Photography HIBs opinions needed - and anyone else who wants to join in

I prefer number 2 myself! The pictures look nice and you get the option of 2 photographers which i think is always really good because then you can have 1 photographer with you and one with your OH as people always forget that your OH might want some pics taken of him before the wedding as well....

Proof books vary by photographer, so the best answer is to check with your wedding photographer to see exactly what you'll be getting.

Some photographers offer an album containing a 4x6 print of every image as proofs, as 4x6's are quite inexpensive. Some offer a book of "contact sheets," which are pages that have been developed with small versions of each picture. Some offer digital proofs.

The theoretical purpose of a proof book is to choose what images you will want for prints and in a final album, although depending on the agreement you have with the photographer, the proof book may be all you need/want.

Hope that helps

I'm not a photographer so can't comment on lighting, exposure etc but I much prefer the style of number two.

Number one has far too many 'cheesy' shots for my liking.

Love the Marsden Grotto shots on number two's gallery. Made me a bit homesick!

Based on a quick look, its no2 for me. The first ones front page image (obvious flash shadow) just doesn't work IMHO.

I personally prefer the second one, some of the composition of the shots of photographer one look a bit off. Photographer twos photos to me look more creative and polished

I'm so glad you all said that ?

I was a bit worried that because he was a friend (ish) I might have been a bit biased with his photos. I prefer his work and I do love the fact that he's there all day and I really want photos of OH getting ready and arriving at the church etc.

The only reason number one was really a contender was because I didn't think the photos were awful, and he was in our price range with a fairly decent package. Most of the othere I looked at for what we want (getting ready - first dance) were well out of our budget or were just over, but no engagement shoot or any inclusive prints.

Thanks. Keep the opinions coming though

We were going to have the reception there, but the main room is pretty small once they take away tables for the dance floor, so people would be in 2 different rooms. Loved the idea of the photos and a BBQ on the beach though, but OH was insistant on only having one room. We also had a good laugh about how long it would take all our guests to get down in the lift!

I love number 2's work, they seem more natural and fun! And the fact that you already know them will make the day much more comfortable.

Number 2 without question. The work they show is more current, personable and thoughtful.

The first one looks wayyyy too traditional...

But you know, they could just be showing you the best stuff. Both are guilty of not really showing much (I have over 2000 wedding photos from 40+ weddings on my site).

Look for transparency, find someone within your budget but don't pick someone over price. The most important thing is to get great images. Albums, prints etc are just a sweetener to get business and aren't as important as getting the right photos.

See complete, recent work. The first person may be the most consistent, the second may just have some quirky signature shots with nothing else.

You'll have to meet them and see a full catalogue of work.

Hiya

It's definitely worth meeting up with a few photographers, as important as it is for the style of photography & the price to be right, you also need to get on well with them as they'll be with you so much during the day. As Chris said, also make sure you see some full wedding galleries, not just a selection of their best photos.

I can't comment on which I prefer as I know one of the photographers ?

Ali x

I would say go meet them, you may prefer the second one's images but if you do not get on with them personally then you will not enjoy yourselves on the day. I would pick another 1 or 2 as a comparison so you go see 4.

Photographers also tailor there websites to the target audience that they are trying to attract, number 2 may have more natural images but they may be terrible at the few traditional shots you need (groups etc..) number one may show more of a traditional gallery but if you see a full wedding they may have lots of nice natural photographs.

You wont know until you see them, If you see number 2 and really like them all round then you will be sure in your mind that you have made the right decision.

Definitely prefer number 2. Number 1 is way too cheesy for me, out of all the ones I looked I think I saw 2 natural shots. Number 2 looks great

Yes you can. Just because you know someone doesn't mean you can't give your honest opinion on their work and compare it to someone elses. Unless they are hiding on here, then you could always PM me

I will definitely be meeting with anybody I feel is within my budget and offers a packager to suit, and if we're not happy with any then we can just start looking again and increase our budget or take a package with less. I would love to have 4 I want to see, but I'm struggling to find more for the price we want to pay. Others are just a bit over, but would mean we have to cut back somewhere else, so I'm excluding them for now. I do wish they had more photos on the website as people have said, and more traditional shots on number 2. Not the worst though, as I did look at one who had a grand total of 10 photos I think, and most of them were just bouquets and shoes etc and only 2 or 3 of actual people. Very strange.

What's your budget for photos? Or, more specifically what is their price range?

Most of what I shoot is relaxed and informal work and hardly any of my images online have formals in...yet I always do loads.

During the start of the wedding breakfast I go around the table taking photos of couples...but I don't put them on my site as they aren't what I'm about. It could be the same story for number two.

Why not look just outside of your area, Photographers are willing to travel. I think CD only you could easily find someone for between £500 and £650 - most albums included in a £600 package only tend to be the ones online - £40 - £60 (bobs books, Apple, Mypublisher etc....