Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Breezy · **Davids Bridal -** 02-29-2008, 06:10 PM

OK I remember Holly posting about them and bella a while back.
They emailed me yesterday and told me they wanted me to be the "featured" photographer.

Here in CC.
So if any one is interested this is still open.
But has anyone actually done this?
$350 a month is STEEP if you ask me.

CaptainTom · 02-29-2008, 06:26 PM

David's Bridal is one the nations largest supplier of wedding gowns. Unfortunately they are the low cost leader and cater to brides on a budget. One good thing is that these brides are likely to hire recommended photographers. One bad thing is that these brides tend to want everything at Wal Mart prices. If you can try them out for a period at their price you will be able to see if it fits your demographic. I'd also like to know how many "featured" photographers there are in your area ? One or a dozen ? If your wedding packages are priced in the demographic, and there is a good response, this is a relatively cheap advertising investment.
Do they require a long term contract ?

All of this is above and beyond the reported "screwing" of photographers who had contracts with David's before they were swallowed up by Bella.

ndsimm · 02-29-2008, 06:39 PM

Tom made some excellent points, but, I'd be curious to know how they can go outside of their contract with Bella and contact you????

Breezy · 02-29-2008, 06:53 PM

Tom here it would be just ONE photographer but I do not have 350 a month to hand to them. IF it were 350 a year I would consider it and they wanted a 1 year contract.
That said I can't do it and the 2 in VA already have featured photographers.
I know about Davids but I thought the fee was pretty high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

David's Bridal is one the nations largest supplier of wedding gowns. Unfortunately they are the low cost leader and cater to brides on a budget. One good thing is that these brides are likely to hire recommended photographers. One bad thing is that these brides tend to want everything at Wal Mart prices. If you can try them out for a period at their price you will be able to see if it fits your demographic. I'd also like to know how many "featured" photographers there are in your area ? One or a dozen ? If your wedding packages are priced in the demographic, and there is a good response, this is a relatively cheap advertising investment.
Do they require a long term contract ?

All of this is above and beyond the reported "screwing" of photographers who had contracts with David's before they were swallowed up by Bella.

Breezy · 02-29-2008, 06:54 PM

I don't know you want me to post my email?
And as far as I know they have not "bella" photographers here.

island bound · 02-29-2008, 06:56 PM

I got an e-mail from them, too.
I deleted it.
If they want me then fine, but I'm not about to pay them.

Breezy · 02-29-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island bound

I got an e-mail from them, too.
I deleted it.
If they want me then fine, but I'm not about to pay them.

Exactly
Again I figured it was because you don't see many "photographers" "from" CC.

Howard Barlow · 02-29-2008, 09:19 PM

Hey, that's a good price.

When they came to Beaumont, many years ago, they made me the same offer, only at $500. I asked if they were serious. When they said yes, I started laughing, as I hung up the phone. I guess it would have been polite to say goodbye, but I couldn't draw a breath.

Breezy · 02-29-2008, 09:55 PM

that is crazy Howard

HotHolly · 02-29-2008, 10:28 PM

David's is in bed with Bella Pictures. David's picked them up as a national sponsor a couple of months ago. The national chain pushes Bella. So, you will not be the only photographer pushed by David's.

Bella is offering specials to David's brides via email, phone, and snail mail. I've gotten some of the offers - they look good. Bella knows what they are doing and David's is helping them 100%. Bella has a bigger marketing budget than most of the locals, and paired with one of the biggest advertisers in the wedding industry - David's.

In myho, they are stabbing the locals in the back by telling them they are the only photog - its not true. Personally, if you want to follow this route check to see if Alfred Angelo has the same program. They are copying David's Bridal 100%, but do not have too many national sponsors yet. I noticed they have paired with Al's Formal Wear, but I haven't noticed anyone beyond Al's. You'll just have to pay attention to your contract and make sure you are paying to be the only photog represented.

HotHolly · 02-29-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

One bad thing is that these brides tend to want everything at Wal Mart prices.

You'd think that would be true, but being on both sides of the fence here, I've seen girls cheap out on the gown to get the photographer they want and easily drop 3x or more money on the photog than they did on the gown. The bottom line with what a bride will pay usually has more to do with how much they value (or think they value) the photography. The fashion divas won't be caught dead in David's...but they may not care about the photography. Some brides shop at David's so they can afford other things they want - like a spankin photographer. Maybe some of you are finding different trends. That's what we've noticed over the past year.

Breezy · 02-29-2008, 10:37 PM

Thanks Holly
I appreciate it.
I just found it really odd and as soon as she said 350 a month I about choked. Cause here that wouldn't go well as Weddings just aren't big here.

HotHolly · 02-29-2008, 10:41 PM

$350 isn't bad. It depends on what you're getting. Even if the weddings aren't big. If you had one bride that month, it should more than pay the expense. Since they are intertwined with Bella its messy. If you just want a brides list, you can always buy one or do your own capture. Then you don't have the monthly commitment. You can also try local bridal shops. WOM is usually the best referral anyway, but it takes a lot of cultivating. Good luck girl!