Are you planning a wedding? Want to know what a wedding photographer normally costs?

Wedding photography can range from a couple of hundred dollars to tens of thousands, but what is the major difference?

How much a photographer costs?

• From being a wedding photographer for a long time, I seem to see the average professional wedding photographer range from $3000-$7000. Again this is an average you can definitely get a cheaper photographer and also likewise a more expensive photographer.

• Why is their such a price difference for a wedding photographer? Well let’s look at photography like art, I mean you can head to Kmart and get a wall print for under $20, yes many others have the same print, it is not exactly a unique piece and that’s ok. Or you can have an artist paint you a picture, something that you would love, something unique, something that you are proud to display in your home for years to come, yes the price will be completely different. Both products you will have for life.

• Do we get more value from a more expensive photographer? This is a subjective question. I always say, there is the right photographer out there for you. First to find that person. Fall in love with the portfolio, read past couples reviews, send off that enquiry and wait out until you hear from them. For me, it is the same, I do not say yes to all enquiries, after having a chat on the phone we both know if I am going to be a great fit or not, so for me, communication is key, emails just don’t do something so important justice.

  Having that photographer at your wedding that you feel comfortable with is the key. I mean who really loves having a camera in their face for 10hrs, not many couples. When you have someone that you're comfortable with, that you know will mix well with your bridal party, one that has the experience to capture the vision you're dreaming off is key to really not worrying about the photos and enjoying your day, sharing moments and truly being yourself.

• Do you want candid moments photographed? Moments happen in a split second and a wedding is no different, a wedding has it all, from getting ready moments, right through to the epic dance floor dance battles. Having an experienced photographer will know where to be at the right time, he/she will understand a wedding, will know your family, will know what matters to you and most importantly not have to tell you to retake, to redo something, to direct connection, to try and make you become someone your not because maybe they missed it, maybe they wanted to capture more? My job is to document your story, not to make your story, to be in the right place, to capture the moments you witness during your day.

To work out how much you should spend on your photographer, the first step is to decide what you value from your wedding day.

Are the photos the most important thing? do you want someone to have the experience so you don’t have to worry about a thing? do you want some unique/epic photos?

If the answer is yes to any of the above I suggest focussing on just selecting the right photographer first, maybe you already have booked the venue, but go out and get that photographer of your dreams. Yes, I know budget is important, but valuing where you spend your budget is 10 times more important.

If you value photography and decide to save a few dollars and get someone that just really doesn’t do it for you, guess what? you cant redo the photos, so come the time when you receive all of your photos and your unhappy that’s it, it’s too late. So prioritising your budget is key.

Ryan