The Wedding Photography is perhaps the most significant element of the entire event, especially when it’s all said and done. So, what amount should you pay and how will that affect the quality?
So, you’ve been to a bunch of wedding photography websites and, man, is it ever confusing. It looks as if every Tom, Dick & Harry has {purchased|bought} some gear, put-up a website and is offering to photograph one of the most important days of your life. The pictures often look more than decent as does the website (though it’s most likely a cheap template). And pricing is extremely affordable, starting as low as $750 for the entire.
Firstly, don’t become captivated with a seemingly creative wedding photographer solely based on viewing the pictures in the Wedding Portfolio on their site. Of course, they will display their best work, which means a few from each event. Just remember, including guests, can take a few good pictures at a wedding, even with a point and shoot. So, to get a good sense of a photographer’s competence and style you’ll want to see two full weddings. 400 pictures from a single wedding will be very revealing.
Depending on where you live, the average fee for a seasoned photographer will be approximately $2500 for the day. That being the case, what can you realistically expect from an newbie photographer who might have less than fifteen weddings under his belt and is really cheap? Who knows? There are some very gifted up-and-coming photographers who because they are early into their careers offer amazing value for twhat they provide. But they are few and far between. The best wedding photography is not easy. Experience means a lot and there are no redoes. It necessitates great interpersonal skills (some photographers should only shoot landscapes). It demands an understanding of timing and logistics with respect to the current situation. And while many artistic photographers poopoo wedding photography it requires a high degree of ability, often on the fly. A Professional Wedding Photographer will also have back-up equipment in case things go wrong. Most amateurs do not, which could be disastrous.
That being said, paying more to a veteran photographer does not guarantee great results. In fact, it’s important to do your homework. What if they have the ability but don’t go the extra mile any more? Go to forums and see if anyone is trashing about the wedding photographer(s) you want. You won’t believe some disturbing and/or weird stories about photographers drinking on the job, interrupting the ceremony to ask the cleric to repeat an action again, hitting on bridesmaids, etc. In short, Do your due diligence.
Meanwhile, in this day and age of difficult economic times it’s understandable to pay less for wedding photography, but keep in mind that all you have post-wedding are the pictures (and maybe video). If there are budgetary stumbling blocks it may behoove you to cut back in other areas.
In conclusion, if you’re a risk-taker, you’re on a tight budget and you’ve really checked things out, an inexpensive photographer may do the trick. More often than not though, the saying, “you get what you pay for”, pertains to wedding photography. So, if it’s in the budget, do plenty of research, get some recommendations and pay extra to get a professional. It’ll be worth it.
