Decisive Moments: Choosing our Photographer

While some couples would splurge on the caterer’s 5-course meal or grandiose reception venue, we’d rather spend on keeping memories of our wedding day. Being photography enthusiasts ourselves, TJ and I somehow have the same opinion on how we want our photos to be – artistically beautiful, of course, but reasonably priced.

Choosing a photographer is much like shopping in Divisoria – everything seems the same but you’ll have to be very keen in choosing the best in style, quality and price. And because there is quite a handful in the market, you have to know beforehand what your criteria and requirements are.

We initially considered F. Topico Mayuga Photography since the owner was a good friend of my future mother-in-law. They were okay and it would’ve been the most convenient choice, but we didn’t have a comparison so we decided to look further. We looked into Raymod Fortun’s photography since I’m a very big fan but unfortunately, he was already booked Dec. 11. We looked some more and finally came across Decisive Moments’ ad in a wedding magazine I bought.

Their ad read “The Wedding through the Eyes of a Photojournalist” and that’s what attracted me most. What I really wanted was a photojournalistic approach in photography. I wanted more of the candid moments than choreographed poses, naturally lit photos instead of digitally enhanced ones. I wanted them not only to be visually beautiful but to be able to convey emotion and mood. It was good to know that their chief photographer, Mr. Mel Cortez, used to be a photojournalist for a broadsheet.

Before looking for options, we had already set a budget price ceiling for the photo/video service and that guided us very well. Jane was kind enough to e-mail me their affordable packages and even entitled me to 30% discount if we booked them within the week.

Things got really exciting so we paid them a visit to see samples of their work and discuss the package further. The good thing is that it already had almost everything covered and we were just given the option for add-ons. (Remember, in booking a supplier, get the basic package first and then upgrade later on should your budget permit.) We reviewed each item and asked if we can trade one with the other and they agreed. William was so energetic and very helpful in giving us suggestions (and further discounts!). He was so contagious that he was finally able to convince us to get them.

Photo/video eats a big chunk of the wedding budget so it was really a “decisive moment” for us. But we’re happy to have secured our second supplier and got style, quality and price in one great package!

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Decisive Moments Photography by Mel Cortez

Suite 902 Burgundy Place, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City

Mobile: 0922-8299333

E-mail: decisivemoments@yahoo.com

Website: http://melcortez.multiply.com