In a world where a very nice camera is attached to that calculator all our math teachers said we wouldn’t have, it’s easy to think of photography as, well, easy. So, when you went to book your photographer, and they sent you their quote, were you a little shocked at the price?

I get it; wedding costs can pile up fast. The average wedding in the US costs between $28,000 - $34,000. That’s a lot! But photography is one of the most important aspects of a wedding. It is different from any other vendor you will hire because the service they will provide will outlast your day and hopefully a lifetime.

Many different factors are considered when a photographer sets their price. Let me explain:

1. Expense of Equipment

You may see your photographer with one camera and think that is all the equipment they use, but that is just the tiny tip of the iceberg. I bring a minimum of three cameras, and I shoot with all three throughout the day. I also have a backup camera should one or both of those fail. I keep 10+ cards stored in different places for safety and have up to five lenses. Then, after the wedding, I back up the photos on two separate external hard drives, as well as a cloud backup. Then I edit the photos using photo editing software, and finally, upload the gallery online so my clients can access them. Photography takes a lot of equipment, and to have well-working equipment that is reliable is expensive.

2. Experience

The experience of a photographer can definitely be a factor in the price. Having a well-seasoned photographer can benefit you, besides the quality of photos. A photographer can be a great supporter during the planning process, help you and your partner stay on schedule during the big day, and help to wrangle those missing family members who have wandered off to the bar before the family photo. But for real, having someone who is there only for the couple and has been to enough weddings can be such a benefit.

3. Risk

There are not many situations where the tiniest mistake can leave you without one of the most important memories of your day. Many photographers shy away from weddings because the fear of failure is too great. Because of our price, you know we take that seriously and are reliable to deliver your photos from that day to you safely and securely.

4. The Value You Receive

Photographers are different from any other vendor you will hire for your wedding because the service they provide will last long after that day. There is no single product from your wedding that will last you for generations to come. If the physical version of that product becomes damaged, you can replace it at the same tangible and sentimental quality. Photography is the product that will elongate the value of every other thing you spend money on during your wedding and provide you with invaluable memories with your friends and family.

Your wedding day will come and go, but the memories and photos from that day can last a lifetime. Choosing the person who will help you capture those memories is a huge task, but don’t be pressured into letting Great Uncle Albert take your photos with his new iPhone.

Pro tip: Even though a great photographer is always worth it, you should take your time choosing this person. Ask to meet with them either virtually, over the phone, or in-person and ask questions! Questions such as what packages they offer, how they back up their photos, what equipment they use, and what they love about shooting weddings can help you to know if this person is someone you will want to work with. You will spend a good portion of your wedding day with your photographer, so knowing if they are someone you will vibe with is so important. It can also be helpful to chat with someone who they have worked with before. Connecting with potential photographers on their social media can help you see some of their work, their personality, and connect with other clients.

And lastly, always, always, always sign a contract.