Good Photographers for less than $1000?

Where do you live?

I live in Staten Island and having my reception in Berkeley Heights, NJ

For that price range you will probably get an amateur or part-time photographer. There are some good ones out there but take a good look at your venue and make sure that there is plenty of light. Photographers that charge less than $1,000 simply can't afford the quality gear necessary to prevent your pictures from blurring or becoming hopelessly grainy in low-light situations.

Another thing to think about is that, for $1,000, you will probably not get quality image editing. The editing is so important because modern cameras, especially the good ones, depend on digital "developing" to create the final image. They do this by capturing tons more information that you will ever see in the final image and it takes a trained eye to pull out the best parts of each photo.

You might check Craigslist. That's how we found a photographer who had been with a big agency for years, but was now starting out on his own. He was still trying to build his portfolio, so he was willing to give us a major break on costs. We ended up with gorgeous photos (my icon is a small version of one of them) for a quite reasonable cost.

We started out with our photography budget being $1500. After check out the choices available to us with that budget, we made changes elsewhere and just booked with probably the best photographer in South Jersey, ART WORK Photography. We're probably gonna end up spending 4K on photography when all is said and done, but like Chris said, these are the only memories you'll have of your big day for the rest of your life.

I'm having the same issue! Don't have the big $$ to spend on a photographer. We went to see a family friend's work this past weekend and I was seriously NOT impressed! She is just starting out and has only done one wedding. She wanted to charge us $1500.

The next photographer we looked at wants $4000 for full day coverage. So I feel you. Its a tough choice so spend so much but I dont want to, as I'm sure you don't either, hate the wedding photos at the end of the day. It'll be worth the extra few bucks.

My wedding photos were taken by my MIL's friend who she works with at a local elementary school. Yes, my photographer did photography on the side. No, she didn't charge us an arm and a leg. Yes, my photos turned out beautifully. Yes, I actually do have a copy of every single picture that was shown to me. Obviously she deleted the absolutely horrid ones but other than that I have a copy of every picture taken. My mom scrapbooks so even if one little detail isn't right, she can use that pic in a scrapbook. I'm happy we didn't go with someone who would have charged us more. We got amazing pictures and she got experience doing weddings. Yes, she has her own photography business and yes, she is just starting out. So my advice is (while a photographer will tell you otherwise) look around your area and talk to different photographers in the area. Figure out what they will charge you and see if it fits what you need it to. Ask to see pictures they have taken so you can see if you like (cont)

(cont) their work. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person. If you don't it will show in the pictures they take. If all you want is a disk with the photos on it make sure you let them know that right off. If you don't want prints let them know. I got all of my pics on a flash drive and I now have them all on my computer and backed up on another flash drive and a website. Just in case. If you do decide to go with someone who doesn't do photos as a main job, make sure you have a contract, make sure you know you will get your photos. Try to see if they'll let you talk to other people they have worked with.

Here is a photographer, I can't say exactly what his prices are like, but his work in absolutely breathtaking. I hope this helps, or you find someone.

http://www.scrolevision.com/index2.php#/home/

I am a Amateur photographer who just started this year. So I do beleive you can find a photographer who is reasonably priced. I don't ever think I will allow my business to become so over prcied that I wouldnt pay that myself. None of my packages are over $350. I don't have the expereince as all the other photographer, but I def. have the talent. Thats just my opinion. So Just keep lookng and make sure you feel you can intrust that person with your big day.

I would say you get what you pay for... but that's not always true. In my area there is a guy that charges $2500 and frankly can't take a picture of a person to save his life, he's a landscape guy. But, I found an amazing lady that charges $3800. I did a bit more searching and found one that is same quality aand actually give you more for only $2800. So, you can find deals. Talk to people in your town. Don't book until you have seen their work and spoke with people that have used them. Don't let some people tell you that hobbyists can't be good or whatever. There are some that are very good. You just have to dig them up cause they more than likely don't have ads.

I am also a new photographer, and I have to agree with Brian. Good "New Photographers" are always the exception. Althoug, all of us were "New" at some point, and became Good as more experience is aquired. So, I am sure you can find a New photographer, that will also give you at least decent photos.You just have to look for one and not go with the first one that paints you a pretty picture. Also, if they charge you an arm and a leg, but their portfolio does not justify the price, you're probably making a mistake by hiring them.

There is hope! My photographer is new and is just starting a business. She gave me a good deal because I booked it on memorial day weekend, it was $1395 for two photographers and five hours session and engagement session. I got it for $900 and she took $50 off for travel fee as well. She and her husband actually have some good work.

Be careful of asking for just "services and a CD"... most of the photographic magic nowadays happens in the editing and post production phase of the production.

also... I would recommend skimping on other parts of the budget and spending more on the photographer.

Guests most likely aren't going to remember whether or not you had light appetizers or a 4 course meal, but the photos will live on forever.

Some people would say this is nuts but it worked out for me ok...

Have you tried calling a university to see if there's any recent grads trying to build up a portfolio? Because you could probably get an awesome rate. And since you'd be talking to a professor or something you know you'd be getting someone that they would recommend no matter what. My photographer is someone who was still working on his portfolio and my photos turned out amazing: http://tashantyler.shutterfly.com/

How I got my photographer within my budget is through getting put on their email list. The photographer of my dreams was way out of my budget but I knew he ran specials for booking early or during a certain time all you had to do was be on the email list. So I got my photographer for half off his fairytale package...which includes 1 photographer full day coverage, 200 printed 4X6 proofs, 2 parents albums, 1 couple album, proof cd, and unlimited photos taken for $1100 which included his travel fees. Plus he told me that I will have 2 photographers at no extra charge because my original photographer was in an accident and needs someone to drive him! So it is possible to find a photographer within budget keep looking

Any photographer on here will tell you that in order to have amazing photos you're going to have to pay a lot more than $1000. As you can see from quite a few of us, that's not the case.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this shouldn't be an "us vs them" debate because there are good and bad on both sides. I think what the Pros are trying to tell you is that while you may find a "good deal" just be careful with your choice and as others have said, make sure you are satisfied with the end result as that will be all you have left when it's over.

check with some of the photographers in the area as many of them may offer an "images only" package or even set up a payment plan so that it fits your budget.

It really depends on what YOU want... You have to decide what is most important to you. Like (don't kill me vendors) videos are just not that important to me so I didn't go all out. I got lucky on my photographer in that she is my best friend that is professional and has her own buisness but if that hadn't worked out I would have spent the bucks for a really good photographer because I have nice sides and then the yuck side don't take a pic from that angle and proffesional photographers really get that... I think it would be a really good idea to call the universities and see who they recommend. Understand that you won't get the certain fast paced pick that a proffesional in the buisness for yrs will get you but they are really good at the still photos. Also the professor will usually have many copies of their work... Good Luck!!!!!!

Hmmm IMHO here is one area where you shouldn't skimp. Don't you want to make sure your memories are in tact? And why would you not want an album? I mean technology comes and goes but hard copies are forever.