Photographer Advice **HELP**

Lenny521

We are in the midst of looking for a photographer. We have met with HK Photography (we really liked them) and are possible meeting with Visual Obsessions (we like the work they have done). We are looking for engagement session, 2 photographers, no albums, rights to pictures (so we can print at our leisure) and all day coverage (wedding day).

The issue is when we email a photographer they let us know where their packages *start* and the starting minimal package is above our budget. We were hoping to find a photographer for $3,000 but it seems impossible.

Is it worth talking to the photographers we are interested in (HK/VO) and ask if they can meet our budget needs or "it is what it is" and that is where the budget starts?

Any advice or experiences would be extremely helpful - thanks Ladies for all of your help - Britt

PeachesKFG

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_photographer-advice-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:65Discussion:f9b12b22-e80e-49a9-bc5d-2374a2b9edabPost:378f7b74-1552-4e9b-8983-d93e564fca24">Photographer Advice **HELP**</a>:
[QUOTE]We are in the midst of looking for a photographer. We have met with HK Photography (we really liked them) and are possible meeting with Visual Obsessions (we like the work they have done). We are looking for engagement session, 2 photographers, no albums, rights to pictures (so we can print at our leisure) and all day coverage (wedding day). The issue is when we email a photographer they let us know where their packages *start* and the starting minimal package is above our budget. We were hoping to find a photographer for $3,000 but it seems impossible. <strong>Is it worth talking to the photographers we are interested in (HK/VO) and ask if they can meet our budget needs</strong> or "it is what it is" and that is where the budget starts? Any advice or experiences would be extremely helpful - thanks Ladies for all of your help :) - Britt
Posted by Lenny521[/QUOTE]

Yes, it certainly couldn't hurt to ask them if they can meet your budget. They won't be offended if you tell them that they are too expensive for you - I'm sure photographers hear it all the time. I used to be afraid to tell vendors that they were too expensive, but a photographer friend of mine told me that everyone has a different wedding budget, and vendors are used to hearing all different numbers. So I would definitely recommend asking the photogs if they can work with your budget....just let them know how much you love their work, and hopefully they will respond well to the flattery! :)

If it doesn't work out - there are 2 photogs that I recommend, both within the $3K range. One is Mia Paige Photography (I  believe her packages start around $2,000). We are using her for our wedding - her name is Shannon and the website is <a href="http://www.miapaigephotography.com/">www.miapaigephotography.com</a>.  And the other is Eric Brushett Photography - he did our engagement pics, so I am not positive about his pricing, but last time I checked, it starts around $1,600. And he's very good :) <a href="http://www.ericbrushett.com/">www.ericbrushett.com</a>

Both of those photogs can get a second shooter if you want one.

Good luck!

calindi

Try my photographers - we got our package for less than that, and I do know their prices have gone up since we booked them, but they will likely work with you to make it happen.

Alexis Stein Photography.

tinstarsunshine

Also try TimeFrozen photography.  We booked them and love them.   Our e-pics were great and onlt cost like $250 and we dragged both Keith and his wife all over Talcott mountain in 90 degree weather.  Their packages are also $3000 but they give you full rights and let you work in or take out as needed.  They are also in the same building as Visual Obsession, we were looking at them too but loved the Claytors energy and enthusiasm.  check them out:

http://timefrozen.com/#

ali79ger

I'm an HK bride and have been VERY pleased - I started with them after great reviews and then after seeing their prices...amazing!  We're getting from them exactly what you listed, but are having them make our wedding album as well (but not the parents ones)... What are teh reasons you want to meet iwth more photogs?  From their work you've seen?

anathan5

We are using HK for our photography also, and they are absolutely amazing to work with.  We haven't had any pictures by them yet, but they have been amazing in answering questions, providing resources and referrals.  We also signed up with them for all the things you are looking for for just about your budget and that included tax, etc.  I would say that they are absolutely approachable in asking to meet your budget! Good luck!

amymaysa

HK is just at the $3000 mark (not including taxes-and with that its just right around $3000), and while we haven't had our wedding yet, every interaction with them has been excellent. Everytime I see they posted new pics on facebook I get excited thinking about what ours will look like!
Good luck

daniellelmilczak

check out alisonmariephotography.com - we used her and love her!

gem6240

We are using Angela from Hanlon Photography..... I would contact her, she does beautiful work....

jennylove810

...didn't I PM you saying to the best of my knowledge, VO gives exactly what you're looking for?  Or am I dreaming that?

akulaji

DH and I used HK.  We had the same package you are wanting.  They were less when we booked though, since it was a while ago.  I would definitely talk to Hubert about it and see if you can negotiate at all... ask if he would give you a discount if you pay in cash maybe?  It can't hurt to give it a shot.

Here are links to a small selection of our pics if you want to see them:

Engagement: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.199915520503.274020.808905503&l=8644d2ba28&type=1

Wedding: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150193762530504.447961.808905503&l=f0a06c46a2&type=1

Lenny521

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_photographer-advice-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:f9b12b22-e80e-49a9-bc5d-2374a2b9edabPost:e991de81-2047-483e-a89b-55f4ddf6ef3a">Re: Photographer Advice **HELP**</a>:
[QUOTE]...didn't I PM you saying to the best of my knowledge, VO gives exactly what you're looking for?  Or am I dreaming that?
Posted by jennylove810[/QUOTE]

yes you did but their starting price is $3500 so  I wanted advice to see if you select a photographer above your budget is it wrong to negotiate the price - and what are other brides/soon to be brides opinions?

Thanks for all your help :)

rswan412

My budget is way less for photography, my photographer is giving me exactly what you're looking for for a great price--
www.aestelzer.com

runtome

Try our photographer, I just looked at my price sheet and she has what you are looking for with even more extras in there for $2899.00 her pics are amazing! Her website is 

http://www.catherinefiehnphotography.com .

josephwedding

We booked with Russell's Photography in North Haven. They're really nice, very fun, do beautiful work, and have packages in all kinds of price ranges. It's a bit out of our way distance wise, but the quality of their work & their personalities are worth the extra drive time =]   

 http://www.russellsphotography.com/

Hope this helps! 

jennylove810

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_photographer-advice-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:65Discussion:f9b12b22-e80e-49a9-bc5d-2374a2b9edabPost:a6ea9c76-60c2-4568-911b-b40fc5ec234a">Re: Photographer Advice **HELP**</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Photographer Advice **HELP** : yes you did but their starting price is $3500 so  I wanted advice to see if you select a photographer above your budget is it wrong to negotiate the price - and what are other brides/soon to be brides opinions? Thanks for all your help :)
Posted by Lenny521[/QUOTE]

Oh dang, I didn't realize they'd gone up that much!  Ok well at least I'm not crazy.

Agnieszka Chwiedz

Visual Obsession is a little bit over that I think but def worth it.  The basic package includes e-pics no album and ALL day coverage with two photographers.