DFTW Photography...use Disney or no?

[dizneyfreak]

My DF and I are planning our Custom DFTW. We are getting married on October 1st and will be flying to Florida for our planning session with our WC soon. I'm wondering which is better, using a Disney photographer or using a photographer from off site. If any of you have some insight into this situation any suggestions would be welcome. I have read many posts on this forum about a Randy and I'm also wondering, is he a Disney photographer, or his he an off site person. I need your help girls! Thanks in advance!!

Disney Bride

 

[figmentfan814]

Randy is offsite, but since he does so many Disney weddings he knows his way around. I have heard that Disney doesn't charge you the outside vendor fee when you use him. The fact that you get the rights to your pics was what sold me. I have him booked for my March '08 wedding. I know talking to him over the phone discussing my wedding he had great ideas about getting pics in the park (my wedding is at Epcot) and at the hotels. Make sure to check out his samples on his web site.

 

[hiwaygal]

Most of the brides who post here seem to use Randy, but there are also a few of us who have used Disney and still others who have used other outside photographers.

I used Disney because my budget was very tight. When it is all said and done, I will have paid about $325 for my photos (including the hi-res CD/DVD). I paid $225 to pre-purchase the proofs of my wedding. And next year (just after my three year anniversary) I will purchase the CD/DVD (and the ownership of my photos) for $99. Not a bad deal if you ask me. But I do understand that many brides want the ownership of their photos sooner.

If you live in the UK, you will automatically get the hi-res CD/DVD from Disney, so that could make Disney the more "frugal" choice.

You can see samples of Disney Photography here:

http://www.collages.net/disneyweddings/

username: Disney Photography Samples

password: 1971

One of the biggest "complaints" about Disney photography is that you cannot choose which photographer is assigned to your wedding. However, if you discuss your style preferences (journalistic, traditional, etc.) with your EM/WC beforehand, they will do everything they can to accommodate your requests. You might even want to have a list of specific poses you want, or have samples of pictures you like to show them.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[JandJ]

We had an Intimate and when I was planning I didn't know there were any options beyond Disney photography - it was part of the "package" and I went with it. I'm really glad we did! Our photographer was wonderful! The pictures are gorgeous and we were both really happy with how everything turned out.

That being said, I've read great things about Randy Chapman - I think Maggimus would marry him if she wasn't already hitched (sorry, Maggie, not being offensive ) - and I think he might be less expensive than Disney.

I know you'll get a lot of responses. Look at the outside photographer's previous work, that's a good way of making a decision, to see what style photos you want.

Good Luck!

 

[Maggimus]

Jen -- Yes--- I just might have to marry that man one day . Im only kidding guys-- but Jen is right I absoluetly LOVE that man (for his talent that is-- he did AMAZING for my DH and me).

Here is something is my take on Randy!

( I wrote this review on a different thread but want to share it here just in case you missed it)

Before I speak further I encourage you to look at at Randy's work along with other competitors. Randy is highly spoken of here on the boards, but I want you to make a decision that you are comfortable with. I am Randy's biggest fan so you will hear me speak very highly of him. His work is phenomenal and seriously, cannot be beat.

Depending on the package you get from Randy will depend on the price.
If you go to www.chapmanphotography.com and go to "Disney brides" the password is "Ariel". You can look at those photos and see some examples of his work there (you might be surprised to see many DISers there). If you click on the botton it will say "wedding information"... there you can look at his prices. When comparing prices you will see that Randy is a GREAT investment.

Disney gives you very few photos and makes you pay approx $1000 for the CD. Where Randy, on the other hand, gives you a CD with all of your photos and you own the copywrite to the CD. He also gives you an album with (depending on the package) a great number of photos.

Here was my package-- to give you an idea.
-I paid $613 dollars for 3 hours of photography. He shot me getting ready at the WL, then at the ceremony (Sea Breeze Point- Boardwalk Resort),shot afterwards for the reception and Mickey and Minnie, and then we went for the remainder of the time to the Grand Floridian for some photos on the grounds there.
-We received the album with over 400+ photos. The album is beautiful and I could not be happier.
-He also sent the CD with every single photo he took of us on the day. We have been able to take this CD an get reprints for as low as .22cents (Compare that to any other photographer. Sometimes reprints can cost up to $70 dollars).

Randy is a great deal! Take a look at the photos he shot of my DH and I in my Trip Report. That link is in my signature and will give you an idea of his work.

Randy is the most artistic, tallented, individual I have ever met. He is very personable and really makes you feel as though you are well taken care of. I had no idea what was going on the day of my wedding and Randy did. He took control and even helped my DH and Dad get their clothes on correctly (haha ) before the wedding. He also answered all of our questions as to what we needed to do for the ceremony (something my WC hadnt really prepared us for).

I highly recommend Randy as an outside vendor.

Think of it like this

You get what you pay for. With Disney its already included but you get very very few photos and when you want more (those that they didnt give to you in your fold out)... that will add up (sometimes photos are $70 a piece. Wont all of the in-laws want atleast 1 photo?? How many photos is that-- it practically makes going with randy worth your money). His packages are so reasonable and you wont have to worry about years down the road having to get in touch with someone just to get a reprint of a photo that your child happened to rip up, or got knocked off the shelf and bent. You own the copywrite and the CD with all the photos are on it... its as easy as going to wally world-- popping it in the computer and getting a reprint for mearly pocket change.

Some might say... 'weve already paid for someone.. why throw more money away'... but whats $600 some-odd dollars in the grand scheme of things? A lifetime of memories on paper... able to access them forever-- not to mention a photographer who is(in my opinion) better than Disney Photography?? In my opinion thats priceless in and of itself... Theres no big price tag along with this one though... hes actually affordable

But look this is the real thing, Im not someone who works for Randy nor do I know Randy outside of the photography that he shot for my wedding. Genually- hes all round tallented great guy.

Here are a few of my photos-- and if this dont convince you I dont know what will. I have said this many times and ill say it again-- im not bragging about me or my DH in these photos (if you read my TR you will see I wasnt exactly pleased with my looks on the day of the wedding).. but in all honesty, Randy Chapman could take fabulous photos of pigs playing in a pig pen...

I hope you make the same great decision I did...

If you need more info please feel free to ask. You can exchange your already paid for Disney package for the Disney Honeymoon Photo Shoot-- free exchange. Here are photos of the album I received (I also received the CD) and as you can see--- a whole lot more photos than what Disney offers! GL with your decision

 

[dizneyfreak]

I can't thank you all enough for your help. I read on here somewhere that Disney doesn't charge the fee to have a "chaperone" follow Randy because he has been there so much before. Is this true? Does anyone know for sure?

 

[dizneyfreak]

I wanted to thank you for all your info. and all the beautiful pictures you posted. I have read your trip report too. It sounded so magical. Did Disney charge you a fee to have someone follow Randy around while he took your pictures? Thanks again for your help!

 

[Luvndisney]

I think you might have made your decision but I used Disney and was so amazed and thrilled with with work. I recommend using them if you like their work. we bought our High res cd and we bought it before the wedfing adn it was leff than the 1k they quote. Plus I've heard that the price has gone down.

Not to start a fight, argument or step on anyone's toes here. But i think that disney gets a bad rep and I get upset when i hear someone say that their photographer is so much better than disney.( it was stated another way) I really do take offense - it's as if my photographer didn't take great photos or something. Everyone has their own preference and in my opinion everyone has great wedding photos no matter who they use. We should keep it as recommendations and be careful how we write about other vendors as to not hurt someone's feelings.

I think in the end it's up to your pocket and what you want to spend bt definately look around at other phtographer and don't rush into a decision. Good luck!

 

[hiwaygal]

I certainly understand how you feel Luvndisney.

I posted basic info earlier, but realized that I never mentioned how happy I was with the photos Disney did for me. No, there weren't many for us...but our wedding was very short and very simple...and I'm not comfortable with pictures anyway. Had I known then what I know now...I would have requested many more images.

I will contact Disney Photography the next time I go to Disney to ask them to do some professional photos of us all around WDW.

With Disney now lowering their prices, I believe they have just made themselves more competitive. Or at least I hope so.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

I am planning a vow-renewal at Disney and have been looking at different photogs websites in order to get an idea of what different photogs do. I have to say, I was less than thrilled with most of Randy's pictures. Some of his stuff was great, but most of it did not thrill me. Most of his black and whites seem VERY overexposed.

I would encourage any bride to do their research and not rely on just one or two samples.

JMHO

 

[bananiem]

After looking at Randy's site I have to say he certainly has a "thing" about diagonals. He even has some on the website that have the castle in the background at an angle. Like he couldn't take the time to position everyone correctly.

 

[Luvndisney]

basically do what you feel is the best decision for your wedding. Also note that I was a custom wedding so we go so many pictures with Disney and they captured everything we wanted. I am not here to bash any photographer. I love them all - and i like randy's work as well but his style was not for me. So look on the websites and see what catches you - everyone has a different style for their wedding. The diagnol look is a more photojournalisitc style i think as well. I have some of those and i think most photographers include some of those - its usually balanced.

 

[Maggimus]

After looking at Randy's site I have to say he certainly has a "thing" about diagonals. He even has some on the website that have the castle in the background at an angle. Like he couldn't take the time to position everyone correctly.

This is his way of being stylisitic.... a lot of other photographers do this as well. In college I took a photography class and people used the diagonals as a form of expression/art. I do believe he does this for a reason.


-------
Asside from that I do hope that I havent stepped on anyones toes. Randy isnt Disney, and therefore Randy has to be spoke of a little more because people know less about him than what is offered in their packages.

However, that being said if you ask ForKeeps you will see that she had both Disney & Randy-- and said that she was much happier with Randy's work.

I have no way said Disney does a bad job but for the money you get a lot more with Randy, along with different shots, not just the posed point and click.

JMO though. Again im sorry if I stepped on your toes Luvndisney.

I do believe everyone has the opportunity to post their photos an give their honest imput. I just so happen to do it more than most-- basically because I strongly believe in Randy and his talent.

That being said if anyone wants to see all of my photos (not just the samples provided above)-- id be happy to give you a link! No problem! Just PM me...

GL with your decision OP!

 

[Maggimus]

I wanted to thank you for all your info. and all the beautiful pictures you posted. I have read your trip report too. It sounded so magical. Did Disney charge you a fee to have someone follow Randy around while he took your pictures? Thanks again for your help!

No, they didnt charge me a chaperone fee. I dont think they hardly ever charge for the chaperone fee. He didnt need anyone following him around at our wedding and no one did. The wedding planners know Randy at DFTW so if you were to mention to them that you plan on using him they will know who you are talking about. Here are a few more of my photos-- so you dont think im just showing you a few ... if you decide you want to see the rest PM me..

I posted mainly diagonals earlier because those happen to be some of my favorite photos-- not because thats the majority of what he did for us-- i just happen to like that style!

PS. I dont work for Randy and I dont know him beyond him being my photographer so I dont get anything if you book, or anything like that. I just truly believe he provides good customer service and does one heck of a job!

 

[ForKeeps]

Before I say anything I want to say that in no way do I mean to suggest that those brides who did not use Randy somehow had a photographer that was less talented or photos of a lower quality. I think it's unfortunate that we tend to get tied up in this Randy vs. DPS debate here when really there's different pros and cons for both. I hope that the following provides information that will assist the OP in the decision that is right for her.

Personally I did not have a good experience with my DPS photographer for my honeymoon shoot. I loved the album that I received in the end though. I was very happy that there was an option to substitute the wedding day photography included in the Intimate Package for the Honeymoon shoot, because it could have simply been forgone money spent. Instead, Disney was good enough to offer a substitute.

For me Randy was the way to go. I love his work, and spent far too much time last term going through everyone's beautiful pictures on his site. I knew that his style was right for me. But more than that it was a sound financial decision. With DPS I was required to spend $1000 to have the hi-res rights to the digital pictures. I know I could have waited a few years and and bought them for much less, but there was no way that I was able to wait that long. By choosing an Intimate wedding I couldn't have my large extended family and friends at the wedding. Instead I wanted to make sure I had tonnes of photos to share with them (and send to DH's family in England).

With Randy the hi-res CD was included with the cost, which was significantly less than the $1000 for the DPS CD.

Post wedding I can say that it was the best decision I made period. Of all the different aspects I was most glad that Randy was there. I had a few things go wrong and he fixed them. Also he was the one who told me how the day would progress (I felt that my wedding coordinator had a bit of an off day with me). He also came early and stayed late "just because". To meet him is to love him instantly. He put my dad at complete ease during one of the most stressful days of his life. Below are some of my favourite shots that he took.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision. I know how important photos are, and how big of a decision this is.

 

[Maggimus]

Tiffany I LOVE that photo of you and DH with the bubbles-- id never seen it before!!

 

[ForKeeps]

However, that being said if you ask ForKeeps you will see that she had both Disney & Randy-- and said that she was much happier with Randy's work.

It's true, as far as my experience goes, I was happier with the experience and product I received from Randy.

I forgot to mention too, that I was not charged an escort fee. I asked about this specifically before signing my contract with DFTW and my coordinator said that they did not charge this fee with Randy. She said they just did so much work with him, and she had even used his services for her own family functions. It was listed as a possible charge in the contract, but never appeared in my BEO.

Tiffany I LOVE that photo of you and DH with the bubbles-- id never seen it before!!

Thanks Maggie I framed that one in a WDW "Where dreams come true" frame. I absolutely love it

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I am planning a vow-renewal at Disney and have been looking at different photogs websites in order to get an idea of what different photogs do. I have to say, I was less than thrilled with most of Randy's pictures. Some of his stuff was great, but most of it did not thrill me. Most of his black and whites seem VERY overexposed.

I would encourage any bride to do their research and not rely on just one or two samples.

JMHO

I was thinking the same thing. Mag - your pictures are very pretty. But some of them are a tad overexposed and the composition not so great (the tripod in the ceremony picture, for example). So are some on Randy's website. I think you got a good deal though for what you paid - many professional photographers are way more then $613.

I know someone who got married at Disney, and their pictures are gorgeous. I guess it's just personal preference, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

ETA: My friend had a vow renewal at Disney, not a wedding. oops.

 

[Janet2k]

I'm wondering which is better, using a Disney photographer or using a photographer from off site. If any of you have some insight into this situation any suggestions would be welcome.

Disneyfreak, it's truly a personal choice that only you can make. Some folks find it a hard decision to make, while other folks find it a piece of cake. I hope you find it any easy decision to make.

I have used Disney to photograph my custom FTW vow renewal and the multiple private events that I have held in WDW over the years. I have some of my Disney photos posted, but not all of them (for example, I haven't posted what I consider the real personal photos -- mostly out of respect for my guests). I'll share with you a few links to some of my public photo albums. Simply click on the following links in order to open up the appropriate album:

"Haunted Mansion" Movie Set Dinner Event
Summerhouse Dinner Event
FTW MK Portrait Session
FTW VR Welcome Party
FTW VR Ceremony & Dinner Party
Grand Floridian Private Event

Please ignore any botched-up captions that you might find in my photo albums. When Yahoo changed their website a few months ago, they messed up just about all of my captions (arg!). I've fixed some of them but haven't found the time to fix all of them yet.

There are more photos than what I have shared, but hopefully what I have shared is enough to give you an idea of the sort of photos that Disney's photographers take. By the way, I have used six of Disney's photographers now (and one of them twice). I have been pleased with all of them. They have truly captured the essence of my events.

Please note that I have down-rev'ed the resolution of the JPG images in my on-line albums due to file-size constraints for photo-sharing. The original high-resolution photos look wonderful. I wish I could share them with you.

No matter who you chose to photograph your event, I hope you enjoy your photos for many years to come. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

Edited To Add: The images in my albums, for the most part, are completely un-retouched. They're exactly what came out of Disney's digital cameras (except that I have downed their resolution drastically). I also have cropped some of the photos for various reasons (to edit out someone who didn't want to be shown in a photo, or to highlight something that someone had specifically asked me about -- like food items). Before professional photos are printed, they are oftentimes enhanced. I didn't do that to the images that are in my on-line albums.

 

[Maggimus]

I was thinking the same thing. Mag - your pictures are very pretty. But some of them are a tad overexposed and the composition not so great (the tripod in the ceremony picture, for example). So are some on Randy's website. I think you got a good deal though for what you paid - many professional photographers are way more then $613.

I know someone who got married at Disney, and their pictures are gorgeous. I guess it's just personal preference, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

ETA: My friend had a vow renewal at Disney, not a wedding. oops.

I recognize that some of the photos might be overexposed-- but when you consider the AMOUNT of photos that Randy takes & gives you verses the amount that Disney takes and then gives you-- I do believe that there is a big difference there. Randy NEVER stopped snapping-- which gave us far more photos of better quality-- JMO. Even the photos that people say are overexposed still get tons of compliments (and not just to be nice).

I dont believe in this case that I got what I paid for-- or I would have paid a lot more.

Randy isnt just a photographer, like Tiffany said he is a packaged deal. I had no idea what was going on the day of my wedding-- Randy wasnt just the photo taker he was the wedding coordinator at times and had he not been there I probobly would have been very hostile with DFTW for leaving me high and dry the day of my wedding. Things work out for a reason and had I not chose Randy I would have really missed out on the best decision of my wedding day.