Trying to pick a photographer...

My FH and I are trying to decide between Marco and Patken. Suggestions? Stories? Warnings? I would also appreciate if anyone has a link to their proofs from either place so I could take a look at many samples of their work (and who shot them). Thanks ladies!

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

I looked at Patken and was majorly underwhelmed. I thought their pics were too cookie cutter, bland, traditional and not at all interesting enough for such a special day. Plus the package they quoted me was really skimpy on proofs.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

We looked at Marco and Patken (and Duet, we booked Duet).

I can tell you that my MOH used Marco for her wedding 5 years ago. His personality was great, he had us laughing and doing crazy stuff and was alot of fun to be with. Her pictures came out beautiful. We chose not to go with him because every sinlge album looked exactly like hers, all the same. He does the same poses with every couple and BP and you could tell he uses the same locations. We did not want the same pics that 100 other couples have. Plus he does alot of posing....flowers here, your hand here, his hand there......and personally we wanted a more photojournalistic style.

Patken has the photojournalistic style but we felt we weren't getting enough bang for our buck and were not impressed at all with the presentation we received at our meeting. I was thoroughly disappointed since so many girls on here use them and speak so highly of them.

These are just my personal opinions. Every couple has an idea of what they're looking for and you just have to pick the one who you think will best meet your expectations. Best of luck in your decision.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

I loved Marco's personality. Didn't like his prices. My friend just used Marco and her pics were great.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

My friend is using Marco (drewsgirl) and she got what I think its a great package! They were also recommended to us by another firend whose pics came out great.

As for Patken I agree with Meghan( Thank you I thought I was the only one) their work looked nice but nothing special in my opinion. A friend at work used them and she was very happy but I wasnt really impressed with her album!
My advice to you, is weigh your pros and cons for each, does one offer more than the other? For instance my friend has a photographer and an asst, whereas with Patken as for as I know you only get the photographer. Having an asst can be very helpful. Good LUCK!

Message edited 1/23/2004 5:05:34 PM.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

We are using Ferlise in Levittown. It is father son team and they have been in business for 40 years. They work is amazing. Check them out.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

I used Marco for my first wedding about 8 years ago. He was great. Like someone else said he had an awesome personality and put us all at ease. Our pictures came out great but were a little towards the traditional side.

This time around I used Verdi and loved loved loved them. I just picked up my album and I couldn't be happier.

Good luck

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

I looked at Patken, Duet, Artisian and Pro Line. I ended up
picking Proline but Patken was my next choice. It was a hard
decision for me since i liked them both! I would choose Patken.
they have great stuff

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

patken!!!!!

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

The thing with Patken is there are many photographers to choose from and their work varies in many ways -- sometimes subtly, sometimes not (I definitely noticed) -- so it really depends on what you are looking for from your pictures. I don't know anything about Marco so what I can say about Patken is that I, personally, would pay the extra money for Doug because I appreciated his work the most. He also had a very fun personality.

Re: Trying to pick a photographer...

I personally LOVE Doug's work from Patken. I looked at quite a few albums and the albums of his work were the ones I loved. Needless to say he is who I booked . . .