Anyone can pick up a camera or a smart phone and snap a picture these days so why hire a professional photographer? I have asked clients this and their answer is because they want someone who knows how to pose and capture them perfectly without worrying about what to do with their hands etc. 

There will be a massive range of the amount you invest in a wedding or elopement photographer, prices anywhere from $1,000-$10,000. Some seem like a great deal because they are $2,000 LESS than some others but why? As a bride you’re excited when you come across a page or Pinterest post and see beautiful photographs but what actually went into those and why such a range of pricing? Here I hope to educate you on the reason why the prices are so vast and help guide you to make the best decision for your investment. 

Experience Matters:

An experienced wedding photographer brings not just technical expertise but also experience with a variety of wedding scenarios. Their ability to navigate different lighting conditions, anticipate key moments, and capture emotions is learned over years of experience. They are confident in how to pose you on your wedding day and make your guests feel comfortable in front of the camera. Last minute venue changes from outdoors to dark indoor spaces doesn’t phase them and they can still deliver a great experience.

Equipment and Investment:

Quality photography requires top-notch equipment, which comes with a hefty price tag. Professional-grade cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and editing software contribute to the overall investment made by photographers in their craft. A higher initial investment translates to a higher fee for their services. Professionals invest anywhere from $15,000-$25,000 in their gear and it doesn’t last forever, they need to upgrade/replace after time which isn’t a cheap expense. Investing in a photographer who not only has a great camera but also back up equipment is a must if you don’t want the dreaded phone call that your images have been damaged on a memory card. Being a photographer isn’t cheap, beyond the cost of our gear comes expenses such as website, client management, lawyer fees for contracts, advertising, brand design, etc.

Editing and Post-Production:

The final result isn’t when the photos are taken, just like a cake when you make the mix you still have to bake it. Photographers spend a lot of time curating, refining and editing the images to ensure they reflect their style and meet their standards before delivering them to their clients. A wedding can take anywhere from 30-80 hours of editing time. An experienced photographer knows how to shoot effectively on a wedding day to minimize hard to edit photographs such as harsh light, etc. 

Time and Effort:

Weddings are not a 9 to 5 job. Photographers invest a lot of time and effort into pre-wedding consultations, client communication, scouting locations, capturing the event itself, and post-production work. The fee you pay goes beyond just the 8-10 hour day they are at your wedding. 

All the extras: 

A lot of weddings over 4 hours or even 6 require two photographers so that candids of all the guests can be captured if you have a large guest list. Hiring a second photographer that is reliable, confident in their skills and comes with professional gear is another cost associated with the higher investments.

Some wedding photography packages often include additional services such as engagement sessions, photo albums, and prints. Customization to suit the couple’s unique needs and preferences also contributes to the overall cost. The galleries are usually delivered in online galleries which aren’t free by any means.

Insured vs uninsured photographers. Your photographer should have proper liability insurance. A lot of venues are requiring it and so should couples.

While the cost of a professional wedding photographer may seem significant, it all does add up. It’s essential to do your research on your choices before you hand over your hard earned money. A professional will make sure you don’t have a ton of lingering questions whereas a new to the industry one may not offer a ton of guidance and not know how to respond to certain situations. They may not have had to last minute shoot inside a dark crowded room for a ceremony because of torrential rain and if it happened on your day are you confident they can deliver a quality experience with that?

Set your budget with your fiancé on what you are willing to invest in your photographs at the max, do your research on the photographers in that price range, ask the questions and you will find someone you are comfortable with who will deliver the most epic experience.