How Much To Budget For Wedding Photography
How much does a wedding photographer cost | Colorado weddings
How much should I Invest in a Wedding Photographer?
When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is selecting your photographer. While it’s common to hear the term “budget” like the title of this article, I think of wedding photographer as an investment. It is indeed a luxury investment isn’t it? Here are some ideas to help you make that decision of finding that perfect photographer. Feeling confident and trusting in the person and the product that will be delivered, while also being happy on the value that they are asking.
Understanding Photography as a Luxury Experience
Photography is a luxury expense, and that’s an essential mindset to adopt as you walk through the wedding planning process. While some aspects of your wedding can be managed on a tighter budget, photography is one area where the quality of your service can really impact your experience.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
For starters Experience and Skills are a big reason. Remember, this is a luxury investment and the memory of one of your biggest days of your life is at stake. If you were having surgery, would you choose a residency surgeon to a twenty year veteran surgeon? I know thats a stretch at an example, but is it? The value of the product will only get closer to being priceless as years go by.
Who you hire to be your photographer can substantially minimize the stress of your wedding planning. I’m sure while you are reading this, you have several wedding photographers that you follow and love on instagram. I want you to close your eyes and imagine you and your partner in their photos. Imagine going through the process of signing the agreement, paying the retainer, and locking in your dream photographer. Imagine how you feel right after that. Are you grateful and feel pumped? Feel relieved? Are you excited to walk through this pre-wedding process, working with your photographer on your timeline, to your built trust in them on capturing your wedding day. Then you get that final delivery of the epic gallery! How does that feel knowing that you get to share these images with all your loved ones and your future kids down the road?
Now imagine hiring someone that is good, but may be newer and not as experienced at wedding photography. Their work to you “will get the job done” but there price is better then great. Their wedding agreement that you signed was very basic, but they seemed trust worthy. With that trusting smile, does that help you sleep at night knowing that you have your photographer covered no matter what? Would you be excited and relieved? Or would you feel a bit unsure? Maybe you’re just glad you got another box checked for your wedding planning?
I feel that there are so many thing more to think about then just a pretty photo when you look at potential photographers. And it definitely pays to invest in your research before you sign anything.
More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Like mentioned above, investing in a wedding photographer is not just about the final images; it encompasses a wide range of services and considerations. Like Building Trust. You are hiring someone to capture one of the most significant days of your life. Trust is at the top of the list in this relationship. Looking for a photographer who establishes a rapport and makes you feel comfortable, allows you to be genuine in front of the camera. You will see that in your images.
Professionalism and Communication through the whole process. It’s not just about the 8 hours of your wedding day, but the months leading up to the wedding. Promptly answered questions, taking the time to understanding your vision, developing a timeline, and the final questionnaire review with you both. Post-wedding, you’ll appreciate quick turnaround times for galleries and prints.
Also, You Will be with your Photographer All Day. Yes, the high speed, moments packed timeline (that will never go perfectly on time.. Don’t worry. We got you). Fun fact: Your photographer will most likely be with you more than anyone of your loved ones on your wedding day. So, wouldn’t it be great if they were fun to be around, and confidently ready for any situation with a calm smile?
Unexpected Changes. I think a calm, confident, and positive demeanor from your photographer is extremely important to capturing a true image. If things are going array during portraits, and you feel uncomfortable and unconfident with your photographer in the situation, that feeling gets trapped in that image. That will be your memory when looking at them images. In my experience you can come across a lot of things that may switch the course of your timeline. All sorts of weather and human delays, someone forgetting the rings at the Airbnb. It is so important to be able to switch directions in a heart beat. Like if you only get a ten minute window for sunset photos and it starts raining. Does your photographer have the skills to make an epic, bold photo quickly? Maybe the sunlight isn’t available. Do they have the knowledge to create lighting with off camera lights in a snap? So many gears involved in a wedding day. That is why it is so important to have professional vendors of all types to lead your day.
Contracts and Agreements
This will be short and sweet. I think it is safe to say that a professionally written up agreement is a vital component of your investment with your wedding photographer.
What if your photographer gets sick before the wedding, does he have a substitute? If Covid happens again (Sorry to bring up the past but.. it did happen)? If your venue double booked and had to change the date? I could sit here and write a whole article on possibilities. A professionally written wedding photography agreement should have every clause to provide the safety of your investment, the photographers, and anyone else that is involved with the agreement.
Conclusion
Determining how much to invest in a wedding photographer requires consideration of various factors, including experience, inclusions, and the overall quality of service. By viewing photography as a luxury expense and acknowledging the trust you place in your photographer, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your wedding day.
Your wedding photos will bring back priceless memories for YEARS to come. Investing thoughtfully in a skilled photographer will ensure you receive not only mind blowing images, but also an overall experience of joy that you will feel and remember on your special day. Happy planning, I hope your wedding day is filled with beautiful moments captured for a life time!
If you have any questions on your specific day and timeline, I am an open book. Please feel free to message me anytime. And if you want to no more about my booking process or availability, I look forward to hearing from you.
