Can't Decide Between Two Photographers

ag19lfc

We have met two photographers and got on with both of them. Now's the time for us to book one of them but we simply can't decide which one to go with!

One photographer is a team of two, a man and a woman, which we like as they will cover the wedding from two different aspects. They seem to have a lot of experience and have won awards for their work. The only downside is that they are based a couple of hours away from us.

The other photographer is a young woman (similar to our age) on her own who does live fairly local but only has a year's experience.

We like both of their styles and they are both offering similar packages for the same money.

Neither have experience of shooting at our venue but both are willing to visit beforehand to take a look around.

How do we decide between the two?!

Ruby_Roo

I'd go with the two photographers. Not only can they shoot the wedding from two different aspects but when you have one photographer they spend all morning with the bride and only see the groom for a short while at the church/registry office before the bride arrives but this won't be a problem with two of them. This will allow you to get some nice shots of the groom getting ready and with his friends, parents etc.

McKneff

If the single one, with lots less experience is charging you similar to the two experienced ones, then she is wildly overcharging you.


Go with the ones who live further away, what has that got to do with anything anyway, a price is a price.

gadgeteer_2

Not sure if you've made up your mind yet but as a wedding photographer I'd suggest the following:

Two hours drive away isn't a lot although check if the price quoted includes travel expenses. Depending on what that is, could it sway your decision?

I personally offer a second photographer as an optional extra. What I tell couples is that I can certainly shoot a wedding on my own. But having two photographers makes certain things easier. For example let's say as a bride you're running late during prep. (rare I know! ) If I was shooting solo then a choice has to be made. Do I stay until the last moment and wait for you to be ready and in your dress? Or do I leave on time to make sure I get the guys and guests at the church?

During the ceremony usually your primary photographer will be at the front. Having a second will mean photographs from the back too. For example a shot of the train of your dress and your dad walking you down the aisle. Exchanging rings and also first kiss. Having two means chances of missing a shot or getting a better shot is doubled.

Also during the formal group photographs. Having a second photographer will help capture those natural candid moments happening whilst the primary is shooting the line ups.

Like I said, it's better to have two but it's perfectly possible to shoot a wedding on your own.

whitewing

Are you sure that the two people will both attend all he wedding? Is that in writing? If it's a busy wedding season is there a danger that only one will turn up? Will the pre-visit actually happen for the two people? When would it happen? I would get that agreed in writing too? (I am sure they are professional, but what I think I am agreeing with someone is not necessarily following their logic.