Wisconsin

Is $1000 unrealistic for a photographer?

I want a photographer for about 8 hours to include ceremony, park pics, and the reception (think 2-10pm).  I want digital pictures that I have all the rights to print on my own.  I am not looking for any prints, albums or any "extra" type session like engagement photos.

Where do I find this person?  Is this realistic (in Milwaukee area)?
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Re: Is $1000 unrealistic for a photographer?

  • edited December 2011
    A little-  The cheapest I've found was $1500 for 6 hours. Most places will give you the rights to the pictures without having to pay extra.  Also- are you 100% set on having the photographer there until 10pm?  From what I understand, the photographers usually leave about 30 minutes or so after the dancing starts- how many pictures of people dancing do you really want anyway?  I know some photographers will work with you as far as price, so you might be able to find someone.  The photographer we are using has two packages: $1000 and $1300 for 6 hours.  He actually works for a photography company which is really expensive, but he does freelance work for cheaper- try looking for freelance people.  Good luck. 
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  • edited December 2011
    I have found a few in the milwaukee area  that are like 1495 which include all day including before hand and getting ready and all that good stuff. they have unlimited photos and rights and everything but if you wanted video too that could cost you even more. But in milwaukee 1000 is kinda low unless you find like a student from a school who majors in it that could possibly do it for you. but then you would have to trust that thier experience is good enough to take pictures and the capture the best moments,
  • edited December 2011
    Check with McManigal Photography...I paid $1200 for Amy and Chris (husband and wife team) to come to Madison to shoot from 2pm - 9pm (with a 3:30pm ceremony).  They were AWESOME!  They're based out of Huburtus, so not sure whether you'd incur any travel costs (we did).  HTH!
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  • aimee58aimee58 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Check craigslist. My FI and I found a photographer that fits the same criteria for under $1000. She works from home and we meet with her in 2 wks.
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  • leah2489leah2489 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Check into Lola Mae Images. They are based in Madison, but don't charge a travel fee to Milwaukee. I love them and their work, and the package is about 1100.
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  • edited December 2011
    I would highly recommend our photographer.  Cathleen the owner and shooter for LightSource Photography will work with whatever budget you have.  When I first contacted her for pricing she told us that she is all about customization since no couple is the same why should her packages all be the same too.

    http://lightsourcephotography.zenfolio.com/

    Cathleen has been fantastic to work with through our engagement photos and I cannot wait for the wedding day!
  • chelseamb11chelseamb11 member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Sending you a private message!
  • KatieD212KatieD212 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would hire someone from a college in a photography program....I have a friend that went through school and last year was only charging $300 for a whole day of photography!  Look into it for sure
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  • edited December 2011
    I second the craigslist suggestion. We were about to pay $1400 for photography until we went on CL and found very talented, reasonably priced photographers. Leah Kasper, KatEye Studios and Just Lovely Photography all come to mind. KatEye is $850 for 8 hours, all the photos on a CD and the printing rights.

    http://kateyestudios.com/Kat_Eye_Studios/Home.html

    She's based out of Chicago, but is/was willing to drive up to Hartford for us!
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  • tenpas53083tenpas53083 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    I don't think so.  We booked Dennis Heltemes to do our photography and he is charging us $1,200, which includes the engagement pictures (1 1/2 hour session) and 10 hours of photography for the wedding.  He also gives you 3 CDs to disburse.  In case you want to check out his work, you can check him out on Facebook.  Good luck!

  • tenpas53083tenpas53083 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    P.S. if you do not want the engagement pics, he charges $1,100.00 for all that I mentioned above.  And he gives you the right to the prints.

  • KatieD212KatieD212 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I graduated HS with Leah Kasper :) She is a great photographer!
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  • jberg134jberg134 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You can get what you want for that price, but you will have to look around.  I don't have any suggestions as I chose someone at a higher price point.
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  • kwatzka1981kwatzka1981 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I would recommend Jocelyn Photography...she does a great job at a reasonable price....packages start at $800.
  • edited December 2011
    Our photographer is a friend of ours, and the person he uses as his second shooter has her own business near Milwaukee.  Her $1000 package includes 8 hours, e-pics, and a CD of images.  Jaynee Peterson  <- (clicky)
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  • MelissaSavinMelissaSavin member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Go to KK Photography.  The package we had was around that and we could adjust it as needed to fit our budget.  Kathy is on time, professional and is everywhere you need her to be, before you know you need her there.

    She even worked with me and my budget after I got laid off.  Which was a huge help.
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  • edited December 2011
    try brendakayphotography.com she also has a facebook which i think has more images, she is a newer photographer starting out but she's got good ideas.
  • edited December 2011
    http://katydaixon.net/  we booked her for 8 hours plus my FI fell in LOVE wither her photobooks so ordered one of those too... And for 2 photographers(her and her FI) we paid $1100. She is a lil further out (Whitewater) but a friend of mine is using her here in Nov and her travel fees were very small I was told!
  • emyelitaemyelita member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Whatever you choose, look very closely at the person's prior work. It will give you a good idea of what you are going to get. Photography is something that you may wish you spent a little bit more on to get good quality work.

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