How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost?

Breaking Down The Real Cost of Wedding Photography.

Wedding Photography Pricing

As full-time wedding photographers for over 10 years, and now educators in the photography industry, we have spoken with countless photographers. Below is our insight into what drives wedding photography pricing, so you can make the best decision for your own wedding day! Below are the top 10 factors we’ve found to drive the biggest pricing decisions for photographers.

Experience
Collection Add-ons
Location
Timing
Style
Reputation
Demand / Influence
Yearly Weddings Performed
Expenses
Value
Conclusion
Why Tabor Warren Photography?

1. Experience

Experience plays a significant role in the price of wedding photography because experienced photographers have honed their skills over time and have a proven track record of producing high-quality images. They have also likely invested in expensive equipment, and have a well-established business, which allows them to charge more for their services. Additionally, experienced photographers have a deeper understanding of lighting, composition, and other technical aspects of photography, which can result in more visually appealing and emotionally impactful images. They also know how to handle unexpected situations and can provide a more professional and efficient service.

2. Collection Add-ons

There are many additional

Albums: Many photographers offer the option of purchasing a high-quality album of the wedding images, which can add to the overall cost.
Additional hours of coverage: Some couples may want to extend the photography coverage for their wedding day, which would result in additional costs.
Second photographer: Some photographers may offer the option of hiring a second photographer to capture different angles and perspectives of the wedding.
Engagement and/or bridal session: Some photographers may offer an engagement and/or bridal session as an add-on package, which would include a separate photo session before the wedding.
Additional prints or digital files: Many photographers will offer packages that include a certain number of prints or digital files, but will charge extra for additional copies.
Destination Weddings : Some photographers may charge extra for travel expenses, lodging and other costs associated with shooting a wedding in a distant location.
Post-processing and editing services: Some photographers may offer additional post-processing and editing services, such as color correction, image retouching, and other adjustments to the final images, which can add to the overall cost.

3. Location

Location can play a role in the cost of wedding photography in a few different ways. Here are a few examples:

Travel costs: If a photographer is based in a different city or state from the wedding location, they may charge extra for travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, and rental car fees.
Permits and fees: Some locations, like national parks or historic buildings, may require a permit for photography, and the cost of these permits can be passed on to the client.
Time of year: Some locations may be more expensive to shoot in depending on the time of year, such as beach locations during peak season or remote locations that are only accessible during certain months.
Competition: Some locations may have more photographers available than others, which could make prices more competitive.
Local laws: Some locations may have laws or regulations that affect how photographers can work, such as noise ordinances or permits required for working in public spaces.
Backdrop: Some locations have more spectacular or unique backdrops than others. Photographers may charge more if they believe the location will provide them with beautiful and unique images.

4. Timing

The day of someone’s wedding can play a role in determining the price of their wedding photography because it can affect the availability and demand for photographers. Here are a few examples:

Day of the week: Some photographers may charge more for weddings that take place on weekends, as these are typically more popular days for weddings and are in higher demand.
Season: Some photographers may charge more for weddings that take place during peak wedding season, which is typically from May to October. This is because demand for photographers is higher during these months.
Holidays: Some photographers may charge more for weddings that take place on holidays, such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve, as these dates are in high demand and may be considered “premium” dates.
Short notice: Some photographers may charge more for weddings that are booked with short notice, as they may have to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the request.

5. Style

The photographer’s style can make a difference when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer because certain styles may require more time, skill, and equipment to achieve. Here are a few examples:

Traditional style: A traditional style of photography typically involves posed, formal shots and may not require as much time or equipment as other styles.
Photojournalistic style: A photojournalistic style of photography involves capturing candid, unposed moments and may require more time and skill to achieve. Photographers who specialize in this style may charge more for their services.
Fine art style: A fine art style of photography is characterized by an artistic and creative approach to image making, often involving a lot of post-processing, editing and manipulation. Photographers who specialize in this style may charge more for their services because it requires more time and skill to produce.
Cinematic: A cinematic style of photography is characterized by a movie-like or dramatic approach, often involving complex lighting and camera movements. Photographers who specialize in this style may charge more for their services because it requires a lot of technical skill and equipment.
Drone: Drone photography adds a unique perspective and can capture beautiful aerial shots, but it requires additional equipment and expertise, which may increase the cost of wedding photography services.

6. Reputation

A photographer’s reputation can affect their price for wedding photography because a well-established and reputable photographer may be able to charge more for their services. Here are a few reasons why:

Quality of work: A photographer with a good reputation is likely to have a portfolio of high-quality images that showcase their skills and style. This can justify a higher price for their services.
Experience: A reputable photographer is likely to have years of experience in the industry, which can be reflected in their pricing.
Demand: A photographer with a good reputation may be in high demand, which allows them to charge more for their services because they can afford to be selective with the clients they choose to work with.
Trust: A photographer with a good reputation is likely to have a large number of satisfied clients who have trust in the photographer and are willing to pay more for their services.
Professionalism: A reputable photographer is likely to have a business that is well-established and professional, and this can be reflected in the level of service and care they provide to their clients.
Branding: A photographer with a good reputation may have built a strong brand, which can be reflected in their pricing.

7. Demand / Influence

The demand and influence of a photographer can affect the price they charge for weddings in a few different ways. Here are a few examples:

High demand: A photographer who is in high demand may be able to charge more for their services because they have the ability to be selective with the clients they choose to work with. This is because they have more bookings than they can handle and can afford to be selective.
Popularity: A photographer who has a large following on social media or has been featured in high-profile publications may be able to charge more for their services due to their popularity. This is because their reputation and portfolio is widely recognized and respected, and their work has a high perceived value.
Exclusive contracts: Photographers who have exclusive contracts with venues or wedding planners may be able to charge more for their services because of their exclusivity. This is because they are the only ones that can provide photography services at certain venues or for certain wedding planners.
Limited availability: Photographers who only take a certain number of bookings per year may be able to charge more for their services because of their limited availability. This is because they are in high demand and can charge more for their services because their time is limited.
Influential portfolio: Photographers who have an influential portfolio and have shot for high profile clients or celebrities may be able to charge more for their services because of their impressive portfolio. This is because their work is perceived as being of a higher quality, and their reputation is seen as elite.

8. Yearly Weddings Performed

A wedding photographer’s desired yearly wedding quota can affect how much they are willing to charge for their services in a few different ways:

Limited availability: A photographer who has a limited number of weddings they want to shoot per year may be willing to charge more for their services because they have limited availability.
Quality over Quantity: A photographer who wants to maintain a certain level of quality in their work may be willing to charge more for their services because they will be taking on a lower number of weddings per year. This allows them to give more attention to each individual client and deliver a higher quality of work.
High end market: A photographer who wants to target a high-end market may charge more for their services because they will be providing a luxury service and aiming for a specific clientele that is willing to pay more for their services.
Branding: A photographer who has a strong branding and reputation may be willing to charge more for their services because they have established a brand that is perceived as high-quality and exclusive.
Business model: Some photographers may have a business model that is based on shooting a high volume of weddings at a lower rate, while others may focus on shooting fewer weddings at a higher rate.

9. Expenses

A photographer’s expenses play a role in the price they charge for wedding photography because they need to make enough money to cover their costs and make a profit. Here are a few examples of expenses that photographers may have:

Equipment: Photographers need to purchase and maintain equipment such as cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and other accessories. These costs can be significant, and photographers may need to charge more to cover these expenses.
Studio or office rent: Some photographers may have a studio or office space where they work and meet with clients. These costs need to be covered by their income.
Insurance: Photographers may need to purchase insurance to protect themselves and their equipment in case of accidents or damage during a shoot.
Marketing and advertising: Photographers need to invest in marketing and advertising in order to attract new clients and promote their services.
Taxes: Photographers must pay taxes on their income, and they need to charge enough to cover these expenses.
Post-processing and editing: Photographers may need to invest in software, subscriptions, and other expenses related to post-processing and editing, which can add up to a significant amount.
Professional development: Photographers may need to invest in training, workshops, or other professional development opportunities to improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies.

10. Value

The amount of value provided by a wedding photographer can play a role in their pricing because photographers who offer a wide range of services and deliver high-quality images may be able to charge more for their services. Here are a few examples:

Services offered: Photographers who offer a wide range of services such as engagement shoots, bridal shoots, album design and other add-ons may be able to charge more for their services because they are providing more value to their clients.
Quality of images: Photographers who deliver high-quality images that are well-composed, well-lit, and emotionally impactful may be able to charge more for their services because the images they provide are perceived as having more value.
Experience and reputation: Photographers with a lot of experience and a good reputation for providing excellent service may be able to charge more for their services because they have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and excellent customer service.
Personalization: Photographers who offer personalized service and take the time to understand the client’s needs, preferences, and style may be able to charge more for their services because they are providing a customized service.
Time and attention: Photographers who spend more time and attention on each client, such as meeting with them multiple times before the wedding, providing detailed timelines, and ensuring they understand the client’s expectations, may be able to charge more for their services because they are providing a high level of service.

11. Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to hire a wedding photographer? The real answer is, it depends, however, using the 10 factors above will provide a good estimate for how much you can expect to spend on your wedding photography needs. For a better estimate, use the estimator tool below!

12. Why Tabor Warren Photography?

At Tabor Warren Photography we offer a unique combination of experience, skill, and creativity. Here are a few reasons why you would benefit by having our team there for your wedding day:

Experience: Tabor Warren Photography has been in the industry for many years, and they have the experience and expertise to handle any situation that may arise on your wedding day. They know how to capture the best moments and make sure that you have beautiful and lasting memories of your special day.
Skill: Tabor Warren Photography has a team of highly skilled photographers who are experts in their craft. They use the latest equipment and techniques to produce stunning, high-quality images that are sure to impress.
Creativity: Tabor Warren Photography is known for their creative approach to wedding photography. They use a unique blend of traditional and photojournalistic styles to capture the emotion and beauty of your wedding day.
Personalization: Tabor Warren Photography takes the time to understand each client’s needs, preferences, and style, they work closely with you to create a customized photography package that meets your specific needs.
Attention to detail: Tabor Warren Photography pays close attention to detail and are dedicated to capturing every special moment of your wedding day. They work to create a timeline that ensures that all the important moments are captured, and that the final images are a true reflection of your special day.
Reputation: Tabor Warren Photography has a reputation for providing excellent service and delivering beautiful, high-quality images. They have a large number of satisfied clients who have trust in the photographer and are willing to pay more for their services.

Overall, Tabor Warren Photography is the perfect choice for your wedding photography because they have the experience, skill, creativity, and dedication to make sure that your special day is captured in the most beautiful and memorable way possible.