Photographer - $ Question?

Xcat9 · May 2011

So the MIL has decided she has to have one specific photographer -Yay!
And that she's paying for him - double yay.

But wait for it - he doesn't shoot the day of. huh? And the point of wedding pictures not on the day are? (that's not the question)

So I have told the hubby - that's her show to run, she wants me to show up & pose. then whatever. But now this leaves us with no photographer for the day of.

Originally we were going to augment the professional with a few semi-pro friends. But I don't know about dumping that full responsibility on Friends - ya'know?

So here's the question- approximately what do photographers run in the greater Chicago Area? The event is in Oak Brook Terrace (if that makes a difference)
The dude not shooting the day of charges 6K...ain't no way I can travel to that part of crazy town.

I've seen some at 1K include the digital negatives (which is all I really want)

Is that the norm?
any help totally appreciated.

hz80408 · May 2011

I'm confused, what does he shoot if he doesn't attend your ceremony/reception?

$6K for epics?!

platinumkate · May 2011

It seems like your mother is getting something for her and not for you! How are you going to remember your wedding?! That's crazy expensive for just some portraits!

Xcat9 · May 2011

Thanks for the quick reply ladies >^..^<

That's my thought too - but yeah these must be the fanciest portraits ever.
What cracks me up - dude this is a vow renewal (since we shot-gunned it last time), so it's our 5 year anniversery...we have no need for e-pics. But if she wants them, that's fine - I'll show up and pose (but lord knows if his sitting fee is 6K - what will the pics cost?)

So now I'm trying to establish a guideline for "reasonable" photographers- as my husband thinks that we'd be fine to just have friends shoot us...IDK but it's my princess day and I don't want to enslave every one of my friends.

I've seen 1K, 2.5K, and crazy. Does that seem to be the norm?

seventiespop · May 2011

Prices range depending on the experience of the photographer. We booked our photgrapher when she was just starting out in Chicago and we got a full package for around $1500. Now her pricing begins at $3000 and full packages are even more. You can definitely get a good quality photographer in the $1000 range. There are also bigger Chicago area studios that are more affordable: Timothy Whaley, Essence, etc.
I think you'll regret not having a professional photographer, imo.

Xcat9 · May 2011

Thanks 70's Pop - I agree

MrsPaps · May 2011

mine now has a package at $2500 for 8 hours the day of with negatives and I highly recommend her. it's worth seeing if she'll take some stuff out of her package to lower the cost.
Kara Schultz

LawyerLover810 · May 2011

I know that if your wedding isn't on a Saturday, Kara Schultz does a la carte pricing for $200/hour - so you can get the time you need and get the pics on a cd as well. When I met with her she also offered me $200 off a package if we went with the $2500 pacakge.

Your MIL sounds like she is being a little selfish... the pictures will be of you and hubby... you should get what you want! Good luck!

Zelly72 · May 2011

My sister used Timothy Whaley, but I don't think they're prices include an album (doesn't matter if that isn't important to you). Essence has a digital package for $1,200 I think, and it's 12 hours of photography. I found a guy on Craigslist when I was looking that looked really good too - Clint Wolf Photography. I think he was $900 for 9 or 10 hours for an all digital package.

Photographer - $ Question?

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