I don’t know if “price” is the elephant in the room when I talk to people about my professional photography, but maybe it’s a hefty-sized pig. Both are wrinkly and a bit stinky and difficult to ignore. But “price” is always there. And the question TOTALLY makes sense, “How much should we spend on a photographer?” You may be thinking, “I know it’s the one thing that lasts forever from my wedding day … but how do I know how much money should I spend on a wedding photographer and who to pick?”
Pricing is awkward, not my favorite, but real.
Some people say, “You get what you pay for” while others say, “Save your pennies”. Everyone has an opinion. But what really matters is yours. The most expensive photographer isn’t always the best photographer for you. And trying to save a few pennies by booking someone cheaper can sometimes hurt you in the long run.
That’s why I want to take a second and help you determine your “perfect price” by throwing out price altogether. Ha! Stay with me. I can help you select the photographer you will always be glad you chose. The perfect purchase. Like your favorite jeans or the worth-the-splurge restaurant. There really is a way to answer the question, “How much money should I spend on a wedding photographer.”
Here are some helpful tips in booking the perfect photographer for YOU:
1. Book the Product
There are a lot of details to figure out when you’re planning a wedding. And your photographer is a critical piece of that special puzzle. Start by looking at their product. Look at a lot of their photos. Different seasons, different settings … Get a feel for their product.
How do the photos make you feel?
Anyone who knows how to push a button can take photos, but can anyone capture authenticity, know where to be and when, capture behind-the-scenes moments, and immortalize the true joy of your wedding day?
What work have you seen from the photographer that you really value? What collection of photos sets their work apart from the others? Have you heard of stories where they stare and look at Pinterest poses and have wedding parties reenact them? Or do they speak about how they can bring out your “YOU” as a couple? These are just a few of the questions to ask when you are checking out photographers because it’s important that you love, love, LOVE your photos. They are the only tangible thing left from your wedding. And they will bring joy forever.
2. Book the Process
Before you hang a gorgeous wedding photo on your wall or swipe through your favorites with friends, it takes a few steps to get there. You deserve to understand the process your photographer takes in creating that final product.
- What steps are taken to get to know you and your dreams?
- Is there a good match with the style that works for you?
- What expectations do you have for the process?
- Do you want someone who offers or brainstorms options with you?
- Do you want the option for add ons, timelines, travel, extra shoots, etc?
- What about payment plans?
How will your photographer get from Point A to Point B? What is the process?
Take getting your haircut as a simplistic example. If you wanted to schedule a cut but there was no easy process to do so and they couldn’t make the times work for you and you were getting passed around to different people and not sure how it was all going to turn out, it probably wouldn’t be worth the decent haircut in the end. The process was difficult, uncertain, and didn’t fit your needs.
Feel free to ask your photographer some questions about the process that takes place before you get those incredible photos. There are lots of details for your big day and your photographer is big one. It feels great once you get that in place.
3. Book the Person
You know your photographer should be experienced, with a helpful, smooth process, and produce a great product but … do you want to spend an entire day with that person?
Do you see yourself enjoying your special day in their care? Are they able to lead and create an environment in which you feel relaxed, happy, involved, and special?
So many photographers produce AMAZING photos for their clients, but who do you really want to hang with? Who do you trust? Who CARES about you and wants the best for YOU?
This is will be so important to all of you on your big day. How you feel around your photographer translates to the photos. That extra sparkle isn’t guaranteed if your photographer isn’t a good fit for you.
There are lots of things to consider when selecting a photographer and answering the question, “How much should I spend on a wedding photographer?”. And your friend’s favorite photographer might not be your favorite, even if they spent more or less money. That’s okay. You deserve a great fit and amazing photos of all aspects of your special day. Feel good about the investment you’re making and your choice. Your day is gonna be great!