Bella Potography

Miller_s

So I am starting to research my photographers. I contacted Bella Photography to get some info. They are offering me a free couple portraite, 5 poses. To meet with them and discuss what I am looking for etc. They said they will post my pictures on a website for me to download. Then I can make as many prints as possiable. Has anyone done this with them? Im searching for a catch. I know that sounds bad but nothing in this world comes without a catch. Any information that you can give me would be great! Thanks.

Miller_s

And Im sorry for the spelling error! That slipped by me.

nantucketirish

last year my friend used them and the prices were cheap in the beginning. it was nothing but trouble i remember her complaining about them switching photographers, charging her to meet with who she was going to have shoot her wedding, and then the album looked sloppy and didnt really match the cover treatment she asked for.

Mystic619

My understanding is that Bella is a national chain that has a bunch of different photographers that are contracted through them.  They can't guarantee a certain photographer will be shooting your wedding, and usually won't let you know who is until right before, and even then can change it.  While they do have pretty good reviews on wedding wire, the local reviews for the one based in Boston has some questionable reviews on citysearch and yelp.  I would definitely research them some more, or at least address that with them.  Good luck!

noodle_oo

My FSIL used Bella Photography for her wedding in DC.  I think she said she filled out a questionaire and then they matched her with a photographer.  I'm not sure she met him before the wedding, but I know they did talk about details (maybe by email?).  She planned the wedding in like 6 mos so they were an easy way to hire a photographer fast and inexpensively.

The photographer did an okay job, but I know she wasn't totally happy.  He got some really nice pics of her and her husband, but didn't take nearly as many group shots as she wanted and missed some important people.  At the reception, he either made a mistake or did some funky affect, all the pics were blurry and wierd.  So I know she was a bit disappointed.

So anyway: the point is they are a chain who contract out their services to local photogs, so you just have to be aware of that.

Regarding your original question:  if you just plan to do the portrait session, it does sound like a good deal!  But read the fine print to make sure you don't have to pay anything for it.

smccart7

I'm living in NYC right now, but I got an e-mail from them as well about the free couples portrait session. I think within the next few weeks it's an offer they're running in a bunch of different cities. I've been searching for the catch as well though- from what I can figure out the worst that could happen is that they'll pressure you into using their company after the photo session is over! Besides that, they said a lot of people use these pics for engagement/wedding announcements or whatever, so who knows. I was thinking about signing up just for the heck of it...

kebmtm071605

For so many reasons...stay away.  Hire an independent photographer, not a chain.  There are no guarantees with a chain who you will get as your photographer.

amagwire

I have no first hand experience with them but would not reccomend a corporate photographer.  You may not be guaranteed the highest level of photographer for your wedding, and you may not meet them until the day of the wedding! I think it's important to see a portfolio from a photographer that you are guaranteed and one (or two) that you get along with! 

attymar99

I hate my pictures! Do not use Bella.  They sent me an amateur photographer. His pictures are terrible.  for some reason, during my cocktail hour,  he decided to take hundreds of pictures of the empty tables and flowers, instead of my guests.  I have NO pictures of my  guests from my cocktail hour.  The pictures he took are terrible.  It's been over a year and I still haven't finished my album  I can't bring myself to look at my pictures.  I cry the majority of times I see it.  I've asked Bella to use pictures that my friends took at the wedding because they took focused pictures and group pictures.  Without my friends, I wouldn't have decent pictures.  When I know people who are getting married, I make a point to contact them and tell them NOT to use Bella.  A friend recently married and used Furla.  When I saw her pictures I broke down and cried.  So much better than mine!