go with her in a heartbeat but the lack of wedding experience and the fact that she charges the same as people who have been professional for a lot longer concern me.

3. Photographer C: $1750
All day unlimited coverage with two photographers, engagement session, high res files with print release.
Impressions: They use alot of light and light flares in their photos and it looks really pretty from an artsy perspective, but I don't want all of my wedding photos shot with that style. I want some to look more traditional. I have seen whole weddings they've shot and not all the photos are in their artsy style, I'm just concerned that I'll get photos back and most will be really light/bright. I haven't met with them yet so I don't know if that is an edited style they're obsessed with or the way they take most photos. I like that I would save $250 going with them and their photos are really pretty.

Does it sound like I'm leaning towards one over the others? I really can't settle on this and photography is my #1 important thing for the wedding (other than getting married!).
"When life hands you lemons, make a beef stew." Andy Milinokis

Re: Help me pick a photographer!

  • It seems like you're leaning more toward C than the others.  I would go with them as well, as long as you still feel the same way after meeting with them and determining their shooting/editing style.

    A worries me because she's so busy.

    B worries me because she's so new.  I learned the hard way that this is NOT the way to go!

    Good luck!
    Anniversary
  • I would go with B. Everyone has to start somewhere. She'll likely do exactly what you want so she has your recommendation.
  • My photographer did a few "artsy" things that I knew I didn't want (like with lighting) so I told her exactly what I did and didn't want and she was fine with it.  Photographer C also gives you the most for your money.  However, I would meet with them first and make sure you see their complete portfolio, and also how your personalities mesh before you decide.
  •  I would narrow it down to B or C, meet with them both. See if B is set in her prices, if she is new she may negotiate. 
    ** I don't believe that old cliche that good things come to those who wait. I think good things come to those who want something so bad they can't sit still **
  • Hi,

    I would go with Photog B, I'll explain why. Photog B is a fairly new wedding photographer and I bet you that he or she will do her best to deliver an awesome product because he/she wants the exposure and wants to establish a name for their business. Hope that makes sense. Good luck.
  • In the end the most important thing is what you will be left with, as in the pictures themselves. A bride should have a strong connection with her photographer, almost symbiotic, and I think you do have that with B. A strong connection will give you stronger pictures.
  • Sounds worth it to at least meet with C to me. I am just starting to meet with people here, but alot of places seem more expensive in my area....
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