In talking to brides who are considering me for their
wedding photography I am sometimes asked “Why is your photography more than the
other photographer I spoke with?” Although I am not the most expensive
photographer I am not the cheapest. Here is an explanation as to why a good
photographer has to charge a little more.
Typically a bride first calls me and asks “How much do you
charge for a wedding?” I spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour on the phone
finding out what day and how she has it planned. Places, times, size of bridal
party and so on. I explain in detail what I can do with what she has planned
and go over prices with her.
I spend just as much time if I am already booked that day
and cannot do the photography. I will also give her some suggestions in looking
for a photographer. Either way there is never any obligation.
If I am available and she wants to meet with me I spend anywhere from one hour to two going over in great detail the day of the wedding. Again, there is no obligation or cost.
If I am available and she wants to meet with me I spend anywhere from one hour to two going over in great detail the day of the wedding. Again, there is no obligation or cost.
If she hires me we set up a time to do an engagement photo
session. She chooses the location and day. I suggest the best time and go over
clothing and make-up. Between driving to the location, the photography and
driving back I easily spend three to four hours.
When I get back I download the photos to the computer and
edit them. I correct for color and density (brightness). They are not major
corrections, as I was taught to get it right when taking the photo, just little
tweaks here and there. I then convert them to JPGs so they can be viewed on any
computer. I then burn them onto a disc for back-up and erase the memory cards
after making sure everything was downloaded. This process takes about 2 hours
sometimes more. I then call the couple to come in and choose their favorite
which is enlarged, matted and brought to the wedding for guests to sign.
I do not charge extra to do this nor do I charge less not
to. It is free because I like working with the couple so we are not strangers
on the day of the wedding.
A month or two before the wedding I call the couple to
coordinate the wedding day. Times, places, who I need when and where, list of
family group photos, what time we need the flowers, and any special requests. I
then type it up and email the schedule to the couple to make sure we have not
left anything or anybody out. It’s important that we get beautiful photos in
the least amount of time so the bride and groom can get on with enjoying their
party. This all takes about an hour but it will ensure a smooth and fun wedding
day.
On the day of the wedding I usually start two hours before
the ceremony wherever the girls are getting dressed. I take the photos we discussed
and more as well as keep everyone on schedule for the ceremony. Most weddings
are about eight hours. Some are a little less and some a little more plus
travel time.
When I get back to the office the editing process starts all
over again. Download the photos, and color and density correct each photo. Then
convert them to JPGs and burn them twice onto two DVDs for back-up. Create a
slide show onto another DVD of all photos so they enjoy on their large screen
TV. Erase all the memory cards after they each have been double checked that
all images downloaded.
For every hour I spend at the wedding I will spend two on
the editing process. If a wedding is eight hours I will spend sixteen editing.
There is no short cut to this if I want the images to be outstanding.
I call the newly married couple and they come in and we
typically look at the photos together. Sometimes they live far away so I mail
them the DVDs or meet them half way. If the couple does not want a wedding
album it stops here with about 30 hours invested.
Then there is the shiny equipment everyone tells me they
wish they had. I bring three light stands, two tripods, five flashes, three
cameras, six lenses, battery packs, cords, camera cases, filters, light meter,
reflectors. I buy the most current and the best (most expensive). Do I use all
of it? No, but I have all the equipment necessary to handle any lighting situation
or challenge with ease. Not to mention computers, specialized software, liability
insurance and fixed overhead of doing business.
Last but most important there is the cost of education.
Anyone claiming they are self taught is unknowingly living in a small bubble of
limited knowledge and expertise. Through the years I have invested a little over
sixty-five thousand dollars in seminars, week long workshops, classes, trade
shows, conventions, professional organizations, books, video tapes, and now
DVDs.
Staying on top with the most current trends and equipment is
expensive but is essential in being able to deliver photos with the “wow”
factor.
As a comparison, for commercial jobs only the first hour
consultation is free. After, I charge $250 for the first hour and $175 for each
extra hour. If I would charge this the average bride could not afford my
photography. Like most photographers I discount the wedding photography.
So to all my photographer friends, the next time someone
asks you why you cost more. Ask then “Why do you think the other photographer
costs less?”
