Photographs should be the Bride's #1 Priority!

[digitalmemories4]

I have wondered in the last couple of years about the priorities of some of the couples' weddings that I've photographed. The first place they want to cut back on is the photography! Good gosh! That's all you have left once the day is over, after the cake is gone, the makeup washed away, the dress boxed up, etc.!
I've seen so many brides cut back on photography time to spend hundreds of dollars on makeup! And these are mostly couples that are living paycheck to paycheck. I know it's a very special day and everyone wants it to be perfect and it can be the most beautiful wedding with less spending on the foo foo and more on the photographs that will last a lifetime!

[dianescakesandmore]

Interesting, it often seems to me that the first place to cut back is on the cake. Some don't care if they have enough to serve everyone or what it tastes like, just so it makes a pretty picture.

[robindepaula]

I've noticed the same thing in my wedding photography business. I just recently had a bride tell me all she wanted was 20 pictures of her day! I told her when it was all done & over with, she was not going to be happy with just having 20 photos!!

[RJS]

I agree that photographs and video should be a priority -- they're all that's left to help you remember the day! It seems everyone is budget-conscious these days, which isn't a bad thing, of course. But I recently talked with a groom-to-be who said they were spending more than $4000 for the rehearsal dinner but didn't want to spend more than $1500 for wedding photography. Not sure I understand that! When I got married (long before I became a wedding photographer) the photography was the one service we had to have -- everything else was secondary!

[bcphoto]

I've noticed the same thing in my wedding photography business. I just recently had a bride tell me all she wanted was 20 pictures of her day! I told her when it was all done & over with, she was not going to be happy with just having 20 photos!!

The twenty photo deallie seems to be a southern thing or somethin', I moved to da Durty four years ago from Chicago. I spent fifteen years as a sub-contract weddin' shooter at home, one of the wedding houses I shot for advertised, "... over 400 proofs to select from", in their half page R.R. Donnely Ad.

So we SHOT, and we shot FILM.

Most of those 'wedding studios' were thinly disguissed min-labs geared to producing wedding albums, they did however provide trainning and tons of experience for those of us who shot their contracts. Good way to shoot year-round too.

Seeing photography as THE most important vendor service is quite valid since WE shooterz spend more time with the bride than any other vendor on that day and we provide the service with the greatest longevity ... but then I AM a biased commentator.

8)

[digitalmemories4]

You'll love this...I got a call from a young girl last nite that needed a wedding photographer for her wedding next month. Super! Problem: Seems her parents gave her a $10,000 limit and she's broke! I've done many pro-bono packages for girls that couldn't afford photographs because of sincere and unfortunate reasons but I couldn't do it this time. She even asked me if I thought the disposable cameras on the tables would be enough! All I could suggest to her was to take everything back, cancel the "hall", the catering, the rediculous amount on flowers, the dress and the "makeup artist" that was going to give all the girls new faces & nails! and let me help her prioritize a new wedding. She was going to sleep on it..... I'm afraid the most important message here is is that she's obviously not mature enough to be getting married in the first place! Mary http://digitalmemories4.com

[weddinman]

Ah well! And here I thought the ceremony was the most important part of a wedding! :( But it seems that entertainment, food, pictures, alcohol, tuxedo rentals and limos get more attention and budgeting than the ceremony and officiant! :o

But, I too am just another biased commentator. 8)

A bad wedding minister is expensive at $5.00, and a great one is a bargain at $500. After all, there should be something happening that makes the bride and groom happy enough to be smiling, so the pictures of the ceremony will be enjoyable. :wink:

[DReid]

Yeah, what gets me are the brides who want 8 hours of coverage, all files or negatives, an album, and proofs for $250. I tell them I wish them good luck! :roll:

[robindepaula]

Yeah, what gets me are the brides who want 8 hours of coverage, all files or negatives, an album, and proofs for $250. I tell them I wish them good luck! :roll:

LOL!! I get that all the time . . . I figured they were trying that cause I was new to the biz! I will usually give them a price break off of my normal package price, but they always want alot more for nothing!! :!:

-Robin

[DW PHOTOGRAPHY]

They ask for a package like that and then say. We are paying for our wedding all by our self, we don't have anyone to help us. Can you help, please... I love to look like the bad guy!

[wedbyjean]

I guess we've all got our view points on this one. As a Professional Bridal Consultant (not just someone who planned her own wedding and decided that this would be a fun way to make some money), I consider my role in the wedding (which includes the ceremony, reception, planning process and the actual day itself) to be top priority. I advise brides on how to plan their budget so they can afford to get a wonderful photographer (which I agree that after all is said and done, other than the marriage itself, the photos are the only lasting thing of the wedding day). I also like to stress the importance of a professional video -- contrary to how some brides believe, it IS NOT the same as photography, and serves another purpose altogether (but that's a different topic). I also advise them to seriously consider the the importance of the ceremony, and to not treat it as an after-thought. Weddinman, you are SO right! It's sad, that many couples just care about a blow-out party. (We have got to educate the masses).

Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart

[affiance-events]

That's where a coordinator comes in handy. I advise on cutting back on flowers. Think about it, they are going to die after a few days. Pictures last a lifetime. Even cut back on the extravagant meal. Nobody is going to remember about the food when it's all over with. And definately kill the open bar. The gown and the pictures are legacies left behind.

[neeni13]

I guess they figure 20 good pictures from a professional is all they need with family and friends taking pictures and video too. Most make a set for the couple anyway. :roll: Not saying that this is right but that is the reasoning.

[robindepaula]

I understand that aspect that friends & family members will probably be taking pictures & give them a set, but it just isn't the same as photographs from the professional . . . besides I definetly wouldn't only go to a wedding & shoot only 20 portraits. I like to capture a persons wedding in a storybook way - I capture moments from the whole day, and believe me when they get their albums, they are thrilled that I captured all those moments!!

Robin
:lol:

[DW PHOTOGRAPHY]

If you only get 20 pictures, that is less than one roll of film. When I do weddings I usually take no less than 200 pictures. You have to remember that even when hiring a professional not every picture is going to be perfect. Someones eyes might be shut etc... and the more proofs you get the more options you get. Below is a list you might want to check out. You also have to remember that pictures last a lifetime and in time you will forget things. Great pictures capture the moment as it happens to remind you of your day, 40 yrs. from now.
The Bride
____ Bride dressing for wedding
____ Mother helping bride put on veil
____ Mother/Maid of Honor adjusting veil
____ Bride looking in mirror
____ Bride putting on garter
____ Bride putting on garter with bridesmaids looking on
____ Bride - Full Length
____ Bride - Half Length
____ Bride - Close Up
____ Bride leaving house with parents and bridesmaids
____ Father helping bride into car
____ Bride with mother - Full Length
____ Bride with mother - Close Up
____ Corsage being pinned on mother
____ Bride with father - Full Length
____ Bride with father - Close Up
____ Bride pinning on father's boutonniere
____ Bride with Both Parents - Full Length
____ Bride with Parents - Close Up
____ Bride with Grandparents - Full Length
____ Bride with Grandparents - Close Up
____ Bride with sisters - Full Length
____ Bride with sisters - Close Up
____ Bride with brothers - Full Length
____ Bride with brothers - Close Up
____ Bride with immediate family
____ Bride with Maid of Honor- Full Length
____ Bride with Maid of Honor - Close Up
____ Bride with her attendants - Full Length
____ Bride with her attendants - Close Up
____ Bride & flower girl/ring bearer
____ Father helping bride out of limo

The Groom
____ Groom - Full Length
____ Groom - Half Length
____ Groom - Close Up
____ Groom putting on bow tie
____ Groom with mother - Full Length
____ Groom with mother - Close Up
____ Groom with father - Full Length
____ Groom with father - Close Up
____ Groom with Parents - Full Length
____ Groom with Parents - Close Up
____ Groom with Grandparents - Full Length
____ Groom with Grandparents - Close Up
____ Groom with sisters - Full Length
____ Groom with sisters - Close Up
____ Groom with brothers - Full Length
____ Groom with brothers - Close Up
____ Groom with Immediate Family
____ Groom & Best Man - Full Length
____ Groom with Best Man - Close Up
____ Groom & Best Man shaking hands
____ Groom & Groomsmen - Full Length
____ Groom & groomsmen - Close Up


Ceremony
____ Grandparents being seated
____ Groom's parents being seated
____ Bride's parents being seated
____ Flower girl walking down aisle
____ Ring Bearer walking down aisle
____ Bridesmaids walking down aisle
____ Maid of Honor walking down aisle
____ Father walking Bride down aisle
____ Father giving bride away
____ Bride & Groom at alter
____ Bride & Groom exchanging vows
____ Bride & Groom exchanging rings
____ Bride & Groom lighting candle
____ Bride & Groom - the kiss
____ Bride & Groom walking down aisle
____ Pictures of receiving line
____ Bride & Groom exiting church/temple/ceremony location
____ Bride & Groom getting into limo
____ Bride & Groom's first toast in limo

Ceremony Location Poses
___ Groom kissing bride at the altar full length
___ Groom kissing bride at the altar 3/4 pose
___ Groom kissing bride at the altar tight head shot pose
___ Groom putting ring on bride's finger
___ Bride putting ring on groom's finger
___ Bride and groom lighting candles, full length
___ Bride and groom lighting candles, 3/4 pose
___ Bride and groom's hands with rings and flowers
___ Bride and groom with officiator
___ Bride and groom and bridal party with officiator
___ Other missed shots during ceremony
___ Bride with bridesmaids flowers around her
___ Bride and groomsmen
___ Groom with bridesmaids
___ Bride and groom at church/temple door (or stained glass window) in silhouette
___ Bride and groom on the steps of church/temple
___ Bride and bridesmaids on the steps of the church/temple
___ Groom and groomsmen on the steps of the church/temple
___ Group shots back inside church (Use church altar/steps, etc. as a studio)
___ Bride and groom with bridal party standing
___ Bride and groom with bridal party sitting
___ Bride and groom with bridal party (alternating male and female)
___ Bride and groom with all of the Brides family (as big as the bride would like to go)
___ Bride and groom with brides immediate family
___ Bride and groom with bride's parents
___ Bride with her parents
___ Bride with her mother
___ Bride with her father
___ Bride and groom with all of the groom's family (as big as the bride would like to go)
___ Bride and groom with groom's immediate family
___ Bride and groom with groom's parents
___ Groom with his parents
___ Groom with his mother
___ Groom with his father
___ Bride and groom with both sets of parents
___ Bride and/or groom with special family members (e.g. favorite uncle, best friend, generations photograph, etc)
___ Bride and groom leaving inside of church/temple/ceremony area
___ Getting into car or limo
___ Shot through the sun roof of the limo
___ Shot while seated in limo
___ Wide shot of church/ceremony site and limo
___ Mood shots in and around the church/grounds and/or on the way to the weddings reception site.

Formal Pictures
____ Bride & Groom Kissing
____ Bride & Groom - Full Length
____ Bride & Groom - Half Length
____ Bride & Groom - Close Up
____ Bride & Groom "gazing" at each other
____ Bride & Groom looking out window
____ Bride & Groom holding hands
____ Close-up of rings
____ Bride & Groom with Bride's parents
____ Bride & Groom with Groom's parents
____ Bride and Groom with Bride's extended family
____ Bride and Groom with Groom's extended family
____ Portrait of mother and bride
____ Portrait of father and bride
____ Brothers and sisters and bride
____ Group Shot of Bride and bridesmaids
____ Individual shots of Bride with each bridesmaids

Reception
____ Parents being announced
____ Wedding Party being announced
____ Bride & Groom being announced
____ Bride & Groom's first dance
____ Wedding party dancing
____ Bride's dance with father
____ Groom's dance with mother
____ Best Man toasting Bride & Groom
____ Bride & Groom with Champagne glasses
____ Bride & Groom's kiss after the toast
____ Wedding Cake
____ Bride & Groom cutting cake
____ Bride feeding Groom
____ Groom feeding Bride
____ Kiss after cutting cake
____ Bride tossing bouquet
____ Groom taking off garter
____ Guests dancing
____ Bride & Groom's last dance
____ Parent dance
____ Bride and father dance
____ Groom and mother dance
____ Parents dancing
____ Bridal party dancing
____ Guest dancing
____ Bride showing rings to bridesmaids
____ General dancing shots (wide and close up)
____ Flower girl and ring bearer together
____ Candids of guests and bridal party as conditions permit
____ Bride and groom posed in front of the cake
____ Cutting the cake
____ Bride and groom feeding cake to one another
____ Bride faking the bouquet toss
____ Bride throwing the bouquet
____ The catch of the bouquet
____ Groom taking off garter
____ Groom and garter
____ Groom throwing the garter
____ The catch of the garter
____ Group shot of bride and groom with the recipients of the bouquet and garter
____ Guest leaving
____ Posed departure shot of bride and groom (kissing, waving, etc.)
____ Getaway car
____ Bride and groom leaving reception area (birdseed, rose pedals)
____ Bride and groom in car as it goes in to the distance.


Other
____ Close up of invitation
____ Bride or Groom with special friends
____ Bride or Groom with special relatives
____ Picture of band or DJ

[831Photography]

I would LOVE it if every bride thought that quality photography was her number 1 priority, but that will never happen. Each bride has something that is more important to her than other things.

I have no problem with people wanting to get a deal! (I am a bargain shopper myself. LOL :D ) But I do not allow myself to get taken advantage of. We allow brides to make payments however they can (even if it is only $50 a week) and we also offer customized packages that start at just 3 hours of coverage and a site fee. From there, they can add things on that they would like.

Whatever the brides want, is what they get. I just hope that we can fit their budgets!

Steph

[totalia]

I have wondered in the last couple of years about the priorities of some of the couples' weddings that I've photographed. The first place they want to cut back on is the photography! Good gosh! That's all you have left once the day is over, after the cake is gone, the makeup washed away, the dress boxed up, etc.!
I've seen so many brides cut back on photography time to spend hundreds of dollars on makeup! And these are mostly couples that are living paycheck to paycheck. I know it's a very special day and everyone wants it to be perfect and it can be the most beautiful wedding with less spending on the foo foo and more on the photographs that will last a lifetime!

I'm afraid I can't agree with you. The bride's first priority should be the fact that she's getting married to someone she loves. Everything else is secondary and not nearly as important.

[robindepaula]

[
I'm afraid I can't agree with you. The bride's first priority should be the fact that she's getting married to someone she loves. Everything else is secondary and not nearly as important.

You're right, but we're just saying this is the only thing that you'll be able to look back at many years from now to remind you of that special day you married the person that you love!

Robin

[wedbyjean]

Definitely having a professional photographer for your wedding is a must. Uncle Joe with his 35mm or new digital camera just isn't enough, he doesn't have the skills & experience to produce beautiful wedding photographs. Whether your wedding album is 10 pages or 40 pages, having them done by a professional is the way to go. After the wedding day, other than the marriage itself (which I agree IS the most important thing of the wedding) the photos are the only thing that's left. The cake is gone, the dress is boxed up. You've got your memories, but in time these will fade. Photos last for generations.

Bride's come in every budget size. I do what I can to steer them to the best the money they have budgeted for photos will get for them.

Jean

[totalia]

[
I'm afraid I can't agree with you. The bride's first priority should be the fact that she's getting married to someone she loves. Everything else is secondary and not nearly as important.

You're right, but we're just saying this is the only thing that you'll be able to look back at many years from now to remind you of that special day you married the person that you love!

Robin

Yes, but you can do that just as easily with ANY camera, a little thought and creativity.

I've seen vendors ask $3500 for pictures. That's way too much money for anyone except the richest brides.

Pictures are important that's true. But they don't need to be expensive pictures.

We are just going to buy a digital camera and get pictures using it then have them printed. You can manipulate them any way you want by doing that. Its MUCH cheaper and the pics will look just as good from anyone with computer skills.

[robindepaula]

Digital cameras are great, but the person using it should have some type of experience in wedding photography ~ the average person will not know correct lighting techniques, etc. Computer skills isn't all it takes to make a portrait look good.....Not all vendors charge people a fortune ~ you have to comparison shop ~~ you can find an awesome photographer that isn't well know & get a great deal OR you can find a local photography student.

Robin

[Charity]

We definitely all have our own views!

I don't think that photography should be a Bride's NUMBER 1 priority, but then again, I am not a photographer! Of course I am biased to think that a coordinator is important, and of course, without an experienced professional Officiant the whole ceremony could end up a horrible experience, but hey - that's me!

When I talk to the couples that I work with, I Q&A them until I find out what is important to THEM. Not to their parents, not to the Bridal party....the Bride & Groom...the reason I have a job. Each couple is different, and one Bride could want to blow her budget on flowers...so be it, if that is truly what she wants - she will just have to make do in other areas.

I don't really think there is one area that supercedes another - it is all in whatever makes the client happy.

[totalia]

Digital cameras are great, but the person using it should have some type of experience in wedding photography ~ the average person will not know correct lighting techniques, etc. Computer skills isn't all it takes to make a portrait look good.....Not all vendors charge people a fortune ~ you have to comparison shop ~~ you can find an awesome photographer that isn't well know & get a great deal OR you can find a local photography student.

Robin

Ahh but thats the beauty of digital cameras. You don't need to have experience in the field at all. You can view and delete anything you don't like right on the site and as soon as you take the pics and then just take another picture immediately without wasting loads of film.

Photographers will always say that you should have experience in order to shoot a picture. I will never agree. I don't have any and yet I've shot some beautiful photos.

[robindepaula]

That's fine ~ you can disagree all you want . . . the quality of a professionals work is unsurpassed by mediocre photos any day.

[wedbyjean]

Photographers will always say that you should have experience in order to shoot a picture. I will never agree. I don't have any and yet I've shot some beautiful photos.

Do I own and use a digital camera? Yep. Has my "photography skills" improved tremendously since I stopped using my 35mm and switched to digital? You bet. Have I "shot some beautiful photos"? Certainly have.

However . . .
Are my newfound skills comparable to a professional photographer? Not in a years oops, make that a Billion) years.

It takes A LOT MORE than just being able to point & shoot, and being able to delete what you dont want. It takes a special eye to pose people so they don't look posed. It takes a special knowledge (and experience) in the proper angles and the proper lighting (that the tweaking of digital photos on the computer just won't achieve) to get a great photo from the start. It takes what I refer to as "eyes in the backs and sides of their head" to see that unexpected, unposed, unforseen, can never be recreated moment that only a true, experienced professional can capture, providing you with something in print that will take your breath away everytime you look at it.

If you want some "nice pictures" go with someone with less experience (and cheaper prices). If you want truly beautiful, quality photos that will be proudly passed down from generation to generation, then find someone who truly knows what he/she is doing.

Remember the old adage - "You get what you pay for."

Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart

[ndsimm]

Thank you Jean for saying what I was thinking. I am a photographer and I don't think photography should be the number 1 thing to the couple. It should be a balance of the entire day. Yes, the cake will be eaten, the dress will be placed in storage, and the napkins will be tossed, but without all of those other things, the photographer has nothing to shoot! Totalia, I'm sorry, but I also have to disagree with you. I do graphic design as well as Photography and have had to tell several brides that I could not "fix" their wedding photos that someone with your experience shot. Not all photographers charge 3500 for a wedding (I wish I could) but at the same time, we all have a level of experience that makes us good at what we do.

[jbeale]

I recently started photographing weddings professionally. I've been doing event video for seven years with photography as a serious hobby.

I would agree that with persistence and patience, most people with a modern digital camera can get a nice portrait (as long as the lighting conditions are ok). But conditions are not always good.

Example: at the last wedding rehearsal (outdoors) I took some trial shots and saw that stripes of harsh sunlight through an overhead arch shining on the bride created an impossible contrast situation. No photographer could have gotten a decent picture, without some change in lighting. I discussed it with the site coordinator, and that evening I purchased 8 yards of fabric and attached it to the overhead structure before the ceremony the next day. Result: beautiful ceremony shots.

I took over 800 pictures that day and captured a wide variety of action as well as the formal poses. Not all shots are "keepers" but I don't think a casual shooter would have all the shots I did, eg. bouquet toss in midair- the cheaper digital cameras have a longer shutter lag and have focus problems with moving objects in extremely dim conditions.

If some formal poses are all you want, then maybe a friend's digicam will do. But one other thing- the wedding party appreciated that I got their shots done quickly. I've found groups of any size get restless quickly if the photographer keeps them waiting while he tries shot after shot to "get it right".

[weddingphotographer76]

[quote="jbeale"]
Example: at the last wedding rehearsal (outdoors) I took some trial shots and saw that stripes of harsh sunlight through an overhead arch shining on the bride created an impossible contrast situation. No photographer could have gotten a decent picture, without some change in lighting.


Actually if you take many different meter readings and manually set your shutter/apeture setting according to the readings you got then you could have most likely had INCREADIBLE images without having to do all that work.

When I was in in college my proffesors were firm belivers in capturing true light. So I have been trained to shoot in any lighting situation with or without a flash. I prefer no flash actually.

This is why couples should pay for a pro photographer. I am not saying I am the best by any means I have a lot to learn still but not anyone can take proffesional pictures just beacuse they have a digital no offence to jbeale.... I am just driving home the point....


Just my 2 cents :) No hard feelings. :cry:

[allmadeupp]

As a makeup artist I work with serveral different photographers, and having a great photographer to capture one of the most important days of your life is vital! I would never think that people would cut back on photography. Thats interesting. I always find that people eliminate the makeup expense. Most brides will do their own makeup and have thier bridal party do their makeup(which always looks a hot mess), rather than pay a professional to come out and make everyone look amazing..pictures are forever!!

[rainbowtreat]

I am not a vender but hope it is ok to put what I think into this thread. I am a bride to be, on my second run at this i might add. My first wedding I didnt have a photographer , I had a friend take pictures for me. I had some relly nice pictures but not the ones I really wanted. The big thing fo rme is to marry this man that I love more then anything and he loves me just as much. The second thing is the pictures. If it wasn't for a friend paying for a photographer as a gift to us we woud not be able to afford it. But with her knowing how badly I wanted this she said this is her gift to us. As for every thign else, my dress's budget is a mere $300 , it is a potluck dinner, the flowers are not a big deal for me, the only flowers we are having are the boquets and such, we will do out own make up, hair will be done at a salon, we are getting married outside in my sisters yard. We have to cut back where ever we can, we do live pay check to pay check at the moment. Even if we could do a huge expensive wedding notmuch would change. That is just who we are. But the pictures is what I wanted more then anything. I want to capture this moment and have the best pictures to show off afterwards. If it was not possible for us to have the photographer then we would have to make do in a different way but we got lucky. I truely think that every bride should think long and hard about this part of their day.

[Tiggerprincess]

Digital cameras are great, but the person using it should have some type of experience in wedding photography ~ the average person will not know correct lighting techniques, etc. Computer skills isn't all it takes to make a portrait look good.....Not all vendors charge people a fortune ~ you have to comparison shop ~~ you can find an awesome photographer that isn't well know & get a great deal OR you can find a local photography student.

Robin
How very true.........I havea friend who took the photo on my profile,,,,hes amazing!!! he offered to take my wedding photos for only $30.00!!!
D.D.

[bnd94]

I think with the use of a good digital camera anyone can take beautiful pictures. I have taken some amazing pictures and I have taught alot of people to use their new cameras and they went off to shoot like a pro too. With the automatic feature hardly any pictures don't come out and since you can see the picture you just took you know whether you got the shot you wanted or not. We are going to have a friend take all our pictures. I just can't see spending that much money on something I think anyone can do. Photography isn't #1 priority for me either. I want a few posed pictures but the rest I just want candid pictures taken by our guests. We are going to have disposable pictures on all the tables.

[CindySue]

Im doing the disposables on the tables too. While I DO want some good ones of me and my FH, I dont need pics of all that other "stuff". From the prices Ive been quoted on wedding packages by photographers around here, the basic package is more than Im spending on my entire wedding! :bbeek: I understand that weddings can be expensive, but some of this is ridiculous! If I want some good ones, I have to find someone I know that will work with me. I cant afford it any other way!

[WebLady]

I agree that the photography should be one of the most important things in the wedding ... simply because it is your pictures that will become the memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Yes, most anyone with a decent camera can get lucky and get a few decent pictures but, a good professional wedding photographer has skill not only behind the camera but also with weddings in general as well as lighting, posing and they should have good people skills too. And he/she can help to bring out the beauty of your day and the surroundings you chose. With a good pro you are more likely to get the pictures you deserve and will be proud to show off.

However ... having been a wedding photographer myself, I know that this business can be expensive and that there is alot of time and effort and in many cases years of experience to justify the high fees. And there are some that give you amazing images, albums and service that is well worth it. But, I have seen and known quite a few photographers charge these outrageous fees and provide little more than mediocre images and less than desirable "service".

But many brides can't afford to pay thousands of dollars for wedding pictures and most really don't need all that some photographers through in the packages to make it seem like you get alot. So I understand how brides on a budget sometimes go with other options for photography because it is so expensive. Personally, I wouldn't have paid $1000 for wedding pictures when I got married. If I hadn't known someone in the industry that gave me a deal, I don't know what I would have done.

But, I believe you CAN get beautiful photos from a good photographer, without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. Yes, I believe that it IS possible, you just have to shop around and find the right photographer for you and your budget. There are good ones out there that don't charge $1000 just to show up ;)

Yes, just like any business a wedding photographer should be able to make money at their craft but not at the expense of taking advantage of people. I have seen many different vendors in the industry that take advantage of brides and charge outrageous fees because they "can" This is just not right but people do it and there isn't much we can do about it. However, I know that there are good, honest merchants out there that give great service and at great prices and they still make a money too ;) You just have to give yourself the time to shop around and find them.

I may have mentioned this before but here are a couple of money saving tips ... If you have cut back on the photography budget, I would recommend cutting back on the labor involved, as in the albums and enlargements ... maybe just get the proofs and do the album yourself. Another idea is to only have the pro do the ceremony and the portraits and do the disposable camera thing and/or get a friend to take snapshots at the Reception.

Sorry for the long (opinionated) post ;) I hope I have not offended any photographers out there.

Best wishes to all of you!

~ WebLady :)

[LaceyinPgh]

I hope that none of the pro's here mind me posting in your section. But, I though I would add my own little thoughts. I am in a fortuate enough state that hiring a professional photographer wasn't a big deal to me. I wanted beautiful pictures of my wedding day because I agree with you all. That is the main way that my FH and I are going to have to recall our day. Then, I started to shop around for various photographers to interview. I was looking at some people who charge upwards of $7000 for a day of coverage and all that included was our album and an 8x10. Now I know that they are giving up their entire day to follow me around, developing hundreds of pictures, and putting together albums but to be honest I could get a neurologist and cardiologist to follow me around all day and it not cost that much money. I also met "amateur" photographers who charged far less but their quality was horrible.

What I am trying to say is this, professional photography is really important. But you have to take into account that most brides not only have a photographer to pay but also they need to stretch their budget to cover: food, dj, flowers, insurance, venues, officiants, wedding gowns, honeymoon, wedding rings; all the important things that we need the photographer to capture. Most brides that I have met on these message boards are planning a wedding for $10,000 or less. (More often than not to the less side of that figure.) They can't afford to blow one third of their budget on someone to take pictures. Brides have to work with what they have. I myself am going to end up paying over $2000 for pictures and then another fee for videography on top of that. An engagement ring doesn't automatically mean a money tree is sprouting in the back yard. (Believe me I went outside and looked for the **** thing!)

[WebLady]

... An engagement ring doesn't automatically mean a money tree is sprouting in the back yard. (Believe me I went outside and looked for the **** thing!)

OMG, you always have something funny to say ;)

~ WebLady :)

[Tiggerprincess]

OMG, you always have something funny to say ;)

~ WebLady :)
Hey i tried to, but i found it burned to the ground..I couldda sworn it was just there

[LizabethDavis]

I agree 100% with Lacey. Photographs are the most important, but they shouldn't cost so **** much. I mean, some of the prices around here even are ridiculous. Luckily, I found someone for a little bit less and better quality, IMO.

[Jamesbabygirl]

I agree 100% with Lacey. Photographs are the most important, but they shouldn't cost so **** much. I mean, some of the prices around here even are ridiculous. Luckily, I found someone for a little bit less and better quality, IMO.
I have a personal family freind doing mine..Hes good..Only going to charge 30-$40.00.I trust his not screwing them up..

[Shawna Bride]

As a Bride, I can tell you, what is most important to me is video and photography. Those 2 areas I'm spending a bit more on because, you're right, that's all you have when it's all over.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Photography shouldn't be the Number one priority but it should be close to the top. The number one priority is marrying the man you love and want to share the REST of your life with! Ok with that said, my photography bill came to around $9000 dollars. Thats with pictures and reprints and all this. (It grew to this mind you when people saw our pics and wanted copies.) Photography is soooo expensive and I feel for the ones who cannot afford these prices, but its like alot of people have said, when the day is over done with, the only things you've got are your husband by your side, your dress and your rings....let the photographs be the best form of your memories because memories fade away but a picture will last forever.

[CindySue]

Photography shouldn't be the Number one priority but it should be close to the top. The number one priority is marrying the man you love and want to share the REST of your life with! Ok with that said, my photography bill came to around $9000 dollars. Thats with pictures and reprints and all this. (It grew to this mind you when people saw our pics and wanted copies.) Photography is soooo expensive and I feel for the ones who cannot afford these prices, but its like alot of people have said, when the day is over done with, the only things you've got are your husband by your side, your dress and your rings....let the photographs be the best form of your memories because memories fade away but a picture will last forever.

You are so very right! Im having to scrimp on this part just to make the rest come together and my wedding is about as simple as you can get without running down to the JP. Im hoping i can find someone that knows what they are doing enough to get me a few good pics of the wedding.

[WhiskeyGirl]

You are so very right! Im having to scrimp on this part just to make the rest come together and my wedding is about as simple as you can get without running down to the JP. Im hoping i can find someone that knows what they are doing enough to get me a few good pics of the wedding.

I say enlist a friend who knows how to take the best pictures according to their ability. Then make a list of what photos you really want and need. Make sure you include everyone!! (I am not in a single family photo at my brother's wedding because my SIL's Step-monster took over and was being pushy and they "conviently" forgot about me!--> they didnt have a photographer either.) Make a list and stick to the list! Then have fun!! Don't just do the standing and posing! Have him dip you, look deep into each others eyes, walk away from the camera and have them snap a few, kiss and have the kids looking on! There are so many ideas that a person can use, but most times we tend to forget about them! Look up a good photographer and copy some of their ideas for images, but remember to write them down so you remember to do them! This way you can still have memorable photos and save yourself some coin! And remember take many snaps of the same pose! (you'll need lots of film or many memories sticks for a digital camera!) You never know when someone might be looking away or close their eyes! My other piece of advice, pick ONE person to do the photos...that way not everyone is competing to take the photographs and you know exactly which camera to look at. (so you don't end up with pics of you looking at one camera and Brian or someone else looking at another!) If they are outdoor photos remember to have some dark plastic chairs or crates to sit on for pictures as well! Oh and one more thing, try to take your pictures in the shade of a tree if it is really bright outside! this will cut down on squinting and glare!! Ok, I think I am finished rambling for now. I wish you the best of luck Cindy! Take care!

[CindySue]

Thanks a bunch!!!! I tried to give you a rep point but it saysI have to spread the wealth. Our ceremony is going to be in the evening and the reception, after dark. We may have to do some posed shots before the ceremony if i want some by the lake.
You really have been a tremendous help!!!

[WhiskeyGirl]

Lol...np..I've had it tell me that too!!

You are so very welcome! I would hate to see what happened to me at my Bro's wedding happen to anyone else! I'm still kinda hurt about it and wonder if it's because my SIL hated me back then! Oh well, whats done is done! These pointers were things that I picked up from my photographer so if I can pass on a little bit of wisdom then I feel like I've made my contribution! Plus, I want everyone to have the best wedding that they can!! :)

[Shawna Bride]

We got really luck, our photographer is giving us all of the negatives and proofs (without watermarks) after the wedding. Plus, she will be taking some pictures on her digital camera and she'll give us a disk of them.

[Hayz]

Right from the start of planning our wedding I've said I don't care what the photography costs - I'm having it! I feel that this is the only thing that I can keep from our day (except of the husband of course). The photography package I've gone with isn't the dearest, but its not the cheapest either. Its a great deal though. One of my friends used the same photography and package and her album is really nice, so I'm happy to cough up all the dollars for it.

[StaceyMc]

While I think that pictures are very important, I'm certainly not going to make photography my #1 priority.

At my sister's wedding, the photography was great, but my sister's favorite pictures were the ones that family took.

I've had the most sticker shock when we started looking at photographers. I understand that you have to pay for a service and the education and experience and such. But, I just can not squeeze multiple thousands of dollars out of my budget for the photographer.

I found a local "non professional" studio. The husband and wife team will take photographs, on both 35 mm and digital, develope the proofs and then provide my FH and I with the negatives and CD so that we can make prints on our own. We haven't made an appointment and looked at the books yet, but if their books are acceptable, I can see us going that way. The price is much more within our budget.

[LaceyinPgh]

While I think that pictures are very important, I'm certainly not going to make photography my #1 priority.

At my sister's wedding, the photography was great, but my sister's favorite pictures were the ones that family took.

I've had the most sticker shock when we started looking at photographers. I understand that you have to pay for a service and the education and experience and such. But, I just can not squeeze multiple thousands of dollars out of my budget for the photographer.

I found a local "non professional" studio. The husband and wife team will take photographs, on both 35 mm and digital, develope the proofs and then provide my FH and I with the negatives and CD so that we can make prints on our own. We haven't made an appointment and looked at the books yet, but if their books are acceptable, I can see us going that way. The price is much more within our budget.

Stacey, who are you using? They sound like the couple that Sean and I hired.

[StaceyMc]

Somme Studio - Sommer Dulles in Salina, PA

If you're using someone that's going to give you negatives, make sure that you take the negatives with you if you're making copies at WalMart or somewhere like that. A friend and his wife got into a battle with WallyWorld over pictures that were professional, but theirs...they bought the negs from the photographer. His wife was accused of scamming the store...blah blah blah. They had to take the negatives in to get their pics back.

[LaceyinPgh]

Somme Studio - Sommer Dulles in Salina, PA

If you're using someone that's going to give you negatives, make sure that you take the negatives with you if you're making copies at WalMart or somewhere like that. A friend and his wife got into a battle with WallyWorld over pictures that were professional, but theirs...they bought the negs from the photographer. His wife was accused of scamming the store...blah blah blah. They had to take the negatives in to get their pics back.

We are using Angelic Impressions with Dave and Patti Madden out of Greensburg. They have a really great package plus we get all the proofs, 3 parents albums, and all the negatives AND videography edited on DVD for $2100. I really poured over their work, it was quite good. I think moving a little out of the city helped with the price. The smae packages and qualities in the city were a couple thousand dollars more. If you don't like the vibe of your guy when you meet with him, let me know, I'll give you Dave's email.

[StaceyMc]

That's funny...I just looked at Angelic Impressions website a week ago. Their prices seemed pretty good, including the videography.

[officiant-fica]

We were married last summer and my BIGGEST mistake and only regret is not having a better photographer!! I can not express enought to any bride out there "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! I went with a lower end studio because our budget was small. If I had to do it over again I pay more to get better pictures. Heck, the girl took pics of the empty chair at the ceremony site. Actually two pictures of the empty chairs! And that is the least of it! Anyway, if ever I had to do it over, I would without a doubt spend more and get more!

[KSimonian]

I am looking at this tipping thread from two prospectives. One being that of a wedding photographer. From that prospective I certainly would not expect a tip. I charged a fair
price for my work, and shouldn't need a tip to do the job I was paid for.

My other perspective is that of some one who is getting married this coming October. My fiance and myself choose a package at the reception site that includes drinks and a meal for the guests. That package is costing $110 per person. Then the hotel charges a 20% gratuity charge on top of that. If after paying out a $1606 gratuity to the workers of the hotel (73 guests @ $110 per person = $8030 x 20% = $1606 for a 5 hour reception) I had better not see the bartender with a tip jar out.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I am looking at this tipping thread from two prospectives. One being that of a wedding photographer. From that prospective I certainly would not expect a tip. I charged a fair
price for my work, and shouldn't need a tip to do the job I was paid for.

My other perspective is that of some one who is getting married this coming October. My fiance and myself choose a package at the reception site that includes drinks and a meal for the guests. That package is costing $110 per person. Then the hotel charges a 20% gratuity charge on top of that. If after paying out a $1606 gratuity to the workers of the hotel (73 guests @ $110 per person = $8030 x 20% = $1606 for a 5 hour reception) I had better not see the bartender with a tip jar out.

I sure hope you don't either! Believe me I was choked when I did too!!

[KennedyPhotography]

Photography shouldn't be the Number one priority but it should be close to the top. The number one priority is marrying the man you love and want to share the REST of your life with! Ok with that said, my photography bill came to around $9000 dollars. Thats with pictures and reprints and all this. (It grew to this mind you when people saw our pics and wanted copies.) Photography is soooo expensive and I feel for the ones who cannot afford these prices, but its like alot of people have said, when the day is over done with, the only things you've got are your husband by your side, your dress and your rings....let the photographs be the best form of your memories because memories fade away but a picture will last forever.

Here Here, I totally agree and furthermore applaud you for that statement. It was well said and 100% true. Sad thing is this, you don't really know until it is all over. And when you sit down after all the excitement of that day and you finally take a look at all your photos. Then the sickening feeling in your stomach sets when you realize, this is what I have to remember my wedding? Crappy images. I say the most important thing when choosing your photographer, should not be the price. It should be how you get along with the photographer himself/herself, the quality of the pictures they have to show you and do they really care about you as a client.
With all of the clients I have had, there was not one that I did not truly care about and want to be there at thier wedding. In fact I alway stress before a wedding, because I want everything to be the best. I want when I sit down with my clients after the fact that they are truly in love and inspired by the Images I am presenting to them.
Choose wisely Brides, your future memories that you will share with your family, friends and children are at stake. One thing I always remember when I am photographing is this. If I screw this up, I can't go back and fix it. I think every bride should think the same when choosing a photographer. If he sucks, I will have spend that money, and have nothing to show for it. You might as well throw that cash in the trash.
I look at it this way, an open bar, a wedding cake and catered food all will be used up and forgotten at the end of the day.
So if you have to cut back somewhere, let it be there.
First Priority outside of your husband should be, Your Dress and Makeup, Your Location and your photography.
Because if you look like a Million bucks with your Dress and Makeup and your in a great location, the photos will capture all that for a lifetime. The drinks, food and cake will be forgotten.
Those are my 2 cents, hope not to brash.

[karmstrong]

It's been a while since I've been online, but this seems to be a discussion you can find on any message board about weddings.

The perspective from someone who didn't get pictures. We couldn't afford to have a professional, so we had 2 friends of my mother in law do our pictures. Being a photographer I gave a very detailed list to my mother in law to pass on to her friends. Apparently that didn't happen and on the day of the wedding I was in nothing but Bride Mode. So when the pictures came back, I literally cried because they were so bad. I didn't get a single picture of me and my mother, my brother walked me down the aisle and the only shot of us is horribly dark and red-eyed monster looking. None of me and my sister who is my best friend in the whole world and was my maid of honor. Put simply I wish we had figured a way to spend on that. I can honestly say that our wedding was done cheaply. We got married in his parents church so no cost, we bought meat, veggie, and fruit trays. We had stamped all of the invitations (my mother in law is a stampin' up demonstrator) so again free. My mother bought my dress for me, NO liquor. we didn't even really have a reception because there was no place for it in the church, so no first dance. Just so many things that as a young couple getting married we missed out on.

Enter the Wedding photographer -- This is why I do what I do. I understand that not everyone out there can afford a photographer for $7-8000. However, being one of the less expensive also hinders because the more expensive ones out there say the cheap photographers are poor quality. So it's a mud-slinging contest every which way with the brides trapped in the middle.

So my advice is dont just dismiss someone because they have lower prices, meet with them see their work, get a feel for their style and personality. My job is not to just snap pictures, but to take your wedding images...price is a factor, but I think in hiring someone their quality should speak to you. Just my thoughts from a "cheaper" photographer.

I'll have been married 5 years in november and still no honeymoon!!

[CindySue]

Yeah, we thought we were gonna luck out on this. Brian has a family friend that is (well used to be) a photographer and he was going to take the pics as a wedding present. We just had to supply film. Ive seen his work and he is GOOD!!! Well he ended up getting sick and couldnt make it to the wedding. Me being in "bride mode" I forgot about our camera, so the few pics that other people took, Im having the hardest time getting a copy of.......
We are trying to get stills made from our video, but we are having to have it turned to a DVD first..........

[cowboysbride]

The twenty photo deallie seems to be a southern thing or somethin',

I am about as SOUTHERN as you can get and I have a contract 6 hours and a guarantee for over 500 pics with an enormous personalized album, including a digital album that I can select and print from myself....I don't really understand your statement "a southern thing or somethin'"????

Our photographer is SOUTHERN as well and has been in business for over 20 years, she did our first couple pics, our holiday pics and our engagement pics (part of the package). Down here (Kentucky) we love our pic's and since I work for a Television Station I am having the Production Manager videotape the ceremony and the reception and produce a video for us as well...................Hmmm...SOUTHERN THING?

P.S> I DID notice the date of that paticular comment, I thought if whoever posted it was still around they might comment!

[Jacklynn]

Yeah, what gets me are the brides who want 8 hours of coverage, all files or negatives, an album, and proofs for $250. I tell them I wish them good luck! :roll:

I am almost getting that with an amazing photographer

It is 250 for approx. 6 hours of photos, and it includes from Engagement photos

[The Wedding Diva]

You are definitely one of the lucky ones, MayBride! I know from dealing with photographers in different areas of the country that photo packages vary greatly. For example, a digital package with one photographer I interviewed in Baltimore started at 1900-- and that was with no printed proofs! Just coverage and a CD. But I received a packet from a photog in the Midwest and her rates were considerably less and offered more. I think it all depends on what you are getting, experience, time of season (wedding season) and travel.

[C Floral Arrangements]

well pictures tells the story of u're wedding or at least they should.If u have good pictures but u don't have someone to coordinate u're wedding u can have a miserable day ,so i would say it's a combination of things that should be on a priority list .Think about it!!!!!

[serendipityweddings]

All I could suggest to her was to take everything back, cancel the "hall", the catering, the rediculous amount on flowers, the dress and the "makeup artist" that was going to give all the girls new faces & nails! and let me help her prioritize a new wedding.


Sounds to me like she should've gotten a wedding coordinator and sat down and made a budget...in some parts of the country, 10,000 will get you a pretty nice wedding.

And there are photographers around here (ohio) that I work with that can give you extremely high quality, and more photos than you'll ever know what to do with for about 1000 or a little more.

[Michelle_Allmon]

I 100% agree. That's all you have after the wedding, other than the ring & spouse. :)