Choosing a photographer

wrdgirl · April 2010

I have a question about choosing a photographer. We have a list of about 10-ish potential photographers that we like. Would it be a good idea to visit all of them? What do you do at the meetings?

I am thinking of asking for proofs first before I meet with any just to be sure I see what I get.

I'd love to hear what your experiences are when choosing a photographer. Thanks!

jennylove810 · April 2010

I don't think I could ever meet with 10 photographers. I met with 3 and that was a difficult enough decision.

We looked at dozens of websites, and selected our top 3 based on quality of the work, and prices (and what those prices included).

At the meetings, we went over in more detail what was included in their packages, saw album samples, and just got to know the different photographers. I don't think you need to be bff's with your photog, but you should genuinely like them and be excited about working with them.

Ultimately we went with the Visual Obsession guys, who so far have been full of surprises and we can't wait to see the shots they'll get on our wedding day. You can check them out - visual-obsession.com

GL!

starrbuk13 · April 2010

ditto pp. i think 10 is a lot to meet with. i'd try to narrow it down to between 3 and 5, and go from there. looking at packages and tons and tons of pictures is a good way to do it.

who are some of your top choices? the girls on here can probably help you narrow it down!

ggmae · April 2010

We met with 1 and were sold immediately. We booked with him the next day. We just looked at a few albums, and went over a contract with him that stated all of the stipulations and the timeline. I didn't have too many questions because he was very thorough and answered them all before I could ask!

Vanessa630 · April 2010

We met with quite a few.... not sure if we reached 10 but we were definitely getting there. I just never got "that feeling" with anybody else. That being said, we never intended to interview so many. Had I met our photographer during interview #2, we would have stopped right there. I think I had two interviews scheduled that I ended up canceling once I found the right one.

3 might be a good number to start out with. I felt like the more people I met with, the more educated I became and the more I realized what I really wanted out of a photographer.

wrdgirl · April 2010

Thanks for the feedback!

starrbuk13: good idea I am thinking of doing that right about now

These I definitely like but haven't heard back from yet so don't know if they will fit my budget:
http://www.jefflundstromphotography.com./
http://www.ericfoleyphotography.com/
http://www.tabphotographic.com/
http://www.melanychristine.com/
http://jfiereck.com/

These are in my budget and potential:
http://jfiereck.com/
http://www.whoyou.net/
http://www.hk-photography.com/ (but I think they are very popular so might have a hard time securing a date)

Hmm that's all I have so far, there are a few others that are out of my budget but still in contact with them to see if they can meet my budget or find someone that can meet my budget.

What do you girls think of some of these photographers or had any experience with them?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!!

Vanessa630 · April 2010

I met with HK. You're right- very popular but definitely budget friendly and worth giving a try. We clicked a little better with another photographer but HK was great.

I never met with Eric Foley but he was definitely recommended. I'm not sure how he compares with the others but he's going to be more than HK. I remember he sent me his package info so I'm sure you'll hear back from him soon.

jnu1117 · April 2010

I am using Jen Fiereck and I love her! She has been great to work with from the beginning. She has a great personality, her work is amazing and she is so attentive and great to work with. We are meeting with her this weekend for the site visit. I highly recommend her!

MaryKatie3 · April 2010

look into www.photographybynicholas.com

He is who we used. But in any case, I met with 2 and loved the first and then the second was even better and stopped there. So maybe narrow it down to what you can afford first because it adds up. Even albums are extra for most so it ends up being more than you plan.

ZoeTheDog · April 2010

10 is A LOT. Unless you have that kind of time on your hands, I think 3 would be sufficient. Or if those 3 can't give you what you want, then move on to the next 3.

We are using Misty Enright. www.mistyenright.com

GracefulMeadow86 · April 2010

im using HK - i loved hubert and alka and they have awesome pics and prices

Chomie · April 2010

definitely meet w/ the photographer and ask for pictures they've done at your venue. we met with 2. the first one was crazy and really pushy and the second we fell in love with she was so nice and very calming which my FI was psyched about. Also, I tried to schedule appts. with other photogs, but at least one made it really hard to meet with (that I saw on your list) http://jfiereck.com/ which kind of put a bad taste in my mouth. i figured, if i can't even set up a 1/2 hour appt. with this person, how in the world am I ever going to get my pictures, etc. from this person after. Also, my bridesmaid/wedding planner had a very key idea, don't just go to their website, also go to their blog because there will be a ton more photos on that then just the absolute best of the best. And if they don't have a blog, that is kind of shady from what I've been told.

This is our photog: http://www.dolcephotographyct.com/blog/

Good luck!

carolbridebabe · April 2010

also check into john loconte... we used him for our january wedding and he was so great to work with! he is from boston but does travel... his website is www.johnlophoto.com

we met with 4 photographers and you just know when the person is right for you! personality was a HUGE plus with us!

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