How long did you hire your photog for? How many photos?

[scoutley]

Hi! Decisions decisions. How long did you hire your photographer for? We're thinking 3 hours is enough - we don't want photos of the reception. But now I'm wondering if that will be a bit rushed. Should we try for 4 hours? Also, realistically, how many photos will I need/want on my high resolution cd that is provided by the photographer? I have absolutely no idea about this (having never done it before!!) and would love some input!! Thanks!

[SunBride]

tough question. I didn't really have a reception, and I had about 6 hours of photo coverage (that includes a lot of getting ready time, like an hour at the hairstylist, etc)

 

I received approx2000 photos, but my photographer gave us pretty much every photo she took (deleted a few with blinking). Out of the over 2000 photos, I was able to narrow it down to 700 that I really liked (the rest were mostly duplicates of the exact same or similar photo, as well as maybe 100 photos that I disliked and didn't want to share). Some photographers will do that for you and provide a much smaller amount (having eliminated all the exact and near duplicates).

 

Although initially I was really happy to get them all to choose the best ones myself, it was a crazy lot of work.

 

In terms of what would be an ideal number, I think 500 awesome photos (if there is little duplication) would plenty.

[O'Driscoll Photography]

My packages start at 6 hours. This is usually enough time to cover getting ready, ceremony, and at least some of the reception. If you don't want the reception covered, you could get away with less time. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it's always better to give yourself more time than you think you'll need, as that way if you're running a little late you'll have a bit of an extra cushion.

 

Best wishes,

Tod

[TammyB]

I had a very small wedding, only 6 guests. I hired my photographer for 3 hours and let me tell you it was very rushed and I wished I had hired him longer. We did a couple shoot before the wedding and then after, I didn't have time to do getting ready shots and he only took pictures of the cakes and the toast. IMO I would go no less then 4 hours and keep in mind that your still going to fell rushed. If you want either getting ready or reception pics then I would say between 4-5 hours. OH BTW for the 3 hours I hired Juan, I had almost 700 pictures. Their is no way of knowing how many pictures you'll get. Each photographer shoots a little different then the next.

[O'Driscoll Photography]

As far as how many images would be on your cd, it really depends on a number of factors such as: how many hours coverage, how tightly your photographer edits his work, and how much is going on at your wedding (i.e., at some weddings there is a lot of dancing whereas at others people don't do much dancing, some opt to have garter, bouquet, etc., while at others they opt to forgo some of those traditional things).

 

Because each wedding is different, the amount does vary. But, for a 7 hour wedding, I average about 500-650 images on a DVD.

 

Tod

[scoutley]

Thank you all! That helps! I think I'll go for the four hours. The last thing I want is to be stressed and rushed!

[ehegwer]

good choice - Be sure to ask how much additional hours cost, and see if they have another appointment after yours, just in case.

[Davematthews16]

We booked ours for 5 hours. At first we weren't going to have any reception coverage, but decided to add it on. (We're doing the cake cutting, dances, garter ect, so I thought we would regret it if we didn't) Just make sure you aren't rushed!