Photography extra cost?

alschmid

Narrowing down my photographer choice now and had a question if usually the photographer package was subject to tax?

Also - are you supposed to tip the photographer as well?

I'm having such a tough time making decisions with all of this wedding planning seems like just too many options!

NillaWafer10

My packages were taxed.  I think it was the standard 8%, but I can't be sure.

This is a great tipping guide from the knot.  I am not planning on tipping mine since they both own their companies.  I do love them both dearly, and they have been a pleasure to work with, so I might end up giving them a little something extra if I have it.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx

Who are you deciding between?  Maybe we can give you some extra input.

alschmid

Sure would love some opinions - my top two choices right now are

Muse photography
http://muse-photo.com/

And Ali Girl
http://www.aligirlphotography.com

acnahm

I'm pretty sure we were only taxed on the portion of our package that are items we actually get (we're getting a fantastic album, CDs, etc).  I could be wrong though, but I remember thinking that the taxes were extremely low for our package.

I haven't decided on tipping since they own their company.  But we'll probably give them at least a gift card or something. 

Hope that helps

lcarp203

We were taxed on our entire package.  You could ask the photographer how much tax they charge since it most often depends on what city they run the business out of.  That way you could calculate out the entire price for each option if you need to do a pro/con list like I had to with many of my vendors

As far as tipping goes... We have not decided yet.  I really liked my engagement session so I am thinking abount tipping if we continue to get great service.  But, like many of the PP, mine also owns his own company, therefore, it is not required.

Also, I did not meet with either of those photographers, but you may check out wedding wire.com.  They have a sections where brides can rate vendors.  So, you can see what other brides had to say about the vendor.  In addition, many vendors will also post specials there.  When I was deciding on florists, my last step was to check there.  When I did, I found that my front runner had great reviews and she was also running a special for 10 percent off total purchase, which was an added bonus since I was 99 percent sure that was who I was going to use! 

Good Luck!  There are so many photog choices, it is so hard to pick just one!

lavalore

If i am correct the tangeble goods are subject to tax (the albums, prints, etc) but not the service fees. I believe that this varies from state to state though. Either way i would expect to pay some amount of tax if you are using a professional.

As for tipping. I think it is not really a requirement but can be distibuted to vendors if you are happy with the services that they provided. Im sure they will appriciate it if you do, and shouldnt be offended if you dont. Plus with the photographer, perhaps it will encourage them to finish your pictures faster!

alschmid

yes - everyone has great reviews on wedding wire

At least I'm down to 2 photographers now - originally was looking at 4 

Thanks for all the help!

FutureMrsL.R.Allen

There was no tax on top of my package, the tax was built into the price.  The only additional charge I had was I wanted to add a second shooter, but that is it.  I will probably tip the second shooter and get my photog an actual gift (she owns the company), like a nice bottle of wine or something like that.  I still have not figured that out.

NillaWafer10

Just by looking at the websites/blogs, I like Muse Photography better.  I think their style is more refined, and the pictures look more expensive.

alexandra kay

Most people do not tip the photographer, it is never expected. ( I am a wedding photographer) Sometimes couples will tip me for something extra I did...but I never intended to be tipped for it. I include tax in my pricing. I think most other wedding photographers do too.

alexandra kay

I looked at both sites this is what I think: 

The Muse- This photographer knows their camera really well. You can tell by their portfolio that they can execute a picture correctly. All of the right points are in focus. It appears you will not have any issues with them having trouble w/ any photo challenge on your special day. This is important because lighting/weather/ect. is diff w/ every wedding. 

Ali Girl-  This photographer seems very artistic and romantic. This is great to have in a photographer, as long as, they can deliver it well. I personally love the more romantic side of photography. However, you will want to fine comb her portfolio on a large screen computer. Make sure her concepts are delivered right. If what she wants in focus is really crisp and in focus. Sometimes artistic photographers have the passion but not the knowledge. So make sure she's got both. You do not want to end up w/ a lot of great ideas for a picture on your wedding day. 

A great test run is doing a engagement session before you book them. This way you are not tied to them if you are not happy with the results:) If it was me, I would fine comb Ali Girl and go with her...but I am a romantic artist by nature and profession. This is me...not to sell you, but to show you where the advice is coming from http://www.wildfernphotography.com