Getting married can be a milestone to celebrate in your life. This means you would want to immortalise the memory in a more solid form, such as photos. If you’ve seen our prices and packages page, and wonder if those wedding photography prices are worth it, explore how to measure the value of hiring a professional wedding photographer.
Where Do Wedding Photography Prices Come From?
Wedding photography prices come from several factors. You can control some factors – such as location and add-ons – and opt for a more affordable pricing, while others are non-negotiable value of the guaranteed service which you will receive – such as experience and reputation.
Experience and Expertise
Experienced wedding photographers who have a strong portfolio and a track record of delivering high-quality results typically charge more than photographers who are just starting out. This is because experienced photographers have developed the skills and expertise necessary to capture the best moments of your big day.
Time and Effort
Wedding photography involves much more than just taking pictures on the day of the event. A lot of work goes into planning, preparation, and post-production, such as editing and retouching images. Photographers who offer additional services, such as engagement photo shoots, wedding albums, or photo prints, may charge more for their time and effort.
Equipment and Supplies
Professional-grade cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and editing software can be expensive, and the cost of these items can impact the overall price of wedding photography. Additionally, photographers may need to purchase or rent additional supplies, such as memory cards, batteries, or props.
Location and Travel
If your wedding is located in a remote or hard-to-reach area, your photographer may need to travel a long distance to get to your venue. This can impact the overall cost of their services.
Reputation and Reviews
Well-established photographers with a strong reputation and positive reviews may charge more for their services because they are in high demand and have a track record of delivering excellent results. Check our review here
Packages and Add-ons
Some photographers offer packages that include additional services, such as engagement sessions, photo albums, or prints. The cost of these packages can impact the overall price of wedding photography.
DIY vs Professional Wedding Photography
Your wedding is your very personal moment, and if you feel reluctant to hire a professional wedding photographer, you can consider doing it yourself. To help you make a more informed decision, we have listed factors to consider before deciding whether doing your wedding photography on your own is a more value for money option than hiring professional wedding photographers.
Photography Skills
Do you have experience with photography, especially in low light and challenging environments like weddings? Weddings are fast-paced and unpredictable events, and capturing the right moments requires knowledge of photography techniques and equipment. If you don’t have the necessary photography skills, it’s better to hire a professional who can ensure that your wedding memories are captured beautifully.
Equipment
Do you have the right equipment for wedding photography, such as a professional-grade camera, lenses, and lighting equipment? Good wedding photography requires high-quality equipment that can handle different lighting conditions, distances, and angles. If you don’t have the right equipment, it’s better to hire a professional who can provide it.
Time Commitment
Weddings can be long events that require photographers to be on their feet for hours. Are you willing and able to commit the necessary time to take photos throughout the day and evening, while still being present and enjoying the event? Hiring a professional photographer can free you up to focus on enjoying your special day while they capture the memories.
Backup Plan
Weddings are a one-time event, and if something goes wrong with the photos, there’s no chance to redo them. A professional photographer will have a backup plan in place in case of equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure that your memories are preserved. 
Editing and Post-Production
After the wedding, there’s still work to be done to ensure that your photos look their best. Professional photographers have the knowledge and software to edit and retouch photos, which can make a big difference in the final product.
At the end of the day, the decision to do wedding photography on your own or to hire a professional comes down to the importance you place on capturing high-quality memories of your wedding day. If you’re not confident in your photography skills or don’t have the necessary equipment, it’s better to hire a professional to ensure that your wedding memories are captured beautifully. Remember, the value of wedding photography prices comes from the factors we’ve discussed before, and cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better!
