Weddingbee boards

We went with Bella too and just got our match a few days ago. I wasn't too thrilled with the pictures in the link that Bella provided me (there were only like 10) but when I googled our photog's actual website his galleries were amazing! And his blog shows each of his weddings and they're all great so I'm really really excited!

If you already looked at her website and don't like the style I'd ask for a re-match. I'm pretty sure that's included and there shouldn't be a penalty. Maybe talk to your consultant so they're clear on the style you like next time. Good luck!

You won't get the same photos from Bella as you would from the photographer. It's a real bummer. I used to shoot for Bella. I can say they are REALLY nice people. I liked everyone I worked with :) However, after seeing my "finished product" - what they gave the bride and groom - I opted out shooting for them.

To see what I'm talking about, there is a great thread that I believe has helped many people in making decisions about Bella. It's got before's and after's to explain.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=405506

Bobby Earle 

@rzbina: You're so welcome! 

It's very unfortunate that so many book Bella, google the photographer's name, find the photos on their site, and then think they'll be getting that.

Here's what Bella will do. Your photographer will shoot your wedding. He/she will get paid around $400 (VERY part time). He will turn all of the images in to Bella. Keep in mind, Bella alters your photographer's style - they will not tell you this. I shoot wide open apertures all the time (this is what makes images VERY blurry in the background). This is key to my photography. I was  told not to do that as it makes post-processing difficult. I was also told not to go above IS0800. I do this all the time as it adds really nice grain to certain photos. But, since the photographer isn't the one post-processing the photos, they have no idea which photos were taken with what processing in mind. In no way will you be getting the same product you would had you booked the photographer yourself. Bella basically pushes the photographer to give them the most generic photograph that will be the easiest to post-process later for them. And if you don't follow suit, you'll get dropped. Like I said, they are extremely kind and decent people - nothing against them personally - but don't think that you are getting the same photographer if that photographer is contracted under Bella. Your photographer has a boss (Bella) and they have to follow that boss' rules.

@Maureen 9004:

The way Bella works is that they get an inquiry from a client. They then ask all the photographers in your area that match up with you who is available for that date. They then take from that list and choose your best match. If they had another option, they would have likely offered it to you. The fact that they showed you more of the photographer's work means they are running out of options.

My advice? If photography is EXTREMELY important to you - just eat what you have to (moneywise) and pick another photographer. Feel free to PM me your budget and I'll see if I can find you someone awesome in Detroit (assuming that's where you're getting married). If photography is just sort of important then it could very well be worth the gamble. Best way to find out is to ask youself, "if I don't get exactly what I want, will i seriously reget not switching?" If so, there's your answer. If not, same idea. Really hope that helps! Best of luck ;)

Bobby Earle 

Yeah, I'm actually not sure how this part would work, but I'm pretty sure they won't just give you the files. Maybe they sell them additionally? Best to ask :)

Bobby Earle

I wanted to thank everyone that posted on this topic, especially Bobby because I think it's important to get a photographer's point of view.

 After reading everyone's comments, and the fact that no one really came out to say anything GOOD about Bella, I started researching photographers in my area (again) to see what my options were. I'd done this a year ago before going with Bella and found they were the only ones to fit our budget. Now I realize I was only looking at some of the most expensive photographers!

 Anyways, long story short, I looked harder, and I found a great local photographer who is offering pretty much the same package I'd reserved through Bella for $100 less. FI and I met with her and got a great vibe, loved her pictures, plus she's giving us a free engagement session! I just emailed Bella to get our refund. Since the wedding is 3 months away, we still qualify for a full refund.

 I feel so much better! So thanks for everyone's input. And to anyone else that's having doubts, it never hurts to keep looking until you're happy!