Post # 1

Member
175 posts
Blushing bee
Hello All!
Somehow a photographer seems like the most intimidating part of this planning process! We have a strict $2,000 budget for our Chicagoland wedding photography next summer. The main priority is getting the digital files and rights for the photos, and having a photographer we don’t mind being around us all day long. Please give me recommendations!
Thank you!
Post # 3

Member
332 posts
Helper bee
Sorry I don’t live in Chicago so I can’t be a ton of help but have you poked around on Craigslist alot of times you can find new photographers or those who do it for a hobby.
I’m technically having 2 photographers one’s is a new photographer for 4 hours for $500 and the other is a family friend who loves it as hobby and it’s a wedding gift
Also call around to local colleges looking for photography students or go there personally and post fliers you can find great talent *an really a college kid would prolly be thrilled over 1000 dollars
hope this helps
Post # 4

Member
175 posts
Blushing bee
@ashleykaye15: Thanks for the thoughts. We do have several schools with photography progams, so that’s one place I can look.
Post # 5

Member
197 posts
Blushing bee
@AClaire – There are lots of good photographers listed in the Chicago boards if you read the old pages. We used Michael Rastall – we loved him. He’s just about in your price range. http://www.rastallphoto.com/index.php?splash=1
Good luck!
Post # 6

Member
97 posts
Worker bee
Our is $2,600 for 12 hours for two photogs…which isn’t THAT much over your budget. How long would you want them for? The digital rights of all the pics is what might be hard to negotiate. I think mine charges something like $750 for all the rights to the photos.
Post # 7

Member
23 posts
Newbee
this has been one my hardest aspects as well. i love the artistic side of independent photographers but not necessarily the amount they charge!! I tend to think that studios are a little too impersonal and don’t like the fact that most of the time you don’t get to meet your photographer ahead of time. I found a couple really great people that would be within your budget. If you want, PM or email me ([email protected]) and we can talk a little bit more.
Michele
Post # 8

Member
162 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: September 2009 - The 19th Century Club
Have you checked out:
Maggie Rife
http://www.maggierifephotography.com/index2.php
Erica Barraca
http://www.ericabarracaphotography.com/
Both are super sweet, really talented and growing their businesses, so probably more in your budget range. Maggie second shot my wedding, and Erica is a friend of my husband’s. Both are great!
Post # 9

Member
79 posts
Worker bee
I would HIGHLY recommend my photographer. His name is Leo Lee. Check out his website at: http://www.fragolaproductions.com/
Post # 10

Member
523 posts
Busy bee
http://www.kevinmonahanphotography.com/
We’re getting 2 photographers for 12 hours and all of the digital rights for under $2000. They are traveling to Chicago from Indiana.
Post # 11

Member
98 posts
Worker bee
I may have an option for you!
My fiance and I are having Drew Carlson Photography photograph our special day! He typically photographs in the St Paul/Minneapolis area but does travel… In fact, he’s photographed in places such as CO, Cozumel, PA, NYC, & Cancun. In comparison to these places, Chicago’s practically a neighboring city! For $2000, we have him booked for the entire wedding! I can tell you for a fact that he is a hard working, talented photographer since I know him personally. I just really think you should consider him! I’m going to school for photography and was super picky when choosing my wedding photographer.. and I jumped at the opportunity to book him!
Would you like more information?
Post # 12

Member
3 posts
Wannabee
Check out Photography by Lin.
http://www.photographybylin.com/
They are very reasonable and should be within your price range.
Post # 13

Member
555 posts
Busy bee
Check out Shane Welch. He is a recent Columbia College grad and has some really cool pics and has a little local recognition without the crazy prices. If we were having our wedding in Chicago that’s who we’d be using. http://www.shanewelch.com
Post # 14

Member
93 posts
Worker bee
I’m going to go with Redwall Photography they’re 2,500 and that includes the engagement session, thank you cards, etc. I think Tasha is great! I am going to book with her for my wedding!