HELP Can't choose between 2 photographers

$800 is a significant amount for someone in a tie with another photographer

Sounds like one be the better deal since you get the second shooter for the full 8 hours and you get a canvas and lay flat album. Is #2 worth the extra perks of her tricks?

Could you post example photos of each??

I would think most photographers have tricks of some sort to get people in the moment. My husband isn't one for pictures, but he was comfortable with our photographer and so happy the day of the wedding that it really didn't matter. So if the quality of the photos is truly simmilar, I would go cheaper.

Do people look awkward in #1s photos? If not, I bet she has tricks up her sleeves too, but just didn't mention them because as a seasoned photog that's usually a given.

What kind of difference in editing of the faces are we talking about?

Is your wedding outside where natural light will be a big focus and be important that you love #1s use of it?

Without the answers to those questions I would vote for #1, unless something major comes out in the answers to indicate that #2 is far superior.

Before getting to the price point I had already thought Photographer 1 was the better choice. Knowing the difference in price really sealed the deal for me there.

Have you looked at full galleries from each? That was a major factor in my photographer decision.

I did ask both photographers about helping to make FH feel comfortable and I felt like #2 just had the better answer. For example she asked to think about the first time I farted in front of him and of course we both started laughing. With #2 you could see less blemishes, wrinkles and shininess on faces. Our ceremony will be outside weather pending and reception inside. Golden hour photos are a must as long as there is no rain.

I'm with Ariella - I was sold on photographer 1 before I knew the price difference. If the styles are extremely similar, I'd much rather have a second photographer for the same time as my primary. Definitely ask for full galleries from both and compare the editing of all pictures. You may find that you like one's candids better or something else. For #2 I'd definitely like to see pictures just to see if they do well editing certain people's faces but not all or if they're skilled in editing all face types.

Definitely rake their galleries and portfolios for pictures that seem to be in all kinds of weather, and different times of day. it can help you to decide on one over the other.

however, 2 shooters for 8 hours and 800$ cheaper? i would go with 1 if you want my opinion.

but for real i would dig into their galleries specifically for weather and lighting you would not find to be what you imagine for your wedding photos. if they do golden hour, they probably are like my photographer and find a way to make it beautiful no matter the weather or time of day. maybe their portfolios hold the answer.

Beware of putting all your hopes on golden hour pictures. We waited almost a year for engagement pictures so I could get beautiful fall pictures I wanted and photographer took us to a location that had little color. Also wanted golden hour or sunset and the day was total overcast. I cried when we got the pictures back which is not like me.

That being said, #1 seems to be the best option based on price and second shooter for the full time. Good luck - hope you get your golden hour pictures!

Obviously I know its not guaranteed to get golden hour photos if the weather is bad. The plan is to try and get them for engagement photos as well as wedding day. We have decided to go with photographer # 1. I am now having a hard time figuring out how to tell #2 that we did not decide to hire her. I don't want to be too generic because I really felt like we connected personality wise. There wasn't any reason other than the 2nd shooter time and the price that swayed our decision. Can I be honest about that? Like tell her that it came down to a budget decision?

Thanks for all the help I feel really good about our decision after #1 pretty much screamed with joy and hugged me when we told them.