How much should you be willing to spend on your photographer?
We spend a great deal of time interviewing potential clients and often as the meetings start to wind down we ask if they have any questions that we have not covered? Most of the time the answer is no. On occasion I am asked if our prices are typical prices for wedding photography? And often clients want to know what should they be asking. (This is usually their first time shopping around for wedding photographers).
My answer to this question is usually as follows: Great question, but trying to just give one answer is like trying to hold on to a hand full of loose sand. Here is my opinion on pricing and budgets.
First I truly detest when I hear a photographer announce that one of the first questions they ask a potential client is "what is your budget". Frankly it is none of their business. Don't get me wrong I understand that everyone has a budget. Keeping that in mind please read on.....and as you are planning your budget, and shopping for a photographer allow me to give you a few questions to ask yourself as well as a few things to think about.
When all the excitement is over, what do you want to have for the money you spent? What is the goal of the photographer you hire? If you are looking honestly for a photographer that is going create memories of your wedding that will be turned into beautiful family heirlooms and become the beginnings of your family history together, it is probably not going to be cheap.
However, it does not have to be the budget buster either. There are in fact ways to hire a quality photographer and remain within your budget, as long as you have been realistic while planning. First consider how long you will need the photographer. You may be able to save on the expense by settling for a day of 6 or 8 hours coverage rather than purchasing a package that offers entire day coverage.
Look at package pricing to see exactly what you are getting for your money. A package is often the best deal based on the amount of stuff that is included. But is it the "stuff" that you want to have? Are you able to move things around in the package to make all of the prints or cards fit items you planned on needing. ie: if you don't need save the date cards, can you exchange them for Thank you cards? If you really want only a small print or two from the engagement session can you use the larger prints offered for wedding day prints?
Most photographers will offer hourly pricing, but it is usually not the most economical way to go. However, if you use a professional, you can rest assured they will be willing to build your album or print portraits for you at a later date. The overall cost will be greater, but this will keep the upfront cost low. Going this route may help you remain within your budget, until a later date when you will be in a better position to purchase what you want.
If you build a package to suit your needs ask the photographer if they include extra items once you reach a particular price point. ie: I notice in several of your packages you include the CD and copy rights. At what magic price point will you consider adding in the CD at no extra cost? What if I decide to stay below that price, how much will the CD and rights cost?
I always tell everyone that sits and with us to discuss their day. We are in business and there is a particular amount of money I need to make based on the amount of time it is going to take me to accomplish what you want. Everything in our package is a free floating movable object and can be exchanged for something else. We do not reduce the price of our packages by removing "stuff" from them, but what you will find is that our packages are built to cover all of your needs, and most of your wants. We offer hourly packages starting as low a one hour coverage for our beautiful private ceremonies, and all the way through grand packages that cover the engagement, Bridal, rehearsal dinner, wedding and the morning after portraits. We do have, and can build the package you are looking for. Most photographers can.
What you need to ask yourself is not weather I have the deal you are looking for, but do you like the type of photographs and products our company offers? Are we producing the style of photography you are looking for? If the answer to these two questions is yes you need to find out who will be the photographer, at your event, and ask to see that particular photographers work. Next is the most important question for you as a potential client to ask yourself. Do you like the photographer? It is important to meet with the actual photographer before your event and see that you interact well together. The camera is only a small portion of the recipe needed to create fantastic memories of your "once in a life time"
It is often better to put off the purchase of an album until later (they make great 1st anniversary gifts), or maybe consider less hourly coverage, in order to hire a quality photographer.
Don't settle for a copy of the digital files. The reason you are hiring a professional is for quality. Quality is in the finished product. Allow them to finish the job.
Here's a stolen quote from a very smart guy.
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” -Benjamin Franklin
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