Photography help... WV/OH... anywhere really!?

[aliciagirl]

I am having the hardest time finding a photographer!!

It seems that most people I find are either extremely affordable (around $1000) and really terrible or really expensive ($4000-5000) and mediocre. We really, really want to have nice photos for our wedding and we really don''t mind to pay a lot for them, but I refuse to pay that much for someone who is simply a little bit above average.

We are getting married in WV, but currently live in Cleveland and would love to have engagement photos done in Cleveland. I would love to find someone in the $3000-ish range for 2 photographers and rights to my images. Is this really ridiculous? I feel like that isn''t asking for too much.

I really like photojournalist style photography and I really dislike any photographer who uses Photoshop too much. I''d prefer to remember my day exactly as I saw it. I don''t need goofy special effects like everything in black and white except for flowers and those sorts of things. I like photographers who can capture emotions and whose websites have regular looking people, instead of just those with supermodel good looks.

I have one photographer in mind and we are meeting with her tomorrow. She''s in the >$5000 range and I just don''t know if I want to spend that much! It seems crazy unless someone is like... mind-blowingly awesome.

If anyone has any recommendations for me, or any suggestions on how to find someone I would appreciate it so much!!

 

[Kellybell]

I have a friend who got married in Columbus and used Kitty Maer (http://www.maerstudio.com/). I think she is willing to travel. I don''t know her prices exactly, but think that they would be on the higher end of your budget...however, her photos were A-MAZING. Hope this helps!

 

[aliciagirl]

Date: 8/4/2009 2:31:21 PM
Author: Kellybell
I have a friend who got married in Columbus and used Kitty Maer (http://www.maerstudio.com/). I think she is willing to travel. I don''t know her prices exactly, but think that they would be on the higher end of your budget...however, her photos were A-MAZING. Hope this helps!

Wow, she is really great! AND she has a sister studio that is also really great that is in the mid-range! I sent them an email, hopefully they are available and/or travel. I asked for more info!

Thanks again!!

 

[stephbolt]

A friend of mine got married in Roanoke, VA and used http://www.samdeanphotography.com/. Not sure how close to Roanoke you are (WV is a big state!) but his website does say he will travel for a additional cost.

Have you checked out http://www.wpja.com/ for people in your area?

Good Luck!

 

[BeachRunner]

Hello Aliciagirl! I am also getting married in WV. Where in WV are you getting married? (Yes, WV is a big state). We are using Amanda-reed.com and her work is phenomenal!

 

[aliciagirl]

Date: 8/4/2009 3:40:31 PM
Author: BeachRunner
Hello Aliciagirl! I am also getting married in WV. Where in WV are you getting married? (Yes, WV is a big state). We are using Amanda-reed.com and her work is phenomenal!

No way! That''s awesome. We grew up there. We are *fingers crossed* getting married at Smokey''s on the Gorge in Fayetteville. We are waiting on a contract and they haven''t been easy to work with thus far but we should get the contract by the end of the week. Where are you getting married?

 

[mel047]

We just got married in Huntington, WV and absolutely loved our photographer. From the sounds of it, we were in a similar position as you. (wanted photojournalistic type pics, photos were really important to us, didn''t want to pay over a few thousand) I noticed she''s increased her prices since we signed a contract with her, but her most expensive package is still only $2200. She''s fairly young and new, but I think she was great.

Check her site out at: www.katefisherphoto.com

She shot photos of our wedding all day (getting ready for both of us, ceremony and reception), with unlimited hours and an assistant. She offers a CD you can purchase for $400 with all the edited pics and rights to the pictures too. I really loved her and our pics. My only complaint is that it''s been a month and a half and we have only seen samples of our pictures (9 pages worth of samples tho), but I think it''s definitely worth the wait. Plus, she''s got a great attitude and is willing to do whatever to get great pics and make you happy.

You''re more than welcome to check out our pics if you''d like: http://cedmonds.photobiz.com/cart/
Just click on Jeremi and Melanie

Hope this helps! Sorry it''s long.

 

[BeachRunner]

mel I''ve already looked at your photos! I actually contacted that photographer, and it took her awhile to get back to us. She said she was booked, and then it fell through. We decided to go with Amanda Reed, and do not regret it for a minute, thus far.

alicia We are getting married at the Craik-Patton house in Charleston, WV.