August 2012 Weddings

Photographer Vent-Long

Hi All,

I am so frustrated today I can't stop getting upset in the middle of work so I am just going to get it out... I am on a very limited budget, and didn't think I would be able to hire a photographer. My 2 cousins were going to do it for me for almost nothing. Then, last month they said that they thought I was still going to hire someone and they would just do the candid shots. They were not comfortable with posed shots. So, I decided I need to hire a photographer, and I was able to scrape up what I thought was a decently reasonable amount for what I was looking for. (4-6 hours, no proofs, just copyright release disk) But, now I'm just 5 months away from my wedding looking for a photographer. I've been contacting any photographer within my price range, and most of them had been booked. Today, I contacted someone who did not have any prices listed on their site, and was reccomended by someone who was in my price range, and when I told him what I was looking for HE LAUGHED AT ME. He said I'm never going to find a decent photographer for that price. I know he's not true on that, because I've found good ones that are booked or haven't gotten back to me, but his comments and his demeaning laugh made me feel so terrible. I'm on a budget, how hard is that to understand. Besides that, I don't understand how these people can get away with charging so much money for 2 days of work (1 for photos, 1 for touch ups). I feel like I am the only person who is on a budget and stupid for not having more money for this.

I've been in a slump lately with wedding planning the way it is. I hate all the details and all the worry about etiquette and proper etc. etc. I just want to be married, this whole wedding planning is just not my thing, and of course I can't afford a planner. I'm cutting corners as much as I can and then to have this happen today really wanted me to say F--- it. What a mean person... ok, I guess I'm done. Wish I could say I feel better.
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Re: Photographer Vent-Long

  • I feel so awful for you. But your post just made me incredibly happy that we decided to not do the wedding and just do something small. Oofta! I hope that you get everything figured out!
    Anniversary
  • How do I find my private message? Thanks.
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  • Found it! Thanks!
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  • Someone posted a site called weddingbug.com on my state board, I only briefly looked at it, it's for very reasonable photography in many cities, possibly yours!  I found my photographer on craigslist, they are somewhat new to the wedding business and that is probably why their fee is 1/2 of every where else I looked.

    I hope that helps, it won't solve everything, but it would feel great to find a photographer that you're happy with!
  • Don't get discouraged.  The photographer you spoke with was unprofessional.  Photography can be one of the most expensive components for a wedding.  There are a couple of possibilities for you to consider.

    1) Are there any photography schools, or photography clubs in your area?  You could be able to hire a student or somebody just starting out looking to build a portfolio that is within your budget.  

    2) Check CraigsList but make sure to check references there are some very dis-reputable people out there.  

    August 2012 - Married! Follow Me on Pinterest
  • I 2nd the craigslist search.  It's easy enough to see an ad on there & check out their website to see pictures.  Anyone not providing sample pictures on a website should not be considered in my opinion.  I was able to find my photographer on there for <$1000, and I looked at pics online and then reached out to him.  AND, I later saw he is a vendor listed on theknot.com & had great reviews on weddingchannel.com.  Check out weddingchannel.com if you haven't already for photographers in your area - reviews are posted on there.  Also, consider word of mouth - start asking anyone you know if they know anyone.  I have a friend getting started and she does weddings for about $500 - when you're in her shoes, it's worth it to work for little to get the portfolio built up.  As a last resort, consider emailing an instructor at a nearby college that teaches photography.  They may be able to recommend a student to you that they have taught.
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