Did you hire a photographer for your wedding?

Question

How much did you pay for your wedding photography? What was and was not included? Were you happy with the results? Was it worth the money you spent?

I am not asking this question because I am a bride or bride to be. I love photography and I do shoots on the side. I worked at a professional studio for four years and photographed many weddings with them. I photographed my first wedding this past weekend. I was just curious to see how everyone felt about wedding photography. I shoot all digital, stay the entire wedding, and the couple receives all photos edited to perfection. They are responsible for all printing they are only paying me for my time, expertise, travel, and supplies. Thanks for answering!

Answer 1

I worked as a professional photographer. I don't really think that you need to hire someone professional, their just going to charge you alot. you just need a camera with good megapixils and plenty of film. ask one of your family members to take them and ask to see picture that they have taken before to see if they take good ones.

Answer 2

You have a lot of options, as a photographer my natural instinct is to suggest you hire a photographer but I do understand that they can be pricey and that some are difficult etc. So my suggestion is to arrange for several family members to capture your day (emphasis on the several). And then obtain permission from all of these people to use your photographs and ask a proffesional to edit them and put them into and album of your choice in a style you want. Editing isn't necessary but it really probably will be if you dont opt for a proffesional to do the photos. This person can add a real punch to the images and make them stand out more if you get permission from the original photographers. Im not advertising but to give you an idea this wouldnt cost more than £100 if I was to do it which is including the album and is a big saving on a photographer for the whole day. Other options are to ask a student photographer or newly qualified. Be wary of 'free wedding photo' deals because they just charge a rediculous amount for the albums which are usually part of the deal and its often not justified. Do consider a photographer though please because they capture the memories that you have worked hard to plan and that you want to look back on fondly. Remember to supply lists of what you want. Its up to you but I hope I have helped with things to consider :)

Answer 3

We had to rush our wedding because my mom was dying, so rather than a year to plan, we had six weeks.

My friend's nephew was a professional wedding photographer so he gave us a big discount (photos, all proofs and a big book for $800.)

The only thing was that at the last minute we found out his wife (who turned out to really be his live in girlfriend) was going to be the photographer which explained the discount.
It was a nightmare because we told her exactly what we wanted which was lots of black and white shots and not too much traditional--like sitting at the mirror, brushing the hair..blah blah. She completely ignored our wishes.

As I was getting dressed she tried to come in the bedroom and I asked her to stay outside until I had some clothing on and she almost broke the door down trying to force her way in. She was pushy and arrogant the entire day.

When they arrived at the reception, she demanded to know why they didn't have a place card. I told her she was sitting at one of the two tables for the band, DJ and other hired personnel and she had a tantrum.

She refused to give me a moment's peace at the reception and everytime I wanted a bite to eat, or something to drink she'd interrupt until relatives physically blocked her from me.

After the wedding they took their time getting the book ready because they broke up and weren't speaking to each other.
She called up out of the blue and demanded the balance immediately or she was throwing the book in a dumpster.

He delivered the book to my job the next day, apologizing profusely.

The book was beautiful but the experience was horrific.

It was NOT worth the discount or the money we spent.

Answer 4

Most photographers do pics digital these days it is a big plus!!!! I spent @ $900 but my husband has a rather large family. Shop around before you choose. The package I went with was $1400 at another photographer only about 2 miles away from the other one. Mine also came with the videographer which is also a must have. Make a list of your wants for example you and your siblings you and aunt fran plus the traditional poses this will determine how many sheets you need. A sheet is usualli 1 8x10 2 5x7 etc. I got a 30 sheet package and ordered a few additional 10x13 for 29.99 matted with our wedding date on them very nice. Good luck and congrats!!!!!

Answer 5

No we did not, but my sister did and they were great! She went thru the high school and college had a photography teacher do her photos for her. She only paid for the film, and developing paper, plus I think it was like 40 for his fee to get there, develope them and she ended up with so many pictures she had 2 albums! I want to say she spent like 200 total and got all her prints, a ton of enlargements and was absolutely thrilled. Sometimes you can get a teacher or student to photo you for 1/2 to less than half and they are still beautiful. Just food for thought!

Answer 6

We did not hire a photographer. And our photos (taken by friends and family) are not very good. Keep in mind that this was before digital photography.
There are a lot of ways to cut costs in a wedding. But I'd hire a photographer (or at least a hobbyist you can trust).

Answer 7

got one for my wedding in september. i spent a little over $2k which included a 2 hour engagement session, 14 hours on the wedding day, a 40 page magazine style wedding album, and 2 dvds of the pictures.

he's only that cheap because photography is his side job

Answer 8

We spent over a grand for the pics, was i happy with them, for the most part, he forgot to take some very important pics that i asked him to take. Was it worth the money i spent? HECK NO!!! We may have got all of the proofs but for what we paid compared to what my brother is paying for his, we got ripped off. Ours was only there for the wedding and we spent more then what they are and theirs is staying for the reception and the dance.

Answer 9

i put up a myspace bulletin asking if any of my friends had a manual camera (because i prefer manuals and i prefer b&w). well a friend replied and also offered to take the pictures. they turned out amazing. payment? a lowes gift card cuz he just bought a new house.

Answer 10

I would have, but I was left to raise a retarded brat on my own. No wedding. No relief. No life. So, no. No pictures, either.