Wedding photographers...GTA

[londongal]

Can anyone recommend a good wedding photographer? I'm looking for journalistic-style photos.....any suggestions would be great! Thanks!:razz:

[HeldDown]

I'm a wedding photographer in downtown TO. My business partner and I are still booking some dates throughout the summer. PM me ASAP for portfolio/details and we'll go from there.

[dazz]

Can anyone recommend a good wedding photographer? I'm looking for journalistic-style photos.....any suggestions would be great! Thanks!:razz:

That guy demi2004 ---> ClickHere (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/member.php?u=16822) who posted a few dozen amazing pictures in that "post your best photo" thread also does weddings(I pm'd him earlier and I think my brother is going to book him for his wedding). You should definitely get some info.

[chococrazy]

Check out http://www.frugalbride.com for some vendors. They also have a Bulletin Board forum that's pretty helpful.

[SW20 MR2]

We went with these guys:

http://www.theartofweddings.com

The photographers were very good. I think it was $2000 or so, which included 2 photographers and 6 hours of time. They shot using film, and the negatives were ours to keep. Important if you are re-printing pictures later. This was back in 2004.

[pintobean]

I used this guy http://www.photobywillie.com

He charged me $2000 cash and that was for one photographer and one videographer. My wedding was at 2:00pm and these guys were there taking pictures and video from 1:00pm until almost 11:00pm. We ended up with over 1300 pictures on a DVD and also got over 200 unmarked proofs that were printed and put in two nice albums. The video was edited down to a one hour DVD with titles and menu etc... and we also got all the raw video footage on Mini DV tapes.

The service was great, and I would definitely recommend him...check the portfolio on the website for examples of the kinds of pictures he takes. You'll also notice that he posts his prices right on his site (unlike most other wedding photographers). If you want to PM me, I'd be happy to refer you to him directly so that maybe you can get a better deal than what he's posted online. I'd also be happy to direct you to a website where you can view all my wedding pictures so that you can see 100% of his work instead of just "the best of the best" that are posted in his portfolio.

[h2o-]

I recommend this guy!
http://www.luxography.ca/

[maggers]

I recommend him.

http://benbenvie.smugmug.com/

[chococrazy]

I used this guy http://www.photobywillie.com


I believe this person has gotten good reviews from some brides off of FrugalBride. Do a search.

Better to get reviews from people that have actually used the photographer for their wedding, than people who haven't but may just be family friends and such. You'll get a better idea of their service.

This is the one I went with: www.jbsmithphotography.com. I'll let you know in September how they turn out :)

[NDman]

Reportage got some good reviews from people from photo.net

http://www.reportagephoto.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Reportage.woa

And also a list of Wedding PJ's in Ontario

http://www.wpja.com/wedding-photographers/international/canada/ontario-photography.htm

I am still on a hunt myself for our wedding too. But we too are looking exclusively at PJ style too

[Happy13178]

www.lakephotography.ca is Stephanie Lake. She does weddings, but she's primarily a photojournalist, so if those are the photo types you want, she's the one. Cliff Spicer photography is another photojournalist...both work for my company very regularly (Canadian Press). Stephanie may be a bit more affordable, but they're both extremely good.

[Ohboiya]

www.lakephotography.ca is Stephanie Lake. She does weddings, but she's primarily a photojournalist, so if those are the photo types you want, she's the one. Cliff Spicer photography is another photojournalist...both work for my company very regularly (Canadian Press). Stephanie may be a bit more affordable, but they're both extremely good.

hmmm ... what's photojournalism?

i looked @ the pix in your link and they look amateur?!? i would be upset if those were my wedding pix!

[UrbanPoet]

hmmm ... what's photojournalism?

i looked @ the pix in your link and they look amateur?!? i would be upset if those were my wedding pix!

i guess an easy way to put it is... candid photography.
Think news guy.....
News guy sees a major incident d/t and then starts to take random pictures to document it.

Its hard to do photojournalism b/c its so random and candid.

[HeldDown]

Seriously, email me soon.

[UrbanPoet]

Seriously, email me soon.

why dont u post a website with some examples of your portfolio?

[KorruptioN]

Seriously, email me soon.

Good attitude to have for a potential customer..

[ronny1980]

http://www.mimmoandnaz.com/

My friend hired them for their wedding in Florence, Italy. Amazing Job!

[Bullseye]

www.studiodvm.com

Personal friend of mine. His specialty is what he does with the pics after they are taken using Photoshop, popping colous and such.

[Ohboiya]

http://www.mimmoandnaz.com/

My friend hired them for their wedding in Florence, Italy. Amazing Job!

Hi Ronny,

Those are great pix! Can you ask you friend what it cost him (not including travel expenses) for their services?

Thanks!

[ronny1980]

Hi Ronny,

Those are great pix! Can you ask you friend what it cost him (not including travel expenses) for their services?

Thanks!

Sure.

THe newlyweds are still on Honeymoon right now (wedding was on June 9th) but I've sent them both an email which I know they will check on occasion.

I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from them.

You should check out their Blog as well.. http://www.mimmoandnaz.com/blog/index.html

These guys were recommended in the Moneysense magazine not long ago.

[Ohboiya]

www.studiodvm.com

Personal friend of mine. His specialty is what he does with the pics after they are taken using Photoshop, popping colous and such.

I like ... but dang ... he's in Ancaster!

On a side note ... do you guys try and negotiate pricing with photographers? They must have to ... there are so many phtographers out there!

[googoo]

There are a lot more photographers out there now becaUSE of autofocus 35mm based digital cameras, and photoshop.

Most photographers don't shoot medium format anymore, and only the expensive shoot digital medium format(phase one type of thing.

You might negotiate a free hour, or an extra 8x10 .... I know that when I did it, I'd always include unlimited hours, the day would be the wedding, and nothing else.

Brent

[L_and_S]

I highly, highly recommend www.davidimagestudio.com My husband and I used him and only have good things to say about his work and his attitude. All of the guests loved him as well. He is very dedicated and an excellent photographer.

[najibs]

www.visionsbydavid.com

[CSAgent]

David Lai is good - but expensive. He's the best of the best if you can afford it. $4500 and up.

I'm working with www.everimages.ca myself right now, $1500 for really excellent photography as well.

We just did a big wedding today...bride and groom were more than happy with our services.

[st7860]

They shot using film, and the negatives were ours to keep. Important if you are re-printing pictures later. This was back in 2004.

lol what a shocker - you actually found one that wasnt a Greedy Bastard(tm) that wanted to keep negatives. you were lucky.

[Ohboiya]

I'm working with www.everimages.ca myself right now, $1500 for really excellent photography as well.


So who do you guys recommend for postproduction and do you have an estimate of costs?

I prefer an all-in-one shop ...

[amph1bius]

Whatever you do, look at their portfolio first. There are many people who claim to be wedding photographers and charge $400 for the whole wedding, but their portfolio/pictures are a piece of crap.

[NDman]

Whatever you do, look at their portfolio first. There are many people who claim to be wedding photographers and charge $400 for the whole wedding, but their portfolio/pictures are a piece of crap.

$400 for the whole wedding, people shouldn't be expecting anything much more than crap.

[Bullseye]

I like ... but dang ... he's in Ancaster!

On a side note ... do you guys try and negotiate pricing with photographers? They must have to ... there are so many phtographers out there!

He covers the GTA, he just ends up driving a lot.

When a photographer gets a good rep, they can often charge a premium for their services. With my friend, he isn't cheap, and I don't think he negotiates price, but he has no shortage of work. He does great work, and that speaks for itself.

[CSAgent]

So who do you guys recommend for postproduction and do you have an estimate of costs?

I prefer an all-in-one shop ...


Post-production is taken care of in-house.

Digital photographers are quite efficient and skilled at post-production manipulation these days.

[crx168]

I recommend this guy, he's great with his service and does all post production work and gives full set of prints. Currently see that he has a discount on 2008 bookings.

www.icontactphoto.com

[thelefteyeguy]

I recommend this guy, he's great with his service and does all post production work and gives full set of prints. Currently see that he has a discount on 2008 bookings.

www.icontactphoto.com



lol...didnt know over-photoshopping was still in

[demi2004]

lol...didnt know over-photoshopping was still in

I don't find it overphotoshopped at all. Last thing you want is out of the camera photos that every Joe on the streets can produce. Brides love post processing.
The only problem that I see is that the website is very slow. I have Bell's 5MB line and I had to wait over 20 seconds for a website to load. He's loosing a lot of clients due to that.
This is why when I was making my wedding photography site,I made sure it loads very quickly even for the 56K'ers

[HeldDown]

As someone who has worked as a wedding pro for a while, I can tell you that though "Brides love processing," most are also adept enough to see that many "photographers" use Photoshop to make up for lackluster photography skills. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with GWCs, and it's getting harder to find the real professionals among the weeds.

[NDman]

Unfortunately, the market is saturated with GWCs, and it's getting harder to find the real professionals among the weeds.
So true!

Now only if my fiancee and I could afford the Jeff Ascough's and Bambi Cantrell's... :cheesygri

[demi2004]

As someone who has worked as a wedding pro for a while, I can tell you that though "Brides love processing," most are also adept enough to see that many "photographers" use Photoshop to make up for lackluster photography skills. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with GWCs, and it's getting harder to find the real professionals among the weeds.

Well,GWCs have to learn somehow. You aren't born to be a Pro photograher. You learn as you go. Many great photographers didn't have any schooling and learned on the job.

At the end,you need to deliver what your clients want. If they want saturated and post processed photographs,then so be it.

[Rocketo]

www.brucezinger.com

[Nemodigital]

I used this guy http://www.photobywillie.com

He charged me $2000 cash and that was for one photographer and one videographer. My wedding was at 2:00pm and these guys were there taking pictures and video from 1:00pm until almost 11:00pm. We ended up with over 1300 pictures on a DVD and also got over 200 unmarked proofs that were printed and put in two nice albums. The video was edited down to a one hour DVD with titles and menu etc... and we also got all the raw video footage on Mini DV tapes.

The service was great, and I would definitely recommend him...check the portfolio on the website for examples of the kinds of pictures he takes. You'll also notice that he posts his prices right on his site (unlike most other wedding photographers). If you want to PM me, I'd be happy to refer you to him directly so that maybe you can get a better deal than what he's posted online. I'd also be happy to direct you to a website where you can view all my wedding pictures so that you can see 100% of his work instead of just "the best of the best" that are posted in his portfolio.

Thanks RFD, I just booked with Willie. Really cool guy and best part is after you pay last installment you own the copyright to the photos!

[klam]

Some of the photographers named in this thread are not really up to par in my opinion.

[NiMSo]

Thanks RFD, I just booked with Willie. Really cool guy and best part is after you pay last installment you own the copyright to the photos!

I know Willie! I've never used his services, but I have bought some gear from him :cheesygri. Nice guy, and he lives close to me :).

[Nemodigital]

Some of the photographers named in this thread are not really up to par in my opinion.
The problem is that most photographers hold you hostage by retaining the rights to the images after you have paid them to photograph your event. Or if you want the rights you are paying over $3,000.

ps I checked out some of the photos you posted on RFD... truly astounding.

[CSAgent]

Some of the photographers named in this thread are not really up to par in my opinion.

That's a harsh assessment. We/they all started somewhere, not everyone or anyone just woke up one day and was magically given eerie Godless powers to capture the greatest photos known to mankind.

Photographers can be described by using analogies derived from World of Warcraft...if you must compare.

[Nemodigital]

That's a harsh assessment. We/they all started somewhere, not everyone or anyone just woke up one day and was magically given eerie Godless powers to capture the greatest photos known to mankind.

Photographers can be described by using analogies derived from World of Warcraft...if you must compare.
I wouldn't really call it harsh, the term "par" is subjective.

[demi2004]

The problem is that most photographers hold you hostage by retaining the rights to the images after you have paid them to photograph your event. Or if you want the rights you are paying over $3,000.

ps I checked out some of the photos you posted on RFD... truly astounding.

Can you please tell me why you would want to own the copyrights? Are you planning to sell your wedding photographs? If not,what's the point? I had to sell the copyrights twice before due to the fact that the bride did not want her photographs to be seen by anyone. I had to make sure I am well paid,since it wouldn't add anything to my portfolio. As a client,you can reproduce and share your photographs without owning the rights to the photos.

[Nemodigital]

Can you please tell me why you would want to own the copyrights? Are you planning to sell your wedding photographs? If not,what's the point? I had to sell the copyrights twice before due to the fact that the bride did not want her photographs to be seen by anyone. I had to make sure I am well paid,since it wouldn't add anything to my portfolio. As a client,you can reproduce and share your photographs without owning the rights to the photos.
Its not so much as the rights as it is the full resolution digital "negatives".

[CSAgent]

In my contracts, I stipulate that the bride and groom is getting a limited copyright license from me for personal/non-commercial use. By signing they agree that I may or may not use up to 10 photos from their own wedding for promotional use. I will in no way use their photos unlawfully to harm their reputation.

And I have not had any objections since. Some couples don't even read it over and just sign it on the spot... lol. But I uphold my work ethics and only a small fraction of photos get used in my portfolio for potential clients to view.

[Tennoh]

Our friends used http://www.crimsonphotohouse.com/home.html and the results were quite good. Prices were reasonable too. We're jealous really compared to our wedding photographer.

[xstatik]

Can you please tell me why you would want to own the copyrights? Are you planning to sell your wedding photographs? If not,what's the point? I had to sell the copyrights twice before due to the fact that the bride did not want her photographs to be seen by anyone. I had to make sure I am well paid,since it wouldn't add anything to my portfolio. As a client,you can reproduce and share your photographs without owning the rights to the photos.

I don't understand your thinking. The way I see it, you are holding your clients hostage by not giving them full use of their own images!!

Let me guess, you don't give the digital high-res, non-watermarked files on a DVD to your clients either, (probabily, so you can mark-up the printed photos even more)

[sfu_engineer]

I don't understand your thinking. The way I see it, you are holding your clients hostage by not giving them full use of their own images!!

Let me guess, you don't give the digital high-res, non-watermarked files on a DVD to your clients either, (probabily, so you can mark-up the printed photos even more)

Many people do not understand photography. You are paying for a photographer to take pictures. The pictures are created (yes CREATED ... photography is an ARTISTIC craft) by the photographer and should remain property of the photographer.

When you pay for the photography and photos you both must agree upon a licensing structure as obviously a commercial rights license is much more expensive than rights and license for personal use. Imagine if you wanted to use a song from a record artist like Coldplay on your commercial website. You can't just buy their latest CD for $15 and use the music on your website. You have to pay hundreds of dollars in royalty and licensing fees to do so.

This is the same as photography!

[demi2004]

I don't understand your thinking. The way I see it, you are holding your clients hostage by not giving them full use of their own images!!

Let me guess, you don't give the digital high-res, non-watermarked files on a DVD to your clients either, (probabily, so you can mark-up the printed photos even more)

I actually do offer Hi-Res images and never watermark them. They are welcome to use the images in any way they want,as long as they are not making profit from them.
It is hard to understand why photographers don't like to offer hi-res file,without being in our spot. I can assure you that there's a very good reason for it.
As far as making $ from those images- you are absolutely correct. Just like if you go to a fine dining restaurant, you'll be spending $50-100 per person and enjoy doing it! Chances are, you could've eaten at Joe's pizza for about $10 per person and it's just down the street... It wouldn't be the same,but some don't really care as for them pizza is pizza...
And there isn't a single photographer offering cheap prints because sooner or later they all find out that it is a lot of work. Those who fail to see that are doomed to close their business. 80% of all photographers go out of business within 3 years! That or they get a full time job and only do weddings on their spare time(most wedding photographers are in that category.)

My client are willing to pay my fees because they feel I am worth it. Paying extra is not a big deal as long as they know that they'll be provided with the best service possible.

[xstatik]

Many people do not understand photography. You are paying for a photographer to take pictures. The pictures are created (yes CREATED ... photography is an ARTISTIC craft) by the photographer and should remain property of the photographer.
!

My problem is that my image and likeness is going towards the profit of someone else. If anything, the photographer should be PAYING ME ROYALTIES for the use of my image and likeness as it would seem that I'm endorsing the photographer by them using my images in their portfolio/advertising.

I value my privacy and consider my wedding to be a private and sacred moment with my friends and family and not to be shared in the public domain!

[xstatik]

When you pay for the photography and photos you both must agree upon a licensing structure as obviously a commercial rights license is much more expensive than rights and license for personal use. Imagine if you wanted to use a song from a record artist like Coldplay on your commercial website. You can't just buy their latest CD for $15 and use the music on your website. You have to pay hundreds of dollars in royalty and licensing fees to do so.
!


So what about the licensing of my image, likeness and my family moment of a wedding??? Using your logic, the photographers should be paying their client if they use the image in advertising.

[st7860]

I don't understand your thinking. The way I see it, you are holding your clients hostage by not giving them full use of their own images!!

Let me guess, you don't give the digital high-res, non-watermarked files on a DVD to your clients either, (probabily, so you can mark-up the printed photos even more)

I hereby and solemly declare, +1

-------------------
http://www.ubc.ca

[sfu_engineer]

So what about the licensing of my image, likeness and my family moment of a wedding??? Using your logic, the photographers should be paying their client if they use the image in advertising.

You are right. But that is why most photographers have couples sign model releases to allow them to use the photos in their portfolio and their own advertising.

As a photographer, if I were to not be allowed to use the images I had captured in my portfolio, I would not be able to get any further business out of this as a portfolio is really needed in the business of photography. If I knew I were not able to keep images for my own personal portfolio I would have to charge a premium for this.

[dazz]

So what about the licensing of my image, likeness and my family moment of a wedding??? Using your logic, the photographers should be paying their client if they use the image in advertising.

Most people who spend a lot of money on a photographer(eg $5K+) feel honored if a photographer decides to put an image from their wedding on his or her website. Perhaps you should find a photographer that would invoke those feelings in you.
Chances are, you are looking to book a $500 photographers and scared how they'll turned out(I would too). Maybe look into some hi-end photographers and see if anything changes. But seriously, don't mention what you say here to your photographer or you won't get booked. You sound like a person who doesn't have a lot of respect for the art or know anything about the business. I'd never book you if I was a photographer and you told me what you said on this message board.

[lz7j]

I seldom shoot for an agency and I don't retain rights to the images taken. It's not a very good feeling as I can't 'publicly' use the images (on my website, shows/booth) but I do include them in my portfolio albums.

If I were to book a couple on my own, they have to sign a contract that gives me rights to make the images commercially available (bridal magazines, shows, etc.) It is standard practice within the industry.

Personally, I can waive that clause for the right amount of cash. Money talks afterall.

[xstatik]

But seriously, don't mention what you say here to your photographer or you won't get booked. You sound like a person who doesn't have a lot of respect for the art or know anything about the business. I'd never book you if I was a photographer and you told me what you said on this message board.

But what gives the photographers the RIGHT to use my image and likeness as they see fit!!!

For example, a photographers takes a photo shoot, the photos are used in a magazine, website etc for advertising purposes, both the PHOTOGRAPHERS AND MODELS in the photo GET PAID!!

Simply put, if the photographers is using my likeness in their advertising, I'm in effect endorsing them, thus I should also get paid for the endorsement. It doesn't matter if I a celebrity or just a "Joe The Plumber".

I have no problem paying top dollar for good quality photos and service. I do have a problem with my image being used in any way that the photographer feels. Let's say for instance, the photographer gets in trouble with the law, now the photo of me is assocated with the photographer and brings my reputation down.

[xstatik]

I seldom shoot for an agency and I don't retain rights to the images taken. It's not a very good feeling as I can't 'publicly' use the images (on my website, shows/booth) but I do include them in my portfolio albums.


I have no problem with the photos being used in a hard copy portfolio. To me that is different and considered in line with the ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

When the photos are being used in brochures, websites, flyers, wedding shows, magazines etc, then the ART arguement goes out the window as you are now soliciting for business, and thus, I should be compensated for endorsing your business.

[xstatik]

You sound like a person who doesn't have a lot of respect for the art or know anything about the business. I'd never book you if I was a photographer and you told me what you said on this message board.

You sound like you don't have a lot of resepct for your clients!

[xstatik]

IIf I were to book a couple on my own, they have to sign a contract that gives me rights to make the images commercially available (bridal magazines, shows, etc.) It is standard practice within the industry.Personally, I can waive that clause for the right amount of cash. Money talks afterall.

Just because it's standard practice, doesn't make it right!

[Roadrunnr]

So what about the licensing of my image, likeness and my family moment of a wedding??? Using your logic, the photographers should be paying their client if they use the image in advertising.

Can I understand what you are getting at. If a photo is being used to generate income for a business, then, ideally, both the Model and the Photographer should benefit from it. The Photographer benefits by bringing in more business, and the Model should benefit with some sort of compensation because it is their face that is used to help sell a product or service for the Photographer - in this way everybody wins.

I think it boils down to the content of the actual release form that a model signs with a photographer (and/or with an agency). If all parties are in agreement with the terms and conditions of the release form/contract, then there should be no argument.

As to what lz7j said, it is a common practice within the industry, but I don't think it's a standard practice.

[st7860]

you sound like you don't have a lot of resepct for your clients!

+1

[xstatik]

The problem I have is that photographers here are using the "Photography as an art" excuse for a business reason of using the photos in marketing.

My personal preference and what I assumed was the case before this debate started is that any photos that photographers used in their marketing/websites/brochures etc. were used with their explicit clients permission. I personally, don't want my wedding photos used in a brochure and that is a personal choice of mine. I don't feel it is right to be charged more because I don't want my photos used in the marketing campaign of a photographer. I would never hire a photographer that makes statements such as:

Personally, I can waive that clause for the right amount of cash. Money talks afterall.

Because the way I see it goes back to the endorsement arguement where I'm now endorsing the photographer and should receive a discount and/or payment as the photographer will receive more business from using my photos to solicit for clients. Plus, if a lot of clients are "honoured" to be featured on the website/marketing, good for them, but I perfer to keep my intimate gathering of family and friends for my wedding as a private affair.

I have no problem paying top dollar for a good quality product/service. I never mentioned that $500 was top dollar! (I feel that $1000-$2000 is reasonable depending on the service/package). I'm paying for the services, expertise and time of a professional photographer to make a photographic record of wedding.

[dazz]

I have no problem paying top dollar for a good quality product/service. I never mentioned that $500 was top dollar! (I feel that $1000-$2000 is reasonable depending on the service/package)

lol. You consider $1,000 to be "top dollar"?! No wonder you are having this argument!! $1,000 photographers are not top dollar. Only beginners charge those kind of money. Any good photographers with lots of experience are priced at around $3,000+. Some only start at around $5,000 for their lowest package!!! You obviously have no idea what you are talking about nor do you value it for your wedding. Using client's photographs for advertising of their services is the part of the photography business. Take it or leave it.
lol. $1,000......ha ha ha..top dollar.....lol ha ha
Can you post a few links to very good photographers who charge $1,000 for a wedding and are really good? Please?

[dumbass]

Here's one we used....does really good work!

http://www.cristante.ca/weddingpix/

[SENSEI]

Here's one we used....does really good work!

http://www.cristante.ca/weddingpix/

Pics are not that bad, but the site layout has got to go...:lol:

I agree about the top dollar part. Anyone looking for a sub $2K package really needs to look at the photographer closely. Either they are doing you a huge favor, or they really don't know how much work it takes to create and provide proper wedding photography packages.

I'm not saying that all photogs that charge $4K+ are good, but I'm on enough wedding boards and forums to know what good talent is and what is reasonable for their services.

We also live in the densest populated area in Canada. Of course the market is saturated and there are huge ranges in prices, but the wedding photographer is the only part of your wedding that you will be able to keep forever...they may not make or break the actual day, but they will be the ones responsible for how people remember or view your wedding 15-20 years down the road.

[dazz]

Pics are not that bad, but the site layout has got to go...:lol:


The site is just crap...but pictures are ok...I wouldnt' hire them as I don't like their traditional style,but for each their own.
If you guys really want to see some crappy wedding photography and videography and some really crappy site then check out videobabylon.ca 10 years in business and they don't have a single good picture!! lol Site is weird too. It repeats certain words over and over like it is not meant to be read...

[geekboy]

Can anyone recommend a good wedding photographer? I'm looking for journalistic-style photos.....any suggestions would be great! Thanks!:razz:

I Would recommend me!

http://tdotho.smugmug.com/gallery/5691084_oTLSW#400409259_oeovf

If you like what you see, PM me. My partner and I are very reasonable and will listen and work with you to produce a product that you can cherish.

Thanh

[xstatik]

lol. You consider $1,000 to be "top dollar"?! No wonder you are having this argument!! $1,000 photographers are not top dollar. Only beginners charge those kind of money. Any good photographers with lots of experience are priced at around $3,000+. Some only start at around $5,000 for their lowest package!!! You obviously have no idea what you are talking about nor do you value it for your wedding. Using client's photographs for advertising of their services is the part of the photography business. Take it or leave it.
lol. $1,000......ha ha ha..top dollar.....lol ha ha
Can you post a few links to very good photographers who charge $1,000 for a wedding and are really good? Please?

At least two close friends paid around $1500 for very nice pictures including high-res negatives that are not watermarked on DVD. They turned out great and were very happy..So don't give me the BULL S--- that the Photography business pushes on unsuspecting clients!!!

It is very obvious that many wedding photographers are an outright RIPOFF given the comments posted by photographers here!!! I can't believe that a photographer has the nerve to RIP OFF THEIR CLENTS of $5,000 ++++ and STILL EXPLOIT THEIR CLIENTS BY USING THE PHOTOS IN ADVERTISING with NO COMPENSATION Anyone going through the motions of a wedding know how expensive it is and how much the costs add up.

[xstatik]

lAny good photographers with lots of experience are priced at around $3,000+. Some only start at around $5,000 for their lowest package!!! ?
Hmmm.
Typical wedding 10 hours
One Photographer
One Assistant
$5000 /10 hours
= $500 / HOUR

WOW!! Did you Graduate From HARVARD to justify that kind of hourly rate!!!

Now you are demanding more than Doctors and Lawyers

[jace]

Hmmm.
Typical wedding 10 hours
One Photographer
One Assistant
$5000 /10 hours
= $500 / HOUR

WOW!! Did you Graduate From HARVARD to justify that kind of hourly rate!!!

Now you are demanding more than Doctors and Lawyers

That's the truth though. I know of wedding photographers that will charge 500/hr ontop of 5k already charged for additional hours after the 10hrs (note the 5k usually includes e-session and art work/book).

I take it that you didn't realize that photography can be one of the highest paid professions.

[st7860]

hmmm.
Typical wedding 10 hours
one photographer
one assistant
$5000 /10 hours
= $500 / hour

wow!! Did you graduate from harvard to justify that kind of hourly rate!!!

now you are demanding more than doctors and lawyers

+1

[sfu_engineer]

Hmmm.
Typical wedding 10 hours
One Photographer
One Assistant
$5000 /10 hours
= $500 / HOUR

WOW!! Did you Graduate From HARVARD to justify that kind of hourly rate!!!

Now you are demanding more than Doctors and Lawyers

I'm sure not EVERY wedding photographer charges that rate. And we work much more than just 10 hours. We spend probably more time editing and organizing your photos than at your wedding. Also like dazz has said very elegantly we do have other costs as well.

Anyways, I think it is time to end this discussion and get back to the original point of this thread: finding and discussing wedding photographers in the GTA. I can see your point you are trying to make xstatic but it all comes down to the legal contract that you and the photographer that you choose.

Let's try to keep things in here civil with less caps and bolding *yelling and/or screaming*.

:D

[CSAgent]

I'm sure not EVERY wedding photographer charges that rate. And we work much more than just 10 hours. We spend probably more time editing and organizing your photos than at your wedding. Also like dazz has said very elegantly we do have other costs as well.

Anyways, I think it is time to end this discussion and get back to the original point of this thread: finding and discussing wedding photographers in the GTA. I can see your point you are trying to make xstatic but it all comes down to the legal contract that you and the photographer that you choose.

Let's try to keep things in here civil with less caps and bolding *yelling and/or screaming*.

:D

Thanks Spencer..it became a shouting match lately in this thread.

Adding to what you said, yes 10-12 hours of shooting..hell I've done 16 hours in one day before... But, the hours I put into my wedding photos after is 3-4 times as much as the day was. Shooting a wedding becomes easy and routine after awhile, but editing it and bringing out the moment in the photos is the long, difficult part after.

[dazz]

Was googling top 10 wedding favors, but found this website instead.
Some great photographers there. Too bad All the "world's best" photographers are in the US:mad::cheesygri

http://www.popphoto.com/americanphotofeatures/5260/top-10-wedding-photographers-2008.html

[ricsad]

My cousin paid $3000 + $500 (for full-res digital files) to the photographers at her wedding. Only one primary photographer and one assistant. It was for 10.5 hours. The photos were not very good and they do not know how to edit the photos to get the proper exposure. Most of the outdoor photos were underexposed and had a slight blur or were not focused on the right thing.

On the other hand, my friend paid $2000 to different photographers at his wedding. Included full res photos on CD and there were three photographers. The photos were amazing and none of those cheezy photo effects to cover up for mistakes. They also included the original photos so that if you don't like the photo effect, you can just use the original. They got their photos in 2 weeks because there was not much editing to do. It seems like the photographers knew how to get the proper exposure first thing in their camera rather than leaving it to be fixed on the computer.

I'll ask my friends if I can post examples on this thread so you can see the comparison.

[rubberband]

shooting weddings isn't cheap! I did my first as the only pro on site a few weeks ago and the investment in time alone is huge. Getting through 2k shots takes time.

This will only be a part time thing for me but until you've done it yourself calling wedding photographers a rip off isn't fair... So much work, especially when you're new!

[mrspec3]

shooting weddings isn't cheap! I did my first as the only pro on site a few weeks ago and the investment in time alone is huge. Getting through 2k shots takes time.

This will only be a part time thing for me but until you've done it yourself calling wedding photographers a rip off isn't fair... So much work, especially when you're new!

2000 shots eh? If I shoot 1000 at a wedding I've done way to many

[mrspec3]

At least two close friends paid around $1500 for very nice pictures including high-res negatives that are not watermarked on DVD. They turned out great and were very happy..So don't give me the BULL S--- that the Photography business pushes on unsuspecting clients!!!

It is very obvious that many wedding photographers are an outright RIPOFF given the comments posted by photographers here!!! I can't believe that a photographer has the nerve to RIP OFF THEIR CLENTS of $5,000 ++++ and STILL EXPLOIT THEIR CLIENTS BY USING THE PHOTOS IN ADVERTISING with NO COMPENSATION Anyone going through the motions of a wedding know how expensive it is and how much the costs add up.

If people pay us what we charge obviously they think our work is worth it. Nobody here gives two ** if you don't want to pay more than a few hundred dollars for your photos.

I work with many photographers who's starting rate is well over $10k and they are shooting over 40 weddings a year.

[rubberband]

2000 shots eh? If I shoot 1000 at a wedding I've done way to many

It was a long day - started with the girls getting ready in the am, went until late...

2k seemed about right at the time.

[demi2004]

2000 shots eh? If I shoot 1000 at a wedding I've done way to many

For me it always depends on a wedding or the photo opportunities that I get. I've done a few long engagements where I'd shoot over 300 images.
I do know however a photographer who used to shoot film and still counts every photo. Still delivers just 100-150 images per wedding. I find it insanely low,but I suppose it is his style. As long as the clients are aware of that fact. Personally, I'd want more than 100 images from my wedding.

[comicpie]

I would recommend my wedding photographer

http://www.kevinlamphoto.com/

wedding portfolio section:
http://www.kevinlamphoto.com/?cat=3

I think Kevin's price right now is about $2K, but he gives you all full res file plus 200 prints. It's full day coverage plus one assistant. I personally loved his photos that he took for my wedding. So have a look of his work!

Another wedding photographer is Union Photography
http://www.unionphoto.ca/

I had Jon to take my engagement photos. However, he was booked on my wedding date, so I had to use another photographer. I find his photos are very sleek and poster perfect. Except he does charge for prints. He will only release high res file unless you pay for each print. (Each print of 4x6 is $14)

So our $400 engagement photos turn out to be around 1000 after all the prints..etc.

I personally think you are paying what you get. Photography is an artistic product. You can't judge an artist by their price. It's their work that actually speaks the value.

[st7860]

here's a vancouver one. is there a vancouver thread?
http://www.aeriosephotography.com/

[SENSEI]

I would recommend my wedding photographer

http://www.kevinlamphoto.com/

wedding portfolio section:
http://www.kevinlamphoto.com/?cat=3

I think Kevin's price right now is about $2K, but he gives you all full res file plus 200 prints. It's full day coverage plus one assistant. I personally loved his photos that he took for my wedding. So have a look of his work!


Seeing that you're relatively new here, you might not know that Kevin frequents this board quite a bit! :D

Great plug for him haha

[rubberband]

For me it always depends on a wedding or the photo opportunities that I get. I've done a few long engagements where I'd shoot over 300 images.
I do know however a photographer who used to shoot film and still counts every photo. Still delivers just 100-150 images per wedding. I find it insanely low,but I suppose it is his style. As long as the clients are aware of that fact. Personally, I'd want more than 100 images from my wedding.

I like to think I have a decent eye for composition, but I still worry about missing the perfect focus point (not really a problem, more like a holdover from when I first started out) or exposure in dynamic lighting conditions. The 2k shots were cut down to ~700 after I deleted duplicates from taking multiple shots of the same scene. After further pruning, the total was down to about 600 or so.

Then I separate the "memory shots" and uninteresteing candid shots. The B&G will still get them of course, but token shots of random aunts and uncles and so on while good to have don't need to go into albums or get hung on walls.

After setting aside and processing the "best" shots and the "required" shots, there were less than 200 in the end... Your friend is probably right on, but much more skilled than I am, so it takes less work for him to get there. :lol:

[Suresh]

I would recommend my wedding photographer

http://www.kevinlamphoto.com/


Kevin's on this forum, and his photos are always amazing. :lol:

[xstatik]

If people pay us what we charge obviously they think our work is worth it. .


I purposely avioded this thread to put a stop to the arguements but I can't let your comment slide..

It seems that many wedding photographers are overcharging due to the emotions of a wedding, by selling all the "hype" and BS.

Also, I find it hard to believe that photographers will go through and photoshop 2,000 photos!!!

Anyways, back to the original thread, (and hopefully, less argueing), are there any good photographers in the GTA that do weddings and provide a DVD with HIGH RES, NON-WATERMARKED Digital Negatives at a reasonable price????

[kiz5]

I purposely avioded this thread to put a stop to the arguements but I can't let your comment slide..

It seems that many wedding photographers are overcharging due to the emotions of a wedding, by selling all the "hype" and BS.

Also, I find it hard to believe that photographers will go through and photoshop 2,000 photos!!!

Anyways, back to the original thread, (and hopefully, less argueing), are there any good photographers in the GTA that do weddings and provide a DVD with HIGH RES, NON-WATERMARKED Digital Negatives at a reasonable price????

Untouched? Or touched-up?

Even untouched, if you're expecting all of the photos, I hope your reasonable rate is at minimum, $1200-1500.

[najibs]

Untouched? Or touched-up?

Even untouched, if you're expecting all of the photos, I hope your reasonable rate is at minimum, $1200-1500.

AGREED. If anyone charges less, then more than likely they are some amateur who calls themselves a 'professional' photographer because they have a professional camera, but has little to no true photography skills.

Photographers take pictures, not cameras. The camera is simply a tool. Those who fit in to the category I described above would be the tool in the equation, and not the camera :cheesygri

[ryan_lau100]

I purposely avioded this thread to put a stop to the arguements but I can't let your comment slide..

It seems that many wedding photographers are overcharging due to the emotions of a wedding, by selling all the "hype" and BS.

Also, I find it hard to believe that photographers will go through and photoshop 2,000 photos!!!

Anyways, back to the original thread, (and hopefully, less argueing), are there any good photographers in the GTA that do weddings and provide a DVD with HIGH RES, NON-WATERMARKED Digital Negatives at a reasonable price????

i had to go through 24gb worth of photos my last wedding. that included two assistants worth plus what i shot though. i didnt photoshop every one of them, just the ones i felt were professional enough to present.

how much would you pay a web designer for 2 days of work plus travelling? how much would you pay an electrician for that amount of time? break it down and you will see wedding photogs dont make THAT much more than the average person.

as for the digital negatives the reason i dont like selling them is because i like to control where its being printed and the quality of the print. when buying the print you are not just buying the print... it is the print + photogs creativity which is intangible. this is why everyone is always up in arms about it thinking "oh i can print a 4x6 for 11cents." well ask yourself this... can you compose and take a photo and get it printed for 11cents? i think not.

[elty]

as for the digital negatives the reason i dont like selling them is because i like to control where its being printed and the quality of the print. when buying the print you are not just buying the print... it is the print + photogs creativity which is intangible. this is why everyone is always up in arms about it thinking "oh i can print a 4x6 for 11cents." well ask yourself this... can you compose and take a photo and get it printed for 11cents? i think not.

The customer already paid you to take the pictures, so why do you feel like charging more when asked for negative? Is it a lot of work to burn the files to DVD?

Exactly what am I paying the $5000 for? If you want to value your work as number of hours spent, then why can't I get the result of your work that I paid for? If you prefer to value each photo individually, then why can't I just select the ones I like and pay you $10 each (without editing) for it?

Are you telling me if I hire a web designer he will encrypt all the source code to make sure I pay an additional $1 per line just to see them? Should the web designer also dictates where I host the site to "ensure its quality"? Will the web designer charge me a per hour rate, and THEN a per line of source code rate?

[st7860]

AGREED. If anyone charges less, then more than likely they are some amateur who calls themselves a 'professional' photographer because they have a professional camera, but has little to no true photography skills.

Photographers take pictures, not cameras. The camera is simply a tool. Those who fit in to the category I described above would be the tool in the equation, and not the camera :cheesygri

wedding photographers are like a charter pilot who charges you for everything even for using the lavatory.

[SENSEI]

Anyways, back to the original thread, (and hopefully, less argueing), are there any good photographers in the GTA that do weddings and provide a DVD with HIGH RES, NON-WATERMARKED Digital Negatives at a reasonable price????

Honestly, do a search on KIJIJI for "professional photographer services". You get 1000+ hits of people charging under $1K. Are they good? I really haven't checked any of their websites, but you will most find you get what you pay for. I'm not saying that people who charge alot are automatically good photogs, but you're not just paying for the pictures; you're getting their experience, advice and professionalism.

You can find people to do weddings from $300 for the day to $10K+ for the day...choose a photog that you are comfortable with that fits your budget and go for them. I'm not sure why there is so much negative connotations here...all businesses need to make money. You just need to see if their service warrants it.

[dazz]

wedding photographers are like a charter pilot who charges you for everything even for using the lavatory.

I think it's more like a watch. a $5 watch will tell tell you time,but a $500 watch will actually make you enjoy looking at it, showing it to everyone without being embarrassed. You'll be able to see the craftsmanship,not to mention the brand itself. It will make you look good and everyone jealous. This is how I see the wedding photography business is.
There's no reason to spend 10K,but using someone with no experience possibly for the once in a lifetime event is a bit crazy. A friend of mine just had a wedding in November and she spent nearly 6Gs on flowers. To my surprise,she had some kid with a d40 running around and not knowing how to pose anyone or even a general wedding procedures. Sure, the reception room looked pretty sweet,but she'll be crying in a few years,trying to remember the event. I am sure she'll be missing some parts here and there and have a bunch of out of focus images that she can't even print to more than 4x6.

There are many photographers these days that charge more than 2Gs and they barely have any experience. Price doesn't mean quality anymore. Everyone wants to appear experienced.
Look at the portfolio as it will tell you everything. You don't have to be a photographer to look at someone's website and know if that person is an "Uncle-Bob-Wanna-Be-Pro". A person with a lot of experience will likely to have a large portfolio with more than 3-4 weddings to show. And chances are, those who do charge 5-10K ARE very good. My gf also says there are only 15 photographers in Toronto who charge those amounts.

[GemInite]

anymore wedding photographers recommendations for the GTA?

I'm looking for a shooter for June 26 next year.

I've looked through the thread but would like to see if anyone has any recent recommendations.

Also if you're a wedding photographer and on RFD, please PM a link to your portfolio and rates.

[BananaWeed]

Hey guys, I'm in need of a wedding photographer... on short notice. :)

The date would be at the end of this November.

I'm looking for both a photographer and videographer.

If you're a photographer or can recommend someone, please PM me and we'll take it from there.

[sfu_engineer]

Hey guys, I'm in need of a wedding photographer... on short notice. :)

The date would be at the end of this November.

I'm looking for both a photographer and videographer.

If you're a photographer or can recommend someone, please PM me and we'll take it from there.

I am a wedding photographer! Check out my website here (http://spencerfu.com) and blog (http://spencerfu.com/blog). I can recommend some videographers as well.

[ryan_lau100]

I am a wedding photographer! Check out my website here (http://spencerfu.com) and blog (http://spencerfu.com/blog). I can recommend some videographers as well.

i would jump on that opportunity for sure!

this guy can shoot the lights out!!

doooo ettttt!

[BananaWeed]

lol yeah, I've seen his stuff in the photography threads. ;)

[dazz]

Just curious if we have top wedding photographers in Toronto.
I know still motion is high end top photography studio,but do we have more?
Sort of famous-high priced-creative high end work?
When I say high priced, I mean those who constantly book $6-10K weddings.

[thelefteyeguy]

^ i've always respected Demi2004 (but not sure if he consistently bags 6-10K)

[v_tofu]

Just curious if we have top wedding photographers in Toronto.
I know still motion is high end top photography studio,but do we have more?
Sort of famous-high priced-creative high end work?
When I say high priced, I mean those who constantly book $6-10K weddings.


Jeremey Clay? Kevin Lam? Spencer Fu?

[dazz]

Jeremey Clay? Kevin Lam? Spencer Fu?

lol. I didn't ask to name photographers from this message board. I want to know who are the best of the best in Toronto.

[dazz]

I just googled "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in Toronto" and this list came up: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1246483594.html

[jamescl]

i've actually shot weddings with and seen a couple of those guys in action on that list.

i'm a mid-end shooter and not the best of the best but i consider impulse photography and claudia hung photography two of my faves. impulse is amazingly artistic while claud is a true photojournalist. still motion does amazing video work that blows my mind but will cost you an arm and a leg

[ryan_lau100]

I just googled "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in Toronto" and this list came up: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1246483594.html

careful with googling stuff like 'toronto photographers' . a lot of times businesses will spam sites like nuts to get the most hits, putting them on top of the list on google. this isnt hte case with all but some scammers are out there. there was a huge thread about individuals stealing work as their own and profiting from it because they were able to invest tonnes of money into generating hits which give them a lot of views via google. not sure how that actually works but a friend was explaining this to me.

[cmackie]

We've been talking with a few friends who had Jill Promoli (http://www.jillpromoli.com) shoot their wedding and they had nothing but good things to say about her. Has anyone else used her services? A few of my friends/family are going to get married soon and wanted a few other opinions.