- Photography by Ivan Apfel Photography"
- "Photography by Ivan Apfel and not a third party photographer"
Note the difference. The first means that the actual photographer than arrives will be myself or anyone one I hire to cover your wedding. The second means that me and me alone will shoot your wedding.
Why is this all important? Because depending on which of the above two you select, it affects when you should make you deposit.
If you want to hire the photographer you met with and want them reserved for your wedding, please keep in mind that it is a first come first serve reservation. Whoever reserves their services first get the photographer.
With larger studios you have more flexibility to work on the package, the price, the details before making your deposit to reserve their services because they have a stable of available photographers for your event.
However, with someone such as myself who shoots all of his weddings himself, I only book one wedding per date. And be aware, if the wedding is on Sunday and they book me for the rehearsal on Saturday, then the Saturday date you wanted is now unavailable. Because of this, when you find a photographer you like for your high season event, book them right away.
I know, many of you are thinking, "This is all true, but how often does this actually happen?" Not sure about other photographers, but personally I have to make around 15 calls a year to brides who are still asking questions about my contract to let them know that another couple just booked me for the same date. It is heartbreaking to do this but as a independent photographer, I have to insure that I have constant booking to insure any business stability.
Please keep in mind, myself and most other photographers use the deposit to reserve the date and the pricing schedule quoted to you. My contract clearly states that it can be amended and modified at anytime up until the day of the event. So do not feel that you have to get every little detail perfected before making your deposit. Because while you do this, another couple could book your wedding date.
Welcome to the beginning of the South Florida Wedding High Season. This year should be fun.