~$1000 Photographer in the NYC area?

Try an art/film school. Ask for their best students. Other than that NYC is an incredibly difficult place to find a below market value photographer.

Given you are in the NYC area, I would say doubtful. I'm in a higher price point area too and the best deal I found was 4 hours for $1800. Call around and see if they can adjust their packages. Maybe go without an album, or reduce the number of hours?

Don't go with someone just starting out. Check in the boroughs

I could barely find a photographer in this price range in a much cheaper market. If you're really truly stuck on that budget, you can look for students and people starting out. But make sure to be realistic about your expectations. You won't get award-winning photography, and you may even end up walking away with only a couple of pictures. Weigh the risks. On one hand, bad pictures are better than no pictures, but on the other hand, how much do you want to pay for photos that are the same quality (or worse!) than someone could take on their phone. Food for thought.

I'm not in NYC but I doubt you can get that amount of coverage for that price anywhere. You either have to shorten the hours of coverage or budget more.

I'm in Chicago, so can't speak for NYC, but that would be hard to find IMO. If that's a hard budget, I say ask students or anyone trying to build up their portfolio.

My cousin found a few on craigslist. The issue with inexperienced photographers is that you have to do a lot of the research in advance for them and be on top of it the day of, which is exhausting (but not impossible). My cousin had beautiful pictures because the students were very talented. She had to tell them where to go, what she wanted in the pictures, who to take pictures with, etc. They just followed her lead bc they had never done a wedding before and really didn't know what to capture. She was exhausted by the end of it bc she had to direct the bridal party which way to look and where to turn, etc. So just be aware of that.

Just remember that you get what you pay for! If pictures aren't a priority then I would maybe look into a college student but please, please do not do this if the pictures are important to you.

I had trouble finding a 2hr elopement photographer for <$1000. For that price, I think your only option would be an amateur photographer if you are willing to take that risk. Thumbtack in your area for artsy college students, look through their portfolios and cross your fingers. Or budget more.

Dude I'm in PR and mine is 1200 for 8 hours!

You probably won't find a professional photographer for $1,000 or less for a full 6-8 hours (especially in New York!). You can try Thumbtack and Craigslist, or photography students, as others mentioned. Just bear in mind the risk you may take in choosing someone if you're not sure about them and putting price first. It's one of the most important days of your life, you'll want amazing photos to remember it

That's tough, I would check with art/photography schools. Some students may have already done a few weddings and will have portfolios to look at etc and they're just not established enough to charge more. Also, could you get away with less coverage time? Maybe have less photos taken when you're getting ready or something like that?

I'm outside of NYC, and I think this is doubtful. This is a case where your budget will not cover your needs unless you're really looking at the most minimal skill available.

Students may have isolated good shots, but photographing a wedding is a rapid fire series of events. I have worked with new pros and it's not pretty.

I'm using Marta Dorosh (who is amazing, take a look at her site) for that price.

ETA: It IS possible, if you customize a wedding package and remove certain things. For instance I'm not getting a wedding album, I'll be creating a photobook with the pictures instead.

You're going to have a hard time with that budget. Do you have a talented friend?

HA- no.

not one worth any of their salt.

not going to happen.

Up the budget- or trim the hours.

To Celia's point - it's not just about the creative part of taking good photos. It's having the experience and know-how to set-up the shots, be in the right place but not be intrusive, manage the timeline and have good communication. You probably won't get that with someone just starting out.

We went with someone less experienced for the engagement shoot and quickly realized we'd need someone else for the wedding.

I'm getting married in relatively inexpensive rural Missouri and even I can't find a pro for less than $1k for all day with one shooter. No extras, no engagement season or prints.

Best of luck!! Ditto PPs, check art/photography schools!

The problem with April? No one who is good is going to commit for 1000.00 when they can bill 3000 ish in NYC. And if they will? Then they're not good.

I"m in NYC. My photographer charges $400/hour and does a lot of elopements, so she's willing to just do a couple hours. But that's still only 2 hours of photography if you want to stay under $1,000.

I booked an elopement package in NYC - 3 hours for $1500. Not sure if you can find a pro in this city for $1000 unless you want trim down your coverage hours to maybe 2 or 3.