Disney vs. Chapman

[DizzyGal24]

I was just wondering is Randy Chapman more expensive than Disney photo or cheaper? And what will Disney charge me extra for using him? Also can he do the engagment and MK photo shot in the park? Thanks

 

[pixie08]

My opinion is that with randy you get a WHOLE LOT more than Disney photo. Also w/ Disney you have no idea who your photog is until that day. So if you are looking at say a Disney 8 hour package for what you get Randy would be cheaper. You do get a surchage from Disney like $90 for 3 hours and 30 each hour after that for using Randy, however , this is inconsistent as some brides haven't been charged or some have been charged just the $90.Plus I think he is awesome...but if you need to fufill mins than Disney is the way to go. Don't get me wrong there are people who have had wonderful experiences w/ Disney photo but there are a whole lot that have had bad experiences so it is hit or miss.

No Randy does not do the MK session but you can still book this through disney for around $800 wether or not you use their photo the day of the wedding.

 

[allisonswonderland]

That ticks me off at Disney... the photographer needs an escort? How crazy is that? SO when does the escort come while I am getting ready so I will have 4 maids 1 mom and aunt a photographer and an escort? As long as ou are meeting their minimums I do not think they should do that, but they can itis in the contract. But I just wonder about when they count the hours? If I have an 8 hour package how does that work?

 

[hiwaygal]

I was just wondering is Randy Chapman more expensive than Disney photo or cheaper? And what will Disney charge me extra for using him? Also can he do the engagment and MK photo shot in the park? Thanks

This is a tricky question.

Personally, I think any outside photographer is more expensive than Disney. And Disney gets a bad rep mostly because you cannot choose your photographer with them in advance (all of them are professional, but everyone has a different "style" and most of the complaints I have heard are "style" related).

But it really depends on whether you are an Intimate bride (where Disney photography is included) or a Custom bride (where you have specific minimums you have to meet).

As others have mentioned, outside photographers are not permitted to do photo sessions in the parks. They can do photo sessions at the resorts, but not in the parks themselves.

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

I just wanted to add through talking with Stephanie, they are actually working on improving the photography offered for their weddings. That was back in May, and I have noticed more brides seem to be very satisfied with the results. Also if you talk with Stephanie, you can request to speak with the photographer over the phone the day before and let them know what you're looking for. I would even come up with some sort of portfolio of different shots you are wanting. I am doing this, and I'm working with Randy.

Good luck in your decision, and happy planning!
Ashley

 

[Laurafoster]

Thats a good idea about the portfolio! i think i might do that myself!

 

[groomtb]

did anyone mention with disney photo, you don't own the pictures till 3 years later? you could purchase a hi-res cd from them prior to that at a insanely high price, but after 3 years it's $99. (this is from what I read here, not sure if anything changed or wrong) If that's not a big deal with you then it's fine to go with Disney and save some $. with Randy he'll give you proofs and cd, which you own the copyrights to it.

however, Randy's highly recommened accross the board for it's professional quality and affordability.
I'm looking forward to work with him.

 

[Codie]

That ticks me off at Disney... the photographer needs an escort? How crazy is that? SO when does the escort come while I am getting ready so I will have 4 maids 1 mom and aunt a photographer and an escort? As long as ou are meeting their minimums I do not think they should do that, but they can itis in the contract. But I just wonder about when they count the hours? If I have an 8 hour package how does that work?

\

I felt the same way about the escort, but post-wedding I understand...and truly it is pretty cool btw-I don't recall seeing any charge for escort. Anyway, the escort was awesome because she stayed in contact with the other people via walkie talkie (and this is probably true whether it is an outside or disney photographer) to determine how much time we had and where all the guests were so that no one saw us at the wrong times...it was like having a secret service escort like you see in the movies;-)

 

[Rascal1003]

I do not want to say anything negative about Disney's photography because other then the 12 pre-wedding shots that were included in our intimate package, I have no experience.

However, I did hire Randy and simply could not have made a better choice.

He is quite simply awesome. He is so relaxed that you just almost forget he is there and he really pulls out all the stops to get the best results he can.

We were signed up with a photographer through Virgin Weddings in the first instance, but after speaking to Randy on the phone and seeing his work, we dropped the Virgin package.
There are loads of people here that have used Randy so no shortage of examples, but they are all unique and very, very special.

You will not be disappointed.

 

[JandJ]

\

I felt the same way about the escort, but post-wedding I understand...and truly it is pretty cool btw-I don't recall seeing any charge for escort. Anyway, the escort was awesome because she stayed in contact with the other people via walkie talkie (and this is probably true whether it is an outside or disney photographer) to determine how much time we had and where all the guests were so that no one saw us at the wrong times...it was like having a secret service escort like you see in the movies;-)

Is the escort just for Custom brides? We had an Intimate and after the cake cutting our EM said "I'll leave you with Ty now" and it was just us, our guests, and Ty, our photogrpaher. He did an amazing job, BTW, and we were thrilled with all of our pictures. I know Randy is highly recommended and from what I've read on here I don't think you could go wrong with him. For us, it was a matter of the Disney photography was included in the Intimate package, we didn't have anything additional that we needed a photographer for (i.e. dessert party), and we were lucky to get a photographer who took pictures in the style we liked and took plenty of them.

 

[Codie]

I don't know if you have a Disney photographer if he doesn't need the extra escort because he is probably hooked up to the walkie talkie system? Maybe it was just a custom thing? Our videographer (dustin from disney) did not have an escort...but he did have an ear piece like our escort...

 

[JandJ]

I don't know if you have a Disney photographer if he doesn't need the extra escort because he is probably hooked up to the walkie talkie system? Maybe it was just a custom thing? Our videographer (dustin from disney) did not have an escort...but he did have an ear piece like our escort...

Yes, since you mention it and now that I think of it, he did have an earpiece and a walkie-talkie thing. That makes sense.

 

[hiwaygal]

I'm pretty sure you only need an "escort" if you are using an outside photographer. If you are using Disney Photography, you won't need one (and won't get charged "extra fees" etc.)

 

[evedein]

Randy did DD's Intimate wedding & didn't have an escort. Maybe it's because he's so well known at WDW & knows what he's allowed to do & what he can't. His wife Linda told us that about 75% of Randy's work is at Disney weddings.

 

[groomtb]

wonder how many percent found Randy through here

 

[pixie08]

Randy did DD's Intimate wedding & didn't have an escort. Maybe it's because he's so well known at WDW & knows what he's allowed to do & what he can't. His wife Linda told us that about 75% of Randy's work is at Disney weddings.

I also read the same thing! I can't wait to use him. I was going to use Disney but after seeing his work and his packages and prices I just couldn't go with Disney I would feel as if I am not getting my $$$$ worth...that's just me!

 

[Rascal1003]

We found Randy through recommendations from this forum !