Post # 1
Member
20 posts
Newbee
I really need some unbiased advice! I am between two photographers and I just don’t know which one to choose.
My fiance wanted to contribute to the photographer search and knows someone from his work that does wedding photography. I was excited but when I saw his co-worker’s photographer pictures, I was underwhelmed. I’ts not bad at all but I just wanted something with a little more umph! So we continued to look but always came back to his co-worker.
I feel like his co-worker’s photography has grown on me but I also like one of the photographers I found as well. When comparing 411s, both are the same price, both have 2nd shooters, both have been working around the same amount of years, both have leniany copyright policies and both have great personalities. The only difference is the co-worker said they would include a whole days vs the 8 hours of the other photographer.
Let me know your thoughts on both of these! I want to go with my fiance’s choice because I know he was so excitied about it but I also don’t to feel like I have to be on top of the photographer but I’m not 100% he will catch my moments the way I see them. Also to note, everytime I suggest the other photographer my fiances rebuttles EVERY reason so it’s become stressful to even talk about.
Anyway, advice and thoughts?!?!
Post # 3
Member
484 posts
Helper bee
@Mjayy: Before I even look at the links, I have some advice. Whether or not you are ok going with what your Fiance wants should depend on how important photography is to YOU. As far as I’m concerned your photographer is your single most important vendor after your venue, as the only way everything else, food, dress, flowers, etc, will ever be remembered is through the photos that get taken. Not to mention that a skilled photographer is able to capture the candid happy emotions that everyone will be feeling throughout the day. Those pictures will be your memories for years to come. If you hire a photographer that does not do a good job, you’ve missed the opportunity to have those tangible memories for the rest of your lives together.
So… I think it is an extremely important decision! I understand wanting to please your Fiance, but if you ALREADY believe you will not be happy with the coworkers photos, you should NOT hire them. What you are seeing as the style of their work right now is exactly what you will get. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can hire a photographer and then expect them to do things differently for your wedding… it won’t happen. You need to hire someone whose work already represents the photos you want from your day.
It sounds like you are up against it with Fiance who doesn’t want to listen to your feelings about the coworker photog not capturing photos the way you would like. I’m sorry, but the photographer of ALL vendors should NOT be the one you go with simply because a they are a coworker and convenient. You need to go with someone whose images and style REALLY moves you. Otherwise, you are going to wind up disappointed in your results. I wish you the best of luck in trying to convince your Fiance of that… please let me know if you need other advice!
All that being said… now I will take a look at the links!
Post # 4
Member
789 posts
Busy bee
I personally like Ali more, I like a soft muted post style like she has, I have a similar style when I post produce. The others photos are too saturated and the skin looks orange for my taste. However, I like his overall work, Im just not fond of his post style. They both know how to use light in dark locations which is very important.
I think Scott just needs a monitor calibration…
Post # 5
Member
1848 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m biased because #1 does work similar to my photographer. I prefer less soft tones and more dark edits. I don’t know why, lol. Both look good to me. 🙂
Post # 6
Member
1475 posts
Bumble bee
I prefer Scott! Great photos.
Post # 7
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
I like #1 better, but don’t think Ali is bad. I would be happy if I booked either.
Post # 8
Member
262 posts
Helper bee
I love Ali. They are both good, but I don’t like tilted photos, which Scott has more of. Ali’s post processing is less saturated, which looks nicer in my opinion.
Post # 9
Member
484 posts
Helper bee
@Mjayy: Wow, normally with these threads I expect one of the photographers to suck, but not the case here! They are both competent photographers, so it all comes down to style.
My advice is to look through many FULL weddings for both photographers on their blogs…. and ask yourself, if these were MY wedding photos, would I be happy? The answer needs to be yes!
Normally I am more inclined towards the bright, natural color style like Scott has (although I agree with Styles, they are a little TOO vibrant). But I think he doesn’t have the same artistry that Ali does. Her photos look like works of art. She would definitely be my pick of the two… although I normally don’t care as much for the washed out sun heavy look that she has, she really does a beautiful job with it – so long as you like that style. For the same price and between just these two photogs, she would be my pick.
ETA: Looks like my vote made things even. Well good news… you can’t really go wrong here!
Post # 10
Member
1176 posts
Bumble bee
I voted for Scott because I like that more vibrant style personally, but technically they both look good IMO. Also – it’s your FI’s day too. If the style of his coworker speaks to him, that’s equally as important as who’s style speaks to you.
Post # 11
Member
610 posts
Busy bee
Just for fun I asked my Fiance to tell me what he liked better. I totally expected him to pick Scott because he usually likes bold colors but he picked Ali with the explanation that he really liked the composition.
I liked Scott originally, but when I go back and look I agree. It really depends on the style you are going with but overall I don’t think you can go wrong.
Post # 12
Member
1352 posts
Bumble bee
I chose #1 because I’m not really a fan of the overexposed look, but both seem like amazing photographers! Agreed with PP, go with the one YOU like most – it may cause a bit of tension with the friend at first, but it’s nothing compared to the tension if you don’t like the photos you end up with!
Post # 13
Member
20 posts
Newbee
Thanks for all the advice ladies! You see why its such a hard choice…both are good! I guess its a good problem to have, right?
Post # 14
Member
11231 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
@Styles: Agreed 100%. There’s nothing wrong with Scott’s photos, but I don’t like his post, as I prefer softer finishing.
Post # 15
Member
789 posts
Busy bee
@seAprilbride: Yea, I think he just has a calibration issue. Im betting they dont look that orange or saturated on his screen, its just too unnatural… I could be partly blinded as I like soft muted tones! 😀 I have a very similar style to Ali.
Post # 16
Member
2375 posts
Buzzing bee
My general outlook on life is to hope for the best, and anticipate the worst. So here’s my take on this – if anything negative happens with the co-worker as photographer, work life is going to suck for your fiance. If he makes a negative comment about the style, the work, whatever and his co-worker takes it badly, that affects their work relationship as well. Normally with a vendor, you have a contract, and if $hit goes sideways, you have legal recourse. It’s one thing to come after a vendor that you have no personal relationship with in court, it’s another with a co-worker. I’ve just seen too many work relationships fouled up over a stupid comment made after work over a few drinks, let alone something as major as wedding photography.
