Destination Weddings Discussions

Sticker Shock-Photographer

Oh WOW, I found an amazing Chicagoland photographer and fell in love with her work.  We talked on the phone and I loved her personality, but then I got her quote...WOW almost $3,000 for the package plus her and an assistants trip (airfare/all-inclusive hotel stay).  Putting the cost at around $5,000...is this absolutely rediculous or am I just out of the loop :)??

Re: Sticker Shock-Photographer

  • That's about how much we are spending on ours total, it's also our "splurge" for the wedding.
  • LOL, i had the same shock.  I compared about 10 photographers.... picking out exactly what we wanted and the prices ranged from 2500 to 7500.  Some of them included travel, some didn't.  I was more shocked that some of the really expensive ones weren't even that good.
  • Just as a personal side note to the whole photographer issue:Having great chemistry with your photographer(s) is so important. Also, I personally feel that photography is so incredibly important... they really will be how you remember the wedding years down the line. I think you should try and find someone who's work you like, you like them as a person, and they fit in your budget.A couple of my friends didn't want to spend a lot of money on a photographer at their wedding, so they went as cheaply as they could, disregarding the quality of this guys work (assuming the pictures would just magically turn out nice?), and I'm sorry but - their pictures are absolute sh!t. They put disposable cameras on all the tables, and most of their best pictures came from there!! That is just appalling.I know money is tight, but I think photography is one of those things where you scrimp, save, and cut back in other areas so you can have amazing pictures.
  • Sarah makes a whole post of great points.  Photography was our splurge, but we didn't go the 7500K route.  I picked 3 out of the main ten, compared packages, extras, travel costs etc, narrowed it down to two and picked from that.  We are getting a GREAT deal, and it is beyond cost effective for what we get (two extra sessions - TTD and family portrait), we get all our negatives, proofs, etc, plus an online gallery that next expires.  But what really hooked me was speaking with our photographer, she is younger than me, married with 3 kids but man she is so upbeat and positive and really laid back. So...long and short... yeah, it can get expensive, and I didn't go with my absolute #1, but i'm definatley happy with my choice.
  • I agree with Sarah.  I was so lucky to find my photogs and I will forever be in debt to Samantha for telling me about them.  They were affordable, and so nice!  I am friends with them on FB and we chat by e-mail a lot.
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    Ashley & Josh ~ The Reef Resort ~ Grand Cayman~ May 15th 2010
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  • Most people I spoke to spend between $3000 and $4000 for local weddings, so I don't feel bad about having flown a photog in.  I spent a little over $3K for travel, accomdations and her fee.  This included her shooting the rehearsal and dinner, 8 hours the day of wedding and the TTD shoot.  I will still have to pay for my album whether I do it myself or have her do it.  I haven't gotten my pics yet, but I guarantee that hiring her will end up being my second best decision regarding the wedding (having the DW being #1 :)Another note, my photog also did my b-pics and album for that back in January so I had met and worked with her before the wedding which made it much easier.
  • Some people with pay that but there's nooooo way I would or could afford that.  Are there any great photogs that are in the area where you're getting married? You would avoid the travel expenses.
  • Also experienced photographers that are trying to break into the Destination Wedding area will give you great deals (i.e pictures for their travel, etc..).
  • Samantha and I used Jaclyn and Josh Johnson Photography. By far the best wedding splurge I did. Not sure what their prices are now but I got all day coverage, ttd, two photographers and CD w/ printing rights for $2500. Plus they were super cool. Here is there wedding site: www. weddingsrock .com If you have more questions, feel free to email me at jamesonashley @ yahoo .com
  • Yes, that's the going rate for photographers. This is what I'm working on now. Still not sure whether we will fly ours in from the States or use on the island. I've decided( haven't let FI know yet) that we will not skimp on our photo. I'll be working many long hours. I already got a second job...lol
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