Wedding Photography Cost Factors
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Capturing heartfelt moments and candid shots is key for a great wedding photo collection. Couples can also expect to spend money on an engagement session, wedding albums, and canvas prints.
Photographers have a finite amount of time to capture each wedding. Consequently, they charge accordingly. Travel wedding photography cost that can include a per-mile fee or airfare and accommodations for destination weddings.
Full Time
Full time wedding photographers have been working full time for a long period of time and their skill set is very developed. They know how to operate their cameras very well and understand lighting, where to find the best light on a bride or groom’s face and body and they can pose couples in a natural way that looks effortless.
They have a defined style and work with fewer clients per year to ensure that they can take care of their couples and provide them with high quality photos and museum grade albums. They have excellent interpersonal skills that make them easy to work with.
They usually include an engagement photo session in their base packages. The session is a great way for the couple to get to know their photographer and feel comfortable in front of the camera before their big day.
Part Time
Photographers need to invest in equipment and business expenses like editing software. Those costs add up quickly, and some photographers have to charge more than others just to break even.
Wedding photography is an investment, but many couples find that hiring a photographer they love is worth it. When searching for a photographer, consider their style and portfolio to see how they might fit your vision.
Also, be sure to consider whether you want extras like prints, albums or canvas wall art. Then, book your photographer as soon as possible. "It's important to secure a photographer early on because they often get booked up," Millay says. "I recommend booking a few months out." Ideally, you should have your photographer secured by the time you send out save-the-dates.
Beginner
The most common factor in wedding photographer cost is experience. Years of experience give photographers proficiency in how to handle certain situations, consistency in their work, a strong portfolio, and much more.
If you are working with a photographer who is just starting out, their prices will likely be on the lower end of the spectrum. A beginner may offer a discounted rate in exchange for building their portfolio or exposure.
Another important factor is the amount of editing time that goes into the wedding photos. Photographers spend a large portion of their day going through their images and making them picture perfect. This process can take two to three times as long as the event itself. Many photographers also include an engagement session in their packages.
Intermediate
Oftentimes, couples that aren’t hiring a full-time wedding photographer will choose to work with an intermediate. They have some experience and may offer a few different packages that can range from a few hours to all-day coverage.
Choosing the right photography package is all about ensuring that it fits your needs and budget. When researching photographers, look at their portfolios to see if their style aligns with your vision for your wedding day.
Also, ask about additional services like a getting-ready or first-look session. These can add to the overall price of your collection. Additionally, find out if they include a print release with your final images. Many do not, so make sure you know this before booking! Lastly, remember to ask about travel fees.
Experienced
The most experienced wedding photographers have a honed expertise and are able to capture the beauty of your day with precision and artistry. They may also offer a wide range of services and products to complement their photography, such as albums, prints, and digital files.
Location definitely plays a role in your photographer’s pricing as well, especially when it comes to cost of living and competition. This is why it’s important to ask a potential wedding photographer what their pricing is for your day and if they have any additional packages available to accommodate your unique needs and vision.
Keep in mind that your wedding photographer works nonstop on your day. So, it’s important to consider if they’ll be provided with meals (usually along with other on-site vendors) and if those are included in their package price.