Is this normal...$400 for a photo session??

For DC that sounds ok. I would ask for it as a deposit on using them for the wedding, so that it's a win-win all round. You have an incentive to use them and they give you the 'money back' if you do use them.

Yes, rights to reproduce are important to me and my wonderful wedding photographer keeps the copyright but the package includes a DC and rights to reproduce.

All I can say is that the photographer we are paying 1200 for the wedding and 125 for the engagement session. He gives us full print rights and will be cutting out the blink pictures and stuff and editing (retouching) the keepers.. and the 1200 covers 6 hours of the day of the wedding I am not sure how long the engagement session is. I think it will be a couple hours.... I think 400 is a bit steep for 1 hour and you dont get the print rights..... I would say keep looking. OH btw his name is aaron riddle and he is in Winchester VA. Not too far from DC. =)

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Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/riddlebrothers

website:

http://www.acriddle.com/

Do you have examples of his work to see if it is worth it??

So I asked them if they would be willing to include 5 (4x6) photos with the $400 rate and they said no, so I've made my decision. I'll see what Fi says about it.

$700 for an hour and a half is INSANE but good for you!!

Mine includes the dvd with print rights.

When you talk about "worth it" photographers are very much like defense attorneys. You can find some for as little as $50 an hour, and you can find some for $1500 an hour. But which one do you want to go to if you are an ex football player accused of a double homocide...I digress

I have seen engagement sessions from some of the "top" photographers in the neighborhood of $2500. With Golden Bells and Diamond encrusted whistles. Budget and expectations do come in hand. If you are already planning on spending $250K on a wedding, a $2500 engagement session is the same as someone spending $25K and getting one for $250. And I'm pretty sure we wouldnt look at that as being outrageous.

I know of a GREAT photog in the DMV, Keith Cephus, I would expect him to be at the higher end than others. If he offered me that deal, I would DRIVE FROM FL for it! lol

Leighton

I heard that Jesh de Rox charges $5000 for his engagement sessions...wow! Must be nice! Of course, if I had that kind of money, and I was getting married, I would totally book him!

Exactly Leslie. I have hear some people say they would never pay 100K for a car until they drive a Mercedes or an Audi. That doesnt mean that a Camry or an Accord isn't still a GREAT CAR!

That's interesting you mentioned Keith. I looove his work. This couple was FH choice and Keith is mine. He's on the potential vendor list. I'll be calling him soon for estimates.

Jamilla,

Call him soon, because he books fast...then again, i'm always available, but I think i am actually booked for a detroit wedding on 6/1/12. He is one of the photographers that I tell people when you look at the price, you are investing in a package, not "just pictures"(I personally dislike that term).

Like I have said on previous posts, its Chance or choice. You can go cheap and take a chance that someone MIGHT be good, or you can make the choice to choose someone who will be great.

I think that as long as people stay in that 15-35% of the budget range for photography, you will be hard pressed to be disappointed.

Leighton

Thanks Leighton, I will call him tomorrow! Probably email him tonight.

$200 1hr 60-70 edited photos

Great! I sent him a note letting him know you may be contacting him. Hope it works out! Let me know if I can offer any other help. And if Keith is already booked, I will be in the VA area in a few weeks, and wouldn't mind driving up and meeting with you and your FS. All of my rates are travel inclusive for the Eastern and Central Timezones.

Good luck!

Leighton

Thanks so much. I'll check out your photos.