Post # 1
Member
1466 posts
Bumble bee
Hey Bees-
i need your help to figure out if this is a fair price for a photographer or if I should keep looking.
For $4650 I would get:
- Up to 8 hours of wedding day coverage by two photographers
- Color correction & artistic editing
- Online proofing & ordering gallery
- DVD of high-resolution, digital artwork of wedding day with print release
- Bridal session with DVD and print realease
- Engagement session (at a winery an hour away) with print release
- 20 page engagemesees guest book
photography is number two on my list of most important decisions outside of my venue. I want an amazing photographer which this one is. I just want to feel like the amount of money I’m spending jus validated by what I’m getting.
Post # 3
Member
3141 posts
Sugar bee
Sounds pretty good but we. Had a small budget and not that many items
Post # 4
Member
7901 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
- Wedding: March 2012 - Pelican Grand Beach Resort
For really good photography, it’s an okay price in urban centers, but I would generally expect a package over about $3500 to include a flush mount art book album and maybe even prints in addition to the DVD. You may be able to get a better price, but if you love the work of this photographer and can afford this price, it’s not unreasonable.
ETA I guess the price is so high too because of the bridal session… I’d probably cut that if possible.
Post # 5
Member
10 posts
Newbee
My photographer was $1100 and we loved working with them and our photos! It was a husband wife duo who does this part time. (which is why I was able to get such a good deal). They were so personal with us and worked with us based on our wants and needs.
Post # 6
Member
668 posts
Busy bee
I’d personally keep looking. It’s not a bad price, but it seems a little high to me.
Check out Once Like a Spark photography, that’s who we are using. They are a nationwide network (US only) so if they have someone in your area I’d highly recommend them. All their photographers have similar styles. And they have editors, art directors, pretty pretty pretty. Different packages based on what you need.
Post # 7
Member
314 posts
Helper bee
I wouldn’t pay that much without it having an album.
Post # 8
Member
8446 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@Meant2Bee: I think it depends on where your photographer is based out of. I’d think for an area such as SF, NYC, etc it would be a fairly average price. In other less expensive areas, it seems a bit pricey.
Post # 9
Member
1227 posts
Bumble bee
It really depends on where you are but our package is very similar and is $4500 (with slightly different terms) so I think it’s reasonable for a good photographer with 2nd shooter.
Post # 10
Member
1830 posts
Buzzing bee
@Meant2Bee: I would not pay that much without an album!
Post # 11
Member
1466 posts
Bumble bee
The package initially included an album but I traded that out for the print release to the bridal and engagement shoot…should I switch? I really have no idea if that’s something I’d really want long term
Post # 12
Member
323 posts
Helper bee
I agree that photography s one of the most important choices you will make, but you have to consider your budget too. If it’s in your budget, great, but I would keep looking to get some comparisons in your area. I’m in upstate NY and got a great package with a highly recommended photographer for $1400, so over $4000 sounds high to me!
Post # 13
Member
1381 posts
Bumble bee
Like another PP had noted, it really depends where you’re from. Our photographers (a duo) hail from NYC and charge $4800 for just “time and talent”… meaning no albums, engagement shoots, high res DVDs are an extra ($1500).. albums are additional. This is kinda crazy but it is unfortunately the norm here I think. If you’re from an inflated area as well, I’d say it’s a rather good deal
Post # 14
Member
394 posts
Helper bee
@Meant2Bee:
If you love the photographers work that is a great price for what you are getting. Where is your wedding taking place?
Post # 15
Member
1314 posts
Bumble bee
You listed off a bunch of stuff. Stuff doesn’t make a good price. What makes a good price is a photographer whose personality you get along and whose work you love. That price could be totally off the wall, or the biggest bargain in the universe depending on the individual. It’s understandable to want tangible goods after your wedding is done, but without seeing this person’s work I don’t see how you can get any decent advice from any of us.
Post # 16
Member
8695 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@mrsSonthebeach: I agree. Maybe the bridal session could be swapped for albums? My photographer is right below $4,000 but I have albums.
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