Photographer choices

Congratulations on your engagement.

For myself, I also went with the more expensive one. This is the one splurge I gave into. The photos of your day will last forever. I would hate to regret that i made the wrong choice the rest of my life.

side note, I explained she was over my budget right at the beginning of the interview, (not by much). She ended up creating a package that worked for us. We skipped the engagement photos and forgo 2 hours. (i figured getting ready photos are not that necessary) So I ended up with 2 photographers, one for 8 hours and one for 6 hours versus 10 and 8 hours. l still receive over 500 photos, with 200 of her favorites edited. We left out the wedding album and printed photos.

She also left an option to add on things if we decided.

Hi Rebecca, I would go with the less experienced photographer and get more photos making sure that you ensure that you get more than 200. It's the same amount of time and your budget is very strict so that' s what I would do.

You do have good views and points to see where you want to go. Based on the time your heading, costs won't be as much unless chosen a student starting out their portfolio will be on the less expensive side.

Inexperience/College Students are the way to go if your budget is tight. The cost is low though the quality may not be the best if your ok to go this route.

Experienced professionals will be expensive with high end pictures as a result to give your day the best cost. Second photographer may cost extra if quoted or included in the price.

Review pictures and packages when inquiring about pricing and flexibility to work with what within your means.

I overspent on my photos and I know that but I don't care because photos are so important for the day and they are what I will hang up in our home after. I wanted them to be amazing. I went to a bridal show last year and ended up winning an engagement session from a different photographer who was fairly new to the industry but her work was still beautiful. We did the free session but also kept our engagement session with our wedding photographer (which was part of our package). The difference between the 2 sets of photos was ASTONISHING and made me so glad I went with the higher priced photographer for our wedding day. In the end it is completely up to you but I'm telling you my story because I know if I went with a less experienced photographer I would have regretted it. You really do get what you pay for.

Another story for you (lol you probably don't care but I will tell it anyway).

My cousin was just in a bridal party for her friend and the photographer was newer (and also alone that day). When they got the photos back from the wedding my cousin realized that she was barely in the photos - the photographer had taken most from a vantage point where she couldn't be seen. Now you could say this is because it was a solo photographer but I also think it has to do with experience level.

Take a look at their work. Personally I would go with the more experienced one. This is a big day and you will keep those memories forever.

I would personally go with the less experienced one, it sounds like you like their work, which is a must!

I agree with Becky and give her a list of photos you want included (especially during time where you can't ask for that photo i.e. the ceremony). I'd do this even with an experienced photographer, just so I'm sure I'm getting the photos I really want. I also like Tori's advice about asking about backups - and again, I'd ask that of any photographer, not just the less-experienced ones.

My friend recently went with a cheaper photographer- she new the quality she gave before going there. She hired her and the girls images were good but her idea's of where people should stand in photos were odd. She also didn't think to take photos unless told? If you go with cheaper make sure you know what you will be getting quality wise, give her a checklist of what photo's you want to make sure you get what you want.

I personally spent extra because wanted to make sure got the memories I wanted- Its not always in everyone's budgets to do this. Its ultimately up to you!

Just because they are cheaper and haven't done much weddings doesn't mean they will be bad- normally there focus is on other types of photos like family or maternity etc

I would pick the less experienced one. Just because they are just starting out doesn't mean they aren't great.

We went with a newish photographer too because we couldn't beat the price and the pictures are amazing!

IMO I would say to go with the one who was less experienced as long as you like their work and then just take precautions such as making sure they have 2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted, they have back up batteries, etc.

My advice is spend the extra money. My mom went with a less experienced photographer for her wedding a few years ago and wasn’t happy with the quality of her photos.

We went with a pricier photographer for our wedding and their photos are phenomenal. We couldn’t be happier.

The extra money stinks but youll have amazing photos forever versus photos you mat not be ultimately thrilled with.