I can't be the only one.

mrs.rab

I am having a little anxiety about the prices of photographers. 

I mean I am all for some awesome pictures, but why oh why do they have to have prices so high?!??

I am trying to keep our budget for that less than $2,000 maybe like $1,800. And no luck so far. 

princesscz

You're definitely not the only one .  I think sticker shock is a big part of wedding planning.

You might be able to find a photographer under $2000, but certainly it is more difficult.  The photographer we used, Tasha at redwallphotography.com, has a package at $2500 but she also does ala carte prices and might be able to work with your budget.  Other photographers might do the same thing if you ask.  Originally my H and I were going to use another photographer whose package is around $1250, but her photography is much more traditional, simple looking pictures, not photojournalistic.  If you're interested though, I could give you her contact information.

sgylling

Try Michael Rastall, one of my friends used him and he was great. And $1800 last I checked, but I am sure he is getting more popular. I loved his work. I have another friend using him this summer! Our photog Brian Kinyon is awesome, but I think his packages start around $2300-2500?

bride2blisa

When I was searching Lilly Photography was definitely in your price range. 

www.lillyphotography.com

jburkie1

Christine Otte and Amy Christian were also near that range. They were also willing to work with the package and delete the engagement session if you don't want it - for a reduced fee.

Love is Bald

I hear ya!!  Im feeling the pinch too... as someone else said, Michael Rastall has some decent pricing and his quality is fantastic looking.

tncassa

I was shocked too!  We looked at many many photographers to find what we wanted at a "reasonable" price.  We ended up with Gina and Tony and LOVE them so far.  Their packages start at $1750 I believe.  http://www.gntphoto.com/

ladybug7485

I went with Victoria Sprung. www.sprungphoto.com
She is well under your budget. Our Epics turned out great!

doregan8

Another idea, but somewhat risky on quality, is going the student route.  When my mother married her longtime significant other last October, they reached out to his nephew's roommate, a then senior at Columbia College in Chicago.  It was a very VERY small ceremony and reception, but his pictures turned out fantastic and he only charged them $250 for the day, which included him being fed and then hanging out for a bit when he was "off the clock."  Technically, he was family, but he still got the job done.  The pictures were all digital and he sent her a CD with all that were taken and they hit up Sam's Club for prints they wanted framed.

Point is, hit up the artsy colleges and see if any young photographers want to give a wedding a shot.  Yes, you'll get what you pay for, but I look at it as other than a select few, how often are you going to look back at each and every picture with your husband?

jennybean11

I was just going to recommend Victoria Sprung.  I didn't go with her but her stuff looks awesome for her price range.  She is one that I still wonder if I would have been just as happy and saved a lot of money.

TheDohertys

there are a lot of low cost photographers out there. The site that everyone had recommended as a book mark is

http://sites.google.com/site/chitownweddingvendors

this lists who a lot of knotties are using.

Sparkette19

I was in the same boat as you last year. We ended up booking GeorgeStreet Photography. The nice thing about them is that you pay half up front and then the other half after you finalize your photo album. So, you have time to save up after the wedding for the remaining half. That was a nice feature for us.

MISSCOURTNEY20

Timothy Whaley is way under your budget. Their pics are great and their packages are awesome!     twaphotos.com

aperitisa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_cant-only-one?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:93ef4544-3cd0-4dea-bc88-9692d85bf505Post:06d52c93-aeb2-41a2-bbe5-416f4cac404a">Re: I can't be the only one.</a>:
[QUOTE]When I was searching Lilly Photography was definitely in your price range.  <a href="http://www.lillyphotography.com" rel="nofollow">www.lillyphotography.com</a>
Posted by bride2blisa[/QUOTE]

This is who we are using.  Jiho is the owner and since its a newer business his prices are very reasonable.  Its only $1200 for a really great package.  Definitely check him out. 

mrs.rab

Thank you for the pick me up ladies!!!!! 

I was searching through some of the photogs that were in previous posts before I posted this, and it was just really frustrating.

I am checking out the ones that you guys posted.

Thanks again!!!  

Capital_T

We just signed with George Street yesterday. We went to their Lisle studio. They are having a sale until the end of May - $545 off your package. We get to choose our photographer, 10 coverage, unlimited photo sites-no travel fee, free engagement session and a free 8 X 8 album including much much more like ....for only $1250. and all their other services are on a promotional sale too like adding a second photographer and videography are all discounted. Only until May 31 though. They were really nice and saw some really good portfolios of a couple different photographers. If you email them, they will send you their promotional flyer so you can look at it.

colleenoc81

We also went with Victoria Sprung. We booked with her and she did our engagement pics...I was a little skeptical because she's independent and doesn't work for a company. However my mind changed after I saw our awesome pics. She took 292 in less than an hour and they are way better than I expected. I can't wait to have her at the wedding. I also like the option that we get the rights to the photos and guests don't have to pay a ridiculous amount for a 3x5 picture like most other companies.

moviefreak00

Studio One...GREAT pricing...$895 package that includes a lot!  My future Sister In Law used them last year and it worked out great!  We're using them for our upcoming wedding too!

the perfect fit DJ

You can also try Paul Swanson Photography and Video...I see you have a ton of suggestions posted, but if you are still in the hunt, give him a try!  Let him know that Steven at the perfect fit DJ referred you to him and he will work with you on your pricing!