Today, we bring to you information from one of our Preferred Wedding Partners, Derek Coffman of Derek Coffman Photography. If you are looking to hire a photographer for your wedding, this is a MUST READ as be presents valued information why photography for your wedding is so important.
Why should you consider investing more in your photography?
When you think about it, your wedding day is a once in a lifetime occasion. A day that you will cherish for years to come. A day filled with your closest friends and family members. A day in which moments matter. So yeah, you should invest in making sure your moments, your memories, your legacy will live on long after you are gone. Why on earth would someone want to risk one of the most important days of their lives just to save money? Hopefully, after reading this article, no one will risk that again. Having been in this business for a while now, I have seen some crazy things. I have seen couples spend north of twice as much on alcohol for the reception then on their photographer. To me, this is absolutely bonkers. Enough is enough! How long is that liquor gonna last?
You know what will last thought? You got it, photos….
Now I don’t want to sit here and rant about couples not wanting to spend the money on a photographer. I simply want to express why, if you are getting married, you should take a long hard look at how you are allocating your money for your wedding day.
The average cost for a wedding photographer is (at the time of writing this article) $2600. With only 88% of couples that actually hired a “wedding photographer”. This means that 12% of couples either didn’t have photos on their wedding day, or crowd sourced their photos from their guests. I suppose this is a possibility that a family member, or friend chose to photograph their event at no charge.
The crazy part is, most everyone wants photos to look back on, and to not have an actual professional do that job is just absurd.
What’s wrong with hiring a cheap photographer?
Lack of Experience
More often than not, a cheaper priced photographer will not have the experience to actually provide a good service on a wedding day. What camera settings you use to tell a cohesive story is a large part of my photography. I learned this over years of doing this. This doesn’t mean a cheap photographer doesn’t know how to use a camera by any means. It does however mean that their ability to tell a story with their images isn’t going to be anywhere close to a seasoned veteran in the wedding industry.
Equipment
Without diving so far down the rabbit hole of equipment and all that tech stuff, I’ll be brief. There is a large gap between the equipment you can buy at Walmart (I have personally seen this) or Best Buy, versus what you can obtain from a camera store. Now, this doesn’t mean that a professional with consumer equipment can’t get the right photo at all. It simply means that the equipment a cheaper photographer more often than not uses, does not safeguard your memories in the event of a catastrophic failure.
So, they think they can ….
Wedding days here in the Midwest usually consist of about 8 hours, sometimes more, sometimes less. Not only are you physically working, but your brain is working in overdrive. Thinking about the way light will have an impact on a photo. Thinking about how to cram 20 different groupings of family formals into a 10-minute window. Knowing how to handle any type of wrench that is thrown in the plan. Critical thinking and problem solving is one of the most important traits in choosing the right wedding photographer, and typically the more budget photographers don’t have the experience nor the problem-solving capacity to make sure that they get the shot.
Trust
This should go without saying, but trusting your wedding photographer is probably the most important thing when hiring your photographer. Trust goes a very long way. The same way I don’t trust gas station sushi, should be the same way you shouldn’t trust a cheap photographer.
Social Proof
What is everyone saying about them? Is it good? Probably not. Is it cheap? Yes.
Offerings
As an award winning, professional photographer myself, I want to make sure that my clients not only get authentic and creative images from their wedding day. I want to make sure they receive only the best products money can buy to display their artwork, from prints to albums, I offer only the BEST. Sure, cheap photographers can offer albums, but I’ve seen them, they are bad. You could get better quality from on-line retailers like Shutterfly.
LET’S TALK MONEY
There are reasons cheap photographers are cheap. They are usually pretty new, or just starting out. Maybe they are people who are looking to gain experience and build up a portfolio. Or, perhaps they just do it on the side. While EVERYONE starts out somewhere, keep in mind that there are risks that may go along with it. Maybe they lack confidence in posing, making everyone look awkward. Maybe they don’t understand lighting, thus giving them less control over a scene. Keep in mind you most definitely get what you pay for!
Photographers that fit this description are priced between $0-$1000.
Beginner photographers may have shot a handful of weddings. But likely are still building a portfolio and a following, and are trying to get their name out there. Although they are beginners, they may have some work to show, but their work will be vastly different from the images you see gracing the covers of magazines or featured on wedding blogs.
Beginner photographers usually range between $1000-$2000.
Now were getting into some experience. Although they have shot a few more weddings, they are more than likely still trying to figure out their unique tyle and approach to documenting a wedding day. They may be doing this as a side hustle. Or they may be working to go more full time. Either way, the photographers in this category are investing in better gear, back up equipment and starting to take this job a little more seriously.
These photographers range in price between $2000-$3000.
Full time professionals are actually in higher demand based on their style and work. They have a good following and usually have couples reaching out to them as inquiries. Photographers at this level have made this a career and understand how to provide not only quality work but also care deeply about their client’s experience. Their clients know what to expect when booking at this price range.
Professional Photographers range between $5000-$8000.
Finally, we have reached our luxury photographers. Here at this level, your photographer is an absolute expert. They have been around the block countless times when it comes to shooting weddings, serving their clients and providing an exceptional experience. They are consistent in their work, get along great with other vendors, and provide numerous resources to their couples. They are educator in the industry. They add value beyond just photographing a wedding. They make people feel good. They are desired.
Expect to spend north of $8000+ with a photographer of this caliber.
TO CONCLUDE
The importance of investing in wedding photography is simple. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. You want to capture every single moment and have it immortalized so you can look back and remember your day for years to come. That’s why investing in a high quality (usually higher priced also) is so important. Your photographer is responsible for preserving those amazing memories forever.
A professional wedding photographer will have all the right skills, experience and equipment to make sure your most beautiful moments won’t be missed. They will know how to use light and composition to make each photo stunningly unique. A professional wedding photographer is also a master of efficiency, without compromising on quality.
By invest in a wedding photographer not based on budget, you will ensure the emotion and atmosphere of your wedding day will be captured.
Guest Blog Posted created by derek coffman
Derek Coffman Photography
www.DerekCoffmanPhotography.com
info@derekcoffmanphotography.com