UPDATE!! Literally going to lose it over photography

I wouldn't count on having plenty of time. Like you saw, you have tried to book two and both are already taken. Photographers (the really good ones) book 12-18 months in advance.

If I could afford to fly my top photog pick in to photograph my wedding, I would... but then I'm a photographer so I may be biased. I don't come from a family that has home videos... it's not something I really am concerned about and recordings need to be put onto other media over the years to keep it current and be able to keep viewing it. It's one of the reasons why we encourage people to print their photographs and not just keep them on thumbdrives or cds. Printed photos will last pretty much forever if cared for properly and can be passed down through generations. They become heirlooms. So no, I don't think you're crazy for forgoing video in order to get the photography that you want and that you will treasure.

I don't think $600 is unreasonable - you need to look at costs of airfare and such - does it include hotel and food or just the airfare/travel? (I just flew from Charlotte to Seattle round trip and the flights were in the $500s - we ended up doing a buddy/standby ticket, so it didn't cost us as much. I have a feeling Seattle is slightly expensive to fly out of and in the summer it's a busy airport (from my experience) with expensive flights. Again find out what the $600 includes (flight, extra luggage fees, hotel, food, car rental, gas, etc)...

@Nikki I agree with you. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason so in my opinion, it just wasn't meant to be with the other photographers. I have been back and forth on having videography since the beginning--and my videographer is MIA at the moment. I think he closed his business, to be honest; so maybe this is just how it is supposed to be. Plus I'd have amazing pictures!

Oh, I already emailed the Seattle photographers and asked what the $600 included. If it includes everything, I think it is very reasonable!

I applaud you for thinking about the style you want before anything else. You'd be surprised how many don't even get that there are different styles of wedding photographer.

If $600 is the only travel fee, that's not bad. We had to pay for hotel for two nights plus drive time for someone who lives 4 hours away. And if you're heart is set on it over video, go for it. I also agree you should be able to find someone closer for cheaper than Seattle. There are a million wedding photographers out there.

@Caitlyn I'm having a really hard time with a photographer too. It's our next step in the planning, and technically I only need it for our engagements since we are having a DW out of the country. Ive had people just stop corresponding cause we don't need a wedding shot, people haven't responded period, and I'm also having a hard time finding the style of photography I'm looking for. I'm getting so frustrated that I'm tempted to say "screw it" and have no e-pics

Have you Googled film photographers? I see quite a few pop up. And your right, the pictures are incredible! I booked Michelle Huber. She is absolutely amazing, but doesn't do film photography

I have searched Google, Wedding Wire, and The Knot for film photographers in my area. I may be too picky...but I feel like I should be picky with something as important as wedding photography. It's not something that I want to settle on... I'll keep up my search though.

Not sure what your budget is. I'm using Alex Carroll Photography. He is traveling to Chicago for my wedding. He is great, check out his site!

I still enjoy shooting with film sometimes, but it's an impractical option for weddings, can I ask why you are looking for a film shooter for the wedding? If you have a specific niche, you have to be patient. In a way, I'm a niche, with documentary wedding photography. Some find me and want traditional or hip instead, I'm neither. Others look at endless photographers and are relieved when they find me, you can find yours too. Just be patient and stick with it. You don't usually buy the first house you see or marry the first person you meet from Match.com either, it's very much that personal of a choice.

Best wishes on everything! I'm sorry you had such a not pleasant experience. I do believe that things happen for a reason, so I'm sure there are more amazing things coming your way!

Love,

Carmen

I agree! I went way over my photography budget for my photographer! If you are in love with the work this guy in Seattle does, then I would definitely fly him in! How often are you going to watch the video of your wedding? I think that the pictures are so much more important!

I totally understand being extremely picky about photography - I'm the same way and there was only one photographer I considered for mine. I would have hired her no matter the cost. It's super important that you pick a photographer who's style is what you want. If you can afford to bring in the photographer from Seattle, and they really don't mind traveling, go for it. I'd suggest not waiting too much longer to get someone booked though... I know my photographer books well over a year in advance.

I would pay the extra! Photography is really important to me and I too like a very specific style of photos. I don't see it much in wedding photography in my country. It's all very 'romantic' 'overlighted' and usually a lot of photographers are good with the portraits part of the wedding, the wedding ceremony itself or scenery but very very bad at picturing the party itself. I've seen many horrible examples. Like I said: I'm extremely picky!!! And no, I don't believe I can do it better but if it were my photo's I would like to get them better. That said I feel extremely lucky that we have two friends that are excellent photographers. One is good at picturing parties and the other is good in more classic style. I'm thinking to ask them both - one to do the ceremony and the second to shoot the party. I'm aware it will give an interesting mix but I can see it work.

I choose style over anything and choose to do a shorter day with my photographer in order to be able to afford her.

all three of the ones that you posted do gorgeous work! i would interview them and figure out which one you get along with the most, then think about what is realistic for your budget.

it took me forever to choose a photographer because i was trying to stay within a budget that just wouldn't get me the kind of skills i was looking for

@Surfergirl Those are the photographers that I already interviewed and wanted to book. But they booked my date without letting me know when I was going to book them. So all three of those photographers are no-gos unfortunately But that is the style that I am looking for.

Ohhh oops sorry, hmmm keep looking but if you interview someone and like their work i guess be prepared to put a deposit down. i think you could still find someone more local than seattle.

eta: i dont think that the photographer shooting in film is all that necessary, its a nice touch but i would look into what kind of education the photographers have. i would be comfortable if they have taken formal classes (even more with a college MFA or BFA) and have shot in film at some point. many many great photographers that once shot with film have switched to digital because they know what shots they got, and film even with the ones that you interviewed were probably bonus shots.

it took me years to want to move over to using digital.

Awesome job for thinking of the style you want! If I have time today when I get home, I will help do some research for you.