Holmes Photography Studio

A Word of Warning Regarding Cheap Wedding Photography

2010-03-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

I Took The Cheap Photographer Route…
Thursday, February 11, 2010
(Note: I found this blog posting and am reposting it to mine as it explains perfectly why hiring the cheapest photographer is not cheap.)

Hi, my name is Lauren, and I took the cheap photographer route. And I’m here to prevent you from doing the same! Last week there was a blog post going around Twitter that caused quite a bit of hoopla among photographers and wedding professionals. If you haven’t seen it, in a nutshell, a new bride wrote a post on her personal blog regarding her search for a photographer and the cost associated with photography. Right now, there are over 100 comments on the post. I’m sure she wasn’t expecting such a response, but nonetheless, I highly recommend reading some of the responses. It’s incredibly educational, and says just about everything that I always try to say about photography.

(Above) Examples of GOOD photography, by Holmes Photography Studio www.HolmesPhotography.biz

One of the reasons why I’m always talking about the importance of quality photography is because I made a mistake that I hope to prevent other brides from making. I took the cheap photographer route. I attribute this to the fact that when I was planning my wedding, I had no clue. The only resources I used were The Knot and Brides.com, because that’s all I knew about. However, when using their budget recommendations (which was all I had to go off of), their recommended photography percentage was way below what I was realistically seeing for photographer pricing. I didn’t have anyone to tell me what the “norm” pricing was for a good photographer. I was counting on those resources to help me, and they didn’t. So, while we wait for these resources to catch up to 2010, this is my warning!

I’m in no way a photographer, but I want to pass along some tidbits that I wish I had known as a bride. One of the first things that I tell new brides is the normal cost for decent photography, because I myself had no idea. Here in Florida, photography packages usually start at $2000, and that’s that bare minimum. It varies everywhere, and of course it also varies with the photographers and their experience. Keep in mind that photographers are not just taking photos of you on your wedding day. They also have to edit the photos (which can take up to 30 hours), design the album, answer your emails and phone calls, and carry out all of the other administrative duties that owning a business entails. (There is so much more, but I’ll leave that to the photographers to explain!) Most of all, bottom line: you get what you pay for. It really can’t be said any differently.

And another example of a GOOD photo, by Holmes Photography Studio www.HolmesPhotography.biz

Needless to say, I’m still pretty heartbroken about my lack of knowledge when I chose my photographer. I wish I had known about so many things when I was planning my wedding. Now that I look at amazing work from photographers every day, I know that my photos could have been so much better. But you live and you learn, right? There’s always our vow renewals to make up for it!
[Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong when I say "cheap photographer". I paid more than what would normally be considered "cheap". But when you consider what was included in the price (my 12 hour wedding day, engagement session, bridal session, album and prints), and then when you see the pretty much unedited images, then yes, it was indeed cheap.] If you have any questions about choosing your photographer, please ask! I don’t want anyone else to feel the way that I do, and this is one of the many reasons why I write this blog and why I entered the wedding industry. I want to help everyone have the absolute best wedding possible

Wedding Slideshow Sample - check it out!

2009-09-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.shareitvideo.com/watch.php?v=241555336908092#

2009-09-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Nic and Kristyn - and thank you for entrusting us with your wedding photos this weekend at the Opera House.

2009-09-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

"Little Farmer" From a photo shoot last weekend in Wacousta, Michigan. 3 adorable children and John Deere mini tractors - what a blast.
To see more: www.Pictage.com/718768

High School Senior Portraits

2009-09-17T10:20:00.001-07:00

Our senior portrait sessions include as many changes of clothing as you like, studio shots and a variety of outdoor locations around the Grand Ledge area. We'll customize the session to fit your style and spend as much time as needed to get the shots you're looking for.

Senior Portraits

2009-09-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again for senior portraits and with the fall just about here we're getting busier and busier so don't hesitate to call us and book. Sept./October are filling up fast. We have a special right now - no sitting fee. All your money goes towards prints etc. Call today to set up an appt.
517-627-4761

2009-09-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Doug and Little Doug at our chapel/photography studio before we were done renovating it. A great friend from Navy days in California. Now a Senior Chief Photographer's Mate in the Navy and working for GM near Detroit.
photo copyright: Holmes Photography
www.HolmesPhotography.biz

Our Facebook Page

2009-09-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HolmesPhotography

New Website for Holmes Photography

2009-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired by a close friend who is an incredible photographer in S. Cal. to update and contribute to my blog on a regular basis. We've been a victim of our own success with so many assignments it's hard to find time for things such as this, but if some of my mentors who are much busier than I am can do it - there's no excuse.
NEWS: Our new website is: www.HolmesPhotography.biz and our new wedding chapel site is: www.BridgeStreetWeddingChapel.com
Our plans are to post new photography samples right after our sessions. Other news and views regarding the photography industry in general will also be part of our blog. Visit us on Facebook too.

2007-03-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

A variety of images from some of our recent weddings and senior portraits.
www.HolmesPhotography.biz

Welcome to Holmes Photography

2007-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Holmes Photography, located in Grand Ledge Michigan -- just west of Lansing, serves all of Michigan. We specialize in Weddings, Senior Portraits, Event Photography and Photojournalism and have been in business for 27 years. If you are looking for photography that tells the story of your day, or the personality of your high school senior please take time to look over some of our work and call to set up an appointment to view more of our most recent work. We also own the Bridge Street Wedding Chapel in Grand Ledge and our studio takes up the lower level. To learn more about the chapel go to www.BridgeStreetChapel.com or http://weddingchapel.blogspot.com To learn more about Chris Holmes and the history of Holmes Photography as well as see more photos please visit our website at: www.CHolmesPhoto.com 517-627-4761