Having your engagement photos taken is a must-have in the wedding process — but oftentimes newly engaged couples are not quite sure where to begin. So to help put you on the path to success, we at Bridal Spectacular teamed up with the Owners of Photos by Larotonda, Debra and Chris Larotonda to provide couples with tips when it comes to choosing your perfect photographer, pricing, locations, Do’s, Don’ts and more!
Bridal Spectacular: What should a couple look for in a photographer when it comes to their engagement photos?
Debra & Chris: First of all, like your photographer. Sit down with him or her and tell them what you expect and how the photos will be used. There is no use dealing with a photographer or a company you don’t feel comfortable with. After all, this person will be with you during your engagement session and the whole day of your wedding. If they can’t get along with you, look elsewhere.
Bridal Spectacular: When it comes to pricing, how much do engagement and wedding photo packages usually run and is there anything a couple can do to help cut costs?
Debra & Chris: Engagement sessions run about $300 to $1,000 and wedding packages run from about $1,800 to “the sky’s the limit.” If you want to cut the cost, don’t just look at the price quoted. Look at what the photographer is offering for the cost. Some photographers will quote inexpensive photography, but once booked will tell you all the add-ons and hidden costs. So when comparing photographers, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. You may find the higher priced photographer is a much better deal than the less expensive photographer due to the items not included.
Bridal Spectacular: What are some of the best locations in Las Vegas for engagement photos?
Debra & Chris: There are many places in Las Vegas to take engagement photos. For example, Canyon Gate Country Club, the Neon Boneyard Museum, Nelson NV and even off a dirt road in the desert. But don’t be confined to just beautiful areas in the valley. You would be shocked to see gorgeous images created in your own home, backyard or even your place of employment. It’s up to a creative photographer to make beautiful settings, so don’t overlook the obvious.
Bridal Spectacular: How does Photos by Larotonda work with a couple to plan and create their perfect engagement photos?
Debra & Chris: We always try to meet or at least talk with our clients via phone or FaceTime to get their feel and aspirations. It’s up to us to meet the client’s needs. As far as engagement photos go, these may be displayed at the wedding, used for invitations, or save the date cards, so themes and timing are extremely important as we need time for post production, ordering cards, to meet and disseminate the information and have appropriate themes and attire.
Bridal Spectacular: How soon before the wedding should couples take their photos?
Debra & Chris: Engagement photos should be completed 3 to 4 months before, but when time permits longer is better. This gives time to be able to display the photos at the wedding as well as get the cards ordered, printed and shipped. And lets face it, one less thing you have to worry about.
Bridal Spectacular: Is there anything you suggest a couple always do with their photos?
Debra & Chris: Put the photos, once obtained from the photographer, in a safe place. We give our photos to our clients on a flash drive so it’s easily put on the computer and makes it so easy to save your master copy. Once the photos are put on the computer you can do with them what you wish, but you always have the images in a safe place for easy retrieval.
Bridal Spectacular: And, anything you suggest a couple stay away from?
Debra & Chris: Only use reputable photographers — people who do the work fulltime and have a proven track record. Make sure the photographer is using pro equipment, is licensed and has insurance. It would be hard to imagine your photographer being turned away from the venue you have chosen on the day of your wedding if he can’t prove he has liability insurance.
Also, if you are interested in having photos that you can print in any size, make sure you are getting the full-sized digital images from the photographer with a letter of release.
Bridal Spectacular: Anything else you’d like to add or share?
Debra & Chris: Be happy! You have hired a professional and stress is never good for photography. You’re working towards one of the key days in your entire life, one that you will remember forever. You spend months and months preparing for this day. You may have spent ten’s of thousands of dollars, but when all is said and done and you blink, it’s over and the day is done! What you will have to remember this special day for the rest of your lives by is the images from your wedding. They should bring beautiful memories back as the photographer should have documented your whole day with stunning images. We would love to earn your business and trust and make those special memories for you!
About Photos by Larotonda
Photos by Larotonda is a Las Vegas based photography studio that specializes in wedding, portrait and engagement photography, as well as corporate and event photography. As a family owned business with more than 20 years of experience, their client’s satisfaction with the wedding photos and pricing is a paramount concern to them. Moreover, Photos by Larotonda provides its clients with affordable rates — and, if a couple doesn’t see a package they like, Photos by Larotonda can customize a package to fit their budget.
To learn more about Photos by Larotonda, please click here. And, be sure to save-the-date to attend our Autumn Bridal Show August 19 and 20 where you can meet their team in person! Receive $5 off admission when you buy tickets online! Click here and enter promo code: BLOG2016
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Photos: Photos by Larotonda | Author: Deidre Bakker-Riches