Picking a photographer.. help please!

hlora953

Hi ladies!
I was hoping to get some help and opinions on some photographers. FI and I narrowed down some photographers, but after looking at so many websites they all start to run together. Plus I wanted to get any personal experiences anyone has had. Here is the (longer than I wanted) narrowed down list or photographers:

1.       Mark Lutz Photography

2.       Hoffer Photography

3.       Klose Photography

4.       The Wiebners

5.       Epic Wedding

6.       Authentic You Photography

7.       Jeremy Hess Photography

8.       KM photography

9.       Leslie gilbert photography

Also any information on experiences would be helpful or how  (ballpark) and what that included would be very helpful. I am finding it so hard to choose since this is one of the important vendors and determines what pictures we will have left after the big day is over.
Thanks in advance everyone!

steeser03

i think that the first thing that you need to do is contact all of the ones on your list and see what their availability is. i wouldnt want you to get your heart set on a photographer and not be able to book them.

knowing who is available may help you narrow your list, or you may decide you want to continue searching.

good luck!

mamie329

I agree with steeser. 

But you have a lot of great options on that list -  my top picks out of that list would be Tony Hoffer, Leslie Gilbert, Wiebners, and KM. 

Good luck! 

Dominique1219

The Wiebner's do amazing work!!

mb2712

A lot of the ones that you mentioned vary greatly in price.  I'd decide what you're looking to spend, and then contact them for their availablity and prices.  As a side note, I'd look into Solas Photography as well... they're VERY reasonably priced, and fantastic!

psuxray07

I don't have experience with them, but when I was searching, I went through the first 4, emailed some of them for prices.  I would def. decided your price range first because they were ridiculously expensive.  Way more than we wanted to or could afford to pay. 

We ended up going with the Pros  (blah blah people say bad things lol)  but we saw his work, and met him and he was really nice.  You get the photographer for 8 hrs. (there are different packages).   (our dj is also from them - he's on the radio also...and he is AWESOME and works with u money-wise and everything).  Plus, they were the cheapest we could find.

bangbangshakeit

I say Hoffer photography would be my personal #1 choice -- but I know people who have used him and booked over a year in advance.  I agree with the others, find out your price range and then ask availability before anything -- I'm in the process of looking for a photographer now so I know the situation you are in... No worries, you'll find someone great that fits you guys

vgyurko

A friend of mine had Klose photography but that was a little to pricey for my budget.  I decided to go with Carden's photography... they're very reasonably price and do great pics

WishingBride2010

My cousin used Klose and she is still waiting for pictures from what I understand.  Their wedding was in August 2009.  Plus, their prices are pretty steep.  We chose Conte Photography and got a great package and upgraded to have 2 photographers for the day.  Good prices and you can get the CD so you aren't forced in to buying your pictures from them.    Hope this helps!

JLark

It’s disappointing that so many have had terrible experiences with the people most essential to your day. Your wedding album is your new family’s first heirloom, and to create it is such an honor.

Some tips: When picking out your wedding photographer/videographer dont just look at their best of reel, look at a full wedding album start to finish, anyone can get lucky with one or 2 shots, you want to make sure that they will capture your entire day, no just a few nice shots. If you are interested in a studio that employs multiple people make sure you are seeing work from your specific photographer. Check to make sure that you are with a reputable photographer, you can look them up onhttp://www.ppa.com/ {professional photographers of america} which is essentially a guild for photographers, the organization also provides indemnification insurance so if you are unhappy you can rest assured that you can seek retribution. Book an engagement session to get comfortable in front of the camera, and with your photographer, if you dont have a good rapport or feel comfortable with your photographer it will show in the photos.

If you are going to splurge anywhere, make it your photos, at the end of the day the dress goes in a closet, or the attic, the flowers are wilted, the left over food gets tossed, and the photos last forever.

I recently scanned all my grandmother’s photos and set them to one of our company’s Cinematic Presentations as a birthday gift, she was watching these images from 2yrs-80yrs old and an image of her in her wedding dress came up {my favorite photograph} and my 4 year old daughter looked at her great grandmother and said “GGma! you were a princess!” …My grandmother started crying… That is what should be expected as a wedding photographer, that is what every bride deserves, not only impeccable service on the day, and fantastic photos, but someone that cares as much about what the images mean to you now, as what they will mean in 50 years, not only to you but to future generations! It breaks my heart that people thrive in this industry when they lack that kind of passion and conviction, or general respect for your day, it is always an honor to even be considered as a possibility to share such a special occasion. Shame on anyone that treats it like a casual business transaction, it is a sacred responsibility.

http://www.CoutureManor.com

cherrytree34

My sister and a friend of mine used Klose, and both had weird, shady experiences, where Klose would promise a deal on something like extra prints and then when they tried to order, she would say that she had never offered.  She does great work, but she is either dishonest or just low on customer service.

I know you already narrowed your list, but I would really encourage you to check out Encompass Photography with Lindsay Musser.  I am using her for our wedding. Her pictures are FABULOUS, and her prices are really fair.  Plus, I've known her since grade school, and she is honest, laidback, and professional.  The biggest reason we went with her was just knowing we could trust her to do what she says she'll do.  Check her out if you want to, and tell her Charity sent you.

http://www.encompassphotography.net/