Is it too early to book a photographer?

mahoganieyes

We booked the ceremony and reception site back in April/May and wanted to wait till next year, once the reception site was paid in full before we book photography. Some of you ladies are using LuckyClover for photography and have spoken about dates filling up fast, so I emailed and checked out their website and of course they had my date available (9/10/11). I have checked out other photographers websites and either pricing or only booking a year out was the issue. So would you book photography 2 years out? TIA

EABinkholder

YES. If you are set on a certain photog, go ahead and book it! nothing is more disappointing than getting your hopes up for a certain vendor and then finding out they are booking on your date.  The sooner, the better IMO! : )

VanessaOSU

I would definitely start looking around so you have the time to get whoever you want.  Also by booking now you would get their current rates because most vendors raise their rates about once a year or two. Check out Geri Ciulla, LOVE HER!

tb583

If you find someone you really like definitely book! Also, if you book now you should be able to lock in current pricing; I imagine that many companies might raise prices in the next year or so, especially if the economy turns around.

tia0314

I would not rush into anything and look around a lot before you make up your mind. However- if you are certain on one then defintely book it.

jeremy.teresa

I agree that if you are set on something, whatever vendor it is, book it immediately.  There are plenty of other photographers out there you can choose from and with you starting early in the game, you will get your pick.  Interview a few of them and then decide and book.  We booked ours about a year and a half out from the wedding and have no regrets at all.  GL!

timmysgal1

i would wait until atleast 15 months out to book a photographer. 

IG.muse

I contacted the photographer I had my heart set on 14 months out and she was already booked. I think that if you absolutely love someone's work and you really want them, book them early. Maybe negotiate a smaller deposit to pay now and the rest of the deposit at 15 or 14 months before the wedding, if that makes you feel better. But if you're not dead set on anyone in particular, you could wait a while and keep reading reviews that come in and watching their work. But I think that's a really good point about prices going up. I see it posted a lot that a DOC or florist or DJ that was highly recommended has raised prices.

hrparker

I don't think there's anyway that I would book a vendor more than two years out.We didn't book anything until 18 months out, and still got great rates, and didn't come across anyone who was already booked.  IN fact, some vendors won't let you book that early.  I doubt you'll get any vendor to agree to give you the current rates if you book that far out - you're asking them to forego not only one, but two potential rate raise cycles.I would take the next few months to do A LOT of research into the type of photography/photographer you want.  Look through magazines, look through website, read a book or two - think about what type of "look" you want from your wedding pictures.  Go through the area photographers, and find the ones who match with this style.  At the beginning of next year (even though I still consider this way too early) you could start setting up appointments tp meet with your short list of area photographers who match your style, to see who you mesh with personality wise.  You'll then be able to take a couple months to think things over before plunking down a deposit.I know you're really excited, but you're planning things WAY too early.  Trust me.  Your "vision" for your wedding is going to change a billion times in the next 24 months.  You don't want to waste money on things now that you'll turn out not to like or need in two years.  Take this time just to enjoy being engaged.

katers690

i booked my photographer in feb '09 for a may '10 wedding. he wasnt surprised at all and actually gave us a discount for booking so early. and yes, we were able to lock in his current prices (they actually went up just in the time we initially contacted him and signing the contract - but he never mentioned the higher prices, so we got an amazing deal!!!) Robert Hogan with No. 9 Images is our photographer and he is really nice and laid back. book early to take advantage of discounts, and dont be afraid to ask for an early booking discount, many will do it if you ask.