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7 Things you didn’t know you were paying your Wedding Photographer for

MANIFESTO PHOTOGRAPHY | WINDSOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Did you know that there is far more to Wedding Photography than what comes in the neatly laid out wedding package you purchased? Below is a list of 7 things you didn’t know you were paying your wedding photographer for, but will be glad that you did!

Experience

Anyone can buy a camera and take a picture, so what makes a “professional” photographer so special? Understanding weddings and the expectations that couples have only comes with experience.

Besides grabbing shots of those emotional first looks, and your mother’s tear rolling down her cheek after you say “I do,” your photographer has a lot more on their mind. Behind the scenes, they are making sure your timeline stays on track, putting out emotional fires between your MOH and your BFF, and liaising with your other vendors to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

A photographer with experience will know how to prepare for any lighting or weather condition, and know that exact moment to grab you during the reception for that incredible sunset shot!

Time

The time you’re paying your photographer for is not just for the amount of hours they’ve covered your wedding. It’s their correspondence, booking, prep, engagement session, travel, in person viewings, importing, editing, exporting and ordering photos, designing samples, creating products, delivery and shipping. The average wedding for us takes 80 hours of work from the first point of correspondence to its completion. Not to mention that being a small business owner entails many time consuming tasks that us creative types are not huge fans of (*yay* accounting).

Creative Brainstorming

Any photographer worth their salt is going to take time to get to know your style, personalities, and relationship in order to create moments that will portray you in the best way possible. This includes helping you find locations, making wardrobe suggestions, and helping you pick just the right product to fit that empty wall in your hallway.

Continuing Education

Photographers work in a field that is constantly changing. They have to keep up to date on the latest technology, techniques, and trends. This includes participating in mentoring relationshipsworkshops, online forums, reading, and studying their target market.

Gear & Upgrades

Pro level digital cameras run from $3000 – $7000 and the average pro level lens costs around $2000. Now imagine needing at least two camera bodies, three to six great lenses… it adds up quickly! That’s not taking into consideration computers, editing software, off camera flashes, radio transmitters, camera bags, diffusors etc… And then when new and better gear comes out, we buy more.

Insurance

Your photographer should be insured to protect themselves against stolen, lost, or broken gear, as well as liability insurance in case a guest trips over their bag and breaks their arm.

Redundancy From Start to Finish

What happens when things go wrong? A professional needs to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your photographer should have multiples of everything! A backup camera, several lenses, multiple flashes. Modern pro-level DSLRs shoot to multiple memory cards at once, allowing photos to be backed up from the moment they’re taken. And speaking of backing up files, after the wedding your images are backed up multiple times for safe keeping. We actually keep a copy in a fireproof safe!

I really loved this quote from Nikki Wagner:

“Yes, it seems like a lot of money for one day, but one day isn’t all we spend on your photographs or on our business. You will spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress or flowers or a venue or on catering which you are going to have for only one day, but your photographs will be the only thing you have to remember that one day for the rest of your lives.”

 

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  • MelissaFebruary 24, 2014 - 4:50 PM

    Great post and so true!ReplyCancel

  • Cheryl Bartlett FordFebruary 24, 2014 - 5:05 PM

    Great article. I love Nikki’s quote!ReplyCancel

  • AlisonFebruary 24, 2014 - 5:05 PM

    So true! Thanks for posting!ReplyCancel

  • Hayley Juliet WatsonFebruary 24, 2014 - 5:08 PM

    Love your branding!ReplyCancel

  • Cheryl BaileyFebruary 24, 2014 - 5:20 PM

    So true! I wish that all brides had this information when they are deciding on their photography budget. I think it would be rather eye opening if they would see this perspective.ReplyCancel

  • Jackie McKeeverFebruary 24, 2014 - 5:52 PM

    What about all the ‘general’ business costs? Telephone, internet, transport, accountant, premises, electricity …….ReplyCancel

  • Tracie Howe PhotographyFebruary 24, 2014 - 6:26 PM

    Thanks for this! So many couples don’t know this and then they end up regretting it when they don’t spend enough. Yes, some photographers are cheaper, but there is a reason. Usually inexperience unfortunately. ReplyCancel

  • Mary WhiteFebruary 24, 2014 - 6:28 PM

    That is so very true. When I hear people who have lost their homes say nothing matters if we are all okay…and I wish I felt that way but I would be absolutely devastated if I lost my picture albums, the pictures on the walls and the scrapbooking albums I have done…they can’t be replaced either. It would not compare to losing a loved one, no, but saying they don’t matter isn’t possible for me to say.ReplyCancel

  • sarahFebruary 24, 2014 - 7:19 PM

    Yes! Thank you so much for shedding light to those who may not fully understand, but in such an honest way. Fabulous post :DReplyCancel

  • Jennifer WeemsFebruary 24, 2014 - 11:47 PM

    Can I get an AMEN! I think you’ve inspired me to post something similar for my brides/market. I will be sure to backlink you if I quote from your post. Well said, I love this!ReplyCancel

  • russell elsevierFebruary 25, 2014 - 12:49 AM

    Informative wedding photography post and beautiful story telling imagery on your site! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Janine WeberFebruary 25, 2014 - 1:43 AM

    Worth every penny! You also work your tails off!!!ReplyCancel

  • HelenFebruary 25, 2014 - 1:59 AM

    Wonderful profession – straight from the heart ❤ReplyCancel

  • jenn of hello|inspiraFebruary 25, 2014 - 5:39 PM

    hear hear! it’s refreshing to read an educative post like this. lot of others are online and quite negative. love your take on this, great post!ReplyCancel

  • KimFebruary 25, 2014 - 11:57 PM
  • Crystal ImageFebruary 26, 2014 - 6:00 PM

    This is great!!! Thanks for posting and sharing this article!ReplyCancel

  • Chasity NoelFebruary 27, 2014 - 6:04 AM

    A great post to educate folks on making good decisions! ReplyCancel

  • David SimchockMay 26, 2014 - 10:56 AM

    Excellent piece! I am thinking of getting back into shooting weddings, so this insight is perfectly timed. Thank you!

    PS: I put this blog piece together some time ago about “weddings”. I think you’ll appreciate it!

    http://gotfstop.com/2012/02/10/wedding-photography-how-to-and-not-to-shoot-a-wedding/ReplyCancel

    • adminMay 27, 2014 - 4:44 PM

      Great post David! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • AbbieJanuary 6, 2015 - 2:08 PM

    this is a fab post!ReplyCancel

  • Marvin BlueJanuary 6, 2015 - 3:11 PM

    So very true, I loved it from start to finishReplyCancel

  • AlexMay 26, 2015 - 3:39 PM

    What a great post! I love that you take the time to educate your readers – the average person doesn’t understand why professional photography is “so expensive” so posts like this one are so important! Love following your blog :)ReplyCancel

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