I Took the Cheap Photographer Route…

by Lauren on the Every Last Detail blog

Some excerpts from the article:

“…I took the cheap photographer route. And I’m here to prevent you from doing the same!”

“Here,…photography packages usually start at $2000…minimum. It varies…with the photographers and their experience. Keep in mind that photographers are not just taking photos of you on your wedding day. They also have to edit the photos (which can take up to 30 hours), design the album,…”

Our Take

Every new business owner has to start somewhere and those lacking in experience or extra gear probably aren’t yet justified in charging higher prices. Many of us started out by shooting our first wedding for a friend for nothing more than expenses.

However, that little bit of experience—even just a couple of successful weddings under your belt—is huge. Photographers are significantly better at both photography and business with a year or two of experience. A couple of years gives them the chance to experience this or that going wrong…and learn how to handle it from their professional perspective. And, of course, that’s when they will begin to increase their prices accordingly.

It’s either/or:

• We can charge “just enough” to give clients the basics. This might cover wear and tear on our gear, overhead, and a modest salary. It will not leave room for professional development, insurance, equipment upgrades, inflation from our vendors, or the flexibility to try anything new/different. It also severely weakens our ability to craft a backup plan. If your photographer is only charging $50 an hour and then falls ill on the day of your wedding, how can he afford to hire a replacement for you? If he doesn’t have the funds to join hist local/state/national Professional Photographers organizations, he won’t develop professional relationship will colleagues who can help him out in a time of need.
• We can charge a good/fair amount for the quality service you deserve. We can cover all the essential and necessary expenses, pay ourselves a decent salary for all the blood, sweat & tears we pour into your images, and leave a little breathing room to toss a new idea or fun surprise your direction.

Guess which one is the better-and-worth-every-penny experience?

For a wedding on a smaller budget, there are several ways to save without really comprising. I’ve seen some truly gorgeous weddings that came in under $7,000. I’ve also seen some not-very-pretty weddings that were horrifically expensive. Cut costs in areas that aren’t part of your permanent record of the event.

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t leave the only permanent record of your Big Day in the hands of inexperienced vendor.

Read the rest of Lauren’s story at Every Last Detail.