Finding the Perfect Photog

So last night I received a great deal in my e-mail for MJS Studios: $595 for 8 hours of photography--a great steal and financing was even available. So I put in a request to be contacted online and I told them to call me after 2 pm today. So after I got off of work I rushed home and found my cell phone (I thought I lost it) only to discovered they had already called and left a message. I was slightly annoyed, but the guy seemed nice enough so I called back to see if I could schedule an appointment.

When I called back, supposedly Tim wasn't available so I talked this other guy who had a really gruffy (and almost creepy) voice who tried to sell me the package on the spot and said the deal was expiring today (mind you that there was no expiration to the coupon they sent). It wasn't a hard sell, but it was enough to leave me disappointed, particularly since I wouldn't know what photographer I'd be working with, nor the style of the wedding until 30 to 60 days out. Plus to have all the photos on disk would be an additional $400 to $600. Plus it did not include an engagement shoot. Originally I was looking to spend $800 to $1,500 when we were going to spend $8,000, but now I am looking for a decent package under $600, especially now since our wedding and guest list has been significantly scaled back.

I kind of guessed it may have been too good to be true, but thought I'd give it a feel anyway. I did learn one important thing about selecting a photographer for us though. I definitely don't like the feel of a big corporate 800-number business taking my photographers. I want to make sure I actually like the person I am working with and can actually see their work before I ever put money down. I don't want to talk into a phone and that be the only means of communication. I want some really classy photos, but after the really nice shots, I just want to let it all hang out.

I really want engagement shoot, but I don't know yet if we can really afford it. It would be nice to have a shoot where we both get super glamorous and take old school pics. Today I had the idea that maybe we can just do our own shoot or get someone we know or do a crazy shoot where we pick places all around the city to take photos and have random people take photos for us. Random places include Chuck E. Cheese where they have awesome photo booth black and white prints, that are not high in quality but are fun and cute. Then we can go to other places like other photo booths, the LOVE sign in Philly and other spots. We'll see how the next couple of months goes as far as our budget.

Well at least I have a clear head going into it. I honestly haven't done a lot of research on photogs yet, so this is still something I need to step up the pace on, especially since it is at the top of important things to accomplish along with the dress and venue.