- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
Hey Bees!
FI and I recently decided to cancel our 150 person wedding (as it was putting us $18K in the hole and he did not have a job at the time), and are opting to get married where we got engaged on the anniversary of our engagement December 17.
Because we got engaged in another part of the province, it would be pretty hard for me to plan anything out there (have only been there the once) so we've been looking into planners that will put together a nice elopement out in Lake Louise. One that I am LOVING right now is Sweet Occasions as they arrange for my hair, makeup, flowers, cake, dinner, reservations, officiant, marriage license- the whole nine. And I don't feel like I'd be settling with them. It's $3,000.00 altogether (the majority of the expense stemming from the photography), and looking at the one elopement they have pictures for- I think it looks great.
However, one of my fellow worker Bees commented that she thinks the photography looks cheap and "elopement-y". Does this look bad Bees? Will I regret going with the planners photographer ($2000 for 2 hours is a pretty good deal in our area, so it's hard to pass on)?
http://www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com/?case=tonya-freddy
Thanks Bees!
I think they are beautiful pictures. Its all about what you want. Honestly I think $2000 is way too much but maybe that is good for your area. We are only paying $900 for 8 hours of coverage and all rights to the finished pics.
@FutureJessicaMcB: The photography skill is solid, but the style is quite traditional (lots of posing, flash, etc). So ask yourself if that's the style you want or if you want something more natural/journalistic.
They are nice pictures- I like a more subdued color, not quite my style. That's probably why someone said they are "elopement'y". 2k does sound very expensive, what is the USD equivalent? 1,000 per hour is ridiculous.... I can hire fantastic people for 300/hr or much less.
I'm being picky, but I prefer natural light photos. On a few of these I'm seeing a flash off the dress and skin. I realize you sometimes need flash, but it's severe looking.
It is not my style (I prefer softer, natural light, more candid/natural poses) but the quality of the photos themselves are crisp, bold, and solid.
Regardless of the caliber of photography, $2000 is still a LOT for only two hours. If you love the photography style, that is fine - but I would still say that their asking price is on the high end.
As PP's have said, it's pretty traditional but still nice, although not worth $2k on it's own.
Side note, this sounds like an amazing deal for everything that you get with it, I would totally book it!
Banff is beautiful... We almost got married there as well and yes the photographers are most likely going to be pricy. The only thing that kinda bothered me was the flash/shadow in some pics! But in that case just do your pics during the day! Good Luck!
If you like it, go for it! This style may not be to everyone's taste, but they are technically sound (things are in focus, the composition is good), if more traditional photos. If you're on the fence, try to set up some time on the phone, or on skype to chat with them. That's the most important thing, to feel comfortable with the people who will be following you around on your wedding day. I would find out what that $2000 includes, as well. If you get all the edited images and a great album, that's a pretty reasonable cost (editing is a huge portion of a photog's time after the fact). I know everyone has a budget, but sometimes, it's all about paying for convenience. Sure, the package might cost a bit more for photography than finding someone on your own, but if it's one-stop shopping, that's an enormous time saver.
As someone from your area, I agree that the price seems somewhat on par for Banff. A friend that eloped in Banff (but had some friends in attendance to watch) got a cheap photography deal because the girl was new at it, and it was $1500 for 2 hours. Granted, the photographer was willing to spend a lot more than 2 hours with them, but when you're not having a reception how many photos of the two of you outside are really needed? Especially since you're getting married in December.
The photos look professional and really, non-prof looking photos are the only thing that looks truly bad in my opinion. If you don't love the pose-y style, maybe you could just tell the photographer that you'd love to have as many candids as possible. Or she could wash out the colours more in the editing process if that's what you're into.
I honestly think the package you're getting in the area is a bangin' deal!
I appreciate everyone's opinions- I'm going to see if we can do a consultation to see more of their work.
Yes this does come with full editing, CD, DVD and bound album.
@FutureJessicaMcB: Sounds like a good deal to me, then. I hope you like them after the consultation. Good luck, and happy elopement!
I like it, they are using off camera strobes which is a step up from natural light portraits IMO.
To the OP, I wouldn't think much of the comments here on pricing as pricing in Canada is not the same as the US, and elopement packages are different than standard wedding packages.
@USER876: Off-camera strobes are great but I don't see them as a step up or down, just a totally different style. I have the technical skill and equipment to do these shots but I think they're more suited to formal portraits (which many of these are) over event coverage. Elaborate light set-ups and constant flashes are obtrusive, especially with something like an elopement where they may only be 5 or so people there. My favorite photographers are those who mix flash and natural light - I don't think I'd want a photographer who just only delivers one type.
Holy moly... can I get married there? Absolutely beautiful! I think the photography is gorgeous- the colors are amazing. (I like bright colors!!). But yeah, it just depends on the style you're going for in your pictures. I think if you're getting married in a setting like that, this style of photography is perfect. I'd want to capture that beautiful backdrop as much as possible.
To me, no. There's not special in those photos. They lack creativity, angles and lighting. I don't know much about the technical aspects of photography but I do know those look very "blah".
I think they look like standard wedding photographs. Stunning and beautiful.
Honestly? That seems like a ton of money for these photos (though if they include a professional album, etc, I guess it's really more like $1000 for the photography). They all, even the ones of the actual ceremony, look pretty staged/posed. Part of that is definitely the lighting choices. If you really love them, then go for it, but it's not my style.
@BeeM: They do mix strobe and natural light....look at the deep depth of field and visible background, the strobe is only lighting the couple instead of overstopping and blowing that awesome background out. Sometimes this doesn't work, but this location I think it works great.
Off camera is a step up from natural light because not all photographers can do it or have the equipment which is expensive and takes skill and an assistant to operate. I agree for normal weddings it wouldn't be practical, except maybe the portrait session after the ceremony, but i think it works here. I always bring my 24" softbox and sometimes use it on a monopod for the romantic portrait session in between, and sometimes use 2 umbrellas setup in a dark church for large group formals. I agree it's a matter of taste, but I really think the vinage, blown out natural light look is beyond overdone at this point, and the fad is on the tail end of running it's course. I know a lot of people like it,..I am sick of it personally.
This is more a portrait session than photojournalistic coverage, but there is nothing wrong with that if that is what the OP seeks. Some of these shots would look geat on canvas, vs finding the perfect one with a photojournalistic approach where people always post....oh I have to crop this and that out,etc,etc.
@USER876: vs finding the perfect one with a photojournalistic approach where people always post....oh I have to crop this and that out,etc,etc.
lol, why do i feel this is directed at me?! believe it or not, i actually listen you, BeeM, Kwynn and the other pros on here and have since decided to let it all go and accept my pics as they are, beach chairs and all!
@FutureJessicaMcB: that does seem pricey for only 2 hours! although while i can't comment on the technical aspects of the photography, i think with that gorgeous back drop in the mountains and with the lake, your photos will be stunning!
These look pretty standard. They're attractive photos but definitly not journalistic or unique. Also $2000 for 2 hours is outrageous, you can do much, much better.
@USER876: I meant a mix of photos with strobe and photos with just natural light, or a simple fill flash - of course the photos with strobe mix in natural light. :P
In my mind, lighting set ups are a big expense, and they take a long time to perfect, and require a few people to assist, so in that way they might seem "better". But coming from the perspective of photojournalism, I feel those set ups, for the most part, take away from a wedding day (they of course add a lot to portrait sessions). They have their place, of course, and if your operation is big enough that you can get a bunch of people to set it up for you while you're shooting or doing something else, awesome, but if not, you are eating up precious wedding day time getting exposures and posing and ratios just right. You need an arm just so and a chin just right and I think you lose the real interaction and emotion that should be present in wedding photos. This link from the OP is a perfect example of that. Where's the love? Where's the story? Where's the emotion? These could be models, people who have never met, I wouldn't know from the images. In my mind these types of shots are the ones you can dress back up for after the wedding. I want to see some love and tenderness and excitement and anticipation and nervousness and laughter and crying. What is that couple going to see or remember when they look back at their photos? "Oh my hair looked good" and "that photographer made me stand on my tip toes on that rock for a long time!" That's not what I'm ever after.
sincerely, the sappy wedding photojournalist :)
@FutureJessicaMcB: I like the photos! We're going to Banff for our honeymoon, and I had been thinking about getting us some photos taken during our honeymoon just for fun. I looked into Wayne Simpson Photography. I still haven't decided if we're going to take the pictures at all (have to make sure money is available), but his work looks very nice and it says that it starts at $2100 (not sure what that includes though). Just another one to give you some options. :)
@FutureJessicaMcB:I personally don't like it that much :(
It sounds like a great deal overall. I too went with a "traditional" photographer, he had been in the industry for 20 years and he gave me a great deal. Here's the thing... I am paying him to do whatever i want! if i want him to catch a moment at an angle and be artsy fartsy...HE'LL DO IT cause im paying him to.
I personally think that those photos are gorgeous! Totally my style.
I think they're a little boring. Overall the package seems like a good deal...
but I'd compare prices and see if you can arrange your own hair/makeup/flowers etc.
and get quotes from independant photographers. If you get married during the week
, you can get a great deal on a really good photog. We paid about 2K Canadian for
about 3 hours of coverage, and that's less than a quarter of what he charges on
weekends. Here's a couple of shots for you to see the difference in style compared
to what they're offerring you:
OMG it is beautiful there Congrats from bailing from an expensive wedding!!
I think too many people get into to debt over this. Wow, makes me want to elope there.
I agree with the rest shop around for photographers. The going rate in South FL is $2,500 for 6 hours. Which I think is alot but I am still looking..
OMG going to take up phtography in Canada! Seems very steep considering there will only be pics of you two and not family, friends, day long events. The pics look "set up" , but again with no guests and time lines to folow there is probally more time to stage such shots. In the end ,you will just be happy to be a MRS!
Congrats on being responsible and not going overboard with an expensive wedding
@FutureJessicaMcB: PM me - I'm in Edmonton and I know a few photographers willing to travel to Lake Louise for much, much less than that.
Thanks for the different perspective! I'm personally not a fan of the lighting/perspective in those photos even though they're beautiful, so they were really helpful to see!
He does nice work also! I'll have to consider him in the planning- I really like his group shots (too bad there's no group hey?).
I'm glad all you Bees have suggestions!
@FutureJessicaMcB: You're welcome! My point being that just because you're eloping, doesn't mean you should settle for anything! You should still get everything you want! :)
Even if the shots are more "posed" than your coworker (or my personal preference) would like: I think it shows that the photographer is a consummate professional who owns great gear and is willing to lug it halfway up a mountain.
Also: are those people models, or is it a real bride & groom in thise pictres? It makes a difference.
PS - I love Banff and LL. I lived there for 2 years, and I would be there still if only I could afford a house in Canmore.
"Off camera is a step up from natural light because not all photographers can do it or have the equipment which is expensive and takes skill and an assistant to operate. I agree for normal weddings it wouldn't be practical, except maybe the portrait session after the ceremony, but i think it works here. I always bring my 24" softbox and sometimes use it on a monopod for the romantic portrait session in between, and sometimes use 2 umbrellas setup in a dark church for large group formals. I agree it's a matter of taste, but I really think the vinage, blown out natural light look is beyond overdone at this point, and the fad is on the tail end of running it's course. I know a lot of people like it,..I am sick of it personally."
@USER876: +1 :)
@FutureJessicaMcB: I personally think $2000 is kind of high. The photos are nice just kind of "generic" I am not meaning to be mean. I would continu to look around for maybe other people. Hope everything works out!!
I love some of them-- probably because the scenery is so gorgeous!-- but I really don't like some of the stiff, posed portraits? To me, the groom looks like he's posing for a picture at school with a fake backdrop!
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| Lyndzo | 46 |
| Brielle | 37 |
| AshleyR83 | 30 |
| mypinkshoes | 28 |
| rebwana | 26 |
| funkymunky85 | 26 |
| fivemonthsnotice | 26 |
| Cady | 25 |
| beargoose | 24 |
| his chippymunk | 24 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| caseyleigh10 | 5 |
| Ivorybuttons | 3 |
| MamaMegs721 | 2 |
| Joyful80 | 2 |
| Nic01 | 2 |
| mousegirl | 1 |
| KateByDesign | 1 |
| Whitanella | 1 |
| Miss Sardine | 1 |
| MrsStrawberry24 | 1 |
