I see a lot of wedding photos…A LOT. I’m as bad as a bride stalking blogs to see when the pictures are finally posted that I have worked on.
Lately, I have run into brides that are skimping on their photographer or they are going with big companies that randomly assign a photographer without ever seeing their work. Huge mistake….usually. When I hear a big company name, I usually know that their pictures won’t be used in my portfolio because I do have a high standard. Now it’s not always the case but I would say most of the time (like 90% of the time!)
Message is, don’t be cheap with your photographer or not do your homework. I have worked on weddings that had amazing colors, amazing décor and wardrobe but I see their wedding pictures and I feel so bad for them because I know there is no way they thought their photographer through.
Some people think that if there is a big company name – it means great photos and a fair price. Just because you go with an independent doesn’t make mean you will pay more than using a big company, trust me – it will probably cost you less. A lot of the bigger companies have so many hidden costs that you aren’t even aware of and they get you in the end. And not meeting your photographer first is just flat out crazy. I have met some photographers that I didn’t even want to spend the 2 hours with while I was doing makeup, let alone the WHOLE day!
If you are currently contracted with a big company, haven’t even met your photographer and you are unsure of it – lose your deposit and book another one. It will be worth it in the end. There are 2 very important things that will last the rest of your life…your pictures from your wedding day and how you look in them. Don’t skimp on either!
If you need some suggestions for GREAT photographers that are in the Chicagoland area, here are a few of my favorites! You will love them, promise!
www.jeremylawsonphotography.com (I haven’t had the pleasure of working with Jeremy yet but his pics are fabulous and he is quite hilarious on twitter!)
Thanks so much Cynthia! I couldn’t agree more, just because the upfront cost seems less doesn’t mean it is in the end!