OK, so, after the h3ll that was last week, what with our photographer cancelling, we have looked at several hundred photographers and been to see 3.
The first was seriously disappointing and I felt like crying when we left. The second and third were great, but have pros and cons; so please bear with me, and also, offer any advice/thoughts as to what you think we should do! The prices are similar; there's about £200 difference and both will come in at under our original budget. Photographer 1 is slightly cheaper and has 2 shooters rather than just one; that's the only difference in terms of packages.
Photographer 1:
Pros: Great photos overall: does everything very well ie gets a lot of lovely candid shots, but also gets great detail shots (which are important to me), and has a real flair for the posed shots (ie bride on her own; bride and groom together) - they have a 'fashion-y' feel to them, and are very stylish.
Cons: Her work is almost too 'clean' for our tastes, and just lacks a certain something that I can't quite put my finger on; they could kind of be anyone's photos, if that makes sense.
She was VERY chatty and overly 'pal-y' IMO. If she's like that on the day, I would find it very overbearing and overwhelming, and from what she's said (eg about how she talks to the couples constantly while she shoots the posed shots) I suspect she may well be like that on the day.
Photographer 2:
Pros: Exceptionally good candid shots. He seems to really get involved and capture the day. He also has great flair and creativity; when you look at his work it's like looking at a magazine, there's an almost 'staged' quality even though it's 100% natural, and we love that.
Personality-wise he's definitely better than photographer 1. He's fun and laid back, but very professional and not too loud or overbearing. I think I would feel more comfortable with him on the day.
Cons: For some reason, his posed shots are just not great. It's so weird because they just lack the creativity and flair that his other shots have, and they seem kind of 'stiff'. If we went with him we could try out some poses on our pre-wedding shoot, but I feel like it'd be left up to us on the day to suggest locations/poses etc.
I'm totally torn!
In terms of style, I definitely prefer the second photographer; and I definitely prefer his personality. I don't want to be worrying about feeling 'on edge' on the day.
On the other hand, while candid shots are important to us, ultimately this is our wedding day, and so for me (not so much for my OH) the posed shots ARE important too. It's all very well having lots of pictures of your guests, but I want some of us, too. I don't want a ton; just half a dozen really nice, artistic ones so that we could choose one to frame, for eg. We would definitely get that with the first photographer, but I don't know about the second.
What would you do?...
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Ask the second photographer if he could do some of the candid ones you like too. He sounds like he fits the bill more than someone who may irritate you on the day.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorVerity
I would get the second if u feel better about his personality. I would show him on next meeting couple of shots what u want. Find sth on the internet, what kind of poses you would prefer and ask him for it. He wont do exactly the same, but if hes professional he can make sth very similar with no problem. Just ask him and you will see if hes comfortable and happy to do it for you.
Just let you know 2 photographers in a package doesnt mean its better choice. Professional photographer is able to take all important pics of your day. For shots of all your family members u dont need second photographer, Im sure someone in your family has a phone or wee camera to take hundreds of these (its happening on almost every wedding). Sometimes when photographers work in 2, u can see other photographer on your pictures (they dont stand next to each other). If u have a videographer thats not a good choice, they would be on lots of places at your movie.
CommentAuthorInDreamland
I agree about having one photographer, we only had the one and he was brilliant.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorMrs T Hurley!
The second photographer sounds more like your style. If he makes you feel more comfortable then go with him. Like the others have said, show him some examples of what you are after.
Met 18/09/03
Engaged 06/09/08
Getting married 05/09/17
Yeah I'm not bothered about 1 vs 2. Our wedding will be on the small side, everyone's getting ready at the venue (ie 1 photog can easily get shots of the girls and the guys), our ceremony venue is easy to navigate (there'll be plenty of space to move from the back to the front/vice versa), and our reception venue is compact. So that doesn't factor into it TBH.
Atm I feel like I have to choose between very good photos but lacking the certain 'look' that we want for the candids, great posed shots, and a very possibly grating personality, OR, exceptionally good candids, but stiff formal shots, and a good personality.
I can't decide which I'd regret more in 5/10 years time :-s
CommentAuthorInDreamland
The one thing you don't want on the actual day is someone irritating the life out of you. I'd ask the one you like as a person to do some other different shots which if he is good will be able to accommodate xx
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorLauraK7
I would go for number 2 personality wise I wouldn't want someone in my face all day x
