how much should you spend on
your wedding photographer
in the pacific northwest
WHAT YOU MIGHT PAY FOR A...
beginner
MID LEVEL
PROfessional
$0 - $3000
$3,000 - $5,000
$5,000 - $10,000
This is risky business! They might be able to capture your day, but will struggle with lighting, posing, professionalism, editing consistency, and photo quality! They may miss important moments they didn't see coming (like a spontaneous kiss, a little side glance, or even exchanging rings!)
This is a good spot to be if you're on a tight budget! They will have some wedding comfortability, and you might feel comfortable with their style because you have seen a bit of their work! They might still struggle with different lighting situations; and not have the best gear, but they will get the job done!
A pro will make you feel happy, confident, and assured throughout the booking process and your wedding day! They can navigate all situtations, lighting, posing, etc with ease and beauty. Each image in your gallery will truly be art! This is a good route if you care deeply about remembering your day in the best way possible!
This is your sign to kick up your feet and pour yourself a glass of wine! I know more than most the weight that is on you and your partners shoulders while searching for your dream wedding photographer. The day after your wedding, you'll be surprised at how quick it flew by! Your stunning dress will go into storage, your hair and makeup will be back to normal, your flowers will start to wilt. The food, drinks, and cake will have been enjoyed by your friends and family, and they will be on their way home! Your venue will be all cleaned up, and the decor will be all put away. The only thing that will truly stand the test of time, that has for generations, is photography. Choosing someone who will not only capture your important moments beautifully and effortlessly, but will help you remember the way things felt, is so important. Someone who will photograph the moments between loved ones you miss throughout the day, who will capture the big and small details of your day, who will catch the little flirty looks you and your partner share. Its a big choice!
Whether you choose me to photograph your wedding or not, truly, my goal is for you to find a photographer that shares your vision, who will capture your day beautifully, and who will be a supportive, calming, and uplifting presence throughout your wedding. Regardless of what budget you are working with, it is possible for you to find a photographer that is a good fit. That being said, photography is an art as well as a career, and things like experience, education, and style all tie into how much a photography chooses to charge. Now let's dive into how much your wedding photographer in the PNW should cost!
xoxo,
Want some free personalized advice on finding the right photographer for you?
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Hey Bride!
Shanoah
why the big pricetag?
There are a lot of things that go into wedding photography pricing, and unfortunately a lot of those things aren't tangible!
Keep in mind, you are paying a photographer to capture once in a lifetime memories that you will want to re-live for the rest of your life.
A few of the important things that are factored into the price of a professional photographer that you may not get with an amateur is experience. Experience is what allows professional photographers to intuitively know the angle, lighting, and wedding day scenarios that will help them capture your day seamlessly and beautifully. You are also paying for professional communication, which includes consultations, month-to-month updates to remind you of payments, give you tips and tricks, wedding guidance, and a relationship with your photographer that will make the day comfortable and fun! You are also paying for peace of mind. It is truly priceless to know that you wont have to stress about capturing a moment, remembering who was at your wedding, or the way your photos will look. You can enjoy your day while a professional handles the rest! There are also costs included in the professional gear they have (if you've ever bought camera gear you know its not a cheap purchase!), how much time they spend physically taking photos, how much time they spend culling and editing, the amount of photos you receive in your final gallery, editing software, business insurance, taxes, transportation, etc!
how much time goes into a wedding, really?
5 hours
Consulting before booking - coffee date consultations, communications, package customizations.
1 hour
Customizing and signing your SBP documents
1 hour
Timeline Consultations
1 hour
Preparing your custom engagement session
2 hours
Photographing your engagement session
6 hours
Culling and editing your engagement session
1 hour
Preparing your welcome package
1 hour
Nailing down the final details and schedule in your week-before consultation
2 hours
Preparing for wedding - adding shot lists and schedules to apple watch, cleaning and preparing gear,
looking over your inspiration images and family cheat sheet.
10 hours
Photographing your wedding!
40 hours
Culling and editing your wedding gallery!
1 hour
Curating your custom online gallery
5 hours
Designing your Heirloom Album
2 hour
Preparing and sending your final photo package!
For a typical 10 hour wedding day I spend
thats 78 hours total -
almost two whole work weeks!
At the end of the day, the best photographer for you is one that you
Feel a connection with
Will have no regrets about
Trust to capture every detail, emotion, and moment of your day in the way that you want
