Regrets

[Dani916]

Hi All-

I hate posting this but I am struggling with something. I am a photography nut-I always have my camera with me and I am obsessed with taking pictures. They are the most important thing to me at our wedding (besides my groom and family of course!) When I got engaged, I was on a rampage trying to get things done and booked right away for fear there would be no one available. I went with the first photographer I contacted because he was available and the only one I really even looked at. I have paid the deposit, which I believe is non refundable, and now I see SO many more photographers I LOVE. I lay awake at night and think about how I may have made the wrong decision.

Any thoughts to help me ease my mind?

Thanks-
Dani

[MsEsty]

I guess a couple of questions to ask yourself:

Is there a way to break your contract...

If yes, then no problem

If no, is the other company's work "worth" the lost deposit? Without knowing the specifics of your wedding/budget, there are some amazing photographers that have prices so low you wonder how they do it. Like Randy and the Arndt's, you can sometimes get a 4 hour package for $850.00

If you can afford the change and find someone you really love, then go for it!

[My sister's princess]

I would advise you not to dwell too much on any one thing. If you look, and think, and pick at anything for long enough you will find something wrong with it. Trust your heart!

[SuzeQ]

Kerry is right! (about all of the above);)

If you can't get out of your contract, maybe he will let you use your deposit toward something besides the wedding photos. Maybe he will let you use it for a BP or e-pics or even a family portrait. If you can't do that, you could always hire the photographer you love to do a BP, TTD or e-pics.

Good Luck. Let us know what happens.

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I'll throw in my two cents if you don't mind input from someone who got married 10 years ago and not at Disney;). Our reception location had a brochure with vendor recs in it so we met with the two photogs listed and picked the one we clicked with. I really didn't look at alot of his work (back then there wasn't much online so it was basically sitting in his studio looking through a few sample albums).

In the end, I was so, so disappointed with my photos:sad1:. I still remember sitting in the parking lot of his office with my proof book and my stomach sinking as I flipped through. It is really the biggest regret of our whole wedding. I wish I had met with more photogs, looked at more of their work, talked about styles etc. vs. just settling for someone our venue suggested.

So after that long-windedness--I say go with your gut. If you're having second thoughts now, I think it would be worth it to lose your deposit than to have regrets when you get your pics back. Good luck!:goodvibes

[Bride-to-be]

My question is this - I am not asking who you booked b/c you don't have to share, but did you book someone that other disbrides have used and had good success with or did you book someone we haven't heard of?

If you booked someone we haven't heard of I would say go for the switch.

If you booked someone other brides have had a really good experience with then I would say to stick with them.

All I can tell you is that in the end you only have your pictures and the video. Years from now you are going to forget a lot of what happened and just remember what you can see. So I wouldn't chance it. If other brides have had a really good experience then I don't think you are in bad hands.

[Dani916]

I booked someone that is well known among the Disney brides and all seem to have great experiences with him. I just see the other photographers now and how their styles are different and more "me." I keep looking at the chosen photographers pics which I loved before learning of the other great ones
:sad2:

[brer rabbit 28]

I agree with Bride to be. When it's all over, all we have left to remind us of the day are photos.

For what it's worth, I am exactly the same when it comes to photography. I take pics all the time and go mad if something is just not right in my images. If I was in your shoes, deposit or not, I would swap to a photographer I was 100% confident in.

[dhay]

B2B had good advice. I would also investigate your contract details. And I would invetsigate other photogarohers that you think are more you as you mentioned. Make sure who you selected is who you want. Photography was the most important element to our wedding. There is no harm in doing some more research right now, and even if you did have to break your contract the deposit is minimal when you consider the end result.

My opinion is there is no harm in looking at other photographers because it appears as if you are not content in your decision. You may decide the person you selected is who is right for you but I think you need to do the full discovery and research to confirm that.

[PrincessShea]

I was in your boat. I ended up losing my deposit and changing photographers. In the end, I think it was worth the $300-400 I lost. In that moment it was a lot but in the grand scheme of things, almost 12 months later, losing that money was not a huge deal...I knew I couldn't live with the regret.

Go with your gut because months (years?) of thinking about "what could have been" are not worth it to save $300-400.

[Boardwalk_bride]

I was in your boat. I ended up losing my deposit and changing photographers. In the end, I think it was worth the $300-400 I lost. In that moment it was a lot but in the grand scheme of things, almost 12 months later, losing that money was not a huge deal...I knew I couldn't live with the regret.

Go with your gut because months (years?) of thinking about "what could have been" are not worth it to save $300-400.

I did the same thing.....I have been happy with my decision (although I haven't had my wedding yet)

[Bride-to-be]

Check this out! I think it is exactly what you need to read

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2010/04/wedding-design-101-choosing-right.html

[Dani916]

I did read that, and that made me realize maybe my person was too "traditional."

[sambycat]

funny you are having that reaction, because i read that SAME BLOG POST and i was freaking out slightly last night too!!! my choice was based on pictures i've seen, a personal recommendation, recommendations of this board and talking with the photog. though there are other companies i am sure i would like - ie "the roots" have awesome pictures but are completely out of what i consider a reasonable price range - i was satisfied until i read that particular assessment of my photographer, which is not at all how i would have described the company....

in any event, no, i didn't do years of research, but i think it will be fine! this isn't a matter (for me) of cheap or poor quality or potentially a "fly by night" situation, its one persons description of something i already thought i liked plenty well enough to book.

so the point of this rambling is to say, yes, you can change things if you really need to, nothing wrong with that, but, at some point, a lot of this wedding "p0rn" as they call it can become destructive. there will ALWAYS be a prettier dress, a nicer venue, a more interesting theme.... i slept on it and now in seeing your post i realize i was crazy for having a wedding freak out moment last night and all is still awesome! yes, i want great pictures, but no, i'm not decorating my home with them. i feel like i made a great choice!!

and although i adore that blog, i will never ever ever ever readTHAT post again!!!!!!

good luck!

[Swmhc]

Have you discussed your preferred style with the person you have booked ? I think I know who you are talking about, and if so, I recommend talking with the photographer and providing samples of what you are looking for. Actually, no matter who you go with you should discuss these things with and give examples of what you want. I think we get to the point that we have in mind exactly what we want with regards to dresses, flowers, cake, etc.... and think everyone can read our minds. In reality, most vendors, whether it be flowers, cake or photography, can do many style of products and we just need to share our "vision" with them. I know, for me, my floral wasn't what I had envisioned, but was within the wording on my BEO, so it wasn't anyone's fault but mine, that I wasn't more specific.

I agree that you want to be 100% confident in your vendors, and photography you can't fix later. I would just suggest the above options as well.

[mickeytattoo95]

Have you discussed your preferred style with the person you have booked ? I think I know who you are talking about, and if so, I recommend talking with the photographer and providing samples of what you are looking for. Actually, no matter who you go with you should discuss these things with and give examples of what you want. I think we get to the point that we have in mind exactly what we want with regards to dresses, flowers, cake, etc.... and think everyone can read our minds. In reality, most vendors, whether it be flowers, cake or photography, can do many style of products and we just need to share our "vision" with them. I know, for me, my floral wasn't what I had envisioned, but was within the wording on my BEO, so it wasn't anyone's fault but mine, that I wasn't more specific.

I agree that you want to be 100% confident in your vendors, and photography you can't fix later. I would just suggest the above options as well.

Listen to the above advice! It's good. Put together a little folder full of images you've found in other photographer's brochures, photos from friend's weddings, cut-outs from magazines, etc, of things that are "you." Then, consult the photographer to make sure he/she is on board with your ideas. You might be pleasantly surprised. Some artists are not so good with people so you feel like they're not your "type," but once you see the work, it could be amazing!

I didn't even hire a wedding photographer for my wedding. I got a photo journalist and my pictures told a story. He was awesome!

[SuzeQ]

I have to say that the Blog is just one persons opinion. The opinion of someone who is not a professional photographer and has only used one of these photography companies for her own wedding. She is not the expert.

I personally, am using David and Vicki Arndt because they shoot both Photojournalism and Fine Art Traditional. On her blog she posted one picture and called them Traditional. My Mom will want some traditional family photos of my wedding day and her vow renewal, but I want a lot of the photojournalism that I know they have won awards for. That's why it was very important to me to get them because they are two people and have two different styles.

The bottom line is to get your facts from someone who has used your photographer, either here on the Dis:goodvibes or elsewhere. Don't go by a blog who has never used your photographer. I didn't go with the cheapest or the most expensive. I booked my photographers because of their reputation in the DFTW community.:thumbsup2

[Boardwalk_bride]

Check this out! I think it is exactly what you need to read

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2010/04/wedding-design-101-choosing-right.html

That is awesome she put that in her blog! I would have loved to read that when I was choosing photographers.

[girli565]

I have to say that the Blog is just one persons opinion. The opinion of someone who is not a professional photographer and has only used one of these photography companies for her own wedding. She is not the expert.

I personally, am using David and Vicki Arndt because they shoot both Photojournalism and Fine Art Traditional. On her blog she posted one picture and called them Traditional. My Mom will want some traditional family photos of my wedding day and her vow renewal, but I want a lot of the photojournalism that I know they have won awards for. That's why it was very important to me to get them because they are two people and have two different styles.

The bottom line is to get your facts from someone who has used your photographer, either here on the Dis:goodvibes or elsewhere. Don't go by a blog who has never used your photographer. I didn't go with the cheapest or the most expensive. I booked my photographers because of their reputation in the DFTW community.:thumbsup2
I totally agree with this!

The blogger really only posted on pic of each photog and she's not a professional. Yes, she covers DFTWs a lot but that doesn't mean she's the expert.

Go to you current photographer and show him the kind of style you are looking for. Provide samples so he gets an idea of what you want. I mean you had to have liked his style of work for you to book him in the first place, even if you did do it quickly.

I booked my phtographer because I knew I liked kind of traditional pictures with great editing. I also sent him an email letting him know that aside from the normal posed family pics at the WP and maybe at the GF before the wedding that everything else I would prefer to be photojournalistic and he totally agreed that it seemed to fit our personality best! Talk to him before you lose your deposit!

[SuzeQ]

That is awesome she put that in her blog! I would have loved to read that when I was choosing photographers.

You have to use Disney for your wedding, right?:confused3

Did you have someone else booked before DPS?

[sambycat]

no dis on the blog author becasue i ADORE that site - but i felt the same way!!!! i also chose the arndts based on a number of things and it gave me a weird feeling when i read that description because that wasn't AT ALL how i would have described their work!!!!!!

so all the suggestions are good - but yes, all these sites and posts etc.. are just all of our opinions!!! :cutie:

I totally agree with this!

The blogger really only posted on pic of each photog and she's not a professional. Yes, she covers DFTWs a lot but that doesn't mean she's the expert.

Go to you current photographer and show him the kind of style you are looking for. Provide samples so he gets an idea of what you want. I mean you had to have liked his style of work for you to book him in the first place, even if you did do it quickly.

I booked my phtographer because I knew I liked kind of traditional pictures with great editing. I also sent him an email letting him know that aside from the normal posed family pics at the WP and maybe at the GF before the wedding that everything else I would prefer to be photojournalistic and he totally agreed that it seemed to fit our personality best! Talk to him before you lose your deposit!

[Dani916]

Thank you all so much for your feedback!

I love that blog as well! It just opened my eyes to other photographers and made me rethink my decision. My deposit is 100% refundable so I might rethink things. I love the photojournalism style so I might have to go in that direction! I am so confused.

Thanks again-I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

Dani

[lpizzuro123]

We had Misty as our photographer and we both love her work. We were down in WDW the May before our November 2008 wedding and had engagement pictures done with her and her DH. I really felt this helped so much. My DH really wanted to meet them and get to know them and more importantly - for them to get to know us. Our engagement photos came out great and we really were able to speak with them to let them know what we wanted.

The other thing I did was make loads of screen prints of photos I liked and wanted and passed these on to Misty. On the day of our wedding she had these with her and actually went over them with us to make sure we got what we wanted. Not all the photos were hers either - I was afraid she would be insulted having me show her photos from other photographers that we liked but she was so ok with this.

I think open communication with your photographer is very important and will help you get what you and your DF want on your special day.

Linda

[weedee]

I was in the exact situation as you at the end of last year. We chose a photographer and I couldn't shake this feeling that it wasn't the right choice.

Go with the pictures you love, even if that means changing a photographer or losing some deposit. Just because someone is great to work with doesn't mean you're going to necessarily love their pictures. We originally went with someone on the boards that was highly recommended but have since changed because I realized my style was different than what I thought I wanted. I personally think I might have been a bit clouded with reading how great they were to work with instead of really looking at the quality of the pictures. I kept looking at other photographers photos and fell in love with a completely different style. After researching a lot of opinions and reviews, we decided on one that was both highly recommended by many but I also LOVED the pictures. In the end, I'm SO happy we switched and now I have no regrets!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

We have chosen Misty as well and did so for a couple of reasons. Yes-she does post production work-What photographer doesn't? (This from someone that works at a photo studio)
Without going into a huge list of reasons WHY I picked her-I will say this. I have followed this board for years (before and after my engagement) I've watched some of the photographers mentioned in this blog here on Dis and facebook. When ever I get that feeling of doubt that I made the wrong choice, Misty puts out something new, different and fresh. I've watched these photographers grow or not over the years. Photos are VERY important to me (ask DH -yes everything is a kodak moment) I weighed the options, the history of the photographer and cost. Use your best judgement, do the research, and make your choice. I agree with the others that Blogs are only one persons opinion. In the end it is what is going to make you happy.

[copper4]

no dis on the blog author becasue i ADORE that site - but i felt the same way!!!! i also chose the arndts based on a number of things and it gave me a weird feeling when i read that description because that wasn't AT ALL how i would have described their work!!!!!!

so all the suggestions are good - but yes, all these sites and posts etc.. are just all of our opinions!!! :cutie:

I have to tell you that photo on the blog for David and Vicki is from my daughter's wedding and there are so many other great pics I would have picked as samples to show before the one that was selected- this truly does not represent David and Vicki's incredible range of photographic styles at all. David and Vicki gave us so many great shots- I actually printed out over 400 pictures myself to put in a scrapbook. They worked with my daughter to get all the requested shots and also did an incredible job on unique shots. To decide on a photographer based on one photo is not the way to go and DON'T let anyone categorize people for you- look at the whole package from the photographers you think you like.

[DisneyFairytale]

What a great website. I almost cried watching the 2 videos. Some really great advice posted here.

You know, I have been going through the same issue as you. I am HUGE into photography and though we are on a budget, I was telling myself I would not be budgeting myself on the photos because at the time, I felt they were such an important part. They are very important BUT after putting some thought into it, I realized that also going a different route and having some closer to us and a lot better for our budget, someone who's known us for years, do the photos was also a better option. My gut told me to work it out that way but I feel much happier.

Your pictures will tell part of the story of your wedding day. Go with your gut and do what your heart tells you.

[camara381]

Everyone has given really good advice. In the beginning I chose Randy and after seeing everyone elses pictures I started to have second thoughts not because I don't like his work but because I love all the other ones I saw. In the end I decided to stay with Randy and I love my pictures he did such an amazing job!!!

[tinkerbell 766]

I have Randy booked for my Escape VR next May but I am hoping to use the photographer included in the package as a second 'photo journalistic' photographer. That way I figure I will get two different styles!!!

[Brit_Jude]

I have Randy booked for my Escape VR next May but I am hoping to use the photographer included in the package as a second 'photo journalistic' photographer. That way I figure I will get two different styles!!!


This is what I hope to do too. Randy is also very experienced in working with the Disney photographers.

[kmaclou]

Don't hesitate to tell or show your photographer about pics you have seen that you like. That will help him get an idea of what style you're looking for. We have the Arndts and they do some traditional photos but for our engagement shoot we had a lot of fun non-traditional as well. And Vicki and I have talked about some shots I want and I've collected some examples of others I'd like to have for our wedding.

In the long run it's your day. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell your photographer what you want. :thumbsup2