Tuesday, February 3, 2009

How Much Is a Wedding Photographer?

By Michael J

Believe it or not every bride would love to have a Wedding Photography Price List and wield with it in hand, that's just not feasible or reasonable given the state of wedding photography.

OK, don't hold your breath. I'm going to break the news and show you where you can download a "ballpark" pricelist with #keyword# in several ranges. It will help you with your comparison shopping.

Before we get to the list let's talk about some subjects right now...

Photographers Set Fees on Knowledge+ Talent + Business Expenses

For the most part, there is very little rhyme or reason as to how much the pictures will be for an common event. It is predicated on factors such as geographical area, how much knowledge and value the photographer has established, how many features will be purchased with the package, and whether or not they are shooting digital.

With very few exceptions, most photographers are shooting digital instead of film. When hiring a photographer, you are paying for their respective experience, style, reputation, overhead and materials. A photographer who works full-time in this business will likely have a higher fee than a "hobbyist". However, the results will likely be better from the full time person.

A full-time professional has the sophistication to mix it up with these newbies, who surprisingly come out of the woodwork at the drop of a hat.

Today, anyone with a digital camera thinks they can be a proficient photographer. There is a certain allure about the job, albeit overrated. Sure, it's fun to get paid to attend someone's wedding and to partake in a fun day of festivities and happiness. On the other hand, taking the pictures is actually the easiest part of the task. Behind the scenes, it is not so captivating.

Daily operations of a photography studio is painstakingly fatiguing work and wedding photography prices often reflect that. There's a ton of tedium, editing of photos, website issues, marketing, networking, and numberless activities - and they never stop.

Not Everyone Who Owns a Fancy Camera is a 'Pro'

Non Pro photographers are able to maintain their wedding photography prices low because of less overhead. The cost of rent and hiring employees at a major photo house must be made back by charging a lot more to the bride and groom. While their services may be justified, it may not be so easily swallowed in your overall budget. Don't forget, consider the option ofa weekend warrior or someone who operates from home to keep wedding photography prices reasonable and to avoid paying a bigger studio's "lighting bill".

TIP: Ask for Add-On Services AFTER the Wedding if Possible

Don't forget that at the same time you're preparing your estimated expenses, you'll probably want and need to ante up extra money for albums and portraits for both families. Regardless, you're probably going to spend more than you at the start calculated, but you'll be doing it because you like the memories so much, you WANT to buy the added features.

The point is not established by the money you decide to budget or spend on photographs. Instead, it's how much gratification you get from the pictures when it's all said and done.

Some photographers will let you shop for add on's - like reprints, wall hangings and albums - after the marriage ceremony is over. This may help to free up cash that you can use toward the other items in your budget. Ask the photographer if you can get a basic package and then make more decisions after the wedding. Or, ask for a price list for albums, reprints, and additions.

The One Decision You Might Cry Over

Regardless of what you surmise (full-timer or part-timer), bear in mind that you should NOT imperil your once-in-a lifetime occurrence to an inexperienced photographer! Just believe that you will deplore the decision later. It's not hard to indulge in something you really like.

Wedding photography prices are often the one restriction that prevents many wedding clients from getting the photographer who can undoubtedly offer the best value for the dollars spent. Generally, the slight discrepency between the photographer you love (who might be more expensive) and the one who you end up taking on because of not enough money is seemingly minuscule. - 17944

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