Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Am I being unreasonable?

I'm sure you guys have frequently seen people complain about this, but I just really need to vent to those who know what I'm talking about or else I'm going to explode.

We met with our photographer a few weeks ago and we LOVED her. She was perfect. Her prices, though expensive, seemed reasonable considering her talent.
So we decide to go forward with a contract with her and this whole contract negotiations crap is just driving me up a wall. For some reason she is pushing us to go with an upgraded package despite the fact that what we feel is perfect for us is a lower package (AND it's $2000) less. But no. She is very insistant on doing the higher package but just removing some items (which still is $700 above the perfect package we want even though it'd be the same thing).

UUGGGH there's so much more but I'm not about to bother explaining it.

Anyway, I'm trying my best to stick to our budget since the wedding altogether is already psychotically expensive -- I can't go over budget ALREADY. But now I'm starting to wonder if I'm even being reasonable with the budget. So maybe you guys can help me justify either raising the budget or letting her go as a photographer? Ugh.

So all we want is an engagement session (local), all day wedding coverage, and high definition photos (on a DVD so we can do our own printing). We want to pay $4500 including tax -- so about $4150 for the services.
She is a LOVELY photographer, she really has a lot of talent and she's a joy to talk to...
I personally feel our offer is VERY fair, since she's essentially being paid $2000 a DAY to photograph us...
So what do you think? Is my budget unreasonable? Or if she doesn't agree to my final offer, is it more wise to just walk away?

I'm so overwhelmed and confused. :(
Thanks for any advice and sorry for being such a whiner.
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Re: Am I being unreasonable?

  • When you say package, do you mean she had packages listed on her website and you want package A but she's pushing you toward package B?

    My photog had packages, and I tried to negoiate some things out of the lowest package beacuse I didn't want/need them. Some things he let me take out, other things he did not because he felt they were important. 

    If your photographer isn't letting you pick a package she put together, I think she's behaving unresaonably and you should probably look for another person- do you really want to fight like that to get what you want the whole way to your wedding?

    On the other hand, if you tried to create your own package and your own price, I think her $700 difference is a reasonable compromise, and you need to decide if that's within your budget or not. 
  • rlavachrlavach member
    1000 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Love Its
    I would seriously reconsider this photographer. You are trying to hire her for a package that she offers. If she doesn't feel that's enough money, then why does she offer it? 
  • Can you explain the package differences? It's hard to say either way without knowing what exactly she's pushing to sell you, you know? Also understand that you're not paying her for one days work. It seems like (for your area) that's a pretty standard price. If we can get an idea what the extra money is for we might be able to help you word it in a way that stops the photographer from pushing you.
  • AmJam04AmJam04 member
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Comments 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    Thanks guys for the advice.
    I definitely agree that it's stupid for me to consider purchasing something I'm not comfortable with.

    I suppose if she continues to push, we'll just have to find someone else!
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  • Stand by your budget (and your gut)!  I am finding that the ones who I am most considering are the ones who care more about what I want, what I can afford and how to make it work versus having set packages.  The economy is still tough, and while yes photography is expensive, they should be willing to work out a reasonable arrangement for you.  Good Luck!

  • Not at all. I am a photographer in Colorado. You could pay for my services, travel arrangements for me and an assistant and you would still be under that. You should not be pressured as packages should be based on need. I wouldn't stand for that! Let me know if you need my services, I do destination weddings often and would be happy to help! 

    www.callierieslingphotography.com
  • By the way, for that same package, I charge $1000. Seriously, that photographer is being rediculous! 

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