Photographer Advice

lavalos · 07-19-2007, 02:03 PM

Hi Everyone,
I'd love to get your feedback on your photographer choice and what was provided in their packages. I know I want to have plenty of quality prints with little hassle, however, it seems like most of the packages local Cabo photographers offer do not include a lot of prints with their packages. I'm new to anything related to pictures (just bought a digital camera last year!) so I'm a little lost on what's a nice to have vs a must have. I know capturing the day is important so we're not skimping on the hours.

For the ladies who've already married and used a Cabo photographer, did you feel like your packages included too much, just right, or not enough? Did your photogs make it east to customize their packages? Please list what you would have liked to add/take out (i.e, hours, prints, photo album, etc).

I'm a bit overwhelmed with trying to make this decision so appreciate any advice.

CourtneyV · 07-19-2007, 02:54 PM

Ok, well I'm not married, but I feel the uncontrollable desire to respond anyways. For me, the print package options weren't a priority when selecting my photographer. I narrowed it down by the photographer's work (If I TOTALLY loved it), then by the relationship I had with my photog, since it's super important (IMO) to have a good relationship with your photographer. My package does include print credits, I don't remember how many... and I don't remember how much I spent. haha, ok, sorry I'm not helping. I guess my point is that having the print credits were secondary for me. Yes, they're good. and yes, I'll use them... but I'm just not going to worry about it until after the wedding, to be honest. I'm sure you could talk to your photographer of interest about print options and compare prices between your favourite photographers... but I wouldn't base my decision on that alone.

Did I understand your question correctly? Maybe I'll have a different opinion after I'm married (which is what you're probably getting to), but I'd prefer pay a little more for the prints and photographer than worry about getting a deal ahead of time. Know what I mean?

mmk... I'm rambling now...

lavalos · 07-19-2007, 03:07 PM

Great response and, yes, you totally understood my question. Thanks for the advice from someome going through this process.

Would, mos def, like to hear from the unmarried gals as well!!

CourtneyV · 07-19-2007, 03:09 PM

Do you have some photographers in mind already?

tvt · 07-19-2007, 03:14 PM

are you set on using a cabo photographer? we're fyling in an awesome gal who was super flexible and even made us a package that fit exactly what we wanted.

here's what we're getting in a nutshell:
2 photographers (tavel included)
unlimited wedding day coverage
trash the dress session the next day
engagment shoot
50ish page 13x13 album
10 5x7s
5 8x10s
digital negatives with about 75 retouched

michelle08 · 07-19-2007, 03:35 PM

I don't really know what is the best...I personally could only afford 3 hrs so I opted not to have any of me getting ready. I can have all the crazy women in the room w/ me take pictures!! :) So he will do ceremony, shots of us, family, etc..and reception. I think we get a certain number of prints but the most important for me was the cd I get. That way I can pick and choose th eones I want printed.

CaboDate · 07-19-2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavalos

Hi Everyone,
I'd love to get your feedback on your photographer choice and what was provided in their packages. I know I want to have plenty of quality prints with little hassle, however, it seems like most of the packages local Cabo photographers offer do not include a lot of prints with their packages. I'm new to anything related to pictures (just bought a digital camera last year!) so I'm a little lost on what's a nice to have vs a must have. I know capturing the day is important so we're not skimping on the hours.

For the ladies who've already married and used a Cabo photographer, did you feel like your packages included too much, just right, or not enough? Did your photogs make it east to customize their packages? Please list what you would have liked to add/take out (i.e, hours, prints, photo album, etc).

I'm a bit overwhelmed with trying to make this decision so appreciate any advice.

Really it boils down to "how" you want your wedding shot. There are photographers out there who snap what you ask and the major moments.. and there are photojournalists who create a story. There's good and bad for both.. if you go the photojournalist route.. make sure you make a list of the 'posed' pictures you want with family and friends so you don't miss out. If you go the other way.. make sure to explain to your photographer how you want your day captured. I think overall you'll be very happy in the end.. as long as you find someone who's work you already like!

RAENJAY · 07-21-2007, 02:03 AM

I agree, the prints were not my main concern. I did make sure that I own the rights to all my photographs - to me this was important. I didn't want to have to contact my photographer everytime I wanted something. So now I am the proud owner of 4 DVD's of my photos - the great, good, bad, and just plain ugly. Then we also received 2 black leather albums for about 600 4x6 "proofs" (or prints) they are very nice albums, but I will still do a coffee table book. Still waiting to be purchased are 2 large (i want to say ??x20) canvas prints that as soon as my pictures are online we will get those.

Hope this helps some.

robindepaula · 07-28-2007, 07:52 PM

All the ladies have posted some fantastic responses for you to think about. It really is what you want in a photographer. Most all photographers will do a custom package to suit your needs. Don't let posted prices scare you off from one that you really love their work . . . all you have to do is ask - it never hurts.

GrayPhotographDotCom · 06-20-2008, 01:37 PM

Seeing we are wedding photographers - you can take our two cents or not, but we can give you the inside scoop! :)

First, I most definitely agree with CourtneyV that it is SO important to feel comfortable with your photographer! This is one of the top most important days of your LIFE and the last thing you want to feel is awkward with some creepy photographer who has no idea who you are or the photos you really want to get! Definitely place that high on your list! When Zach and I shoot couples, we have a blast with them - wedding photography should not be a dreaded part of your day!

Other things to want/or look out for:
1. Make sure you love their wedding photography style (candid, traditional, photojournalistic, fashion, etc)
2. Ask to see a WHOLE wedding that they have shot (Especially with photography turning predominately digital and PhotoShop being a user-friendly tool, it's really easy for less-experienced photographers to doctor up a couple photos for a website and make their photography look really great. We know couples who have gotten their wedding pictures back and their photos look nothing like what was on the site because the photographer didn't have the skills to shoot the photo correctly to begin with and only spent time making a few select photos look really good for their site.)

And lastly, to address Lavalos' original question - when it comes to packaging, most photographers are willing (or at least should be willing :) to adjust to meet your package needs. See what they offer, talk to your fiance and figure out what you are wanting, and make a decision. If the photographer(s) don't want to listen to what you are looking for as a bride, then you don't want them shooting your wedding. Like Robindepaula wrote, "it never hurts to ask."

Good luck! This time can definitely be stressful! I survived and so will you! :)