Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How Much Are Wedding Photography Prices?

By Michael J

Believe it or not every bride would love to have a Wedding Photography Price List and barter with it in her bag of tricks, that's just not likely or commonsensical in professional wedding photography.

HOLD YOUR HORSES, don't give it a second thought. I'm going to clue you in so you where you can get a "ballpark" pricelist with #keyword# in various ranges. The Price List will help you with your comparison shopping.

However, let's go over a few matters for a second...

Photographers Determine Fees on Knowledge+ Talent + Business Expenses

As a rule of thumb, there is very little rhyme or reason as to how much the job will be for an typical wedding. It is predicated on factors such as geographical area, how much skill and value the photographer has established, how many features will be purchased with the package, and whether or not they are shooting digital.

With very few exceptions, most photographers are shooting digital instead of film. When hiring a photographer, you are paying for their respective experience, style, reputation, overhead and materials. A photographer who works full-time in this environment will likely cost you more than a "weekender". However, the results will probably be better from the full time pro.

A full-time professional has the know-how to mix it up with these newbies, who amazingly come out of the woodwork daily.

In these times, anyone with a digital camera thinks they can be a professional photographer. There is a certain enchantment about the job, albeit overrated. Sure, it's fun to get paid to attend someone's wedding and to partake in a fun day of festivities and happiness. That being said, taking the pictures is actually the easiest part of the task. Behind the scenes, it is not so enchanting.

Running a photography studio is painstakingly grinding work and wedding photography prices often reflect that. There's a ton of paperwork, processing of pictures, putting together presentations, marketing, networking, and bags of activities - as any business owner will attest to.

Not Everyone Who Owns a Fancy Camera is a 'Pro'

Home-based photographers are able to sustain their wedding photography prices low because of less overhead. The cost of rent and hiring employees at a large studio must be paid for by charging a lot more to the bride and groom. While their services may be reasonable, it may not be so pleasant in your overall budget. Don't forget, want to hirea solo individual or someone who operates from home to keep wedding photography prices within your budget and to avoid paying a more established professional's overhead.

TIP: Ask for Additional Services AFTER the Wedding if The Photographer will Agree to It

Remember that at the same time you're preparing your estimated expenses, you'll probably want and need to shell out* extra money for albums and portraits for both families. Just keep in mind, you're probably going to spend more than you first prearranged, but you'll be doing it because you like the photos so much, you WANT to buy the extras.

The point is not really how much you decide to budget or spend on photographs. Instead, it's how much enjoyment you get from the photos when you look back at the memories.

Some photographers will let you acquire add on's - like reprints, wall hangings and albums - after the marriage ceremony is over. This may help to free up cash that you can use toward the other items in your budget. Ask the photographer if you can pay for a basic package and then purchase extras after the wedding. Or, ask for a price list for albums, reprints, and extras.

The One Decision You Might Regret

Whatever you settle on (full-timer or part-timer), recognize that you should NOT expose to danger your once-in-a lifetime experience to an unpracticed photographer! I can guarantee that you will deplore the decision later. It's not difficult to over spend for things you really like.

Wedding photography prices are usually the one monkey wrench* that prevents many wedding clients from getting the photographer who can undoubtedly offer the best value for the dollars spent. As a rule, the significance between the photographer you love (who might be more expensive) and the one who you end up signing on because of not enough money is ostensibly insignificant. - 15437

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