Flaky Photographer RANT (Update) and New Issues UGH!

I feel bad contacting a photographer only to quickly shoot them down over the budget. I photograph items for my work so I know how time consuming it is and everything that is involved. I never want to give someone the impression that their work is "not worth it" because I know it is. It is just so hard with the photographers because their prices and packages are ALL OVER the place...it is overwhelming. I have just now signed up on Snapknot as well.

Another approach to take: If they won't give you the pricing when you ask, respond to them and say "I understand that you would like to show me your work before quoting any prices, however I absolutely must stay within my budget. I would hate to waste your time if this will not work financially. My budget for photography is $XXX. The minimum services I'd like to receive are: (list out your minimum requirements). Please let me know if this is feasible. If not, thank you very much for your assistance."

I was going to suggest what vngb said above. I had no problem getting photographers to give me a price point, or at least a range of what their services cost. I'm also out of town so I've had to do all of my vendor communications via email or Skype. If they won't tell you a budget at all, it's perfectly fine to tell them what your budget is and what types of services you're looking for. Good luck!

GrayCat - my photographer was out of Indy and his prices are all listed on his website (plus he's fabulous!): http://www.peterjonathanimages.com/

He's reviewed on wedding wire, as well, if you'd like to check him out.

@laeberge: Those are gorgeous pictures

I'd say no, not common. I love being able to give brides prices and info either on the phone or via email, before we take up my time and theirs for a meeting. I'd just inform them that you're out of town and cannot schedule any meetings without knowing if they're in your price point or not, and be firm about getting it.

Don't feel bad about being upfront and honest about your budget when you finally get a quote.

There were a bunch of DJs who gave me tons of info and then a quote, and I felt bad because, well, they were all out of my price range. I just told them so and thanked them for their time. Many of them offered reduced rates (with some reduced perks) to fit my budget, which was very nice.

It's actually very funny because brutal honesty got us our venue. I'd submitted my info on their website so I could get more info, and after taking one look at the pricing, I knew it was too expensive. They called me to follow up, though, and I said, "Thank you so much for calling! I don't want to waste your time, though, so I'll let you know--you're out of our price range." They asked for my budget right away, reassured me that they could work with that, and sent me a great budget with all sorts of discounts because of our wedding date.

I had the experience of some vendors wanting to "set up a consult" to go over pricing. I had a few that would not give pricing until a meeting in person under any circumstances.

Ultimately I refused to do business with any of these people.

@Jess & Sean: I did a bit of what @vngb said - two people already did a dupe e-mail saying they want a consult. Sorry, I am not hauling my rear an hour out of my way for a butter up session for something I cannot afford.

When I contacted photographers I told them what I wanted and what I could afford up front. A lot of them were willing to come down on their regular package prices. I wanted to know right away if they could accommodate my budget or not.

I did give in to one vendor that wanted to meet before going over pricing. And I'm so glad I did. It's my DOC turned wedding planner (we talk almost daily) and she gave me an amazing deal. Her website did say that her packages start at $1000 so that's what I was hoping for but she took pity on me and offered me her services for $500.

I don't think that's common at all; at the very least, you should be able to get a range; are they 1200 or 10,000? In my neck of the woods, either is a possibility. My personal website doesn't have pricing, but my elopement and group sites do, and I'm more than happy to quote pricing once I know particulars; is it 2 people in the park or 200 guests with 21 people in the bridal party? Is it in my backyard or 100 miles away...that kind of stuff.

GrayCat: I'm a travelling photographer based in Greenville, SC.

He probably doesn't really know who you are. the emails that have been going back and forth were probably written by the assistant.

Every photographer we contacted either had some pricing on their website ("weddings starting at $$$") or when contacted via email, gave me a list of possible packages. I always told them up front what our budget point was and most said they could work with it. The three we wanted to interview met with us and helped refine packages, so then all we had to do was choose between what worked best. Good luck!!

Are you wanting a photog from Indy? Where are you having your wedding?