What’s covered in a wedding photographer’s prices?

Wedding photographers are an important part of any wedding, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at all the different options. Make sure that you read up on what each photographer offers before deciding which one works best for your needs! Some things worth checking out include:
The price range they offer (some might be cheaper or more expensive than others). What is important to take a closer look at?

Time: Wedding photographer prices typically include between six hours and an unlimited amount of coverage. The more time you’d like your photographer to cover your event, the more you’ll have to pay. Additional hours will cost extra.

Travel: Does your photographer have to travel a long distance to your event? You may have to pay a per-mile charge if he or she is driving to your wedding, or you might have to pay for airfare and accommodations for a destination wedding.

Second Shooters/Staffing: Will your photographer have a second shooter or assistants present? If so, expect to shell out more.

Editing: A large part of your photographer’s time will be spent editing and retouching your wedding photos to make sure they look absolutely amazing.

Images: Your wedding photographer’s cost should include the actual images. Digital files can be provided to you in a variety of ways including in an online gallery and/or via a USB drive.

Print release: Many wedding photography packages include a “print release,” which means that you can use the photos for your own personal use. However, be aware that you will likely not have a full “copyright release,” so you don’t own the photos and can’t sell them, and that your photographer can use your photos for marketing purposes.

Prints: Some photographers include photo prints (or a print credit—money you can put toward purchasing prints) in their wedding photography rates. While you don’t have to purchase your prints through your photographer, they’ll likely come out better if you do.

Albums: Your photographer may offer a wedding album as part of his or her package. You can choose whether you’d like to design and purchase your album through your photographer or do it through another service.

Additional shoots: Some photographers include an engagement shoot in their package (62 percent of couples do a pre-wedding engagement shoot). Other shoots that will likely cost extra include bridal portraits, trash the dress sessions, or coverage of your rehearsal dinner.

When you book a wedding photographer, there are many things that go into their pricing structure. These include equipment and employee costs as well as marketing for example – all of which can vary depending on what type shoot it will be (portrait vs group), where in town they do business or how much travel time needs to take place between locations etcetera!

Are albums included in the prices of a wedding photographer?

With many photographers, an album is included in the wedding photography price. However, some photographers offer it as a separate item, which can increase by several hundred dollars. While there are other services that allow you to create your own wedding album, sometimes it is more seamless to go with your own photographer.

Do I have to pay for my wedding photographer’s travel expenses?

If your wedding photographer is located near your wedding venue, you probably will not have to cover any additional travel expenses. However, if your photographer has to travel a greater distance (often more than 60 miles), you will likely have to cover additional travel costs, which can be as much as $2 per mile or more. If your photographer flies to your wedding venue, you will likely have to pay for his or her flight and lodging, as well as an additional travel fee. These wedding photographer prices also vary from professional to professional. So before booking, ask the photographer of your choice for exact prices.

Do I have to pay for my wedding photographer’s meals?

For your wedding service providers who will be present during your wedding (your photographer, your videographer, DJ, your wedding planner, etc.), you will need to provide hot meals. Yes, this is indeed an additional expense you may not have anticipated, but it’s an important one – well-fed and satisfied vendors are better able to perform their best on your big day! Your wedding caterer is probably used to providing these vendor meals, so be sure to discuss this with them.

How much do engagement photos cost?

We think engagement photos are definitely worth it, as they help you and your partner feel comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer before your big day. Often, engagement photos are included in the cost of the wedding photographer. However, some photographers offer these shoots separately, and engagement photo prices can range from $150 to over $600 for a session. These prices usually include a shoot at a location of your choice and an online gallery and/or USB drive with the images. Some photographers allow you to change your outfit multiple times during the shoot, but others charge extra.

When should you have your engagement photos taken?

Typically, couples take their engagement photos about three months before their wedding date. You should work with your photographer to determine the best time for your needs. Some couples adjust the timing to take an engagement photo in warm weather, but do not shy away from a photo session in the winter. We find winter engagement photos to be some of the most intimate, cozy, and romantic!

How much does it cost to hire a videographer for a wedding?

Wedding photographers and videographers often work together during your wedding day to capture all the beautiful moments. On average, a wedding videographer in the U.S. costs about $1,799, with most couples spending between $1,000 and $2,500. As with photographers, however, there are many factors that contribute to the cost of a wedding videographer.

What are the most important questions you should ask a photographer before booking?

If you are meeting with a photographer for the first time, be sure to ask them a few questions before booking, such as:

• Can I see a full album from a wedding?
• Have you photographed a wedding at my venue before?
• How much do your packages cost and what is included?
• What happens if an emergency occurs and you cannot be present on my wedding day?
• When and how will I receive my pictures?
• How can my family members and friends order prints?
• How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
• What do you enjoy most about photographing weddings?
• Can I see a contract?