Why wedding photographers cost so much
So you’re recently engaged, the excitement is running high, you’ve picked a venue and now it’s time to start your search for a photographer that’s going to capture the memories of your big day.
You start your google search and you find a couple of ones you might look, but when you get to the pricing page, you’re taken aback a little bit. I get it, you’re probably thinking “why the heck do photographers cost so much?”
I feel like this is something that if you're not in the industry, or let’s be real, not hiring a photographer often, you don't necessarily understand why the cost is so high. So there is where I come in, to provide a little bit of education and insight behind why photographers might seem expensive at first glance.
Okay, let’s dive right in.
1. CLIENT EXPERIENCE
When all is said and done, once you're done working with any vendor, you want to be able to say “that experience was awesome and effortless” - right? Well, us too. A lot goes into planning a wedding and reaching out to MULTIPLE vendors all at one time, so we want our process to be as seamless as possible.
Think of something as simple as signing a contract. Gone are the days where you have to print off a contract to sign, scan it back in, attach a PDF and send over. Nah, electronic signatures are perfect, online contracts, gallery delivery and so much more. All these tiny things make your experience that much more seamless so you can say "dang, that was easy."
And we’re happy to make it that way for you, but unfortunately for us all these things come with monthly subscriptions.
Just to name a few, here is just a small list of subscriptions I currently have to keep your entire client experience fun, easy and stress-free from start to finish.
Website - you had to find us somehow right?
Honeybook - online contracts, invoicing and ability to accept online payments
Photomechanic - photo editing software
Adobe - So those wedding day photos can be edited beautifully
Pixieset - gallery delivery so you have a way to get your beautiful photos
SmartAlbums - album design to preserve your memories forever
Spotify - no one wants a quiet, boring photo session, gotta add a little music to that baby
2. TIME
You spend a lot of time leading up to this special day, and we're right there along side ya. We are with you from the moment you sign with us that includes e-mails, phone calls, location scouting, timelines, engagement sessions, help leading up to the wedding.
Then comes the wedding day, often 8-10 hours on our toes, anticipating the next moment, constantly ready to capture a moment. And then some think it ends there, but it most definitely does not. Immediately after the wedding we spend another couple of hours as soon as we get home just to back up those photos to multiple places to make sure those babies are safe!
Then comes the editing process. We spend hours going through the thousands (ok maybe just me haha) of photos we take at your wedding, choose the best, perfect those details and make sure your gallery is exactly what you were hoping for and more.
Basically what I’m trying to say is, we do not just work for the 8-10 hours of your wedding day you hire us for, we often are working in some way shape or form, from the moment you book us to the moment your final photos (and maybe album) are delivered.
3. EDUCATION
You probably wouldn't want a plumber doing your electrical work, or a yoga instructor teaching you math would you? Just like any other profession, you want that person to know their shit. And photography is no different, there are a lot of moving parts, and often a lot of different things thrown at them during a wedding day (hello pink and purple DJ lights).
Understanding how to capture a ceremony in the bright outdoors vs a reception in a darker candle lit room is just one example, and I’m gunna bet you want a photographer who has learnt how to handle those different scenarios.
4. GEAR
Straight up, that shit ain't cheap. And for good reason. Who wants blurry photos of something they likely spent months planning? Not me! Who wants dark photos you can't make out because the photographer had no flash? Nope, no thanks. It's just to say there is a lot of gear we have to help us in the many scenarios we find ourselves in on wedding days.
Just like many other industries, the cost of photographers will vary based on experience, area, etc., and these are just some of my own reasons for why photographers price their packages the way they do. So next time you think, why are they so expensive if they are just showing up for 8 hours, clicking a button and leaving, consider everything I just mentioned.
Remember, your photos are the one tangible thing that remains from your wedding day, so make sure to consider more than just price when choosing the photographer you want to spend the day with.
An intimate wedding & elopement photographer who captures genuine, authentic moments and photos that evoke emotion and comfort.
I’m always ready to hop on a plane and adventure with you!
Wedding photographer based in Toronto & GTA.