Wedding Photography Pricing Help Needed!!
Hey Everyone!
I have a HUGE request of all photographers out there…mainly wedding photographers but if you’re not a wedding photographer, that’s fine. I won’t reject your advice. :)
I have so far booked two weddings—and my first one is in August (the second is about a month later in September)!
I have created a nice website, http://brosephotos.jimdo.com where the couples can see my work in a more professional setting. However, I really need to get crackin’ on these prices…
As a wedding photographer, what do you charge? (PLEEEASE be nice and try to list it in USD…haha.) Do you charge per hour, per image taken, per image printed, or what??
I need as many tips as possible! Should I do like a flat fee, that covers camera rental cost (cause I want to rent one thats better than the one I currently use for that day), gas, my talent and time? And from there, charge for each sheet printed? Hmm…I like that idea…Haha. What do you all think?
Also- a “problem” that I keep running into…how much is too much to charge? I don’t want either me or the couples to be ripped off…I’ve never done this wedding photography thing before so I want to make sure that I’m not under pricing or over pricing, so please give me as many tips as you guys have!! :)
Much thanks!!!
-Brittany
Jane Keats
Hi Brittany, I can’t hwlp you with US prices but there is a lot of info on the web about this stuff. Here is a recent journal I did after my first wedding shoot. There is a LOT to prepare for I have to say, it is a very nerve wracking, long day that needs loads of preparation. It seems to me that your first weddings should be charged at a very low price until you have experience and knowledge about photographing that big event. People expect a lot from their wedding photographer! I’m sure you are more than capable of meeting the requirements but I’d still charge on the lower side until you have attained a reputation.
Also, have you browsed through the Wedding Inspiration Group? Great stuff in there and heaps of photographers to ask advice from!
Jon C
Hi Brittany, to be honest its a bit like “how long is a piece of string”. A lot depends on what package your going to offer? Anything from taking a few background ‘non posed’ shots through to a full blown wedding album, bride getting ready, I’m here up to the couples first dance package. It doesn’t stop there either, will you be providing dvd slideshow, coffee table book along with the album? Is it a standard 30 image album, or a reportage style album (could be up to 60 images). As a (very) rough guide on pricing, here in the UK a couple can expect to pay `from’ $2000USD for a professional (full package). But a non professional? I’d still be looking to charge in the region of $750USD until your established. Hope this helps – Jon
HM1215
Hey Brittany,
I just recently got on here, but I noticed you mentioned about renting a camera for the big day. Calumet Photography rents for the day or the week. I wasn’t sure what you had in mind, but it might be best to rent for the week so you become familiar with it before the actual wedding. Also, I think an average in the US for first time weddings is around $500 dollars, especially if you don’t have much professional training. That also depends on how much editing and time goes into it afterward too. A DVD with the images is always a big seller here. I just thought of something else….Have you asked the couples how much they were budgeting for photography or what they had in mind? Then you wouldn’t blow them out of the water with your price and you’d be on the same page. It leaves room for negotiating the package with them and won’t make them feel too awkward or change their minds when your price and their is totally different. Hope this helps.