Tips on Budgeting for a Wedding Photographer
tips February 22nd, 2010
One of the biggest decisions that every bride faces is how to budget for her big day. Websites and magazines provide checklists to help you allocate your budget for all of the details of your wedding, large and small. Every one of your friends who just got married will also be more than happy to give you wedding planning advice.
While these budgets can be a great place to start, nothing is set in stone, and you have to decide what is most important for YOUR wedding. For many brides, photography is THE most important thing for their wedding. All of the details of your wedding are important, but your photos are the only permanent record of your wedding day. Here are a few tips to help ensure you have budgeted enough for your wedding photography.
- Do I need a professional? My uncle can do it for me.
These days anyone with a camera thinks that they are a photographer, but a professional has the experience, equipment, personality, and backup equipment to ensure that your photos are stunning and safeguarded.
- How much is too much?
A few years ago, you could hire a great wedding photographer for $2000-$3000. These days, people are spending more on their photographer, and it’s not unusual to pay $5000+ for an amazing professional photographer for full day coverage with an album and disc. Why is it ‘so expensive’? There is a difference between amazing photography and poor photography. The talent of a true professional photographer can be the difference between ho-hum photos and stunning images of your most important day. Wedding photography is one field where you do get what you pay for.
- How much coverage do I need?
Gone are the days of stiff portraits after a traditional ceremony. Many brides now want documentary-style coverage of their wedding. However, not everyone wants photos of getting ready. Or, your budget might not allow for hiring a pro for the whole day. Rather than hiring a mediocre photographer for the whole day, consider spending a bit extra and hiring a professional for less time.
- Do I get a disc of images?
To some brides a disc is important, to some it is not. If you are a bride who values having a digital archive of your photos and the ability to print what you want, check to see if the disc is included, or if there is an extra charge. If the initial package price is low but there are fees after the fact, this may affect how a photographer will fit into your budget. Also, understand that there is a difference between a disc of high-resolution files that you can print to a large size, or downsized files (or low resolution) that can only be used for the web or small prints.
- Do I need a wedding album?
You may have intentions of printing off wedding photos for your friends and family, or putting together your own wedding album. However, many brides find that after the wedding life gets busy, priorities shift, and the disc of wedding images gets put on the shelf. Also, technologies change and that disc will eventually be obsolete or may deteriorate. A good quality album will safeguard your memories for years. You should ensure your budget has enough room for a professional wedding album.
- Can I personalize my wedding with photography?
You can combine other items from your budget, such as a guest book, thank you cards, and even invitations into your photography budget. Ask your photographer to do custom extras with your engagement and wedding photos.
- Shouldn’t I get a discount for getting married on a Sunday or in the winter?
A photographer works just as hard on a Saturday in the summer as on a Sunday in December. You shouldn’t necessarily expect a discount if you’re not getting married on a Saturday.
Wedding portrait by professional photographer Shandro Photo
Don’t forget that it’s okay to stretch your budget if you fall in love with your photographer. You’ll spend the whole day with them and you want to make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Article Written by Shandro Photo in Edmonton, AB
You can contact them if you want more information on wedding photography at:
Phone: 780.423.1816
Email: info@shandrophoto.com
Website: www.shandrophoto.com
To view their latest weddings, check out the Shandro Photo blog at blog.shandrophoto.com
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February 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I just happened by … wow, these are very distinctive photographs Shandro!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Thanks sharon! We can’t wait until this summer when we get to take more.
February 26th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
An excellent article you have here. And I do agree with most of it. However I feel I must weigh in on the reference to “spending a bit more to get a better photographer”. I feel that just because a bride spends more does not mean she would get a better photographer over a mediocre shooter. I have seen many average wedding photographers attempt to charge $5000.00 for a full day and many fantastic shooters who have unreal portfolios come in at $3000- $4000 for the day. I do fully agree with your statement that a bride should not be afraid to stretch their budget if they fall in love with a specific photographer. Great Work Cheers, C
February 26th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
good points Curtis, it’s always a buyer beware market, but the law of business is such that you get that you pay for – so usually if you pay more you will get something better. But there are exceptions of course.