How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?
The wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. The role of a wedding photographer is to capture your story in images that will last for years and years. Although the impact of the photos comes immediately after the wedding, when you see them for the first time, we strongly believe that their value will increase even more as time passes and you will have the opportunity to look at them with your children or why not, with your grandchildren.
How Much Does the Average Wedding Photographer Cost?
The average wedding photographer costs $1,000 to more than $10,000 to offer their services for one wedding event, depending on the place where you are living and other important factors.
This price is also affected by the demand in your area, the cost of living, the experience of the professional you’re hiring, as well as their popularity. And although prices vary and the photographer you choose will also depend on your wedding budget, there are some common features to consider.
For instance, in the Bay Area, California the price range of a wedding photographer is anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, in Brooklyn, New York you will have to pay $2,600 to $5,200 for this service, while in the Midwest area, it will cost you $3,200 to $4,300.
In general, the price of a wedding photographer is not affected by the style they adopt. There are some professionals who prefer documentary-style or dramatic pictures, while others like airy and bright images. Instead, the prices are affected more by the demand and experience. Photographers increase their prices every year. But a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better-quality photo.
What’s Included in the Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer?
In general, wedding photography prices of less than $5,000, will include an engagement session, ten to twelve hours of wedding day coverage with a second shooter, and an online gallery with digital downloads. Also, this price will include photo editing and travel within around four hours.
Most wedding photographers’ packages do not include videography. In general, videographers and photographers are different vendors from separate companies. However, some husband-and-wife teams offer both. The average cost of a wedding videographer is a little lower than that of a photographer. Usually, you will have to pay anywhere between $1,100 and $5,100 for a five-minute highlight film and ten hours of coverage.
Which are the additional expenses related to wedding photography?
Keep in mind that some photographers would charge another $220 for each extra hour of wedding day coverage. Add-ons such as prints and albums may cost anywhere between $320 and $1,300, depending on what the couple chooses.
The couples have become more and more interested in the rehearsal dinner photo session, which costs another $450.
If you and your future spouse decide to tip your wedding photographer, you should plan on spending another $60 to $180.
The main characteristics of a wedding photographer
If you are looking for a wedding photographer, you need to know what are their main characteristics.
Experience
You might also like our articles about the cost of becoming a photographer, the cost of wedding planning, or the price of a DJ for a wedding.
Wedding photography requires a lot of work and attention to detail. Every wedding photographer with enough experience knows how to capture the key moments and present them in the most attractive way possible.
Service package
Most wedding photographers offer different service packages, which may include pre-ceremony photos, the ceremony itself, post-ceremony photo sessions, and group photos. After receiving the wedding photography cost, make sure you understand what is included in your chosen package and if there are additional options available.
Portfolio
A good wedding photographer must have an impressive portfolio that shows you his work style and the quality of his photos. Make sure you check the portfolio before making a choice.
Communication
A good wedding photographer must be a good communicator and understand your needs when it comes to wedding photography. Make sure the photographer you choose will listen and understand your needs.
Style
Every photographer has their own style and it is important to choose one that suits your tastes and preferences. Some people prefer more formal photos, while others prefer a more relaxed and natural style. Make sure you discuss your desired style with the photographer before making a booking.
Equipment
An experienced wedding photographer should have quality equipment that allows for obtaining high-quality images. Make sure that the photographer you choose has professional equipment and knows how to use it correctly.
Price
The price for wedding photo-video services may vary depending on the photographer, the available wedding photography packages, and the duration of the event. Make sure you get a few quotes from different photographers to get an idea of prices and make an informed choice.
What to ask your wedding photographer
Will I decide which wedding photos to edit or will you do it for me?
The wedding photos are edited, but find out if you will be the person who will choose the images to be edited or if the wedding photographer will do this for you.
For how many hours will you be present at the event?
It is important to find out how long the photographer will be present for your big day. You don’t want to have any surprises and find out that after a certain hour, they start gathering their equipment and preparing to leave.
Do you charge a fee for weddings outside the city where you live? Do we need to provide you with accommodation?
Most photographers charge an additional fee when they go to wedding venues in another city or destination weddings. In addition, you have to pay for their accommodation. Don’t forget that at the wedding you have to provide them with a menu.
In case something happens to you, can you send someone else to the wedding in your place?
It can happen to anyone: the photographer can get sick right before your wedding. That’s why it’s important to find out what his backup plan is.
How long after the wedding will I receive the photos?
You certainly want to see the images as quickly as possible, but each wedding photographer has his own work rhythm.
What will you wear to the wedding?
If your wedding has a specific theme, ask your photographer to wear an outfit that will help him fit into the landscape. You wouldn’t want him to come dressed in a T-shirt and shorts when the theme of the party is “Castle Wedding”, would you?
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