Photoraphers- Negotiations??

Missyb581 · September 2011

I am curious if anyone has done any negotiating with their photographers? I found someone i am DYING over. It was the first time I looked at someone local s work and was amazed. Actually speechless and if you knew me.... this doesn't happen. I fear his prices are out of my budget... has anyone negotiated price or have any tips for negotiating. My wedding planner says everything negotiable... but idk.

utegoggles · September 2011

I think anything is negotiable. Just give it a try.

angybanez · September 2011

Make a list of everything you want in a package...ideally...and what you can do without. Ask your photographer or any photographer you're interviewing if they have a package that meets your range of budget. If you're set on one number, that can limit you so that's why I mention prepare to have a list of things you can do without. For the range in your budget, ask what services and length of hours are included in the package. Are there album options, are engagement sessions included or separate. Do they have current insurance (liability that venues normally asks for as well as equipment coverage). If you want to go in details, you can ask what equipment they use. But if you love their work, then that's unnecessary. Do they have additional charges (like if it's over a number of hours what's their charge for additional hours, travel charges, per diem, etc). The list goes on! Best of luck!

cmp1986 · September 2011

I agree with your planner. The worse they can say is no.

Elinetrouwt · September 2011

You have a planner! Why don't you let her do the negotiating?

Ask the price for a certain package, compare it to your budget, and start bartering from there. Make sure your planner does the biggest part of it. The photographer will know that she is less emotionally attached to the outcome, and may be able to refer him to other clients after your wedding.

Make sure you got something to offer as well, reasons why you can get a discount: your timeframe, a bigger/earlier deposit, no need for an album...

And don't expect miracles. On a 1,000 dollar budget, you can't afford someone whose prices start at 10,000

fallbride1109 · September 2011

My photographer was at the top of our budget--I almost didn't even call her. She crafted a package that was more than I could have hoped for. I did have to give up bridals and parents' albums--but that was no big deal since I didn't plan to do bridals anyway and I just made our parents albums myself. Just be up front with him about what your budget is and ask him if he can craft a package that will meet it.

Missyb581 · September 2011

I am heart broken... he is booked... so I begin the search again.

fallbride1109 · September 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_photos-video_photoraphers-negotiations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:30Discussion:4f18a2ae-3f46-44f8-ae24-98761692526bPost:7dd4afae-5e81-42a1-b4b0-c61fca9c3e42">Re: Photoraphers- Negotiations??</a>:
[QUOTE]I am heart broken... he is booked... so I begin the search again.
Posted by Missyb581[/QUOTE]

Yeah, my first choice was booked also (to an out of state Knottie on my month board I later found out! :) ) That's a tough one -- but don't worry, you'll find someone. I ended up loving my photographer.

utegoggles · September 2011

Ask if he recommends anyone. I'm sure he has friend photographers in the area.

jessjones1989 · September 2011

You should give my photographers a shout! They were outstanding, wonderful artists and people! They work worldwide (i'm not sure where you're located) www.imaginephotoaz.com! And don't tell them, but I even negotiated my wedding with them, and they totally crafted a package within my price range. i couldn't be happier!

best of luck!

Jess

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