Wedding photography is an important part of your wedding day, and it’s also one of the most expensive aspects. But this doesn’t mean you need to break the bank for great images; there are plenty of talented photographers who can work within your budget — as long as you know what to ask them. We’ll go over how much wedding photography costs on average so that you can better understand what factors affect price (and why) before talking about how to choose a photographer based on their experience level, pricing packages and more.
Why is wedding photography so expensive?
Wedding photography is an extremely competitive industry, with a lot of photographers to choose from and many different styles and price ranges available. Being a good wedding photographer takes years of experience and skill. It’s also a very specialized field; when you’re photographing someone’s entire day (which could easily last 12+ hours), it’s important that the photographer understands all aspects of weddings, including the logistics.
That said, there are plenty of well-established photographers who charge less than this average cost for their services. They may have fewer clients or charge less because they’re not as experienced yet or have less equipment or have lower overhead costs like studio space rent or staff salaries (this happens more often in smaller towns).
How much should wedding photography cost?
How much should wedding photography cost? This is a question that every couple will have to ask themselves before they book their photographer. On average, wedding photography costs $2,780, while this average cost varies based on location and experience level, there are some things you can do to get an idea of what you might expect to pay—and if your budget is too low or too high for your chosen vendor’s services.
Wedding photography packages | What should a wedding photographer include in their packages?
The average cost of a wedding photography package is $2,780. It’s important to note that the price range for these packages can vary from photographer to photographer and also depend on what kind of package you choose.
In addition to having a general idea of the average cost, it’s also important that you take into consideration some things when selecting your wedding package:
- The amount of time for which the photographer will be present at your wedding
- What type of equipment does he or she use? (digital vs film)
- How many prints are provided with each package?
Wedding photography experience level | What level of experience should your wedding photographer have?
Experience is important, but you want to make sure that your photographer has the right experience for your needs. Experience can mean different things to different people, so it’s important to clarify what you mean when asking about an artist’s level of experience. Some people will point out how long they have been in business or how many weddings they have shot as a way of judging them, but these metrics do not tell the whole story—and often don’t tell enough of one at all!
Top questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book
There are many things you should ask your potential wedding photographer. Here are some of the most important questions to ask:
- What is your experience level?
- What is your portfolio like? Do you have any examples of previous work? How many weddings have you photographed?
- What kind of style do you shoot in, and what type of photos do you prefer to capture at weddings (for example, formal portraits, candid moments)?
- What kind of equipment do you use for weddings—namely cameras and lenses—and how much will it cost me if I need anything else?
- Finally, what’s your specialty as a wedding photographer (e.g., group shots)?
Use these tips to choose the right price range for your budget and find a skilled and reliable photographer.
You should always be prepared to ask questions, negotiate and shop around. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad deal, you’re not doing yourself any favors by taking the first photographer you find who is willing to work with your budget, especially if they’re inexperienced or unreliable.
A good way to start your search is by finding photographers in your area who are available on short notice (this will eliminate many of them). Then call them up and talk about what they can do for you, how much their services cost and how soon they could start working on your project. If you decide that they aren’t right for the job after all, no harm done—just move on!
With all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that wedding photography is an art and a service. You want to make sure that your photographer has the experience and skill level necessary to capture all of your big day’s special moments just right. A good rule of thumb is to choose someone whose work you like, check their prices and packages carefully, then ask about any additional costs or fees before booking. Happy (wedding) hunting!