I want nice photos..but he doesn't...

Re: I want nice photos..but he doesn't...

• Ellfay

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  Oh no! I'm so sorry you're dealing with that. I know it must be stressful. I read this comment by a photographer on another site one time and it really stuck in my mind:
  
  "One of my favorite quotes goes like this: 'If you think hiring a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur.'
  
  Professional photographers are expensive for a reason. Wedding photography is NOT easy. It's a lot of work to prepare for, to do, and to work on the back side. Any given 8 hour wedding really entails at least 40 man hours of work. from advertising, to book keeping, to editing the photos and even meeting with the clients and scouting out locations. On top of that there are equipment costs, insurance, taxes, liability, transportation. etc.. If you want a professional(and you really do) unfortunately you need to pay for one. "
  
  The average wedding photographer cost for the whole country is probably around $2,500, and unfortunately for you guys the average cost of a photographer in DC is significantly higher ($3000+). I think really the best way to convince him is to SHOW him, so do the research, make a spreadsheet with websites and then sit him down one evening and show him the comparison between a $500 photographer and a $2000 photographer. It's really night and day. Do whatever you can to convince him because seriously, photos are the ONLY thing you have after your wedding day so it's absolutely worth it. You could also convince him by doing research on pricing in your area and find some photographers who have equal skill and style who live and work outside of DC and therefore likely have lower rates than the DC metro photographers. Just try to make him feel like he's ultimately getting a deal by not paying what MOST people pay for photographers in DC. There's no way you can find a professional for $500 much less $50.
  
  

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• gymbugmj2k member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  haha ohhh i feel your pain. my FI is a photographer, and i'm a scrapbooker.....so I appreciated his reasoning for wanting good quality art on our special day!  I would've fought to the death if he didnt want nice pictures. haha
  
  We're using Neal Urban and spending a decent penny for a GREAT package (engagement shoot, full day coverage with 2 shooters, attendance at the rehearsal to check lighting, etc, full rights to ALL the photos)  But the most important part of everything -- we LOVE working with Neal.  His personality is awesome and he keeps us relaxed and happy.  And that, is priceless - especially when they'll be around you guys ALL day!
  
  try to show him a variety of options. show him the difference between 'ok' and 'great' pictures.  Definitely put your foot down on this if its important.  Becuase yes, the pictures are what you remember from the day.  I'm sure there are other parts that you both agree are less important, and you can save money in those areas.
  

  
  

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• candyapple1985

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  The advice posted is already good enough but I thought Id send my 2 sense anyway. I was freaking out about photography pricing as well.... I dabble in it and it is hard stuff! Id suggest either looking at craigslist for photographers who are experienced but do not have an established place of business. This right here can cut the cost. Obviously you want to see samples of there work but make sure the photography doesnt put you in debt. As much as you want this important step documented you dont want to start out your marriage in financial stress. I reccomend Lauren Mason with piccadilly pics she is doing mine and she is the coolest person ever and so much fun and energy. I have my budoir shoot coming up and I cant wait to make the ideas we have come to life!!

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• Jenna Michele Photography

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  Ellfay said it well but I would also remind him that someone who is not charging a decent amount to cover things like experience, business licenses and taxes, insurance, etc... won't have those important matters taken care of. That means they may not be a professional when it comes to other areas that will effect you. What if they just don't show up at all to your wedding? Or if they send someone to shoot it that you've never met? These things happen more frequently than they should. Paying the extra amount to have pictures you can love, instead of crying over your wedding day, is SO worth it. Someone who's only going to charge $50 for a wedding isn't going to care about it, and they certainly won't have put in countless hours of research and training and investment into it that a full time pro would.

  http://www.jennamichelephotography.com Destination Wedding Photographer

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• squarepeg72

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  Show hMy FH was the same way until we had the engagement shoot done yesterday. Show him photo galleries of the photographers you are thinking about and explain to him how important it is to you to have beautiful picture of your special day with few worries. Get quotes from the photographers you are considering and lay it all out for him. Guys can be hard headed but if you are wiling to bend on somethings he wants, he will be more willing to bend on thins you want

  June 2012 Siggy Challange - Shoes

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