Videographer/Photographer

[mla1977]

Maggie, I've been thinking of having Randy for my wedding and reception and then using the Disney photographer for a dessert party. Are you required to use Disney photography for a Wishes wedding?

 

[lurkyloo]

MaggieAre you required to use Disney photography for a Wishes wedding?

Nope! You're not required to use Disney photography for anything but the Bridal Portrait inside the parks. It doesn't matter whether you're having a Wishes wedding or an Escape wedding. I am using my wedding photographer, Nathan Root, for my dessert party in Epcot!

 

[Maggimus]

Maggie, I've been thinking of having Randy for my wedding and reception and then using the Disney photographer for a dessert party. Are you required to use Disney photography for a Wishes wedding?

Nope!! It got answered before I got here! Hope the above poster helped

 

[honey2741]

Your pictures look absolutely amazing!
May I ask how far in advance did you book Randy for your wedding? I love the angled look, it creates variety for your wedding album I bet. What a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[Keira1387]

I love your pics,and your wedding dress! My question is, is there a fee for having Randy do your pics? I have heard yes, and no. I would love if you could set the record on that for me. Also I noticed on Randy's website he got an award from the knot for his photgraphy!

 

[Maggimus]

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond.

Randy is great! Disney does not charge you the $30 escort fee when you use him. He does not require an escort-- he is a regular with DFTW's and he knows the ropes really well. I just paid the minimum initimate package and got a TON of photos!

I agree-- the angles are great for variety. I love what he did with all of my photos!

If anyone talks to him tell him I said hello. My name is Maggie. It's been a while since ive talked to him- but he will remember me.

You can also see a lot more of his work on his website. He does such a good job-- i cant say enough good things about him! Most people that use him fall in love!

The best part is he is so laid back. On your wedding day you are pretty nervous and high strung-- but he puts you at ease. Its so natural-- and thats whats great is that since hes so comfortable to be around-- he is able to get the most natural shots!

 

[caryndisneydiva]

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!

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

I didn't use Stan from STVS-- but I regret that decision and really recommend him!!

maggimus, your picture in front of the boardwalk is totally what inspired me to use randy! thank you for posting, also, i LOVE LOVE LOVE that you wore your glasses in some of the pictures! i'm going to have to do this as well because i simply can't deal with contacts all day long! thanks for posting!

 

[Maggimus]

maggimus, your picture in front of the boardwalk is totally what inspired me to use randy! thank you for posting, also, i LOVE LOVE LOVE that you wore your glasses in some of the pictures! i'm going to have to do this as well because i simply can't deal with contacts all day long! thanks for posting!

Yay!!

Seriously! You wont be disappointed! I really encourage people to make their own judgements-- but it makes me happy when people do use him. I wouldnt have known for him if it werent for a fellow DISer (Terrance's) photos. I like seeing people make good decisions that I know they will be happy with. You will love him, I promise!!
Maggie

ETA: I actually wore my glasses the entire time. I wear glasses all the time and it was only natural to have them that way at the wedding. I do have contacts -- but decided against them. DH sees me everyday in glasses... and i wouldnt be myself without them. SO definitely dont let glasses get in the way of your wedding day!

 

[figmentfan814]

We are using Randy for our wishes wedding and he has been fantastic. We just had our engagement pictures done in September and he made us feel completely comfortable. Even for our engagement session which was $150 we received over 125 shots and he spent almost 3 hours with us- we received the CD for the copyright and we got our hard copies of every picture. I am a more traditional person when it comes to photos, but he did the perfect balance of artistic vs. standard shots. Just let him know what you feel most comfortable with and he is more than happy to meet your requests.

If you scroll down this page http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1455272&page=15 you can see a few of my engagement pictures.

We're also using Stan from STVS for our video. He has been extremely helpful so far. He'll send you a sample DVD too which shows examples of all his work.

 

[Holly81]

Your pictures look absolutely amazing!
May I ask how far in advance did you book Randy for your wedding? I love the angled look, it creates variety for your wedding album I bet. What a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing!!!

I would book Randy as soon as you have a wedding date. (Heck, some brides even book him before they have a wedding date!) We came thisclose to not being able to use him. He was already shooting a wedding at 2:30 on our date and our wedding is at noon. It is only because he is so awesome and so willing to work with brides that he agreed to photograph our wedding if he could do all of our photos beforehand. So, we'll have him from 10am -1pm for a noon wedding. This means we'll have to be nontraditional and see each other beforehand, but that's fine with us.

Some of our families thought we were crazy to rearrange our plans just to have a certain photographer (esp since a photrography package was included in our intimate wedding) but we disagree! We think Randy's worth it!

So, if you think you want to use Randy, book him as soon as you are able.

 

[Maggimus]

Im so sorry Honey2741 I forgot to answer.

I booked Randy only 3 months out-- but thats because i was late finding out about him (which is why im adamant that others know about him sooner!). I was lucky my date was available. However, like the PP, I would book him as soon as you know your date. Ive known people to book him a year and a half in advance. Its never too soon! Get on his books. Hes really popular!

If you have anymore questions id love to help.

 

[Holly81]

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond.

Randy is great! Disney does not charge you the $30 escort fee when you use him. He does not require an escort-- he is a regular with DFTW's and he knows the ropes really well. I just paid the minimum initimate package and got a TON of photos!

I agree-- the angles are great for variety. I love what he did with all of my photos!

If anyone talks to him tell him I said hello. My name is Maggie. It's been a while since ive talked to him- but he will remember me.

You can also see a lot more of his work on his website. He does such a good job-- i cant say enough good things about him! Most people that use him fall in love!

The best part is he is so laid back. On your wedding day you are pretty nervous and high strung-- but he puts you at ease. Its so natural-- and thats whats great is that since hes so comfortable to be around-- he is able to get the most natural shots!

I will have to call him soon about our wedding day timeline, so I will be sure to tell him Maggie says hello! I've only talked to him once before but I could totally tell how great his personality just from that one phone call. He was so easygoing and friendly. I tend to be a bit shy about being photographed, so I'm glad to have found someone I'll feel comfortable with. I think booking Randy is one of the best wedding-related decisions we've made. Thank goodness for these boards!

 

[BaBeeCee14]

I just booked Randy this week for my October 2008 wedding. I was so happy that he was available on my date. I'm even happier that he is available the whole day because he will be able to shoot all day plus the dessert party.

 

[Maggimus]

I will have to call him soon about our wedding day timeline, so I will be sure to tell him Maggie says hello! I've only talked to him once before but I could totally tell how great his personality just from that one phone call. He was so easygoing and friendly. I tend to be a bit shy about being photographed, so I'm glad to have found someone I'll feel comfortable with. I think booking Randy is one of the best wedding-related decisions we've made. Thank goodness for these boards!

Asside from the wedding event itself, Randy was the best decision we made. My DH still talks about him to this day. We have said once we have kids we will let Randy shoot family photos each time we are down there. You wont be disappointed

 

[Island Mouse]

Your pictures look absolutely amazing!
May I ask how far in advance did you book Randy for your wedding? I love the angled look, it creates variety for your wedding album I bet. What a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing!!!

We booked Randy back in August for our October 2008 wedding. Its one of the best decisions we have made so far for our wedding.

 

[Keira1387]

So after hearing all of your great stories about Randy, you have convinced me to use him. I sent my contact info to him last night. I have two questions:
How good of a chance to have getting him for August? It is Disney's slow season, so maybe it's his slow season too. And second, what is the payment policy? (Deposit and final payment)

 

[Maggimus]

So after hearing all of your great stories about Randy, you have convinced me to use him. I sent my contact info to him last night. I have two questions:
How good of a chance to have getting him for August? It is Disney's slow season, so maybe it's his slow season too. And second, what is the payment policy? (Deposit and final payment)

As soon as you know a tenative date in August you probably will want to book. He books up fast-- and depending on when in August (during free dining) he might be busier some times than others.

As for payment. I think you pay half up front and then half when you get there. Thats what I did.

Hope that helps!

 

[MistressOfAllEvil]

Woo Hoo! This thread makes me sooo happy! I booked Randy back in June for my February 08 wedding. I was a bit nervous about using him after I had spoke to him on the phone once... I was afraid he might be a little (what's the word... ) idk, spacey??? But with the reassurance from everyone on this board, I was recommitted to my decision. Then my step-father (who is a profession photographer, and has been behind a camera his whole life and worked in profession photo labs) went to Randy's site and my request. He was a bit negative, saying that there were some shots where Randy missed the expression on the subjects' faces (ex. a smile held too long turns into a grimmace). I chalked that up to the fact that he takes soooooo many shots, so an occasional 'bad' one might sneek in. And I loooooove his blend of angled (alway been my favorite since i was way younger) and traditional shots! Seeing Maggie's pictures and more recently Summer's, I am completely confident with my choice and I cannot wait until February.

My question is... when do you firm up plans with Randy about when and where he'll meet you. He has our basic info... SBP at 2:30pm, but did you guys request for him to meet up with you before hand at your room???

 

[Maggimus]

Woo Hoo! This thread makes me sooo happy! I booked Randy back in June for my February 08 wedding. I was a bit nervous about using him after I had spoke to him on the phone once... I was afraid he might be a little (what's the word... ) idk, spacey??? But with the reassurance from everyone on this board, I was recommitted to my decision. Then my step-father (who is a profession photographer, and has been behind a camera his whole life and worked in profession photo labs) went to Randy's site and my request. He was a bit negative, saying that there were some shots where Randy missed the expression on the subjects' faces (ex. a smile held too long turns into a grimmace). I chalked that up to the fact that he takes soooooo many shots, so an occasional 'bad' one might sneek in. And I loooooove his blend of angled (alway been my favorite since i was way younger) and traditional shots! Seeing Maggie's pictures and more recently Summer's, I am completely confident with my choice and I cannot wait until February.

My question is... when do you firm up plans with Randy about when and where he'll meet you. He has our basic info... SBP at 2:30pm, but did you guys request for him to meet up with you before hand at your room???

Im glad you feel reassured! Dont worry-- you will be completely thrilled with him (I promise ).

As for finalizing everything. I shot an email to him about a month and a half out asking him questions about things that would work. Like I said-- for my 3 hours-- I had him meet us at the hotel and get some shots there first, seperately (or you can do this together, doesnt matter). Then we headed to SBP and shot the entrance, ceremony, and small reception with Mickey & Minnie. Afterwards Randy shot a lot as we were leaving SBP on the grounds at the Boardwalk. And finally-- to end the 3 hour period I wanted him to get some photos of us on the grounds at the Grand Floridian near the fountain.

Get shots and places in your head and express those to him through e-mail before. Start early (about a month and a half) so you can make sure he sees your email and has time to respond. About 2 weeks before I shot another email back confirming everything- with our places and once I got to Orlando and called him with the hotel room number-- i made sure he knew what I wanted. He was right on top of things. The day of is very stress free because he is definitely on top of everything you want.

Make sure you tell him what type of photos you like. I like the artsy us in the faded background with the focus on another object... the one of our shadows walking and it gets our hands and feet-- stuff like that. Whereas I know others like the up and down point and click photos. So make sure he knows so you get plenty of the kind you like.

He's wonderful!! I cant wait until you come back and tell us how much you love him too. Hope that helps