Weddingbee boards

I definitely have regrets about my photos. The folks I really wanted were beyond our budget, so I settled with someone that was decent and had a solid business/reputation. I'm OK, because we have a good record of our day... but there's definitely not much artistry there.

If budget's an issue, I would consider having your amateur there for the day and seeing if you can set up just a bride/groom photo session with the photographer you love--say, on a Tuesday morning for a couple of hours--so you get great pics with your hubby, but for waaayyyyy less.

That said, there are lots of newbies out there who *are* pretty good; so if you're willing to take a risk on someone newer, you should be able to get someone whose photos you like at a deep discount.

I'd keep looking around and considering various options--you definitely don't sound like you'll be happy with the result.

I think you do have options for good photography.  Good pros may be out of your budget, but I'm sure you could find someone to work with you.  Here are some options to consider.

• Limit the hours you have them there and plan your time line when you want pro photos.  Ceremony, formals, first hour or so of the reception.  Have your special dances, cake cutting and toasts all be towards the beginning of the night.

• Cut out the videographer and have a friend or relative set up a video camera on a tripod at the ceremony and then again at the reception. Tangible photos will last much longer then video format.  Everyone remembers VHS right?  DVDs will be obsolete in a few years anyhow.   

• Cut renting a photobooth and set up a DIY photobooth (we call it a portrait station) set a point and shoot on a tripod and either have friends take turns pressing the button or have one friend dedicated to it.

• Don't underestimate the power of bartering.  If you {or FH} have any skills someone else might use then don't be afraid to ask.  The worst they can say is no.  As a photographer and graphic designer I was able to barter almost half of my wedding so far. When someone wasn't open to it, I moved on.  {It doesn't hurt that I work in the industry, but I have also excepted barters from a few of my clients as well}

When all is said and done, the one thing you will have for the rest of your life is your husband, your memory and your photos.  You spend and incredible amount of time and money planning your wedding.  Wouldn't it be nice to have some one you LOVE capture it.  I recommend doing some major research and make a long list of every photog in your area that you love and contacting them.  The worst thing that can happen is put you in the same position you are now, but I think you will be surprised by those photogs who are willing to work with you.

Good luck and happy planning.

@Chillmer would your friend be willing to go do a test shoot in the church. It may help you both understand what you are getting yourselves in to.  Maybe help her invest in some better lighting equipment or a book on using her flash. 

I seriously doubt anyone who is having trouble hiring a photographer has a videographer and a photobooth to cut.  (We moved money from our video budget to cover photography, but we had also underestimated how much we were willing to pay.)

Have you checked out the Weddingbee classifieds?  Some of the photographers there have a really great sense of artistry but are just starting out and are really reasonable.  I recommend hiring somebody and paying them and having a signed contract - they are less likely to disappoint you, and if they do, at least you don't have to be reminded of it for the rest of your life when you see this guy for dinner.  You can always ask him to second-shoot, or take pictures of the guys getting ready or something.

Otherwise, definitely do an engagement shoot - you'll get a better sense of whether it will work out well or if you will have regrets.