Photographer Pricing - Negotiable?

[aholen]

Hi Ladies,

 

I was wondering if those of you getting married in the Cancun area had found the local photographers to be flexible in pricing. I keep reading everywhere that with the economy the way it is, photographers will be flexible in their pricing, yada yada yada. However, thus far, I'm not finding that to be the case, at all...

 

Has anyone been able to negotiate prices/packages with photographers?

 

Thanks,

Anna

[Hanna20]

Hi there,

I actually had a really good experience so far with the photographer we chose. She definitely negotiated with us and gave us an amazing deal. Before I decided on her I contacted a number of photographers for quotes and some were willing to negotiate a bit and some were not willing at all. That is one of the reasons we chose who we did because she gave us a great deal, always answered my emails and is totally flexible to what we want. We are using Vanessa Vargas Photography in case you want to check her out.

[shelbs97]

I think it just depends on who you want to use and how busy/in demand they are.  If you want one of the top wedding photographers, they aren't going to negotiate their pricing.  We went with del Sol and didn't even ask, as they're worth the money they charge.  But - if you just want someone with a camera snapping photos, or if your wedding is in the off season, you might have some luck with this.  I'm in the process of negotiating with my videographer right now, and it's working out so far.
Good Luck!

[NEMMERZ]

Hi Anna,

 

I have been researching photographers to death, i found a few on here that are so popular because of this site, no...they wont budge at all.

 

But I had asked the other resorts I was researching for my wedding and they gave me vendor names not on this site and they were very negotiable.

 

In fact I am very interested in AKI Demi and Sweet Caribben Photographer. Only problem is Aki Demi we had a set price and ready to go, and he dropped off all communication, I havent heard from him in a week and I have sent 3 emails, that worries me.

 

I really like Sweet Caribbean but they want 100% of the deposit down, I am lil weary of that, what happens if they dont show up, or show up late or NOT at all...........I can concerned if I should sign the contract, other than that they were very negotible....Both Aki and Sweet were very good with negotiations........I do not believe either one of them are on this site. 

 

Nemmerz

[PhotosInCancun]

Hi Anna, 

 

I can only speak for us as photography vendors, but....every wedding has different wishes, budgets and expectations. 

 

In our experiences we need to listen to the clients wishes, and create custom packages and pricing according to each customer for the best end result.

 

We all have different tales to tell but remember it is your day and it is your story speak with your vendor of what YOU want.

 

Best of luck

 

 

[shelbygirl]

I think it depends on the photographer and the quality you are looking for. If you want out of this world photos...the price is NOT going to be negotiable.  If you are willing to gamble on someone new or just starting you may be able to get a deal. I'm a professional photographer in the states and personally I would not negotiate my prices. Having said that, you may be able to find a photographer like I did. I found a photographer whose work I love, she has never done a destination wedding, but she is going to do more for me than what is normally included in her packages to build her portfolio...ie, more hours of coverage and a TTD session the following day.

Good Luck!

[shelbs97]

 

Originally Posted by NEMMERZ 

Hi Anna,

 

I have been researching photographers to death, i found a few on here that are so popular because of this site, no...they wont budge at all.

 

But I had asked the other resorts I was researching for my wedding and they gave me vendor names not on this site and they were very negotiable.

 

In fact I am very interested in AKI Demi and Sweet Caribben Photographer. Only problem is Aki Demi we had a set price and ready to go, and he dropped off all communication, I havent heard from him in a week and I have sent 3 emails, that worries me.

 

I really like Sweet Caribbean but they want 100% of the deposit down, I am lil weary of that, what happens if they dont show up, or show up late or NOT at all...........I can concerned if I should sign the contract, other than that they were very negotible....Both Aki and Sweet were very good with negotiations........I do not believe either one of them are on this site. 

 

Nemmerz

Honestly, if you are already having issues, you don't want to hire these people.  The photographer that isn't communicating - that's a bad sign.  I know when I send Del Sol an email, I never wait long for a response.  Usually within 24 hours, but sometimes Matt will reply within minutes to me.  For the photographer that wants all their money up front....that spells trouble.  The photographers that are raved about on this website are raved about for a reason.  They are good, they are professional, and they know what they're doing.  About 20% of our budget is going towards photography.  It's a lot of money, but I'm not gambling with my pictures.  I will cherish those pictures for years to come....I'd rather gamble on something else...

[schmittphoto]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd chime in here and give my perspective. I too am am a professional wedding photographer and I'm based in LA. We travel all over the world photographing weddings and I photographed several in the Cancun/ Puerto Morales area this year. There is really no such thing as one price fits all when it comes to photography, so we almost always customize a package based on what our clients desire. It's rare to find that two couples want exactly the same items, time, prints etc. so we give quotes on an individual basis.

 

But to hear that the "top photographers" will never negotiate surprises me. For instance, I may not negotiate my creative fee much, but I've done things in the past like throw in a Trash-The -Dress photoshoot or even waive my airfare to get down there if I wanted the job! And I think this is a testament to those of us that love what we do. Local vendors work differently that flying in your photographer. Locals are almost always going to be less expensive especially since it's one day for them to photograph your wedding and often 3-4 days for the photographer you are flying in. But what I always remind my clients is photography is the most important vendor you will have. They are the only vendor that will be by your side your entire wedding day, so you should not only like their work, but also click with them. After all, the pictures will be all you will have to remember your wedding by, and I truly believe you get what you pay for when it comes to photography.

 

When researching your photographers, you will most likely find pricing to be all over the place. Some charge by the hour, some charge by the package, some include an album and perhaps CD, some do not. Those who charge more are often basing that rate on their experience, level of professionalism...(like returning phone calls and emails within 24 hours), quality of products sold and their level of artistry. And hopefully they have a great written Guarantee! I recommend not paying in full before the wedding date, and I also recommend asking the photographer what their guarantee is. So many couples don't even think to ask this and IMO, it's the most important question to ask. What happens if their gear fails during the wedding, they are late or you just don't like your pictures? I've heard horror stories over the years, so ladies please if you do nothing else, ask that one question.

 

We all want a "great deal". I'm shopping online right now for one of my wife's Christmas presents looking for one! But 50% off your wedding photographer isn't a deal it's a red flag! I do like the free shipping though!

 

 

 

 

[Guest Genya]

Hi Anna and everyone who can be interested in low cost wedding photographer.

I’m a french canadian photographer living in Cancun now.

I finished my studies in photography in Montreal and then I worked there for few years. Now I’m starting my new life in Mexico with my cameras and a lot of possibilities!

At this moment I’m making my new portfolio, so I don’t charge a lot for my work. I’m open to your ideas and also I’m flexible with dates for the month of February.

For those who are interested about my work  -  email me on shenko.photo@gmail.com

 

All the best to Everyone,

 

 

Genya