New Jersey

Suggestions for a photographer

Hi everyone,

Today fiance and I are feeling really frustrated.
We went to a first photography place a few weeks ago.  We went to Lamar Wedding Center attracted by the low prices.  The prices are low just like the quality of the services.  Plus later I read bad reviews here.  So they were out.
Today we meet a photographer.  Everything went really well.  We thought we had our wedding photographer.  But the quote given to us was almost 5 K.  After taking some stuff out it would still be almost 4 K.
Our budget is 3K.  We won't be able to stretch anymore even though we consider pictures one of our priorities.
I feel broken hearted.  Please help me with suggestions for photographer that are on my budget!!!! 






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Re: Suggestions for a photographer

  • cindyn9178cindyn9178 member
    1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Jason Rhee!!
  • sarahw311sarahw311 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Erica Lyn

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  • Denise91980Denise91980 member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Jason Rhee
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  • edited December 2011
    Mario MC productions
  • edited December 2011
    Erin McGowan owns Fifth Avenue Photography in Toms River. Affordable prices and work that reflects a MUCH higher budget.
  • edited December 2011
    Abella Studios in Fairfield or East Brunswick
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  • GolfChick78GolfChick78 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Robert Wayne Photography.  Beautiful work and you will do very well with a budget of ~$3k.
  • SmidgerSmidger member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Jason Rhee!!! http://www.jasonrhee.com/

    Good luck!!!
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  • cdelrio10cdelrio10 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    John Agnello - he's based in Wayne - he's amazing and will work with your budget! He has so many packages plus can customize one for you!
  • edited December 2011

    The two photographers that I liked the most was Jason Rhee and Julian Ribinik. I really loved Julian Ribinik's work but we  ended up going with Jason Rhee because we got so much more from him for 3K. Julian was more like 3,600 and he wasn't offering very much for that price.

  • edited December 2011

    we are using Mou from Photosmadeez. She is great to work with and will be within your price range. We faced the same budget problems when we were looking so I can definitely relate!


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  • edited December 2011
    Robert Wayne Photography.  We'll also be spending about $3,000 and getting a very high-end album plus a pair of parent albums.  We really love his work.
  • bereasonable2bereasonable2 member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:15aea620-1df8-467a-a8fd-41387dfbfb69">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]The two photographers that I liked the most was Jason Rhee and Julian Ribinik. I really loved Julian Ribinik's work but we  ended up going with Jason Rhee because we got so much more from him for 3K. Julian was more like 3,600 and she wasn't offering very much for that price.
    Posted by sfennell1[/QUOTE]

    Curious... is hiring a wedding photographer about "getting more from them" or is it about something else?  Is this the way everyone here on the Knot feels?

    This Jason Rhee guy is either going to go broke or die from exhaustion shooting all these Knottie weddings.  LOL
  • bereasonable2bereasonable2 member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:1fbf73a3-9cd3-4fc8-aafa-30c201c8caea">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]Robert Wayne Photography.  We'll also be spending about $3,000 and getting a very high-end album plus a pair of parent albums.  We really love his work.
    Posted by annandted86[/QUOTE]

    What's a "very high-end" album?  Please don't say Graphistudio or Asuka because those are not high end and probably some of the cheapest albums a professional can get.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:7b94d093-dd2c-436c-8a86-039ee41f63f7">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Suggestions for a photographer : What's a "very high-end" album?  Please don't say Graphistudio or Asuka because those are not high end and probably some of the cheapest albums a professional can get.
    Posted by bereasonable2[/QUOTE]

    We're getting a Zookbinder's ZookBook.  We actually saw Graphistudio and Asuka at other photographers.  I thnk it was Jason (who we liked a lot) that showed us Graphistudio. 

    While those other albums are very nice, we really found there to be a significant difference.  A ZookBook is on a completely different level and we felt it was still very affordable, at least the way Bob has it priced.
  • edited December 2011
    My budget for photography was about half of yours and I found a bunch of photographers who were really affordable in both NY and NJ. I'm happy to PM you the list. We ended up booking with Jessica Oh! Her packages start at $1,000 and include the engagement shoot, all day wedding photography, and and assistant.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:038ccbd2-114e-492b-a032-c74d76444a37">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Suggestions for a photographer : Curious... is hiring a wedding photographer about "getting more from them" or is it about something else?  Is this the way everyone here on the Knot feels? This Jason Rhee guy is either going to go broke or die from exhaustion shooting all these Knottie weddings.  LOL
    Posted by bereasonable2[/QUOTE]

    I don't think it's about "getting more from them" as much as getting good value.  You go out and find a few photographers who shoot in a style that appeals to you and hopefully, one or more of them is able to offer what you want in the way of albums etc. at a price that fits within what you can afford. 

    I suspect Jason will neither broke nor die from exhaustion.  While he's less expensive than some, he's certainly not bottom-of-the-barrel cheap, either.  We liked his work and he's priced right and he's been at it for a while so I can only assume he can afford to be priced the way he is. 

    He does do an awful lot of weddings, though.  He told us that he does 50/year plus other work.  Having heard a few here express concern about how long it took to get their pictures or their album, we had some reservations.  And as noted in my earlier post, we weren't very excited about the quality of album he offered.

    But still a very talented photographer offering very good value (IMO).
  • edited December 2011
    I agree with bereasonable2, the quality of work is much more valuable than the package offered, usually if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.  We also had Julian Ribinik for our wedding photography and loved the work he has done; I actually think our pricing was along your budget line but I guess you can check with him, he is very reasonable and worked with us on things we wanted in our package.
    by the way, his site is www.julianribinik.com
  • moyajenechkamoyajenechka member
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We have also used Julian Ribinik for our wedding and they turned our day to be fantastic as also the memories we have now. They also took care of us like we were their own family before, during and after the weddin. We paid around $2500. Good luck!
  • elopez6106elopez6106 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Mcjays I pmed you as well but have you used jessica oh yet?
  • edited December 2011
    I booked with J Paul Studios in East brunswick after meeting with Jason Rhee and a few other photogs.  J Pauls website is GARBAGE but I really liked his personality and the work he showed us in person (at the bridal show I met him at and in his studio) was much better.  I loved Jason but it made me nervous that he would be shooting a wedding the night before mine 2 hours away and then be up and at our place with the same energy and intensity.  Also, although his photos are beautiful, they are very formal feeling.  I prefered J Paul because along with some beautiful shots he had some fun shots that I felt better reflected my personality.

    I also really liked CIP studios in Chester and won a free engagement shoot that came out WONDERFUL with them.
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  • bereasonable2bereasonable2 member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:6069d769-6b4a-47d9-b536-378e89d9002c">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]I booked with J Paul Studios in East brunswick after meeting with Jason Rhee and a few other photogs.  J Pauls website is GARBAGE but I really liked his personality and the work he showed us in person (at the bridal show I met him at and in his studio) was much better.  I loved Jason but it made me nervous that he would be shooting a wedding the night before mine 2 hours away and then be up and at our place with the same energy and intensity.  Also, although his photos are beautiful, they are very formal feeling.  I prefered J Paul because along with some beautiful shots he had some fun shots that I felt better reflected my personality. I also really liked CIP studios in Chester and won a free engagement shoot that came out WONDERFUL with them.
    Posted by futuremrsdavies[/QUOTE]

    Wow, you weren't kidding!  That website it crap!  LOL  Fake reflections and other cheesy effects.  I totally would not consider them based on the website and sample images alone.  What made you go in to see J Paul?  How come you didn't go with CIP if the engagement shoot was so wonderful?
  • edited December 2011
    We're using Sean Patrick; we felt really comfortable with him and loved the photoshop effects for the albums. He's right in your price range as well.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:6069d769-6b4a-47d9-b536-378e89d9002c">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]I booked with J Paul Studios in East brunswick after meeting with Jason Rhee and a few other photogs.  J Pauls website is GARBAGE but I really liked his personality and the work he showed us in person (at the bridal show I met him at and in his studio) was much better.  I loved Jason but it made me nervous that he would be shooting a wedding the night before mine 2 hours away and then be up and at our place with the same energy and intensity.  Also, although his photos are beautiful, they are very formal feeling.  I prefered J Paul because along with some beautiful shots he had some fun shots that I felt better reflected my personality. I also really liked CIP studios in Chester and won a free engagement shoot that came out WONDERFUL with them.
    Posted by futuremrsdavies[/QUOTE]<div>I met with Jeff Becker from J.Paul studios at a bridal expo at Raritan Center. I was instantly obsessed.  His work was creative but not to out there.  We booked with this company.  Jeff has since left the company and so have we. The owner jeff is rude and I would never want to work with anyone at J.Paul other than the potographer we chose.  I had full faith in Jeff Becker...he had been there 13 years.  He left, we left...I am very happy with the choice. We lost our deposit and it was worth it...</div><div>
    </div>
  • Denise91980Denise91980 member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:038ccbd2-114e-492b-a032-c74d76444a37">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Suggestions for a photographer : Curious... is hiring a wedding photographer about "getting more from them" or is it about something else?  Is this the way everyone here on the Knot feels? This Jason Rhee guy is either going to go broke or die from exhaustion shooting all these Knottie weddings.  LOL
    Posted by bereasonable2[/QUOTE]

    I think it is getting your photos rights and albums for a reasonable price. There are photographers out there like any vendor that are over priced. Jason does great work and is very reasonable. Because of that he seems to get a lot of business. I didn't want to spend a sh!tton on someone that wouldn't include the rights and at least the proofs.
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  • KarKarnjKarKarnj member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We also had some difficulty searching out the right photographer. We met with Jason Rea, Agnello, Robert Wayne and to be qiute honest even though they were nice we were not too impressed with thier work. We met CIP studios in Chester and felt they really brought a lot to the table as far as experience, and the quality of their work. The web site is www.studiocip.com. Also check out Stark Studio in Pinebrook.
  • edited December 2011
    I am working with Robert Wayne Photography but I'm actually using Sam Lahoz ( a colleague of Bobs) for the wedding. Bob unfortunately could not do our wedding but Sam's work was great looking. More contemporary than Bobs which fit our style better. So we get Bob's pricing and album design with Sam's pictures. Sam has done a lot of work in music in fashion in NYC so he adds a more modern flair.
  • xanabelaxanabela member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We booked with Chris and Suzanne Lo Bue, a husband and wife team, in Shrewsbury. A colleague of mine used them and her pictures are GORGEOUS..after seeing her photos, checking out their website (www.clbphoto.com), and meeting with Suzanne (she was so nice!) we knew we had found our photographers.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:d95f979e-5f0c-4ef0-9934-517c4bdaabd2">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]We met with Jason Rea, Agnello, Robert Wayne and to be qiute honest even though they were nice we were not too impressed with thier work. Posted by KarKarnj[/QUOTE]

    That's silly; with the amount of photos every photographer puts out on their website, why in the world would you take the time to meet with someone if you "weren't impressed with their work"?
  • KarKarnjKarKarnj member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_suggestions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:817a7815-216a-4778-9955-7d571992ae00Post:fa96f9e6-59c3-4907-ac34-d0e2ac26973c">Re: Suggestions for a photographer</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Suggestions for a photographer : That's silly; with the amount of photos every photographer puts out on their website, why in the world would you take the time to meet with someone if you "weren't impressed with their work"?
    Posted by annandted86[/QUOTE]

    The work on thier website was nice enough for me to make an appointment. But when meeting with them was not impressed with them or thier finished product. Whats so silly.
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