Why is wedding photography so expensive?
A professional, experienced wedding photographer costs A LOT of money! I know. But there is a reason, or a couple actually, so hear me out.
The hidden costs of professional photography
Good, professional photographers cost more because of several hidden factors you might not see:
Editing: The magic of photography happens not just during the shoot but also in post-production. Editing is a meticulous process that can take hours, to perfect each image. From colour correction to retouching, each photo is individually crafted to ensure it meets the high standards you expect and is consistent with our signature style.
Equipment: High-quality photography equipment is expensive. Cameras, lenses, lighting, and other gear are essential to capturing those perfect shots. Professional photographers often invest tens of thousands of pounds into their equipment to ensure they can deliver stunning images in any situation.
Skill and experience: A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and there are no do-overs. The pressure is on to get everything right the first time. Experienced photographers have honed their skills over years of practice, learning how to handle various lighting conditions, weather conditions, and unscripted moments to ensure they don't miss a single important shot.
Insurance: Professional photographers carry insurance to protect their equipment and cover any unforeseen incidents that might occur during a shoot. In fact venues require us to have certain insurances before allowing us to work there, so this additional cost is necessary.
More than just a day’s work
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. We work with you for months leading up to your wedding, available to give tips, ideas, and answer any questions. We become invested in your big day, and the following months after. It’s not a shoot-and-dash situation. Here’s how we stay engaged throughout your wedding journey:
Pre-wedding consultations: We spend time getting to know you and your partner, understanding your vision for the day, and planning the shots that matter most to you. It’s a bespoke service tailored to your needs.
Timeline coordination: If needed, we can help you plan your wedding day timeline to ensure there’s enough time to capture all the important moments without feeling rushed.
Post-wedding editing: After the wedding, we spend weeks editing your photos to make sure each one is perfect. This involves sorting through thousands of images, selecting the best ones, and making them look their absolute best. Your memories deserve to be seen and enjoyed, so part of our job is to help you display them with prints and albums.
Handling the pressure
Wedding photography is not for the faint of heart. It's a skill that many photographers attempt but find overwhelming due to the high-pressure, fast-paced environment. I have spoken to many amazing photographers who have tried their hand at wedding photography, and have said ‘never again!’. Here’s why it’s a unique challenge:
High pressure: There’s only one chance to capture each moment. We are kept on our toes; one step ahead ready for the next bit of action, whilst still present in the moment at hand.
Fast-paced: Weddings move quickly, and photographers need to be able to adapt to changing situations on the fly.
Building rapport: We need to quickly build rapport with the couple, family, and guests to capture their true selves and get those genuine, candid moments.
The value of professionalism
Hiring a professional wedding photographer means investing in someone who will be with you every step of the way, from planning to the final delivery of your images. The cost reflects the dedication, expertise, and commitment required to ensure your memories are captured beautifully and preserved for a lifetime. Remember, you're not just paying for pictures; you're investing in a lifetime of memories.
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2024, all rights reserved.