Having second thoughts about not hiring a photographer

[aduck126]

Did anyone just stick with the disney provided person? Are they happy with their shots? I am looking through the POTD thread and seeing all these great and creative photos. I want something more than just everyone lining up at the wedding pavilion alter. Am I going to get it with just the disney photographer?

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

Did you get a photo request form? You can fill out what photos you want, and what style (ie more candids than portraits). You can also put in a request for someone specific, if you haven't done that already. IMHO I think there are a lot of negative reviews of DPS on here which skew all of our opinions, and I like some of the DPS photos better than some of the outside photos I have seen. It all depends on what you like!!

 

[aduck126]

i am having an escape wedding so im not sure if you get a fill out form. I have not recieved anything yet.

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

i am having an escape wedding so im not sure if you get a fill out form. I have not recieved anything yet.

So am I, I just started asking for stuff, and they are giving it to me. You can send them a list of shots too that they will give to the photographer separate from the sheet. I hope this helps

 

[B714210]

My daughter was just married at Disney 10/22. She thought her budget wouldn't allow for a photographer. Being a big-time scrapbooker, I cajoled her into hiring Randy Chapman. He was totally flexible to work with, even stayed after the reception to take couples photos outside the reception site. He came back for the fireworks/dessert party. The photos are more than beautiful. Many of the photos were taken when we didn't even realize it. Had we not had a photographer, we would have missed lots of experiences and shots of people we did not see. The dress will get shoved under your bed, the flowers will dry out, the food is eaten and gone. Even most of your gifts will wear out eventually. The photos are a lifetime remembrance of your special day. IMHO, you will forever regret not having pictures to capture the magic and memories of your day.

 

[jessesgirl-080708]

I think you are fine going with DPS.
We had a Wishes wedding and used them.

While some of the other photographers photos are more creative, I think I got my fair share from DPS too. There are tons of negative reviews here, but there also negatives for all the other photographers as well.

 

[hiwaygal]

I used DPS and was very happy with the photos I received.

With any photographer it is important to let them know what you are looking for; have a list of shots you absolutely 'must have', shots you would like to have, and shots you don't like. If you know you prefer a certain style, let them know that too.

With an Escape you only get 2 hours so the number of shots is limited. Look at what some of the other brides have done to get ideas.

Just be specific - show them shots from other photographers that you like.

 

[aduck126]

thanks everybody! i'm going to probably just stick with DPS. I was just getting nervous about having lame pictures but I think I am just going to chance it and let them know exactly what I want.

 

[weedee]

I'm SO glad you brought this thread up - I am having the same issues! For me, one of the most important parts of my wedding has to be pictures. I have seen in the past, (not Disney) brides who were totally unhappy with their pics and it just sucks because there is no going back! So I have also been tossing around the idea of hiring an outside photographer as well instead of using DPS. Not necessarily because I think they will do that much of a better job, but I can get more time that would include them being there while I am getting ready, while my DF gets ready, etc. But I personally do see a certain difference in style with the outside photographers than with DPS - not a bad difference, just different than my taste. I hate just the standard line up shots, or the "hey kiss the bride" or "walk the isle and turn back at me to smile" shots. But as other have said, if you know what you want, just ask the DPS photographer for it.

So in the end, I think I'm leaning toward going with an outside photographer...though I am not happy to be throwing away $$ from the package provided photographer!

 

[Wish on a Star]

I just wanted to throw this out there- I was a total budget bride!!! To the penny! And I was really worried about pictures too- especially bc that's all most people will see when you have a destination wedding.

When I did the math, it was actually cheaper to hire Randy Chapman and get the DVD only package (I was shocked at how reasonable it was!!) than it would have been to print all of the pictures that I wanted at Disney prices). I was really happy with how everything turned out- i didnt have to spend thousands, and i got the pictures i really wanted. Hope this helps!

 

[aduck126]

I just wanted to throw this out there- I was a total budget bride!!! To the penny! And I was really worried about pictures too- especially bc that's all most people will see when you have a destination wedding.

When I did the math, it was actually cheaper to hire Randy Chapman and get the DVD only package (I was shocked at how reasonable it was!!) than it would have been to print all of the pictures that I wanted at Disney prices). I was really happy with how everything turned out- i didnt have to spend thousands, and i got the pictures i really wanted. Hope this helps!

that really helps a lot. if you don't mind me asking how much did randy chapman charge?

 

[lpizzuro123]

We used Misty for our wedding last November but I do not think you can use an outside photographer anymore for in park events. As your DP is in Epcot - you have to use a Disney photographer. I don't think you have to as your ceremony and reception are outside the park.

Have no idea price wise but maybe get an outside photographer for your ceremony and reception and use Disney for your DP only.

Linda

 

[Wish on a Star]

that really helps a lot. if you don't mind me asking how much did randy chapman charge?

I think it was 475. I cant open the form on Randy Chapman's page, I dont have Adobe.

 

[weedee]

Randy's 3 hr escape package is $450 which includes only the master dvds...you can log into his website for the pricing guide.

 

[Wish on a Star]

Randy's 3 hr escape package is $450 which includes only the master dvds...you can log into his website for the pricing guide.

Thank you! I knew it was less than 500!

 

[weedee]

no prob! I just know off the top of my head because I spoke with him earlier today about his package prices

 

[aduck126]

Randy's 3 hr escape package is $450 which includes only the master dvds...you can log into his website for the pricing guide.

that is surprisingly reasonable! I'm so used to paying disney prices I forgot that the real world is MUCH cheaper

 

[dhay]

I used Misty and had her for 6 hours with the CD only package (meaning she doesn't skimp on her time on your edits or anything- you just don't get an album. We can pick our own pictures and order them form mpix and make our own album) and we own the rights. With DPS I would have had 2 hours, and to buy the rights I would has had to spend an enormous amount on the DVD so it actually ended up costing the same amount of money BUT I got the very talented Misty Miotto AND 6 hours of coverage.

 

[aduck126]

I used Misty and had her for 6 hours with the CD only package (meaning she doesn't skimp on her time on your edits or anything- you just don't get an album. We can pick our own pictures and order them form mpix and make our own album) and we own the rights. With DPS I would have had 2 hours, and to buy the rights I would has had to spend an enormous amount on the DVD so it actually ended up costing the same amount of money BUT I got the very talented Misty Miotto AND 6 hours of coverage.

Good to know Dhay, your pictures did turn out beautifully!

 

[alwaysdisney]

I was thinking the same thing about the pictures. I just received an e-mail from Randy Chapman and for our Escape Wedding, he will be our photographer for 3 hours for $450.00. Half of the money is due upon signing the contract the other half is due the day of the wedding. We both decided, we are spending over $5,700.00 for our wedding, so we want to make sure we have nice pictures, so we are adding Randy for only $450.00.