Hi, my name is Lauren, and I took the cheap photographer route. And I’m here to prevent you from doing the same!
Last week there was a blog post (note: post is no longer there, sorry!) going around Twitter that caused quite a bit of hoopla among photographers and wedding professionals. If you haven’t seen it, in a nutshell, a new bride wrote a post on her personal blog regarding her search for a photographer and the cost associated with photography. Right now, there are over 100 comments on the post. I’m sure she wasn’t expecting such a response, but nonetheless, I highly recommend reading some of the responses. It’s incredibly educational, and says just about everything that I always try to say about photography.
An example of a GOOD photo, by Studio 222 Photography
One of the reasons why I’m always talking about the importance of quality photography is because I made a mistake that I hope to prevent other brides from making. I took the cheap photographer route. I attribute this to the fact that when I was planning my wedding, I had no clue. The only resources I used were The Knot and Brides.com, because that’s all I knew about. However, when using their budget recommendations (which was all I had to go off of), their recommended photography percentage was way below what I was realistically seeing for photographer pricing. I didn’t have anyone to tell me what the “norm” pricing was for a good photographer. I was counting on those resources to help me, and they didn’t. So, while we wait for these resources to catch up to 2010, this is my warning!
I’m in no way a photographer, but I want to pass along some tidbits that I wish I had known as a bride. One of the first things that I tell new brides is the normal cost for decent photography, because I myself had no idea. Here in Florida, photography packages usually start at $2000, and that’s that bare minimum. It varies everywhere, and of course it also 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, answer your emails and phone calls, and carry out all of the other administrative duties that owning a business entails. (There is so much more, but I’ll leave that to the photographers to explain!) Most of all, bottom line: you get what you pay for. It really can’t be said any differently.
Needless to say, I’m still pretty heartbroken about my lack of knowledge when I chose my photographer. I wish I had known about so many things when I was planning my wedding. Now that I look at amazing work from photographers every day, I know that my photos could have been so much better. But you live and you learn, right? There’s always our vow renewals to make up for it!
[Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong when I say "cheap photographer". I paid more than what would normally be considered "cheap". But when you consider what was included in the price (my 12 hour wedding day, engagement session, bridal session, album and prints), and then when you see the pretty much unedited images, then yes, it was indeed cheap.]
If you have any questions about choosing your photographer, please ask! I don’t want anyone else to feel the way that I do, and this is one of the many reasons why I write this blog and why I entered the wedding industry. I want to help everyone have the absolute best wedding possible!
Kristi Crosson:
February 11, 2010 10:07 am
Lauren, I couldn't have written this post any better. I was married in 2005 and although I was a hobbyist photographer at the time, I didn't have a clue about how important a professional photographer would be. Needless to say, I have only a few decent wedding photos, because I had a friend take them. I love her and she did her best, but she was by no means a professional. It was that experience which lead me down the path that I am on. Now, as a professional photographer, I share that experience with my brides. I truly care that they have amazing portraits of their wedding, and if they hire me or not, I really want them to understand how important it is to hire a professional. My 5 year anniversary is this year, and my husband and I are planning a trip to California where my professional photographer friends will be giving us a trash the dress photoshoot on the beach. I am so excited because I feel like I can finally create an amazing album!Yadira Laguerre:
February 11, 2010 10:55 am
Yep! I think a lot of us got into photography because of a bad experience. What triggered my portrait photography business was our first family portraits at Sears. They were fine, but I knew that photography could be extraordinary. Yet I hindered myself from delivering the extraordinary to my clients at the start of my business because I tried to price myself for those with the Sears mentality. I finally had to realize that in order to be free to give my best, I need to price myself accordingly. Still in that process. By the way, my wedding photos were exactly as you describe - $2500 for 8 hours, 3 photographers, "high res" images on disc (which were only 72 dpi - but what did I know?) and an album we never got. What I had at the time (thank goodness) was my Photoshop knowledge and I edited all my wedding photos myself.Renee Grande:
February 11, 2010 12:49 pm
Lauren This post was written great. I am going to address and reflect on this on my blog today or tomorrow. I will send you the link when it is done :)Kristine Paulsen:
February 11, 2010 1:06 pm
Hi Lauren, Do you mind if I reprint this on my own blog, with credit and a link back to your site of course? Thanks! -KristineSammy Tavarez:
February 11, 2010 2:07 pm
I'm so proud of you for finally posting this! There are so many things that people don't consider when talking about the price point of a great photographer. It's not only the amount of work, creativity, and technical skill that play a part, but also the monumental costs of constantly updating equipment, maintaining business/liability insurances, advertising & marketing, continuing education & workshops, pricey editing software, and on, and on, and on... Let us not forget the fact, also, that many of the greats do invest a substantial amount of time and money into getting a quality college or art-school education. It's an art-form that I believe - where there is true talent - is veritably priceless. I don't think it's okay to blatantly rip anyone off, but that applies in every facet of life and business - not just photography. When so many other aspects of the wedding planning process can be fleeting (as in, it all goes by so fast, it's a blur!), photography is one of those that does sustain. It's there to remind us of all the amazing moments and details we cared enough to toil over in the first place. Thanks for writing this, and for showing the wedding world that photographers aren't the only ones who stand behind the cost of their work!Dognbird:
February 11, 2010 3:04 pm
This is a really important post, thank you for writing up your experience. The photog is key, your imagery lasts forever!Bruce Blackwell:
February 11, 2010 3:37 pm
Great post. As a professional videographer one of the comments I hear often from couples: "I wish I would've hired a professional" and "Can You Fix This?" Hiring a "true" full-time professional has its costs - but hiring a novice or "weekend warrior" also has its price - a price you really can't afford and might regret later.Lorne Chesal:
February 11, 2010 3:40 pm
As one of the wedding photographers who weighed in on the blog post being discussed, it is my sincere hope something very positive has and will continue to come of it. My fear however, is there are IMHO, far too many responses on it now for a clear message to be found. What I appreciate hearing in this post is that there is truly is more to consider than what it costs to hire a photographer. Good and may I say great wedding photographers ask for a higher fee because they offer in return a lower risk. They are confident in their ability to deliver great results consistently throughout your wedding day. Under any circumstance they face throughout the day. In any weather. Facing any family schism thrown at them. It is their job to be unflappable. All day. Without the need for direction and micro-management. They don't *just* press the shutter button time and time again all day. They know *exactly* when to press it. Why to press it. What settings to apply to their camera before they press it. What to say to Aunt Betty before pressing it to make sure she has a great smile on her face. How to find the right lighting and background to place you in before pressing it. All the while having a sense of humor. All the while fully understanding the scope of the day unfolding before them to the clients who have invested a good sum of hard earned money with them. Those are all soft skills. They have zero to do with the gear, or the high cost of being in this line of business. These skills do and should *cost* more. I would want the most motivated vendors involved with my wedding. Vendors who are satisfied with their compensation for being there. Who won't approach my wedding with anything less than full out enthusiasm and excitement. More than most vendors, photographers depend on their reputation above all. I personally consider each and every wedding I photograph as an audition for other weddings. A full 70-80% of my business comes from clients who have been at or in a wedding I have photographed. I have but one speed... full. When asked to cut my fee because "all I do is push buttons" it's very difficult to not take it personally. We pour ourselves into our work. Please understand this when making your decisions. And, photographers do understand budgets. We live on them too. regards, Lorne ChesalBarb Cameron:
February 11, 2010 7:35 pm
thank you. thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't say it enough; thank you.Blake:
February 11, 2010 8:58 pm
One of the problems, maybe, is that most of us aren't exposed to much pro photography or its price tag before we get married. So the eye isn't trained to distinguish between the really great and the weekend stuff, yet, and the cost truly comes as a shock, since almost every other photography is extremely commodified (e.g. the teen working the booth at Sears). Maybe you even had a family portrait at that local studio photographer who does all the senior pics -- that still doesn't begin to prepare you. Of course, later, the difference between the costly pros and college kid becomes all too clear, especially now that hundreds of AMAZING photographers are blogging their work on a weekly basis, showing us all the very best there is.Julianne Smith (@gartergirl):
February 11, 2010 10:57 pm
this is a great post! and i think you are so right. but, something that brides do need to consider is that it isn't just the most expensive photographer that is the best. yes, you do pay for what you get. i agree. but, more important than the price tag is: do i like this photographer's style? do i like him/her as a person and will i be comfortable with him/her? does his/her style fit with mine and what i want out of my photos? don't just assume that if you've paid the most that it will be the best fit for you or that if you can't afford the most expensive then you won't have good photos. the great part about the internet and blogs is that you can really get a good idea of a photographer's past work and their style much more than you could even 3 years ago. so, to all the brides out there, do your research and make sure you love your photographer regardless of price!Good Photography is Worth It!:
February 11, 2010 11:13 pm
[...] I Took The Cheap Photographer Route… Thursday, February 11, 2010 in wedding planning 10 Comments [...]Catherine Hall Studios:
February 12, 2010 5:00 pm
Thank you for sharing you experience! As a wedding photographer myself, I can't tell you how much this post sheds light on an issue many people don't think about right away. Every bride deserves beautiful photos of her speacial day that she loves.Bobby Earle:
February 12, 2010 5:36 pm
I had nearly the exact same thing happen to Lindsay and me with our wedding photography. As a photographer now, I would KILL to go back and do it again. Great post :) BobbyWedding Photographers in Ottawa | favorite wedding blogs | Barb Cameron Wedding Photography:
February 14, 2010 4:10 pm
[...] don’t leave photography as an after thought. You need a trusted professional with a proven track record to capture your vision so that you will have beautiful images to gaze at on your 10th, 20th and even 50th wedding anniversary. Click on a great read on this topic from Every Last Detail Blog. [...]Kate McKenna:
February 15, 2010 9:17 pm
Very well written and very much appreciated. I need to learn to better respond to the hostility that does, quite often and quite shockingly, come my way regarding the cost of a photography. Best, Katewedding planning | Do You Have A Wedding Planner?:
February 18, 2010 8:02 am
[...] one. (Note: There are definitely different levels of pricing and packages for wedding planners, and like photography, it’s something that you get what you pay [...]Aliza Werner:
February 18, 2010 1:36 pm
Solid and honest advice! You can't take much with you after your wedding day, but your photographs and albums will be as close as you can get to reliving it. Another idea to keep in mind...take the time to find a photographer who is perfect for you. One photographer's aesthetic may not jive with your point of view. If the way a photographer captures a wedding, details, scenery, and people is a way that captures your heart and captivates you, perhaps she is someone to look into hiring. The most expensive photographer, will not necessarily be the one for you.karen lisa:
February 19, 2010 9:13 am
such great advice! this exact thing happened to me. although my husband & I were hobbyist photographers at the time of our wedding, we were very young and allowed my parents to make the decision for us since we were planning from afar (I was finishing up my college degree). my parents hired someone they'd used for previous events, and while the images are properly exposed and we hav one or two nice portraits, they are not our style and are not even remotely near anything I would create for one of my clients. Not spending more time on choosing a wedding photographer is the one thing I regret in my entire life's experience.Hire a Quality Wedding Photographer...one that is just As You Wish!:
February 25, 2010 3:56 pm
[...] I Took the Cheap Photographer Route… [...]Why hire a professional wedding photographer | Creative Ottawa Wedding Photographer | BH Photography:
February 25, 2010 8:48 pm
[...] Read the story here by Lauren [...]Denver wedding photographer:
March 4, 2010 2:43 am
It’s obvious by the post comments that many of us are professional photographers and understand the importance of hiring a professional wedding photographer. It’s unfortunate that a bride even had to write such a post, but should help to remind all of us, the professionals, about the importance of educating our clients.Avoid Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer | vanessa dewson:
March 7, 2010 7:50 pm
[...] nothing but the best memories from their wedding day. Don’t just take it from me, here is a blog post I came across where a bride DID chose a cheap photographer and regrets [...]TTL Wedding Photography:
March 9, 2010 1:07 pm
One of the common mistakes that brides make when choosing a photographer is paying too much attention to the package product content. Believe me, it's so much better to end up with 30 great photographs from your wedding than 3 albums and prints of 2000 pics that will always remind you that your photographer was not good.Yohti Jenkins:
March 22, 2010 8:24 pm
I'm so happy to see someone has taken the initiative to educate brides. You are so right when you say that you didn't know what to expect or what to look for. For most brides it's their first wedding so it's all a bit of a mystery as to what they need to do. I applaud you for the effort and heart felt attitude you have to help other wedding couples experience the best wedding day and photographs they deserve! I am a photographer in Australia and we have a network of photographers trying to do the same thing with educating the bride and grooms about professional quality etc as there is so many amatuer photographers hitting the market these days and it has just confused the poor brides... All the best and I'll be sending my clients and enquiries to your blog to have a read Thanks Yohti from YOHTI IMAGESDawn Bronson:
March 23, 2010 3:46 am
Hi Lauren, firstly may I say that the above email is sent to you from the wonderful caring and highly profession photographer who did a wonderful job on our wedding photos, not meaning to make you feel bad, but it took me 6 months to get all of my organising together, I actually went to about 6 wedding expo's, this is one of the best places for any future bride to get her self some great ideas, if you do not have the money for a wedding planner, as all new brides weather getting married for the first time or second, or third time, the moment you use the W word, prices fly skyward, so it's not surprising so many people think cheap is the best option, please ladies, do your home work, at wedding expos you can see the photographers, cake makers and anyone else who are selling there services work right in front of you, you will get prices and good ideas, even sample packs, I feel so bad that you had to go through such a horrible experience, thank you so much for sharing your very heart felt story, Dawn.Cathy Crawley:
March 23, 2010 5:31 am
Well said Lorne! I coudn't have said it better! But, the curiosity has got the better of me and now I want to see those 'cheap wedding photos'. :)Cathy:
March 23, 2010 8:27 am
Lauren, thank you. From a professional who has seen the industry really taking a nosedive because of the lack of desire to do the job right, this is an AWESOME article. I will be reposting. One of the first things I tell brides in the consultation is the typical range of a good photographer, and they've been pretty receptive. I might print off your article and give to them. Thank you SO MUCH!matt (blueflash):
March 23, 2010 8:43 am
as a wedding photographer myself it's refreshing to see a post like this... thanks for alerting everyone that sometimes it's not worth it to save a few dollars on something like that. hope this helps future brides. -matt (blueflash photography)Abhi Pandya:
March 23, 2010 9:12 am
Thank you for this honest, and educational post. Brides often see just a package, 3 albums, a ton prints, maybe a canvas wrap...they hardly see the actual quality of the photography. Photography is not an object, it is an art. Just because somebody else offers it, you cannot simply compare price points, you are not bargain shopping for an item but rather a service and skill set. Would you mind if I link your post on our site/blog? -Abhi www.PandyaPhotography.comItalo:
March 23, 2010 1:46 pm
Lauren, I can totally sympathize with your grief. I just finished re-building my sister in law's album, of which the pictures where a TOTAL disaster. She paid $400 and got worse than what she paid for. Any point and shoot camera held by an amateaur photography would have been better than her intensely yellow pictures, flash burnt portraits and cry-forever album. You placed your words very well and I truly hope a lot of people can read your blog before choosing a wedding photographer.Jules Ko:
March 23, 2010 2:42 pm
Thank you for posting this Lauren, and bravo for speaking out. As a former bride who rolled up her sleeves and became a wedding photographer, I agree with you 100%. Cheap rates will get you cheap images, Photographers aren't lazy snooty artists who are trying to take advantage of the market. The average american photographer scrapes poverty level according to national survey and barely get by after paying for their bill and health insurance. But another pointer I'd like to share is, I hired a high end photographer for my own wedding, because as a photographer, photography was the only thing I didn't cut back on. Even the high end photographers' (we spent 30% of our wedding budget on them) work was stunted by our 'humble' decor and venue. Brides, you can always get albums a year into your marriage. I'd say put your priority on the photographers work, and your personality compatibility with the photographers! Best wishes, *Jules www.julesko.comPaul D:
March 23, 2010 6:38 pm
I am saddened that you have been treated in this way by this person...although prices change per state 2000 is still alot of money...i warn brides to beware as they get what they pay for by going cheaperand i mean below 300 as well...i have been in this game for over 8 years now...i would never release something that i would never use....you were taken for a ride as they say...now i have done packages as low as 800 for a bride to be and that is rock bottom i understand that they have a budget to go on and will work with them in many ways... even set up payments plans for them to work off of...thanks to a great photographer friend of mine this was brought to my attention...i will repost this on my site with your blessings of course..i know that you can never gain back that day that was special to you, but to make things right for you i would offer to do a shoot for you and your husband free of charge all i ask is for a roof overhead and a few bucks to pay for my trip back because this story touched my heart and i hate to see great people get screwed like this... my buddy chose the cheap route as well and paid for it...his bride is still mad at him for this...they were supposed to get an online album and all never happened...never got the proofs the pictures showed up six months later with a note in the envelope telling him here are your photos we are sorry but the photo's didn't turn out right and we did what we could...have a nice day...this is a local photographer so i will not mention any names just incase they are on here.. it gives us photographers a bad name that do work hard making a living...we can recreate that special moment in time with you guys wearing your wedding dress and him in his tux...just let us know as we would love to make it right for you if you haven't had it done yet or if nobody has offered it to you yet... Paul DExcellent Blogsite for Brides | Andrea Barrett Photography:
March 23, 2010 6:42 pm
[...] Heres a familiar tale, Brides beware, you have 1 chance to get it right, and a lot of years to regret it. We are always telling Brides about the pitfalls of hiring an unqualified and cheap photographers and dont even get me started about “uncle sid” and his new digital camera. Just have a look at this blog girls and beware. Click the link here [...]Lauren:
March 23, 2010 8:16 pm
Even as a wedding photographer myself, I also took the cheap route for my wedding day...I should have known better! It was an awful, AWFUL experience. However, in a weird way, my terrible experience has actually inspired me to work harder for my brides than I ever have before!Jenny:
March 23, 2010 10:52 pm
I just want to say this, being a "cheap" photographer, its not always about the price. I don't charge a lot because Im not doing it to make money. I was like you and paid very little for my wedding photography and got ONE use-able photo out of the 500+ that the photographer took. But the mistake I made was hiring the person without really having seen any of her work. Sure she was professional and had great schooling and such. But her work was horrible. I believe that I am a very good photographer and I do not charge a lot. So you cant just say dont go with the cheapest photographer, because Im pretty sure I am the cheapest around in my area of Michigan. I think my portfolio speaks for itself, and I have had MANY couples tell me that I should be charging more for my work. So please don't just give up on a photographer because of their prices. There are those of us out there that are doing it just because its fun and its a passion. Like I said, I think my portfolio speaks for itself. www.lsmphotos.webs.com I would like to hear what you think!Heather Crosby Gionet:
March 24, 2010 12:17 am
Hey! Great post! Funny that I did a post on my own blog last week with a very similar topic! And I agree its not always about money but about finding someone who you trust, get along with and who does great work! http://www.thisisphotography.ca/wedding-details-wednesday-halifax-wedding-photographer-3/Sarah:
March 24, 2010 12:21 am
Thank you for this post! I've bookmarked and subscribed to your blog. :-) I'm sorry to hear you personally had a less-than-desirable experience, but thank you for being honest about it so others can benefit from your advice. Our professional studio has been in business for three decades, and while it is frustrating for us to see the regular turnover of 'weekend warriors' it is really tragic to see brides taken advantage of by them each year. I'm glad there are more brides blogging about their real experiences to help everyone become more savvy. Since there is so much confusing and inaccurate information pushed out there by the so called 'industry experts' it is nice to see more reality checks from educated and experienced brides these days. Thanks!Ik koos voor de goedkope fotograaf | Trouwtips.net:
March 24, 2010 4:53 am
[...] Dit artikel is een vertaling van I took the cheap photographer route, geschreven door Lauren, een weddingprofessional uit Florida die ook een blog bijhoudt. Share and [...]If You Are Planning Your Wedding Day You Need To Read This… » Artography:
March 24, 2010 2:28 pm
[...] might want to read this fascinating article on a website called ‘Every Last Detail’. In a nutshell, it is a post from a bride who took the ‘cheap’ photographer route [...]Thinking about hiring a wedding photographer? « lvcavephoto:
March 25, 2010 2:01 pm
[...] I Took The Cheap Photographer Route [...]Denise Mack:
March 27, 2010 10:09 pm
I agree! I have had a number of friends state that they "wish they had hired a professional" after receiving their photos-by-friends. After learning that I had gone into the business, they asked whether I could do anything to "fix" their photos. Only so much can be done in Photoshop or the like, after the fact. Composition is one of the key factors in creating a fantastic photo, versus an okay, or even a drab photo. That piece simply cannot be re-rendered. I've found that many people out there don't realize the amount of time and effort put into the photos following the event. But this is meant to high-light and finish what had begun initially, while looking through the viewfinder in the first place. Not to "fix" something that wasn't done properly. Thank you for drawing attention to all of these points. When considering who you wish to hire, cost is obviously going to be a factor. But there are bigger considerations; Namely - artistic talent & style, attention to detail, and experience. This is, indeed, what will last - to help you remember all of those fleeting moments that make up the wedding day! Cheers, ~Denise MackTanya Malott:
March 30, 2010 1:12 pm
Photographers are cheap for any of three basic reasons: 1. They have very little experience (and want to practice on you!) 2. They do not value themselves or their own work (I notice women are usually more guilty than the men here). 3. Their market dictates lower pricing (either due to excessive competition or lower cost of living in the area) I shot my first wedding in 1991, for $200. I was an assistant back then for very successful fashion photographers, and my day rate was $75-$100, so I was thrilled with $200. I was so excited with the results that I asked to print every image myself, in my darkroom. For my second wedding shoot I charged $2000, and that bride is one of my best friends today. She still thinks she paid too little for her photos. I was very lucky, and realize now I had a natural ability to both see a wedding differently (back then black and white candid photos were anything but the norm), capture what I was seeing on film, and blend in with the guests at very high end affairs. Karen was right, her photos were worth a lot more, but I had a lot to learn and was grateful she gave me an opportunity when I needed one. I was cheap because I lacked experience. 2011 will be 20 years as a wedding photographer for me. My prices reflect that experience, as they should. I know my clients will be thrilled with their photos and that I will exceed their expectations. People who hire me get what they pay for, and more, but they pay quite a lot. I also know there are a lot of talented photographers out there who charge a lot less. There is so much confusion in the middle (from $2000-$10,000) I know I could find someone GREAT for $2500, and someone AWFUL for $5000. Everyone has to start somewhere, but price is usually a reflection of the three points above. A direct word of mouth referral is usually your best bet. Looking on the internet should NOT be your first move. If you are looking on the internet or in a magazine, you have to be sure to separate editorial from advertising listings. Anyone with a few $$ can buy an ad...especially on a blog or a website. But reputable magazines are discriminating and will not post bad work. I have had a surprising number of brides call because they saw the references in New York Magazine. Those listings cannot be bought. They are editorial listings, and as a result I know brides trust them more. Though my website is outdated (it was cutting edge in 2001), and most of my published work in Town & Country, Vera Wang and many other magazines in the US and abroad happened before the digital age, people often still find me by word of mouth. I insist upon a meeting, because it is easy to tell if you are a good fit or not. Most of my brides become good friends, and 95% of them are still married. I don't know what it means, but I like it. My happy clients are my best advertising and I still think they are the best way for any bride to find a photographer. I would always start by asking friends, or other vendors who have been in the business long enough to know who is really good in the business. I am a great resource for caterers and florists and the like, since I have actually worked with hundreds of them, and a few of them many times. When choosing a photographer, part of the trick is knowing how to look at a person's portfolio with a critical eye. (Key points: Are people looking at the camera or not, having a real moment or just looking at the photographer? Am I seeing mainly faces or backs and details? Can they focus and compose off center? Can they frame a shot well and still capture a real moment? Can this person handle light? Specifically what do they do when it is dark? How do they handle flash? Are the photos overworked in Photoshop and would I like them without any of the special effects? Do the brides in the photos look the way I want to look? Even my 11 year old can shoot a beautiful bride on a sunny day in California. But I wouldn't trust him with a rainy day in NYC at a church ceremony and hotel reception for 300 guests with 7 bridesmaids that cost $250,000....or even a wedding for 25 friends and family in a small apartment. He'd get some good shots because he is cute, but that is about it, and people would remember him, not the moments of the wedding. Oh, and he'd do 50 shots of the cake, and then grab a piece! I know someone in the Hamptons who hired my former assistant, expecting to get the budget version of me, and instead got nothing she liked for a bunch of money. A friend who was there said that she took better pictures! I only heard about it after the fact, but I could have told her that particular assistant was not ready to shoot a wedding on her own. Had I known, I would have referred someone more suitable. Couples spending a fortune on a wedding are not going to gamble on a "new" photographer who hasn't had enough experience to really deal with Murphy's Law: "If it can go wrong it probably will". Photographers charging $10,000+ have a lot more reputation on the line at each and every wedding. It takes years to build that kind of reputation, and only a few mistakes to destroy it. I would argue that almost anyone charging $10,000 is worth even more! They cannot afford mistakes, and so they will go to extra lengths to be sure there aren't any. I could go on and on, but hopefully have offered a few extra tips to your smart, timely post (sent to me by a colleague who liked it as well). Tanya Malott www.tanyamalott.comwedding planning | {Thursday Tips} Choosing Your Vendors:
April 1, 2010 10:59 am
[...] I Took The Cheap Photographer Route [...]Article writing service:
April 3, 2010 1:57 pm
There are so many things that people don’t consider when talking about the price point of a great photographer. It’s not only the amount of work, creativity, and technical skill that play a part, but also the monumental costs of constantly updating equipment, maintaining business/liability insurances, advertising & marketing, continuing education & workshops, pricey editing software, and on, and on, and on…hillary:
May 14, 2010 3:54 pm
Lauren, this AWESOME!!!! is it alright to post on my blog? I have been meeting with some recent brides whose daddy's think it's more important to have a full bar and etc.... then spend on photos??? THANK YOU -- XOXOLauren:
May 15, 2010 9:55 am
@Hillary, of course you can post this!Fantacy:
June 1, 2010 5:17 pm
I am working on getting my photography business where I want it. I have been getting paid (not always enough) for my photography for the past year and a half, but refuse to do weddings yet. I do sometimes work as a 2nd photographer for other friends who are more experienced and have the equipment they need to be successful in the field of wedding photography. I do not want to chance ruining moments and memories for a bride, groom or parent by not giving them the very best on their special day. I have had many people say "well just charge them a nominal fee and they get what they get"...I just can't do it, so until I am up to par with better photographers and until I am able to charge $2,000 and feel right about charging that, I will stick to family portraiture. You can't redo a wedding day in exactly the same way (I mean you could fake it or you could do the renewal, but you can't get THAT day back) and I want my clients to always get what they pay for! Thank you for this post. I see all the stress and work my friends go through to do weddings and trust me $2,000 is NOT a lot to pay!Shirley Kelly:
June 4, 2010 9:13 pm
Hi, I too got a bad deal on my wedding photos. I waited and waited to hear back from the photographer I hired to take our photos and when I did he informed me that the camera "malfunctioned" and all my photos had been "lost". To my horror there was nothing I could do but accept his apology and his refund check. Of course he offered to take more photos but, the tuxedos had been returned, the church was no longer decorated, the reception hall was rented out to another bridal party and my guests had long since gone home. I had to call as many of my family and friends and beg them for copies of photos they took at the wedding. There won't be any professional photos of my wedding day to hang on my walls, grace my photo album or show to our children. All I have are photos with the back of people heads in them or my husband and I posing with this guest or that one. Although I am grateful for the amateur pictures, nothing can replace having good quality photos of my once in a lifetime event. It still bothers me after 10 years of marriage to see a beautiful picture of a bride and groom. So, if you are planning you wedding, DON'T SKIP ON HIRING A HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHER!wedding planning | {Thursday Tips} In Review:
June 17, 2010 9:26 am
[...] I Took The Cheap Photographer Route [...]Maui Weddings:
June 22, 2010 2:38 am
Sometime being cheap is cost you pay more like you mentioned in the article as you are in your most important and never forget moment in your life like the marriage and you want to capture the whole precious moments to remember it forever, but cheap photographer can makes you sweat and disappointed by his cheap value camera as well as his photography. The only thing you can get is the regretfulness. So keep out of cheap in some valuable moments.John Reyment:
August 4, 2010 8:16 pm
A great topic, thanks for posting. It is clichéd to ask what have you got left after the wedding, just photos and memories, but this is true. I have been married for 24 years now and our cheap photography decision made back then still haunts us. Admittedly, photography things were different back then and there is way more choice now but still… Today with a great squeeze on budgets, couples need to take the long term view. Some people say “we will never look at an album so we don’t need it.” I suspect t if they have something amazing, it will be pride of place, if it is not worth looking at, it won’t be. A common belief in the community is “You’ve got a nice big camera, it must take amazing photos!” It is not the equipment; it is the personal qualities and skills of the photographer. Photographers are not all the same, neither are chefs, dress designers, business consultants, doctors, accountants, lawyers, sales staff, cake makers, hair dressers. Why do people choose one business over another? Price is a factor but so is reputation, quality, service, experience, reliability. You do get what you pay for as in anything. Ultimately, a skilled experienced photographer with the right personal qualities for a wedding can make the day, a poorly skilled; over bearing photographer can ruin a wedding day. So when choosing a photographer, of course consider price. Please also include in your decision process skill, image quality, manner and experience. You only have a lifetime to live with this decisionwine accessories:
September 2, 2010 4:39 am
The study sited is indisputable. I have got to say that tom should check his details and re-think his conclusion. The authorites have spoken and also rest of need to to respect that. Thanks for your very well laid out into.It’s Your Wedding. Don’t Skimp. « Amanda Hill Photography:
October 6, 2010 8:56 pm
[...] don’t skimp on the photography or planning. Don’t want to take it from me? This read this post from Lauren at Every Last Detail Blog. Then I want you to scroll down to Shirley’s comment [...]Money isn't everything....:
June 23, 2011 1:01 am
So, when my sister got married she spent over $4000 in 1999 on a wedding photographer that had been in the business for at least 15+ years. It was a family connection, but none the less he was a professional wedding photographer that has been in business since all of us girls were going up. I am now in my 30's so that gives you an idea as to how long he has been in business. My sister had contracted out him and someone else showed up .(this was most likely stated in the contract, but she didn't know that) She had problems getting her album and prints that were included in the wedding photography package. It wasn't until she complained to the Professional photographers of America that she finally received what she actually payed for. Just because you charge a nice price tag, doesn't mean you will get what you pay for. I have heard other horror stories from brides. Every bride should ask questions, lots and lots of questions to every vendor that they end up hiring for their wedding. For me seeing first hand what a $4000 wedding photographer does and doesn't do compared to someone that loves what they do is a huge difference. Pricing is not everything....its about finding the perfect photographer that is willing to do what you want then you want. As you will be the one paying for it, so make sure you get what you want and everything is written in the contract.Chrissy Graddy:
July 6, 2011 12:32 pm
Wow! What a great article! I found this because we are members of ispwp and they had it on their blog. We just got an email from a bride who was really interested in us doing her wedding say she changed her mind and is going to give her cousin who is going to be going to school for photography have a shot at their wedding photos....YIKES! So I sent her an email with this link and also just posted this link to our facebook fan page. I really wish her the best but hope she reads this. Thank you for the great article......I will continue to pass it on. It is always difficult when couples are going between a pro like us and then do the cheap route. Thanks again! Chrissy http://www.graddyphotogrpahy.comCharlotte:
August 29, 2011 4:36 am
I completely agree with what you say here. I'm the daughter of a professional photographer, and have often been an assistant at weddings, so I can tell you all it is a LOOOONG day and photographers put in a LOT of work. Sometimes not even getting lunch or dinner out of the deal! But when I got married, I eloped and was too broke to afford ANYTHING, let alone a photographer. I had one of our witnesses take some photos and...they're crap! They capture the emotion, but they're a bit out of focus and...I know what I COULD have had. And that's the worst thing. I can now tell all of our brides that come through the gallery door that from personal experience...you get what you pay for, and it's so SO disappointing when you don't have decent photos to remind you of your wedding day. Planning a renewal of vows to make up for it though ;) CharlotteRuth:
October 13, 2011 5:34 pm
I know this is an old article, but I just read it and wanted to weigh in - my sister did the OPPOSITE - very cheap wedding, tons of DIY, BBQ instead of full catered dinner, cupcakes & cookies instead of cake, thrift shop vintage dress, BUT she spent a lot on a great photographer and in turn, the photos made the day look way more expensive than it really was!Lauren Grove:
October 13, 2011 5:58 pm
Yes yes yes! An awesome photographer can make a so-so wedding look amazing!!! :)Laura Alpizar:
October 27, 2011 12:18 pm
Awesome article, I just found it ! It is so hard to educate clients , I always tell people, pictures is all that is left! (and maybe a ring hehe) so don't worry! I am a photographer myself but couldnt afford a good wedding photographer when I got married, and that was the only thing I cared about since all the rest was diy. when I found the photog i wanted i told her i want her desperately , so we came up with a deal, i would second shoot for 10 weddings for my own wedding! That was fun! it was a destination wedding and all but it worked awesome! amazing article, keep up the awesome work!!!The Price of Wedding Photography (Winnipeg Photographers) « CM Photography Blog:
January 5, 2012 12:54 am
[...] http://everylastdetailblog.com/2010/02/11/i-took-the-cheap-photographer-route/ [...]erica:
January 17, 2012 8:08 am
i couldn't get the link to the blog post in reference to work?Kati Bear Photography:
May 14, 2012 6:35 pm
I'd have to say that I disagree with you on some of your points. I don't believe that the price of the photographer is necessarily an indication that they are good or vice Versa. There are many college age photographers ( i myself am one, and know many others) who provide high quality artistic photography at an affordable cost (less than 2,000). For myself, i am a lower-cost because of just a few reasons- it takes my longer to process the photos because i am busy with school and because i do not print or make photo books- just a high res disc. I don't mean to offend you, but i just don't believe that any client should judge photographers by their price, but their work. if a photographers photos suck, but they are expensive- don't hire them. if a photographer's work is beautiful and on the cheaper side, don't just not hire them because they don't cost enough- that is not a wise choice. it is about who the client feels comfortable with and whose photos appeal to their specific tastes and needs.