independent photographers vs studios

Love is Bald · May 2010

My mom and I have had a lot of discussion recently about photographers. She really feels I need to go with a reputable studio because booking with an independent photographer is too risky and they could run off with my deposit. What are your thoughts on this?

Ive already booked videographer who works for himself against her wishes and now photographer is pusing her over the edge...

MISSCOURTNEY20 · May 2010

My FH is an independent photographer and he is AWESOME!! He takes so much care and time with his work. We are using a studio ONLY because we couldn't find an independent photographer that FH would approve of. Go figure. But we are looking for a videographer. Who are you using?

ladybug7485 · May 2010

Personally I prefer the independant photogs because it's only their name that they have to stand behind. If you book with a large studio I would make sure that it states in the contract that you can meet your photog first and that it would for sure be that photog that would be doing your wedding. I've heard stories about booking with a photog with a certain style with a studio and then having a different photog with a different style show up at the wedding.
I would just tell your mom this too..If someone wanted to act like a photog and then just take your deposit that wouldn't be very worth it for them because they would only be able to do that once or twice before getting caught. Just make sure you have a signed contract when you give the deposit.

HMandKW · May 2010

We're using Heather Parker, who is independent. She has insurance and runs very much like a business. She also has a group of photographers that help eachother out if god forbid something happens and she can't be there (it's never happened but you never know). Basically, I feel we have the same assurances as if we used a studio, and she is so good at what she does and takes so much time working with the images after. She really invests in every wedding she does.

I think in the end, go with who you want, and if they are independent, just make sure they have the track record, insurance, etc.

Good luck!

Love is Bald · May 2010

Miss Courtney, we booked with Jeff at Shoot The Bride! Other knotties have raved about him and when we met him we really clicked with him too! www.shootthebridefilms.com

Ladybug, I would actually prefer to book with an independent. I found so so many independents that look awesome and have narrowed it down to two. My mom is just the one who doesn't really support me doing it, which is why I was wondering others thoughts on it.

jbll326 · May 2010

In all honesty, I haven't heard a single glowing recommendation for a studio. Yes, they do a fine job, but no one is ever really blown away by the product because studios tend to limit the creative freedom of their photographers and dictate their style. We felt that independent business owners are much more motivated to do well and be friendly because it's their name on the line, not a studio's. Do your research on these boards and if you choose a photographer that has been recommended by one of us, I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be swindled in any way.

rajkumari · May 2010

I think a studio has a name for itself and they sometimes have been around for years. I dont think it means they do better pictures. I didn't pick a studio because I didn't want to be one of 50 brides and wanted more attention. We met with a salesperson when we first started looking and they wanted to charge us to meet with our photrographer. I left right away. I wanted to know who I was working with and get a chance to meet them. The studios were also unable to guarantee which photographer we would get on our wedding day. That is why we went with an indepeneded photographer who treated us like their client rather than a customer.

morgie44 · May 2010

As long as you book with an reputable independent photographer, I think that is the best way to go. I have heard of very few to no people having problems with some of the big name indy photogs that people post about on here. The vast majority of the photographer 'problem' posts I have seen are random photographers that don't have much of a reputation in the industry or studios. I have seen a TON of people have problems with studios both on the knot and IRL. Promised one photographer/style got a different photographer on day of. Not knowing the photographer in advance, looking at images from a studio, with the impression that they are from the photographer you will be working with, being led to believe they would receive things as part of the package that they did not receive I could go on and on. I think in the past, it was seen as studios are the way to go, but that's not really the case anymore IMHO. We found our photographer (Mthree Studio) through WPJA. I think that photographers have to apply and be admitted to the assocation and can be removed when their term is up which serves as a good quality control that would maybe give your mom some peace of mind that you are not just hiring some random photographer you found online.

aimers1525 · May 2010

@LOVE--don't fee bad, you're not the only person's mom who is warry of independent photographers and for that matter florists too

My mom has lectured me about signing contracts because the economy is bad and just because someone signs a contract it doesn't mean they will be around .... blah blah. My dad is an attorney and so I'm extra careful about signing contracts and have him look over all the contracts I sign, so I see my mom's point but it's starting to annoy me.

That being said, with the vendors I'm considering I've made sure to check the BBB, the State of IL LLC/Corp certificate of good standing registry, found here: http://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/ just to check. Although not all vendors are licensed LLC's or corporations, I think a lot of venues require them to have insurance so that's something to ask too. All the vendors I've met with so far have had glowing reviews here and on other wedding websites, and I've asked if they have clients booked already in 2011 (when my wedding is).

Sorry if this is long and drawn out, but I hear you on the mom issue!

sgylling · May 2010

I agree with everyone, IMO independent is the way to go. I think with anything though it is important to do your research and get recommendations and references. I talked to people who had used my photog so I knew he was great. I think what really tells most about a person or company is their references, and actually speaking with them, not just from their website or whatever.

Love is Bald · May 2010

thanks everyone!! I'm going to copy and email this to my mom.

Aimers, SUPER helpful!! Glad im not alone

Thank you!

TheDohertys · May 2010

We chose a photorapher that had liability insurance and backup cameras along with a roster of excellent reviews both from the knot and other websites. They have been in business for over ten years and are still independent. I am not sure what kind of photographers work for studio companies but they seemed very pushy and still harrass me with junk mail like post cards and even cold calls. To me that says they need business.

MISSCOURTNEY20 · May 2010

Thanks @ Love...We emailed back and forth a couple of times last night and I sent him what our budget for videography was. I haven't heard from him since. I hope I didn't offend him.

*( I am so excited about meeting him!! Hopefully, he gets back to me.

MsBunny312 · May 2010

I also prefer working with independant photographers as well. I think they have to work harder to maintain their reputation, are generally more flexible about the final product, and you know exactly what you are getting. There is no bait and switch.

independent photographers vs studios

Re: independent photographers vs studios

Choose Another Board

Search Boards