Photography Pricing

As someone who knows that business travel is NOT glamourous and fun at all, you're welcome!

You may not like my comments above though. (Argument for hiring a local rather than bringing one with you)

You made some good points, but I have to respectfully disagree with you on this point. As someone who has shot a number of destination weddings, I always arrive at least a few days early, which allows plenty of time to observe the light as well as the best locations for portraits, etc. So, I really don't think that this would be a reason to not consider hiring somebody from outside of the area.

Best,
Tod

and hence, my point about it not being worth bringing someone who wasn't a good photographer and *also* professional. Obviously, you bring professionalism to the table and are willing to expend your time on the ground to make sure the "good" shots are taken.

But if you can someone good and also professional who already knows the locations and doesn't cost you anything in terms of travel expenses, why not consider going local first?

Hiring a local is certainly an option, and some brides go that route. Nothing wrong with that at all.

However, other brides would prefer to bring somebody in that they already know, or who is from their city or their country, etc. In fact, I have a meeting later this afternoon with a bride who has hired me to photograph her destination wedding down in Mexico in a couple of months. We will be going over all of the details of the day, the itinerary, etc. Maybe I should ask her why she felt more comfortable hiring me rather than in hiring a local?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it!

Best,
Tod

I don't mind.... I know how to travel, know how to photograph a wedding, and love to do both. There are plenty of weddings to go around for the locals and non-locals. Im in San Diego, so its a really quick trip to most destinations for me.

Another thing you need to realize on these quotes is that for a busy photographer, a DW is taking up an entire weekend or more. Those travel days are days the photographer isn't shooting, editing, or meeting with clients. As a general rule, destination weddings are significantly less lucrative than local weddings when you factor in the hours.

 

This is not to say that traveling to exotic locations isn't fun and exciting! However, shooting a DW is real work and the trip is FAR from a vacation.

 

Back to the original poster's question:

The average couple in the US spends about $2k on photography for a LOCAL wedding. Prices range from free at the low end to upwards of $15k at the high end. I suppose you could spend more if you wanted Annie L. to come shoot for you

 

For most full-time professionals, an 8 hour domestic wedding represents somewhere in the ballpark of a 40 hour time commitment (or more in some cases) to the couple when factoring meetings, editing, and perhaps an engagement or bridal portrait session. Now add to that the photographer giving up at least two additional travel days where he/she cannot be very productive (and certainly can't book any other paying gigs), and of course travel expenses.

 

When you are factoring in what photography should cost, be aware that a full-time pro is typically facing anywhere from $500-$2000 per day as the cost of a day of shooting, when factoring in insurance, rent, depreciation on equipment, advertising, etc... You can get more information on this here:

NPPA: Cost of Doing Business Calculator

 

Thus, when you see someone regularly offering prices significantly below that, it is entirely possible that they are probably cutting a corner or two somewhere. This may just mean they are trying to break into a given market, but you should factor that into your decisions.

I have to agree with some of the posts above. Shooting a destination wedding is work, and much more stressful then a local wedding. I arrive at least one day early, actually just had to change my flight for 2 days early for my Jamaica wedding next month as Jamaica airlines changed there flight schedule. Most photographers are giving up the potential to shoot multiple weddings at home in exchange for 1 wedding away which can be up to 5 days of travel. Another concern is equipment, since theft is a big problem we must have our bags with us pretty much the entire time as I can't imagine losing a clients images, equipment can be replaced, images cannot. Also we must obtain the proper customs and work permits, which can be very tough in some areas, although I i know a lot of photographers do not and just take the chance, although not the best idea as it is illegal to work in a foreign country without permits, imagine your photographer being turned away and not allowed to shoot your wedding just a day prior.

 

Destination weddings are work, although I love doing them, they are and can be stressful. Being in a foreign country is not like shooting in your back yard where you know where to go and if you need something it is there. Also a lot of clients cannot afford to have the photographer bring an assistant which makes for even more work and stress as destination weddings, especially beach weddings are tough to shoot with the harsh sun. Shooting weddings is the most amazing thing I could imagine ever doing, but it requires patience, skill and knowing how to handle all situations.

 

I don't think any photographer should kid themselves into thinking Dw are a vacation they are not. You are being paid to capture the most important day in your clients lives and doing so in a foreign place. I like to also stay an extra day to have a day after shoot as it makes for amazing pictures that sometimes I am not given time or the best time of day to create.

 

Now back to the question which was pricing. Pricing will vary and range anywhere from $2500-$10,000 or more, and you usually get way you pay for especially with photography. I am not sure how photographers make any money shooting wedding for less than $4000.00 with all the travel and associated costs that are involved. My travel fees alone for my next wedding are over $1500. I also recommend trying to have your photographer stay on the same resort you are staying at, so he is around and can get a feel for the resort early. I require staying where my clients are at as I shoo the rehearsal dinners and also day after shoots for my clients. Too much traveling to be off the resort.

 

Don't let price be the deciding factor and also know what you are getting, are you getting high resolution files, are they color corrected and edited, and most importantly do you like there work. I know is sounds like a sales line, but really other than memories, the only thing you will have after your wedding is the photos or video if you go that route. There are tons of amazing photographers all with different styles and pricing, look around and ask questions.

 

Scott

Going back to an earlier part of the discussion-- I think it is a great idea to negotiate. If there is a shooter whose work you love, but you can't afford their packages, they may be willing to work with you on an a la carte deal. In my case, I am using a friend/coworker who is an extremely talented professional, but is just building up her wedding portfolio. Because my FI is a talented artist in his own right, we don't need her to make albums for us. So that brought the price down a little. We also used frequent flyer miles for her flight and FI's parents are kicking in for her hotel room.

 

I realize that I am very lucky to know someone like this. But I have been working in journalism and PR for almost 10 years and I've worked with a lot of photographers over the years, so I can get a pretty good feel for how people work and what their results are like. Another plus is that she used to work out of Miami, so she's shot in the Keys tons of times.

Double post

I happen to know that some of our BDW photographers are awesome and willing to work with the budget you have. Especially two lovely ladies from up north.