Photographers - Randy C. and Jeff H.

[bonnaroofairy]

I have heard GREAT things about Randy Chapman and we are strongly considering using him (if he is available); however, I like to have options..so...another photographer I am looking at is Jeff Hawkins. Has anyone used him or heard anything about him? Any information would be great!! His pictures look awesome online, but I would love to know if anyone has worked with him.

 

[DLR2WDW]

I would love to see what previous couples have to say about this...We are having are Disney wedding next June and I was planning to use Disney photography because it would just be easier and I really lliked the photos I saw at Franck's. Is there a reason I souldn't use Disney????

 

[DisneyFairy19]

I was also wondering about Disney photography and videography???? Why do some couples go outside of Disney is it cheaper and better than Disney??? Not sure

 

[wendy46001]

I was also wondering about Disney photography and videography???? Why do some couples go outside of Disney is it cheaper and better than Disney??? Not sure

Outside vendors are sometimes cheaper, or packages are larger...While the issue of who is better is always a personal choice...Some people want a certain look/style to their photos...and others want editing options when it comes to video...others want to interview numerous people to find out who best suites their wedding type...That being said I loved my disney photographer and videographer...

 

[karentan]

I was also wondering about Disney photography and videography???? Why do some couples go outside of Disney is it cheaper and better than Disney??? Not sure

i think the most common reason people use outside vendors is that while all of disney's guys are professionals, you cant choose a specific photographer and/or style

i used disney and was very happy with their work

 

[hmgolden]

I was also wondering about Disney photography and videography???? Why do some couples go outside of Disney is it cheaper and better than Disney??? Not sure

We chose Randy Chapman for photography over Disney because he was cheaper and I was able to know in advance who was photographing our wedding. When I was planning the wedding, Disney was VERY reluctant to let you select a photographer based on their style, personality, etc. For us, that was unacceptable. With Randy we got a larger package, and had him for a longer period of time than if we had gone with Disney.

That said, lately, I have seen some beautiful pictures from the Disney photographers (this was not the case 3 years ago when I was starting my planning). If I was getting married now, I might be more reluctant to go with an outside vendor since one of the reasons I got married in Disney was the convienence factor.

 

[karentan]

i've heard that recently disney decided to tighten up and improve their wedding photography department due to the large proportion of people going with outside vendors. this might explain the improvement in quality of recent photos

 

[AlmostMrsH]

i think the most common reason people use outside vendors is that while all of disney's guys are professionals, you cant choose a specific photographer and/or style

That's exactly why I chose to go with Randy instead of Disney. I'm a huge photo nerd, and I am not comfortable with the idea of not knowing who my photographer is until the day I get married. I had only started looking at the options for outside vendors when I read about Randy on this board. Once I looked at all of the examples of his work available online (on his site and elsewhere) I was convinced - his style is PERFECT for me. His photos are just like I want, so we went with him. So far, he and Linda (his wife, who runs the studio) have been in contact with us many times and are so nice and laid back. I'm excited to work with them in October!

 

[jlovesee]

Back in 2002... we went with Jeff Hawkins and were and still are very happy we did. My husband is a professional photographer and wanted the best, and he is without a doubt the best you can get quality wise. He also uses digital (which was a BIG thing back in 2002) so we still have our CD of photos (instead of negatives) that we recieved as part of the package.

Jennifer

 

[pixie08]

Basically I have to ditto what a lot of people are saying. I am using Randy and am very happy about the choice. Photo is extremely important to us. Now I have seen wonderful photos from Disney but I have also seen alot that I would not be happy with. The fact that I would be spending around $3000 and not know who my photographer is or see a portfolio of his work is unacceptable. I also find it unacceptable that Disney charges something like $1000 for a high res cd which is a major issue for us. Now I have heard of a person or 2 who was able to meet their photographer but usually that is not the case.

I love Randy's work, he has great prices and package (we basically have unlimited coverage of the day, 35 or 40 pg leather bound album,2 parent albums, high res cd of all our photos, many prints, and anengagement session for a price in the range of Disney's 6 hour package!) and so far love his personality so that is why we chose Randy. Now that being said as I mentioned some of Disney's photos come out amazing...it depends on the photographer and the convenience factor is definitley there...altough it was no trouble at all contacting Randy by email. Again it is a personal choice. Good luck

 

[bonnaroofairy]

What I keep meaning to ask everyone that has already been married or has gone through the PS is... If you choose to use an outside photographer, are they charging you a fee for that? In other words, do you have to pay Disney to allow you to use an outside photographer? I am on a tight budget & that might make a difference in my decision process.

Thanks for anyone's help!!

Tiffany

 

[hmgolden]

What I keep meaning to ask everyone that has already been married or has gone through the PS is... If you choose to use an outside photographer, are they charging you a fee for that? In other words, do you have to pay Disney to allow you to use an outside photographer? I am on a tight budget & that might make a difference in my decision process.

Thanks for anyone's help!!

Tiffany

Disney does put in the contract that they will charge you an outside vendor fee for a photographer or videographer. The fee, I believe, is $90 for the first 3 hours and $30 for every hour after that. Even with that fee, Randy worked out cheaper for us. In addition, Disney seems to be very hit or miss with how they charge that fee. Some brides haven't been charged at all, some just the minimum $90. I don't actually know of a bride that has been charged the full amount. You should of course budget to charged the full amount, and if it doesnt' show up on your final bill, you have a little extra money for your honeymoon.

 

[Rascal1003]

We opted for Randy because we could see his work before-hand and were really impressed.
Turns out that it really was the best decision. Randy is simply brilliant, no doubt about it. And he offers great service at a great price, so Disney never really were a consideration.

Also, we had an additional option with Virgin Weddings, but despite a few attempts at trying to find out more about the photographer that they appointed, we were unable to see any of their previous work, so they went in the bin straight away.

It is all about personal taste and preference, but Randy's slightly more contemporary and journalistic approach really suits the nature and atmosphere of a Disney Fairytale Wedding. He is also a well respected and trusted vendor with an excellent reputation that even Disney themselves approve of.

(All of the above also applies to Stan of STVS Video too).