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 |  | Low: Less than $1,000 |  | Medium: $1,300-$3,000 |  | High: $3,000-$5,000+ |
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For many couples, photography ranks high in importance because pictures are tangible keepsakes that are intended to last. A photographer should be selected only after careful consideration of cost, professionalism and personality.
Typical costs: | - Wedding photography can be broken down into four basic categories: budget, moderate, upscale and luxury. Budget photographers run from under $1,000; moderate photographers average between $1,000 and $3,000; and upscale photographers between $3,000 and $5,000. Luxury weddings photographers average between $5,000 and upwards of $10,000.
- For those on a very limited budget, consider asking a friend or relative to take ceremony photos with a digital camera. Don't rely on someone who is participating in the ceremony, such as a sister or father.
- BridalTips[1] suggests placing disposable cameras on each table so guests can take candid shots.
Related articles: Wedding Videography, Wedding Dress, Wedding Day Make-up, Wedding Album, Wedding Ceremony Venue
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What should be included: | - Basic wedding photograph packages under $500 may include 1-4 hours of coverage by one photographer, proofs in an online or hard cover album, and a limited number of prints or printable images on a CD or DVD.
- Package prices in the $500-$1,000 range may include more hours by one photographer and an assistant, and additional prints or special albums.
- Packages between $1,000-$3,000 may include an additional photographer and up to 8 hours of coverage, plus special albums, parents albums or photo books, though for some photographers, the fee will cover only the photography.
- Packages that cost upwards of $3,000 may include unlimited coverage, up to three photographers, multiple shoot locations, or albums or photo books.
Additional costs: | - Extras can include more hours of coverage, additional photographers, special albums or photo books, parent albums, or additional shoots (such as an engagement session).
Discounts: | - Packages are typically the most cost-effective way to purchase wedding photography services. Don't be afraid to negotiate or haggle with the photographer.
- Some photographers encourage pre-wedding installment payment plans at a discount. However, pre-paying for services can be risky. Consider negotiating payment installments.
- Weddings are often scheduled on weekends, and some photographers may offer discounts on off-days.
- According to TheKnot[2] , you can trim costs by hiring a professional just for the ceremony, or a limited amount of time at the reception. Avoid photo "add-ons," such as sepia tones, multiple exposures, or split frames. If selecting digital photography with copyright release, cut down on your print order, since you can easily do your own prints later at substantially lower prices. You can share a virtual album with family and friends, so they can order prints themselves. Check out reviews by CNET[3] of popular sites.
Shopping for a wedding photographer: | - The Wedding Channel[4] allows you to search for a photographer by state or region. Check TopWeddingSites[5] and FrugalBride[6] for advice and suggested questions to ask each candidate, and use them as a guide for the screening process. If possible, attend a bridal show to get a broad look at the range of services available. BridesClub[7] maintains a list of bridal show dates and locations across the country.
- Always check references before hiring a photographer. Visit wedding chat boards like TheKnot[8] for recommendations from real-life couples. The Better Business Bureau[9] also has advice on hiring wedding photographers, and provides an online search function which allows you to check for complaints about any particular business.
- Look into references from professional organizations like The Wedding Photo Journalists Association[10] and Professional Photographers of America[11] .
- Once you've selected a photographer, make sure to get every cost spelled out in your contract for services. The Better Business Bureau[12] , FrugalBride[13] and Wedding Guide[14] provide helpful checklists for what to include in a contract.
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CostHelper News
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7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
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End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
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| Posted by: Alexander Allen in East Brunswick, NJ. | Posted: November 28th, 2019 04:11AM |
| Photographer: https://www.newjerseyvideography.com | Firm: New Jersey Videography |
| Number of Hours: All Day | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: engagement session |
I had a great experience with wedding photographer Steve from New Jersey Videography! He was very friendly, charming and professional. Steve took the time to get to know us and our love story and he expressed it through his gorgeous shots. He was also very attentive to our needs and wishes. Every emotion we’ve felt at our wedding was captured by Steve in the best way possible. He perfectly processed all the pictures in time and gave us all the raw photos. His prices were very affordable when compared to other wedding photographers. |
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| Posted by: Em Loftis in Metro Area, MT. | Posted: November 1st, 2017 07:11AM |
| Photographer: Friend | Firm: None |
| Number of Hours: 1 | Number of Photographers: 1 |
Don't use a friend. You'll be sorry forever. |
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| Posted by: Michelle01 in Bethlehem, PA. | Posted: November 29th, 2016 08:11AM |
| Photographer: Steven B Photos | Firm: |
| Number of Hours: 7 | Number of Photographers: 1 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
I looked at more than a few photographers in my area. He was patient, reasonable for the quality of the images we got and had a portfolio that made me book him. Steven is an amazing photographer. I've see a lot of shots online but his are one of a kind. |
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| Posted by: kristinfirebabe in Fort Lauderdale, FL. | Posted: September 17th, 2016 05:09AM |
| Photographer: Alfredo Valentine | Firm: Couture Bridal Photography |
| Number of Hours: 10 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement, Boudoir & Trash the Dress |
I used Alfredo, who is the owner of Couture Bridal Photography for my wedding at La Concha in San Juan Puerto Rico and he is incredible. He is an award winning professional wedding photographer and also does the books. He did our engagement session in Florida, boudoir session for me, bridal boudoir on wedding day and trash the dress with a day after wedding bridal portrait session. Since then my family and girlfriends have been booking him for there weddings across the country and throughout the caribbean. Alfredo and his team have become the professional photographers my family and friends use for everything now |
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| Posted by: Hipflix Photography in Baltimore, MD. | Posted: June 17th, 2016 01:06AM |
| Photographer: Lathan | Firm: Hipflix Photography |
| Number of Hours: 8+ | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
I am a wedding photographer with a little more than 5 years experience and over 15 weddings shot. I tell all of my clients that the most important thing to find out about a photographer is WHY they chose to do it. Only then will you uncover the type of person and quality of photos you'll receive. I shoot because I love it and I love to see the faces of my clients when they receive their photos, therefore I put my heart into learning the tools of the trade and ensuring that they are as satisfied with my product as I would want to be. And given the time spent shooting and editing, a couple thousand dollars isnt expensive. |
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| Posted by: Alex Miller in State college, PA. | Posted: July 30th, 2015 07:07PM |
| Other Sessions: Engagement photo session |
J-Town Photography in State College, PA was amazing and reasonably priced with fast turn around, I've heard it usually takes weeks to get your photos back but we received ours back in 3 days! They were very in tune with what we wanted and expected from them and they were very professional and easy to work with. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great photographer that is not over priced. We plan on using them again for our maternity photos in a few weeks! |
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| Posted by: Happiest Bride in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: June 19th, 2015 09:06PM |
| Photographer: CCH Photography | Firm: Chantel Hansen |
| Number of Hours: all day | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: engagement Included |
we were blown away by the moments Chantel was able to so naturally capture. We walked away from that day with every photograph we could have dreamed of. Her and her second shooter were very personal, professional and talented. We would highly recommend using CCH Photography for your big day. |
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| Posted by: Nicole S in Ottawa, Other. | Posted: March 30th, 2015 10:03AM |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement session |
Don't EVER just ask a friend to take photos, unless they do wedding photography for a living. I'd also don't recommend hiring a photographer that does everything under the sun (baby, family, corporate & wedding..etc.) because you can't be AMAZING at everything. Get someone you know is strictly invested in being amazing in weddings. It's about quality, not price. Also get someone you can feel comfortable with. Even if you have the most gorgeous photos in the world, if you felt uncomfortable while taking them thats all you will remember. |
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| Posted by: Brian C Idocks in Tampa Bay Florida, FL. | Posted: December 17th, 2012 11:12AM |
| Photographer: Brian C Idocks | Firm: Brian C Idocks Photographics |
| Number of Hours: 6-8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
I've been a Wedding Photographer most of my life, and I've gotten fairly good at it. I've earned degrees through PPA and the Florida Professional Photographers and won literally hundreds of awards for my work. I do everything I can to keep my costs down, without sacrificing quality. Most of our packages range from $900-$1500 and include albums and engagement sessions. |
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| Posted by: bwreiden in South Bend, IN. | Posted: October 10th, 2012 10:10AM |
| Photographer: Tasha | Firm: POSEtography.com |
| Number of Hours: All Day | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagment Poses |
Tasha and her husband were great. We felt relaxed the whole day knowing that the two of them knew exactly what to capture. Very friendly, professional, energetic people. Tasha nd her husband got photos of people smiling that usually don't. Telling the world about them. |
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| Posted by: Ching in Woonsocket, RI. | Posted: July 9th, 2012 11:07AM |
| Photographer: Emilson Joseph | Firm: Ching Studios of America |
| Number of Hours: 5 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: reception/wedding/interviews |
The best filming company i've come across. This is a movie/music company that usually films music and movies so i had them turn my wedding into a movie. Their editing skills is great. Also they took great pictures with a top of the line camera. Photographer was very down to earth and ready to do his best at every moment. So look them up if you need a Wedding Movie.. |
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| Posted by: marcyct in Waterbury, . | Posted: September 15th, 2011 02:09PM |
| Photographer: antunesphotography.zenfolio.com | Firm: antunesphotography.zenfolio.com |
| Number of Hours: 4 | Number of Photographers: |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
He was professional. We went to different spots in Ct. He is beginning thats why he is so resonable, his wife came with him, she does the positioning for the lady's. |
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| Posted by: Crissy of NJ in Elizabeth, NJ. | Posted: August 29th, 2011 01:08PM |
| Photographer: www.lytestudios.com | Firm: Lyte Studios |
| Number of Hours: All Day | Number of Photographers: 1 |
We had such a great experience with our photographer, he made us feel comfortable during our special day. The photos were amazing, it was like having a celebrity photographer do our wedding at a reasonable price. Our friends and family all wanted books made out of our pictures. |
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| Posted by: a user in Atlanta, GA. | Posted: August 14th, 2011 11:08PM |
| Photographer: Patrick Robertson | Firm: Images by Patrick & Carline |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
We had a wonderful experience with our photographers on our wedding day. Patrick & Carline were very prompt, and they were very patient with us. The photos are amazing and they captured our day as we expected. |
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| Posted by: Liz Williams in Mcdonough, GA. | Posted: June 14th, 2011 03:06PM |
| Photographer: Donny Cotten | Firm: Atlanta Pro Photo |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: bridal/engagement |
Atlanta Pro Photo was great. Donny had the most creative ideas about how to take our pictures. I came out looking like a model and our images all look like something out of a magazine. His work is very artistic yet he captured every special moment without a hitch. My husband and I could not be more happy with the services we received. |
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| Posted by: Robyn Kord in Indianapolis, IN. | Posted: May 17th, 2011 11:05AM |
| Photographer: Robyn Kord | Firm: Pure Portraits LLC |
I'm appalled at the lack of seriousness when it comes to wedding photography. Other than your dress, your husband/wife and marriage certificate, this will be the only thing you take from your wedding day.
Photographers can work with couples for a year. From inital consultation to delevering the products.
When you have a crappy venue with bad lighting, we are the one's that are supposed to make it pretty in images.
When you have a pimple, we are the one's to make you look flawless.
When it rains, we are the one's to find a place to photograph your family.
We don't just click the shutter. We White Balance our camera's...We take the settings off Auto and into Manual. We don't sit or eat at any time during the 10 hour weddings (I bring snacks with me).
After we spend more than 10 hours with you (consultation, engagment session, view images from engagement session and wedding), we spend another 10+ hours editing and enhancing images. Archiving, album making, sizing for facebook and blogs. Burning your images to a dvd so you can print our hard work at cvs or walmart.
Our monitors are painstakingly calibrated for them to be printed with a professional lab. Now include our travel time. Our insurance and equipment. Our everyday bills and education.
Our time away from our families so we can make memories for you. You wouldn't go to an accountant who uses software that you can get at Best Buy for $99...or go to a professional chef and ask for a steak that you can take home to cook. We earn our money by working out tail ends off and with a smile. |
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| Posted by: David Wegwart in Denver, CO. | Posted: April 11th, 2011 09:04AM |
| Photographer: www.photocraftz.com | Firm: ProfessionalWeddingPhtographersDenver |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
I am a certified professional wedding photographer in Denver. One thing I have hear from so many clients is the experience their friend had when they hired someone they were sure was a PRO wedding photographer. The site was legit, the images they showed were nice, the price� WOW, what a great price. Then they came to the part where they needed to get their images and products� Not so WOW.
To shorten the story, if it seems to be a great price, there will likely be a reason. When you hire a "REAL" professional wedding photographer, it does cost a little more, but usually ends up being worth it.
Do your homework and look for photographers that have certified with the PPA, or have a proven track record that you can verify independently. You know you are getting a genuine professional photographer this way. |
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| Posted by: HeidiLee in orlando, FL. | Posted: March 31st, 2011 09:03PM |
| Photographer: Orlando, Florida | Firm: |
| Number of Hours: unlimited ( about 10 ) | Number of Photographers: 2 |
Basic rule - Your photos are all you have left after the party is over! It should be the single most important item you purchase ( followed by your gown, live music & honeymoon ) Not many people will remember the food, cake or decor BUT you will have to look at your photos the rest of your life and then pass them on to your children. Are you worth a good photographer? Some people spend a fortune on "open bar" so their guests ( whom they may not be close with or even know ) can get drunk. Let's face it- that's the only reason many people go to weddings ( free food and booze ) A good photographer/ artist should create art on the day of your wedding. SO, would you enjoy buying a piece of art or getting your friends drunk? I feel you should spend at least $5000 + on a real artist!!!! If photos are not important at all- hire uncle Vinnie ( but don't complain later about bad pictures or unprofessionalism ) |
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| Posted by: stphny in Spokane valley, WA. | Posted: March 1st, 2011 08:03PM |
| Photographer: Sonya | Firm: Spokane's Best Photography |
| Number of Hours: 4 | Number of Photographers: 1 |
I called Sonya just before 1 day of our wedding.
Our's was a last minuet wedding and honestly
we didnt know what to expect.We were just on a Very limited budget .But I have to say we were more than happy with our wedding pictures.All the pictures turned out beautiful with sepcial effects she created.We also got a wedding photo book with which we r completely flattered with.I am glad we didnt have to spend more and still got the best pictures.Spending couple of $1000's doesnt mean always the best pictures.. |
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| Posted by: Dana Schaeffer Stavana in San Juan Capistrano, CA. | Posted: February 8th, 2011 03:02PM |
| Photographer: Blue Skys Studios | Firm: |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: engagement session included |
I am floored by the number of people who think photographers are overpriced. I guess it is just a matter of what is important to you for your wedding. My husband and I agreed that it is only one day and when it comes down to it, we will have the photos forever. Our package included an album for us, 2 parent books, an image cd, website, thank you cards, dvd slideshow and the engagement session with an 8x10.
As a response to the person who commented that $600 per hour was ridiculous. What you are forgetting is all the time you don't see. The post production takes quite a bit of time. Normally there are hundreds of photos after a wedding. Did you think that every single photo came out perfectly? |
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| Posted by: Jenni in Minneapolis, Lubbock, NW Iowa, MN. | Posted: February 2nd, 2011 01:02PM |
| Photographer: www.jenniophotography.com | Firm: Jenni O Photography |
| Number of Hours: All Day | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement/Rock The Dress |
All I can say is research. I'm a wedding photographer and it is really difficult to come up with pricing. A lot of time is spent figuring out overhead, how much time will be spent meeting, editing, and any other photo process, and how much your art is worth. All in all I make maybe minimum wage - $11 an hour. (Not any where close to $600 an hour) The iceberg comment is true, there is a lot of behind the scenes work that you will never see.
It is so important for your photographer to:
1. Have a personality that is friendly and that you get along with.
2. Have the style that you like.
3. Offer the options you want.
4. Have integrity.
Look at photographers that aren't close to you, they may be able to travel. Don't cancel out a photographer that doesn't have 10+ years of experience. Experience is important, but it can also come with complacency or a style you don't like. Your wedding is one day that changes the rest of your life, make sure you have something to remember it by. |
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| Posted by: Jason Marx in Pasadena, CA. | Posted: December 22nd, 2010 07:12PM |
| Photographer: Perry & Jayanne | Firm: Witonphotography.com |
| Number of Hours: 8 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
Witon Photography was awesome, they really captured my wedding day and all their pictures they delivered were amazing. I could not have asked for more! They were two easy going photographers and very great looking I must add! |
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| Posted by: Erin Elizabeth in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: December 3rd, 2010 06:12PM |
| Photographer: Kelly Brown | Firm: she was freelance |
| Number of Hours: 50 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
Kelly Brown took my friends wedding in ohio for 2,500 and she shot it with her friend kelly shaffer. They were wonderful and the pictures turned out amazing. Kelly also does work in LA as she has residence there as well. |
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| Posted by: Fran Rivera in New York, NY. | Posted: November 17th, 2010 11:11AM |
| Photographer: Fernando | Firm: NewYorkNewlyweds.com |
| Number of Hours: 10 | Number of Photographers: 1 |
| Other Sessions: engagement session |
We saw so many photographers in the New York area but my fianc�e and I just fell in love with the engagement photos from New York Newlyweds just breathtaking. Once I saw how Fernando who was the photographer handle us so professionally we booked him on the spot for our wedding. The price was moderate but include beautifully crafted flush mount parent and wedding albums. |
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| Posted by: Ralph Morello in Jacksonville, FL. | Posted: September 20th, 2010 08:09PM |
| Photographer: Ronald & Odete Bartolec | Firm: Irrok Photography |
| Number of Hours: 13 | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement, Bridal |
I shopped many different photographers and the only thing I found different was the cost. We received what we would have paid $5000.00 - $7000.00 for with some other photographer in our area. The albums were absolutely amazing! Ron & Odete both did a wonderful job and they provided us with very high quality images and albums that we will have forever. I'm happy to recommend them to anyone I can. |
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| Posted by: Jennifer and Jeff in LaGrange, GA. | Posted: September 6th, 2010 08:09PM |
| Photographer: Buffy Dekmar | Firm: Buffy Dekmar Photography |
| Number of Hours: All Day | Number of Photographers: 2 |
| Other Sessions: Engagement |
Buffy and Chris were great to work with. We booked them for the whole wedding day. They captured so many special memories. They made the entire process easy! We received all of our digital images on a disc. True professionals! |
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| Posted by: Ann and Joel in Las Vegas, NV. | Posted: August 25th, 2010 02:08PM |
| Photographer: Jab Buhay | Firm: Life In Vegas Photography |
| Number of Hours: 6 hours | Number of Photographers: 1 |
| Other Sessions: Prenup Portrait shoot |
Jab of www.Lifeinvegasphotography.com, was a very charming and professional photographer, even though he's done so many weddings in Las Vegas, he made us feel as special as can be. He took the time to know us personally and know our story. He was very concerned at who's who during the ceremony and the reception. Everyone at the reception had fun getting their pictures taken by him. He did not have any problems with giving us all the raw photos on several discs and he also did a great job editing them. The website he made for us and the music video was a great plus that we did not expect. His prices were within our budget but after we got everything after the wedding, we felt like we should have paid a bit more. |
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External Resources: | - www.bridaltips.com/photog.htm
- wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-money-saving-...
- reviews.cnet.com/4520-6451_7-6245099-1.html
- local.weddingchannel.com/Wedding-Vendors/Categories-Wedding-Photographers?Category...
- www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-photo.html
- www.frugalbride.com/choosingphoto.html
- www.bridesclub.com/
- wedding.theknot.com/wedding-message-boards.aspx
- www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=683
- www.wpja.com/
- www.ppa.com
- www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=683
- www.frugalbride.com/choosingphoto.html
- www.weddingguideonline.com/yourweddingphotographs.html
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