A bride with a few questions

[annalynn]

I am looking for a wedding photographer for my wedding in 2009. I was wondering if prices tend to be lower during the winter when wedding season isn't in progress. Also, I am not opposed to having my wedding on another day of the week other than a Saturday. Would prices be cheaper for a friday or a Sunday as compared to a Saturday wedding?
Also, I have this crazy uncle who loves to take pictures and has already asked me numberous times if he can shoot my wedding. Not that the pictures are terrible, they are just not what I want my wedding to be represented by in a few years. If I hire a professional photographer will they be alright with my uncle in the background taking a pictures? Or is it generally in the contract that he/she is the only one allowed to take pictures for the day?

[mcouturier]

Hi Annalynn,

For many areas, there is no longer what might be considered a winter season and for the past 4-5 years or so, I have almost as many Friday and Sunday weddings as Saturday weddings. At one point I even had a pricing structure similar to that of the hotel industry, based on seasons as you had suggested, but I think people didn't seem to get it. I'm sure some photographers still offer 'off-season' or non-Saturday rates.

As for your Uncle, I know that I don't care who shoots when I am photographing a wedding, but as you say, some photographers require exclusivity. One word of advice though, have your Uncle (and others) tone it down a bit during any formals as you will otherwise end up with people in the photos looking in several different directions. It also slows things down after the hired pro has gotten their shot and then relatives say "wait...let me get that one" before you can set up the next group.

You sound like you obviously are concerned about getting great images, so I'd base most of the decision on that when looking at potential photographers. It's better to have paid slightly more than you had planned on than slightly less than you wish you had.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

[Andree Kehn]

It completely depends where you are in the country.

In Maine, I offer a discount for winter weddings as well as for non-Saturday weddings. But the typical wedding season is pretty much just mid-summer up here.

As far as Uncles. That's not a problem for me, but there are some photographers who are very sensitive to this. I offer a dvd with all of my images to the Bride and groom, so the incentive to stop people from shooting over my shoulder is diminished.

My technique during the formals to to set up the group, and then turn to all the on-lookers and ask that they lower their cameras. i then take my series of photos and get out of the way for anyone else who wants a shot. This ensures that while I am shooting, there's no other camera drawing eyes from me, and helps reassure the amateur photographers that they will have a chance to shoot too.

[Studio R]

Hey Annalynn,

I am located near Chicago, IL and as the 1st photographer said we are just as busy on Fri. & Sun. and have even been getting small Thursday weddings too. So my studio has the prices pretty set all year. It is just going to depend on where you are, what type of photography you want and what photographer you go with.

As for your Uncle - I don't usually have any problems with guests shooting. It can be fun to have the interaction with the paparazzi line during formals. Many times when I tell people all the images will be online they stop shooting because they know my images will be much nicer with the equipment I am using.

When you are looking for a photographer I wouldn't base the choice solely on price. This is one of the only things that you will still have years from now. These are your memories, your emotions, your big day.

Good luck and enjoy all the planning ; )

[CyberNorris]

I also see Friday and Sunday weddings as common. Thus I only discount on Monday through Thursday... or for short turn-around bookings say within 60 days of the wedding.

Good luck!

[davidwegs]

I don't charge less for alternate days of the week, but I do offer a 5% discount between Oct. and March. That is not the rule for photographers, just the way we do business.

As for your uncle and having him shoot the day over the shoulder of your photog. Well, I don't have an issue though there are those who don't like it. The thing is, if your uncle is trying to get prime shots and ends up stepping into the aisle in front of your photog, you will be less than happy with your shots in some key moments. I would suggest to the photog you end up hiring that your uncle will likely be there doing his thing, but that you will give some clear request to him that he not be in the way.

An approach to take with your uncle is simply to say that since he is such an important part of the day, you don't want to have him 'working', but rather enjoying the day with the family. Suggest that he could get the great candids that your would really like but to be a fly on the wall for the rest and to be very aware of the photographer, so as not to stop them doing what you are paying SO MUCH for.

Its a little tricky to deal with but it is best if you are the one who makes it clear what you would like to see happen. Otherwise, a good photog. will just deal with it in a professional manner and you will get whatever they can do given your uncles 'participation'.

Hope it works out for you.

[silverlinings]

In answer to your question, it depends on the photographer. I know I offer a special package only available in Winter, but there is less coverage, so it's not really discounted. Fees may also vary by location (I'm in Indiana) so this might depend on your market as well. Some photographers might negotiate prices, but that is not what I have witnessed in my experience (I personally don't negotiate. You don't negotiate dress prices, do you?) and I think most photographers would agree with this perspective.

Also, regarding your relative. I would err on the side of caution regarding that. What if you hate the photos or they're not what you wanted? You don't want any bad feelings to transpire. Also, someone who does this for a living and is more experienced would be better able to deliver what you want (make sure you thoroughly view the photographer's portfolio to ensure you are happy with their style). I don't usually mind if there are family members taking photos, but keep in mind that if they feel a little too "entitled", they can step in the way of the photographer and ruin some shots. I once had a bride's relative do this to me several times throughout the day (unintentionally). It was very frustrating. Hope this helps!

[Irrok]

I'm not sure that you will find a experienced photographer who lowers his or her prices during that time of year. I live in sunny Jacksonville Florida and it is wedding season here all year round. Something that I suggest you consider is to set a budget. After you determine what you can afford you can then shop around and see what the different professionals in your area charge. Keep in mind that you will want to compare items like albums, prints weather they be on canvas or paper. What I'm trying to get at is one photographer might offer a package for $xxx that offers a large album, print package, CD's and more. While another photographer might offer the same items at a similar price. But be careful to compare the quality of the included items. Some albums can be of less quality than others. different print labs have different standards for print quality. If you find a few photographers that fall within your budget you can compare these items and make a well informed decision. In the end the items that are included in the package are what you are going to have for years to come. Please consider fewer higher quality items and I believe you will be happy in long run!

As far as your uncle wanting to take some shots I would suggest that you try to limit this. Many times I have came home to work on images from a wedding and realized that what I thought was a brilliant photograph turned out to be a total loss. Many times family members and friends want to take images during the wedding, but what happens allot of the time is the person stands opposite of the photographer and does not realize they are right in the background at the worst moment. Nothing worse than a perfect image of the bride and her father walking down the isle joy and emotion on both of their faces. (this is once in a lifetime stuff) And then! the perfect image not so perfect anymore because uncle bob stood in and is right behind the bride trying to take a shot of her dress. Not his fault he was looking thru the camera at the bride. just as excited for her as everyone else. But that's usually how it goes...

Best Wishes-