Photographers....Did you negotiate??

I negotiated an extra hour and more edited pictures. My photographer was already running a 20% off her regular package deal, so I jumped on it. When we were emailing back and forth (I'm planning from out of town so I couldn't meet in person, but I have met her before) I mentioned that other packages I was looking at had 10 hours instead of the 9 she was offering, and more edited pictures. I just asked if there was any way I could get these included, and she said sure! It was way easier than I thought it would be--I figured I would pay more. I've heard it helps to mention your budget if the photographer is out of your budget and ask if there's any way to get their services in your range. Also, it can help to ask for some extras added on, as opposed to just asking for money off. Good luck!

I did because our wedding was shorter than usual weddings. She came at 3pm (getting ready) and stayed until 10:30pm. I told her it was a shorter, restaurant wedding and if she would considering altering her package to fit it. My photographer asked what times we were thinking of needing her and once we did, she agreed to lower it $450.

Add a notification clause, so they tell you 15 minutes before your contracted time is up, because the extra hours are super $$$$. we added a cancellation clause, if she has to cancel shell send someone else in her place. Also, were getting the dvd of digitals, not the book of prints, walmart prints them cheaper lol

I did. I said "I really love your work. Would you be willing to go with this price of X for the following package?"

Just state what you want for the price you want and see what they say. The worst they can say is no.

I did a custom package when I was searching for a photographer, but most photographers say they do custom packages their website or if they don't you just email them ask if they do custom packages. I didn't need a photographer at my reception - only having 40 guests and a private dinner. I needed before, during, and after the ceremony photos. I found a photographer who created a custom package for our big day (3.5 hours of coverage).

I was able to create a custom package as well. I didn't want any getting ready pictures or candids of the reception so I booked 2 hours. I also knew I didn't want every picture taken as a print so she is giving me 10 prints, a collage and the pictures on CD.

As everyone else has said, it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no.

I can't always give people the prices they want....but I would MUCH rather they ask than assume I wouldn't and just go elsewhere without talking to me. If I really like the people, and they love my work and are flexible with certain substitutions etc, or it's a date not in super high demand, I am likely to try to make something work for all of us. I've done it before, I'll do it again. However, If I sense they are playing me or only care about price, that doesn't motivate me to work with them. It's all in delivery

Thanks for the tips!!

I have contacted a few this weekend to get the ball rolling. We are keeping it simple, no big reception or anything plus its on a weekday, so I am hoping negotiate them down to fit our needs.

Just be very detailed in the information you provide, it better enables them to provide you what you need....remain flexible and your chances of success are better. I will help people within reason....as long as they don't need all day with a half day budget, or overspend in other areas and make me an afterthought, and expect me to cover their mistake. Detailed, organized, humble, friendly, flexible, enthusiastic, and realistic all win the race

Thanks Jay Farrell for your input, I have a appreciation for photography and if a photographers work is outstanding of course I would pay what is do to them. Price is not my only deciding factor when I do make my final decision.

I didn't negotiate. I guess I should have tried!

I got a good deal..i picked a package close to my budget and took the engagement session off...So after negation I got 8 hrs. of coverage two photographers and a book made for $1100.00

Then you have the right idea, and someone like you is likely to get the help you need!!

Photographer packages are a way to let brides know my pricing when I don't know the specifics of the wedding and any details that might let me reduce my rates or offer extras. Details like weekdays, smaller weddings, and other details make it worthwhile for you to get a custom quote, just ask.

Yup, ditto to that, you don't know til you ask, online information can only get so individual specific.

We didn't really start with a package. Instead, we basically told the photographer what we wanted, and then he came up with a price. Factors that reduced the cost:

* We only needed 3 hours (some getting ready, ceremony, and formals).

* We couldn't use engagement pictures, since we were arriving in the ceremony area only the day before the ceremony.

* The wedding was on a weekday.

* We wanted only digital images and reproduction rights, not prints or albums.

* The photographer had been with a big agency and had recently gone out on his own, so he was anxious to build up his portfolio.

* We are a same-sex couple, and it was shortly after Massachusetts had opened up marriage to out-of-state same-sex couples, so the photographer was anxious to have a same-sex wedding for his portfolio.