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no way I have negotiated with everyone, most came down on their price except the church , even hotel came down, go for it!!!the economy puts the power in the client
It's definitely not tacky, but depending on the photog and situation, he may or may not be receptive to your negotiating. I wouldn't hinge your hopes on being able to get a lower price but it doesn't hurt to ask....just be reasonable about your requests and have some good reasons for him to consider negotiating -- just wanting to pay less might not cut it ;). I'd also keep researching for photogs who may have a similar style...you could be lucky and happen upon one who isn't as established yet and would definitely be willing to either negotiate with you or they could already have a lower starting cost for their packages!
As for the prints/album thing, it seems like the norm for a wedding photography pacakge is anywhere between 6-10 hours of continous shooting, a 2nd shooter (a must if you have a large wedding), a proof book or box of printed proofs, and one of several extras -- in your case it's a 20 page album, sometimes also an art print, or else a DVD of your pictures (depending on the photog could be low-res or high-res -- always try to get high res, especially if it can be part of your package!).
Anyway, good luck with your negotiating and photog search! Since you're in NYC I'm sure plenty of bees would be able to suggest alternative photogs if this one doesn't work!
I think negotiating is acceptable, but there probably has to be a little give and take, not just a lower price necessarily. If that doesn't work, my photographer is out of NY and she is affordable and I think has GREAT photos - www.ericalynphotography.com We haven't used her yet but so far she has been absolutely fantastic even with non-photography wedding questions!!
Good Luck!
Definitely definitely negotiate! But like others have said be reasonable. If you want them to really go lower be willing to give something up. Like an hour or two. I have contacted over 2 dozen photographers and only one has been unwilling to bring the price down. Most were very willing to work with me.
Miss Gloss,
We're meeting with Erica next weekend! yay! Can't wait! I have a good feeling about this.
It never hurts to try and negotiate. The worst that could happen is they'll tell you their prices are flat rates (never changing). At least you tried!
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I would definitely try to negotiate. I spoke to several photographers and many of them were willing to create custom packages or make changes to the pricing listed on their websites. I also think if you're looking for more prints than the listed package, ask if you can create a custom package. I know our photographer did it for us, and I was really happy we asked.
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Definitely NOT tacky! I was obsessed with a photographers work & would get on his website everyday because I was so obsessed! When I called to find out prices, he asked me what my price range was... I told him it's a small weding & I kind of wanted to stay around $700... He said most of his brides have a budget of $5,000!! He does shoots out of the country & for magazines... Anywho, we worked it out that he would shoot 3 hours & give me a cd with the photos for $1100! I'm really happy with our decision & with him working with my budget. It also helped a little having a Wednesday wedding, whereas if it were a Friday or Saturday, he probably wouldn't be willing to work with me that much. Good Luck!
I'm a chicken, I could never haggle with anybody. But, my mother on the other hand is great at it and I always send her to do my dirty work. We're renewing our vows, so she's not really involved in a lot of the planning, but I might still get her to go meet the photographer with me. LOL. Told you I'm a chicken!
It certainly cannot hurt to ask, as a professional photographer who offers a standard "package" with other options al a cart, I have had many brides give me specifics of what they want, and I will try to accomodate their budget, but my prices are on the low end for NYC to begin with! if you make a respectful proposition, most photographers will truthfully respond. Many may be willing to come down a little, and many will not, but I don't think any will hold it against you if you ask! Good luck!
It never hurts to ask, especially with the economy the way it it. Maybe they won't come down on the price, but maybe they could throw some extras into your package to make up for it? Like the old saying goes, "You never know if you don't ask."
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thank you ladies!
i just emailed my photographer, we'll see what happens! i hope his rates are negotiable because if not, it's coming out of my dress fund 
. yes, that's how obsessed i am with his work!
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Hi Miss Aggie - as a photographer we are definitely open to negotiation we mostly will alter their package to work within their budget. See what their packages are and see what you can live without. If you are having a Friday or Sunday wedding a lot of photographers will discount those days. Also, if you have any skills that a photographer can use, many are open for bartering. It really depends on the photographer and how open they are to it.
Good Luck!
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Something I might add as well. If you are doing something very unique like a colored wedding dress, a brand new location, theme wedding, etc. some photographers are willing to discount it just to add it to their portfolio.
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It is definitely not tacky! I have negotiated with almost all of my vendors! I'm usually too much of a wuss to haggle but they were all so receptive like they kind of expected it! I've saved so much money this way!!
I agree with everyone-- you should definitely negotiate. However, remember that photographers aren't just a vendor on a list. They are very creative individuals with a passion for what they do. So instead of jumping in and talking about cash, let the photog know that you absolutely love his/her work and the you'd really love work with them. Explain how their style of photography would fit your wedding. And then ask if there's any way they could work with you on the budget. If prints aren't that important to you, see if you can get a DVD of all of the edited photos, rather than 20 prints, etc etc.
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I'm with BeachBrideT. Photographers do seem open to negotiation, but often much less than many other vendors. Still, I think like anyone else you deal with while wedding planning, they are people. If they like you or have some other reason for wanting to work with you, they will be more receptive. Sincere flattery will get you a long way. Another thing I found is that the more in-demand photographers are less willing to negotiate far in advance. But as your date gets closer you have more leverage.
It is never tacky to negotiate! You are just being a smart business woman. If you keep trying to negotiate even after he tells you the bottom line, than that's where you get obnoxious.
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Let us know how it went!!
I am sure many brides are intereted in hearing the outcome!!!!
ok ladies, here's the deal...
it's a no-go on the negotiation of his fees BUT he said that he would give us discounts on the a la carte items (extra pages on our album, large canvas print, parent albums, etc) 
i wasn't expecting for him to budge too much but i just had to try since every little bit helps! the fact that our date is 10.10.10 didn't help the cause much... he said that he's positive that he'll be booked for that date in due time since it's a rather popular date.
but anywho, we've paid the retainer fee and we've got us a photographer!!!! 
my dress will bear the bulk of the consequences but i just can't not buy these louboutins that i've been eyeing! who knows... budgets are set to be broken i suppose 
aggie
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i have a photographer that i've been wanting to use even before i was proposed to but his fees are quite high (judging from the previous posts on the board). is it at all tacky to be trying to negotiate on his fees..?? i really love his style and his photos are gorgeous but i don't know if it'll be a huge burden. also, his wedding package doesn't include any prints except for the standard 20 page wedding album... is that the norm..?? please help