Post # 1
Member
27 posts
Newbee
Hello Ladies!
I am facing a dilemma…the most important one…the photographer!
I have been searching all over Atlanta — for the one that excites me and instills confidence and beauty! I have researched photographers and the ones I love are booked and the ones I don’t – are available. And the ones I really love are really outside my budget. I would approximate that being $2500-3000 total.
My best friend got married in southern Italy (this same vacation also became the venue for my proposal!). Her photographer was absolutely amazing! He was there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning – includes an album and the negatives – all for 1800 Euro ($2300). If you go to <font face=”Arial” size=”2″ color=”#0000cc”>http://www.detitofotografie.com <font face=”Verdana” size=”1″ color=”#000000″>you can see his work. Actually – enter the site – click on slideshow – and then click on Danielle and Michael. This is my friend. </font></font>
<font size=”1″>The dilemma is –he agreed to come and only charge me what he charged her however I have to pay roundtrip (of course) for him and his wife. I have countless access to buddy passes for Delta – which would allow them to fly standby (usually first class overseas) if there is availabillity with me only paying the taxes (a total of $700 for both). However – there is the possibility that they wouldn’t make a flight. If I bought two confirmed seats – that would equal about $1800 total.</font>
Should I chance it with a buddy pass or buy them a confirmed seat? If I do this — would it make more sense to keep looking in the States for a photographer rather than spend all the extra money to fly them over? Am I simply being whimsical and not practical? Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Post # 3
Member
1245 posts
Bumble bee
Hmm. It seems like for someone as important as your photographer, you’d want to get him a confirmed seat. For that combined cost, I’d be really surprised if you couldn’t find a comparable person in your area. $2300 for the Italian photographer plus another $1800 adds quite a bit to your budget, so if you’re willing to spend it for this person, why not just get somebody in your area for $4k?
Post # 4
Member
116 posts
Blushing bee
I agree with amysue — if you’re going to be paying $1800 for travel in addition to $2300 for his work, I think you might want to reconsider. His work is very beautiful, but I have certainly seen some comparable photos in the US and I think you need to look a lot more in order to be able to make a more informed decision. Even if you find someone outside of Atlanta, their travel expenses are sure to be MUCH less expensive.
Photography is one thing I am willing to splurge on, so I’m biased, but I think you should keep looking in and around Atlanta, and keep working your way out from there until you find someone. It’s worth even looking at photogs outside of your budget, because you never know who is willing to bargain and/or customize a package to better suit your budget. If you really can’t find anyone whose price and work would be comparable, then go with the Italian guy!
PS- when is your wedding? Maybe some other bees in the hive will be able to point you in the direction of someone in your budget/area who may be available on your date.
Post # 5
Member
27 posts
Newbee
Thank you for your advice! I think I knew that was the response I would get — but I just love his stuff! My wedding is June 21st and it will be in South Metro Atlanta. If other bees in the hive have suggestions – I am all ears!
The rush on this is primarily due to the fact that Francesco is extremely busy and books quickly – and would love for me to respond as soon as possible about hiring him. I just wanted to make a rational, not emotional, choice!
Thanks everyone!