What do you think is a fair price for a wedding photographer

Question

This question is for both photographers and non-photographers alike.

You have to consider the entire service starting with the intial interview; and then include time for any studio shots, rehearsal dinner shots, home shots, shots before, during and after the ceremony, reception shots, and the final getaway shots. Include post-production services, selecting and creating proofs, consultation, producing the final album or albums, delivery, and anything else.

What's a fair price for a wedding photographer to charge?

Please include an idea of how many images would be included in the final album or albums for your wedding package.

Answer 1

My husband and I are considering starting a wedding photo business as a sideline (he has a regular job).  We have done several weddings and have examples of our work.  So far, everyone has been happy, but we have never charged hardly anything, as we've always done it for friends and church members.  

I meet with them beforehand once or twice, and take notes on who's who in each family.  That way I know who's missing when they say "Let's get all the Hanson cousins in a photo!" We do a full day of photography, the wedding and reception, with both my husband and I taking pictures.  Afterwards, we edit out the terrible photos and give the Bride and Groom and the Mom of the Bride at DVD with usually 400 plus photos on it.  They develop their own photos.  

I am an enthusiastic person, and I love weddings.  I give the Bride lots of encouragement and fussing over. I'm old enough that I can help out the Moms by telling them they look great and making sure nobody's slip is showing.  I tell families it is a good time to update the family album, and so we take time to photograph individual families and whole groups while at the wedding.   It is fair to say that my husband and I are good at our hobby.

I recently asked what I should charge for our service, which I feel is exceptional.  I suggested 1250.  All I got was flack from Brides who told me to cut down the cost and told me that their wedding was about THEM and not their Mothers.      

Answer 2

most photographers in arkansas charge about $500 if ur in cali or ny or nj its gonna run u a lot more.

Answer 3

Two slabs er beer and a carton of clarsy red.

I downt care how meny so long as yer get one of me firing up ther Weber.

Answer 4

well, it depends.  

Answer 5

i think your looking at about 1500 depending on the rest of you package. you can find cheaper ones but its kind of tough. if you simplify your package (maybe skip proffesional photography for the rehersal diner and such) you can get it down to about 1,000. If you are on a budget make sure you tell them because if they know you may go to someone else for a better price they will work with you. Just dont let them bully you too much.

But if you want a whole bunch of high end things with how many pictures, albums etc. it can get up to about 3,000.

One lady i talked to offered a package of unlimited photos for like 4 hours. printed she would give us 20 proofs. a leather album and a CD (printable qaulity) of all the pictures. for 1,200. (the CD is really what i want above all). but this only included those 4 hours, not the rehearsal diner but it did include an engagement photo shoot. anywhere we wanted it to be. which is nice cause you get some good casual pictures together and you can get to know the photographer before the actual wedding