The touchy subject of price of a wedding photographer

Right from the start here, I’m talking about photography in the wedding industry and not across all suppliers.

At the bottom of the pile, you have photographers with entry level cameras shooting their friend’s wedding because the couple wanted to save money and the photographer wanted the experience. Fair enough. The results can be a mix of awkward poses, focus issues and many other amateur factors. Budget could be anywhere from free to $500

Then you take a step up to the photographers who have a 9 to 5 job and shoot a wedding once or twice a month for the extra cash. They might have the next level camera up however there are many lenses and other items that are required for a successful shoot. The results are better, however, of course, the experience level is still quite low compared to a professional. Price range: Budget $500 to $1500

The next step up is a fairly big one, and that is a professional photographer. One that is working every day as a photographer. Their tasks involve meeting clients, shooting, editing and delivering high-quality images to their clients. That’s not to say that we get it right every single time, but we know how to handle posing, weather conditions, low light situations and some of us have off camera flash equipment to create stunning images at night. Budget $2500 to $8,000

There’s only step up from here and that is a giant leap to the high end of town to the big folks in the big studios that enter and win awards. They bring everything that the previous professional brings but there would be a team of assistants with light diffusers and other gadgets. Portrait sessions could go on for 2 to 3 hond reception venues would be fully lit up with off camera flash work. You get the works regarding wedding photography which might include an album and some prints. Budget $8,00 to $15000.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for in life. You buy a $10 hammer, and it lasts a year. You buy a $100 hammer, and it lasts twenty years.

So you have to decide your budget and be willing to deal with whatever results come.

I have purposefully put myself somewhere in the middle. I’m a professional photographer, with a price tag of between $2500 to $3500 for my photography and I’ve done that for a few reasons. I’m not into the super long portrait sessions (neither are my clients), my 8 years of experience puts me somewhere between the middle and top, and I don’t bring a massive crew with me to help cover the day. I have a second shooter with me for the day and that’s it.

The main reason I’ve priced myself at the point I have is because, at this price, my clients are my sort of people. Some of my previous clients have gone on to become friends, which is the highest of compliments and something truly value.