Why is wedding photography so expensive?

Answer 1

Wedding photography is not really "expensive" at all. Consider that you pay more for those throw away frills than you do for something that you will hopefully keep for a lifetime: a memory!

Wedding photographers, true bona fide photographers and not those that pick up a camera and learn the rudimentary mechanics and call themselves "professional" and "photographer" in the same breath... but a REAL wedding photographer is lending you more than his/her camera gear but the know-how to get maximum detail, and that comes from years of experience, training and being up-to-date with today's technology and modern methods and techniques, and having the equipment (which ain't cheap) to perform the required work.

What is the difference? Suppose a member of the wedding party has a rather long nose that she's conscious of, the true-blue photographer will pose everyone in such a way as to minimize physical faults (double chin, lazy eye, take emphasis away from the rather tall girl and the very short and fat man...) by using posing and lighting techniques and will know how to control the guests that the bride and groom want photographed, will avoid excessive glare from someone's eye-glasses, etc.

Not only that, you will also get someone who is professional enough to CARE about his/her craft and you will be sure to get the BEST possible images. Consider this, once the moment is gone, it is GONE forever... who would you entrust to that memory as important as your wedding, an amateur or someone who makes a living doing this?

There is a reason why a professional is called a professional. Yes, some amateurs are talented and can capture an occasional good photo... but the professional has the experience to know when to press the shutter button, as opposed to just machine-gunning the shutter button in hopes of catching a few good photos... and then, there's the importance of cropping and setting the image in the frame of the camera... do you REALLY think that person who has spent so many years honing his skills and talents shouldn't be paid what he feels he/she is worth? If you don't think so, just buy a point and shoot camera and give it to one of your friends and tell that friend to do your wedding...

You don't skimp on the caterer or the florist or the decorations but you want to skimp on something that will last a lot longer... the memory of your most important day of your life? You don't haggle with the caterer, the florist or the reception site management or the limo driver... but you would question a person who is going to provide you with images that will be in the family for decades to come...? Think about that one...

Answer 2

Depending how you look at it wedding photography should only consist of 12% of your budget typically that's a large budget if you weren't asking Brian Groom. However you have to keep in mind that these memories need to be captured and need to be remembered . As the years go by your memories can sometimes be forgotten. Sometimes you may remember something but not in it's entirely. For instance you're up lighting or your DJ or the food you were having the night . The centerpieces, your guests etc.. Sometimes it is better to remember these things by having some type of documentation. Also it is a great thing to showcase your photos on your wedding day especially when you were looking amazing that day. Considering that you keep these memories forever digitally or with an album. Definitely consider quality over quantity when choosing a photographer. These endless memories will always be next to you and unforgettable.

Answer 3

Wedding Photography is an art. Your paying for someones ability to creatively capture your story through imagery. The vast majority of wedding photographers have very similar equipment, but how they see the world or shoot a wedding is very different. It's this ability and skill that you are paying for. The more skilled and sought after a photographer is then the more you will probably pay.

It's all about finding a style that you you simply love and a wedding photographer you feel at ease with. Once you've cracked this then you can look forward to some amazing images that will last you a lifetime.

Answer 4

It gets that reputation because most people aren't accustomed to thinking of photography as a valuable service. Wedding photography is actually somewhat cheaper (generally) than industrial or product photography. People get their impression of the price of photography from school portraits and getting their photo done at the mall, which is really a much different thing. Wedding photography is simply the only "real" photography that most people will ever be in the position of having to pay for -- that's why people think that it's expensive.

Answer 5

Wedding photography is "expensive" because there's value to it. If you want someone to capture your moments with a good eye, training, the right equipment, the right insurance in case anything goes wrong, the correct assistants, lighting, etc. it's not going to be cheap. In wedding photography as with anything else, you pay for professionalism. You can always cheap out but considering these are your memories you're talking about, do you really want to go with someone who is not the best at what they do? I know personally, I've shot weddings where the venue is less than ideal, however, with the correct perspective, lens, lighting, and cropping, the place can be made to look fantastic. I know this because I've had several clients tell me I've made the wedding venue look bigger, nicer, or "nothing like what it really looked like...". So to answer your question, wedding photography isn't expensive as long as what you're getting is worth it.

Answer 6

Now a days wedding photography is not so expensive. Wedding has always been a beautiful moment of life. So, capturing those beautiful moments is not an easy task. A professional wedding photographer makes your wedding day even more special by delivering beautiful photos that you will cherish forever.

Answer 7

It is not necessarily so. Look for some of the very top wedding photographers with affordable wedding photography costs. Got to surf along the net and did know that Markus Staley Photography Toronto's Top wedding photographer is offering 10% rebate off any remaining 2014 wedding dates.

Answer 8

Hi my name is Greg Khitrov i am one of NY wedding photographer and I am the owner and operator of Treasure the Moments Photography, http://www.treasurethemoments.net
I have been a wedding photographer for almost 2 decades and this is not the first time people ask this question. There are many reasons why wedding photography is expensive, for one we have overhead that we need to pay for such as studio, insurance, equipment etc. Second you are paying for the experience. Wedding photography is a fantasy, our job as wedding photographers is to amplify your fantasy and make you look your absolutely best, mind you without stress, sweat or concern to you. Unlike many professions including doctors, if they make a mistake they can redo it. As a wedding photographer, we don't have that luxury. If you have any more questions, I am always happy to answer any time.

Answer 9

You are paying for the expertise of the photographer. There is a lot of pressure in taking pictures for an event such as a wedding. Lighting, the physical environment, group dynamics, equipment failure are all elements that must be contended with. Not everyone can frame a picture for the best possible image. Remember that the wedding photos are a once in a lifetime expense, and many people want to recapture the grandeur of the event and the day. I consider myself an experienced photographer with professional grade equipment, but I did not take the wedding phots for my Daughters' wedding.

Answer 10

It depends in which area you live. If you are looking for wedding photography service in Essex, then with Faith Stone Photography, you will get a great deal.