Your Wedding Photographer – How Much Is Too Much
Topics: wedding photography, wedding photographers, getting married, marriage, professional photographers
Over the years the price of a Wedding Photography Package has changed dramatically. As we all know digital costs nothing and photographers rarely use film these days, their overheads have come down but their prices have stayed the same or risen. Doesnt seem to match up does it?
SO HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
I developed a rule of thumb that will help you understand the way a photographer charges. The more expensive your package the more things you get. i.e. more frames, more prints ect. I am in a fortunate position to buy the frames, canvases, albums and all the paraphernalia that you receive as a client at the cost price from the suppliers.
My rule of thumb is this: 20-30% of the total cost of the package is spent on your bits and pieces included in your package.
How does this help you? Well that is really up to you in the end. It sure gives you a little insight into the type of money these people are on and if I was a client in your position it would sure raise my level of expectation. Let me quantify this for you: If you pay say $3000 for a package and their overheads are $600-900 (20-30%) leaving $2400 to $2100 in clear profit for the photographer. If your going to pay this person that type of money for a few hours work on the day and a few more that they do later on, you want to make dam sure that you are getting what you want, and you sure dont want to be paying for something that you do not want just because its part of their package.
WEBSITES – DONT BE MISLEAD BY THEM
It is appropriate here to raise the issue of websites. Many of the photography websites you see are absolutely stunning. They showcase the work beautifully. Sometimes you could be forgiven for thinking you were in an art gallery. They have flashy graphics, beautiful photos and many other features.
However the common theme that I have noticed over the years is that the photographers all seem to tell you how good they are. They seem to think that they are the best and most fancy things since sliced bread. This is a marketing strategy attempting to build credibility. Dont be fooled by it.
The real credibility should exist in their offer of worthwhile information that is practical and helpful to you to plan your day, not by blowing their own trumpet. You want to be looking for useful and relevant things, not browsing galleries of strangers photography. Just because the photos on their website are beautiful it does not guarantee that yours will turn out as such. In fact if you look at the fine print in their terms and conditions, you will see a statement similar to the one I just made.
Often they attempt to build further credibility by stating that they have won this award and that accolade and have been doing it for 25 years. Dont be miss-lead by an award or accolade that you have never heard of. Dont be fooled by some gold star on their website claming to be a member of some association or another that you have never heard of. Flashy websites and beautiful photos are one thing but does their website contain anything of substance. If you take away the graphics and pictures are you just left with a price list? If so then they have offered you, the client, nothing other than them telling you how good they are. If this is the case they sure are not telling you what they can do for you.
The cold reality of them blowing their own trumpet is this: Who cares what you have done and how many awards you have, it doesnt guarantee that you will photograph my day in such an expert way as you claim. What really matters is the rapport and trust between client and photographer, not awards and accolades.
It is unfair to compare websites, as one may have a greater budget than another making their average work look terrific. I operated without the need for a website for many years. Word of mouth was and still is strong enough to keep me going full time. A very strong point to remember is that if I can only do 100 weddings a year then there isnt much point having the worlds flashiest website, which generates thousands of enquiries.
Good luck in your search for that elusive wedding photographer and my your marriage be a long and lasting one.
Robert Brus is a Professional Wedding Photographer. Being based in Sydney, Robert is well placed to work throughout NSW and has worked all over Australia. To learn more about Robert and his Photography business click here: www.whiteweddingphotographers.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Achieve Picture Perfect Shots Via Digital Photography (1)
The name implies the use of lenses and a mirror. Mirror reflects light entering the lens up into the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can estimate how the image will likely appear when it is developed.
Good Marriage Of Marketing Techniques (2)
Scatter several more opportunities around your site to opt-in to registration. If they opt-in, you now have an email address to do follow-up marketing. If they don't, then at least they have your name on their minds and may return later.
Where Is Your Home Office? (3)
Let's consider why the ideal is the best way to go for your home office. First, a separate room, with a door, will give you a private place for you to run your business free from noise and distractions.
Your Wedding Photographer - What Style Are You Seeking (4)
See their other work to view their styles across the photography genres. All of the above suggestions will help you develop an idea of what you are seeking from your wedding photos.
Breaking Down The Forex Mechanical System Trading (5)
Whatever be the nature of the currency trading that you are engaged in you should have at least one mechanical trading system with you if you want to make fortunes out of your forex trading.
Why Haven't You Got A List Yet? (6)
Your JV partner can decide which offer page his signups are directed to after signup. Gone is the traditional method whereby once his leads have signed up to you they are ours, to direct wherever you like.
Numerous Advantages Of Using EBooks (7)
Many eBooks are also free. Many eBooks come with bonuses that are not available with conventional books. EBooks require no space to store. You can keep literally hundreds of eBooks on your computer, depending upon its storage capacity.
Houston Home Builders Are Working Hard (8)
This helps to give choices to people who are interested in moving into the area, and it also helps to raise the economy for all of the people who live here and in the surrounding area, which can be very important for everyone who lives in that development.
The Top 5 Things To Consider When Thinking Of Changing Your Career Path (9)
You invest in your education and basically guide your life by it. You can't afford not to enjoy it because not enjoying your career is simply not enjoying your life.
Affiliate Marketing - Is It Worthwhile To Pursue? (10)
Many people will readily pay for quality information products that they can buy and use immediately through a digital download. The instant download and use property of information products can make them big sellers online.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Your Choice Of Digital Photography Printing (1)
So it is better to be very clear about the printing equipment that you want them to use so that this problem will be prevented. 2. Home printer.
Gift Ideas For The Motorcyclist In Your Life (2)
A rider who might not wear full safety gear normally will often wear it if it's a gift. The rider gets a great gift and you get peace of mind.
A Used ATV Helps Make Your Off-Road Experience More Affordable (3)
Topics: Used ATV, purchase ATV, buy ATV When it comes to the subject of ATVs, its pretty much a fact that they are expensive. Regardless of your location or your purpose in using an ATV, it is very likely that you are going to discover that you may need to invest a little extra money if you want to locate one that you like.
Can You Hear Me? Your Dog's Amazing Ears! (4)
You can find a German Shepherd with pricked ears and a Basset Hound with pendant ears or a Pug with Rose ears and an Airedale with Button ears. The dogs with pricked ears look much more like their wild cousins while selective breeding has helped bring into popularity the other ear styles we find today.
Why Power Training Is Essential To Becoming A Faster Athlete (5)
Power development is primarily directed towards the more advanced competitive athletes. When coaching younger athletes still in the developmental stages (both technically and physically) it is more important to use the time available to develop stroke technique, court positioning, scoring, and overall understanding of the game of tennis.
Wholesale Video Games: Creating The Bucket List! (6)
Joaquin Reveron is a coach, mentor, speaker and online wholesale veteran. His focus online are on eBay and helping people create wealth through wholesale niche stores. He is also a wholesale powerseller and author of www.videogamesmystery.com
For Low Costs And Happy Customers Create Flexible Automation (7)
Only a small number of customers want exactly the features a particular vehicle has. You can order a custom-made car or truck with just the features you want, but there's a long delay in many cases.
For The Lowest Costs Recheck A Process Before Automating It (8)
Many tons of goods were piled up in warehouses and even more goods were stockpiled in the backs of stores. But the shelves were often missing the frequently purchased items that experienced seasonal demand.
Your Resume - The Key To Increasing Salary (9)
A detailed resume can demonstrate various ways to project how your can yield positive results and benefits for the company's success. Hiring a new worker generally involves taking on a candidate who can help the organization achieve its goals.
Discover 3 Quick And Easy Ways To Build A Profitable Opt In List (10)
Here I will offer more advice, for those who have started an opt in list and have failed, you can rejuvenate your failed venture. For those who are starting, here are three quick and easy ways to build a profitable opt in list.
Permalink to Your Wedding Photographer – How Much Is Too Much