Photography package selection?

[lk718]

I've made contact with a photographer that I really like. He's given me pricing information and his packages go by the number of hours I'd have him and the number of pictures he'd take. Obviously, the hours is the easy part. But what about the number of pictures?

For instance:

The basic package is 6 hours/500 pictures. The next package up is 7 hours/600 pictures.

How do you know which is the package for you? I have no idea how many pictures a photographer normally takes for a wedding so I have no idea how to select my package!

I'm sure he'll be able to better help me when I meet with him... but that's awhile off and I was hoping for some suggestions beforehand! Thanks in advance!

[Kristie]

First off, figure out what you want him there for (from when he gets there till he leaves). Figure out your timeline for the day to see how long you actually need a photographer. Do you want him to take picture of speeches, bouquet toss, cake cutting, first dance etc... Will it work from when he first arrives, or do you need more time??

[kate]

Also if you want him there while you are getting ready (at the salon or hotel) Are you taking pictures before or after the ceremony? Are you having a big exit after the reception?
It's definately about your timeline first, then it will be easier to figure out.

[rowanmayfairs]

We looked at her packages..

Talked about how to make her smallest package work for us.

Then chose the smallest package since thats all we could afford :) I wish we could go up to the next package, but this is all we will be able to afford :)

[Jaci]

I'm guessing he photographs using digital? If so, then don't count by number of photos, decide when you want him there. If you want him there for some getting ready shots all the way to the first couple of songs at the reception, then you'll probably want to go with the 7 hour package.

This is one thing that's kind of a frustrating question (not yours at all) but I always have people ask me "How many poses/pictures does that include?" I can only ever give a VERY rough estimate, because it depends on the willingness of the subject, the amount of clothes changes (if it's a HS senior), how many people, and all those variables.

Also, consider that even though the final number may be 600 pictures, not all of those will be usable. I always delete any closed eye shots before showing them to anyone, and sometimes, when it's a group photo, I will pick the two or three best (even though I probably took it 8 or 9 times) before showing them to the bride. It's nice because then they don't have to spend time looking at every face.

I hope I answered your question.

[lk718]

Thanks for your replies everyone!

I'm guessing he photographs using digital? If so, then don't count by number of photos, decide when you want him there. If you want him there for some getting ready shots all the way to the first couple of songs at the reception, then you'll probably want to go with the 7 hour package.

This is one thing that's kind of a frustrating question (not yours at all) but I always have people ask me "How many poses/pictures does that include?" I can only ever give a VERY rough estimate, because it depends on the willingness of the subject, the amount of clothes changes (if it's a HS senior), how many people, and all those variables.

Also, consider that even though the final number may be 600 pictures, not all of those will be usable. I always delete any closed eye shots before showing them to anyone, and sometimes, when it's a group photo, I will pick the two or three best (even though I probably took it 8 or 9 times) before showing them to the bride. It's nice because then they don't have to spend time looking at every face.

I hope I answered your question.

Actually that helps a LOT. I'm definitely going to worry more about the timeline than the number of pictures. It just seemed odd to me that he included the number of photos when I really have no idea what that would mean. So I'll definitely sit down (once we have our locations booked) and figure out how long we'll need him for.

Thanks for your help... it really did help a lot!

[Jaci]

haha, no problem, that's what I'm here for. He probably included the number of photos because that's the question he always gets! :D

[Angela]

Interesting....I've never heard of a photographer including a number of photos he takes in a timeline....

We have our photog for 8 hours, and he said in general he'll take between 500 and 1000 shots in those 8 hours, depending on how large of a wedding it is, etc.....we get ALL of them!! Choosing enlargements and shots for the album is NOT going to be easy, I think.......

[MrsBrown810]

Lesley, I really liked our photographer. I forget his name now, it's been too long, but if you're interested in him, let me know. He's in Bloomsburg, if I remember correctly.