Wedding photography pricing is one of the biggest things couples have to take into account when planning their wedding budget. It’s one of the most important investments you’ll ever make (like buying a car or a house or paying for college education). Seeing those high numbers can be scary…

And I’m here to tell you…

Those numbers don’t have to be scary! Here, I break down why wedding photography pricing is sometimes perceived as expensive…and why it’s worth every. single. penny.

1. Level and Years of Experience

First of all, wedding photography pricing is, in large part, determined by the wedding photographer’s level and years of experience. Wedding photographers with years and years of wedding photography experience typically charge at the upper end of the average wedding costs for an area. They usually have pretty advanced cameras, a good amount of lighting equipment and accessories, and, most importantly (in my opinion), the most exquisite eye for photography.

Experienced wedding photographers also carry general liability insurance for any mishaps that may occur (like someone tripping over a light stand and spraining their ankle). Believe it or not, this is something most couples don’t even think about! Finally, wedding photographers with a full-fledged wedding photography business also have business expenses to pay for (so they can continue doing what they love: wedding photography!).

On the flip side, newer wedding photographers, those with no weddings under their belt yet (or with just a few) typically have wedding photography pricing that is on the lower side. These wedding photographers shoot weddings at heavily discounted rates or even for free. New wedding photographers may (among other things) lack strong photographic skills, may use amateur/hobbyist equipment, and may not carry general liability insurance.

It can be risky to hire a newer wedding photographer (yours truly once was a newer wedding photographer!), so I recommend proceeding with caution when doing your wedding photographer research.

2. Editing

The second aspect of wedding photography pricing that makes it seem so expensive is time spent editing photos. Believe it or not, wedding photographers take hundreds to thousands of photos just from one wedding (especially longer weddings)! It takes many, many hours to go through and cull (delete) photos that aren’t technically correct, up to a photographer’s standards, etc.

All those beautiful photos you see on wedding photographers’ websites, Instagrams, and Facebook pages… If they’re an excellent wedding photographer, chances are they painstakingly edited each and every single final photo. And those are the gorgeous photos you receive in your gallery and that you end up putting on your walls and/or in a wedding album!

3. Personalized Client Service–
Because You’re Not Just Another Number

Last, but not least, the reason wedding photography pricing seems expensive is this. Wedding photographers who charge premium prices for their services stand out from their wedding photographer peers because of their client service. But this isn’t just any old client service. It’s client service that goes above and beyond. It even starts before couples are booked (for example, a call, FaceTime/Google Meet/Zoom session, or even meeting in person)!

When working with a wedding photographer who excels at client service, you can always expect things like quick and helpful responses to all your questions, a super-friendly yet professional demeanor, and being treated like family (and did someone say you can probably expect some “surprise gifts?!”).

With me as your wedding photographer, I’m here for you 24/7 (well, not really, but you know what I mean!). Ask me all the questions; I promise you I won’t get annoyed. I’m here to help and to make this part of your love story a memorable event!

Final Thoughts

Where do I fit in? I like to think of myself as a very experienced wedding photographer. I’ve been documenting weddings for almost a decade, and I’ve photographed everything from micro-weddings to elopements to traditional weddings.

My wedding photography gear includes professional Sony Nikon cameras as well as off-camera lighting equipment and accessories (so I can take photos in just about any light environment). As for general liability insurance? You better believe I carry that because my couples and their guests deserve to feel safe while in my hands. (Peace of mind is where it’s at.)

I believe couples deserve nothing but premium client service because they’re spending a lot of money. And the best wedding photographers don’t treat their clients as clients only–they also treat them like friends.

Love,
Claudia

[Chat with me about your big day!]