How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to hire a photographer who can capture those memories to create a keepsake that will last forever. A good photographer will keep themselves in the background, but they are one of the most influential people and have one of the most critical jobs. The flowers will fade, but the photos will last a lifetime. Wedding photography prices differ from around $700 to about $4,000 for a standard 6-8 hour day.

You might be wondering why there is such a difference in wedding photographer cost from one photographer to another. There are many reasons for this, but the location where the wedding will take place is one factor that can have a significant effect. Most local photography businesses charge an hourly rate for when they are on site. However, they include different things in their packages. Also, the packages and add-ons will be different prices according to the area. Here are a few examples of what you can expect to pay in various regions in Australia.

Many different factors affect wedding photography cost. For once, not all photographers set their prices the same way. Some charge an hourly rate, while others only offer packages. Here are a few of the factors that can affect the final cost.

Duration – Some photographers charge by the hour, which means that the longer the service and reception, the more it will cost. Depending on the skill level of the photographer and other factors, this hourly rate can run between $55 and $175/hour.

Experience of the Photographer – The skill level, experience, and reputation of the photographer will affect the price. For a more experienced photographer, you can expect to pay between $90 and $180 per hour.

Services Involved – Wedding photographer price is sometimes determined by the services that are included. For example, some services might consist of editing and touchup of photos, a physical photo album, and digital copies on a USB flash drive.

Location – The location of the wedding will also affect the final cost. When you hire a wedding photographer by the hour, make sure to ask whether you will pay extra for travel time or whether it is included in the price. Sometimes you can save a bit of money by hiring locally.

Equipment Used – The equipment used will also affect the cost. The more professional the photographer’s equipment, the more you can expect to pay. Expensive machinery can affect the quality of the final product, but having expensive equipment is not necessarily a reflection of talent.

Number of Photographers – Some photographers are part of a group or organization. Be sure to read the terms because you might have to pay more if you have more than one photographer.

Today, the area of wedding photography has expanded to include some creative styles. It is vital to get a photographer who specializes in your preferred style. Here are a few examples of the creative options that are now available.

Traditional – If you choose the traditional route, you can expect posed pictures, the cutting of the cake picture, and other conventional elements of the album. This is often the most cost-effective option.

Candid – Candid photography attempts to capture those little moments of expression that might be missed with a traditional photographer. This means that the photographer must work harder to get the shot that captures the emotion.

Creative – Creative often requires posed shots, but they might involve a few props or other elements. They can be fun and show the personality of the bride and groom, but these can also add to the expense.

Natural – Wedding photos in a natural setting are another popular option. Depending on the accessibility and distance of the location, it can add to the expense, but the results can be stunning.

Destination – Destination wedding photographer rates are often the most expensive option. You will probably have to pay extra time and travel expenses for the photographer. One option to save on costs is to hire a local photographer in the destination where the wedding will take place.

Documentary – A documentary-style wedding photographer attempts to capture the environment and backgrounds of the bride and groom. It will include things like how they met, their family histories, hobbies, and perhaps interesting facts about the couple. This can be an expensive option because it requires more time than traditional wedding photography.

One of the most challenging tasks is comparing different wedding packages. They might differ depending on factors such as travel time, or the number of pictures in the package. Here are a few items to consider.

What Do They Include?

Wedding photography prices and packages differ significantly. Here are a few of the items that might be included.

• Time: $50 to $175/hour per photographer
• Travel: Depends on the distance from the wedding
• Second Shooter/Staff: $50 to $100/hour per person
• Images on USB Drive: $40, but included in many packages
• Albums: A 30-page photos album averages around $2,000.
• Pre-wedding Photo Price: $150 to $250 per session
• Drone: Additional $250 to $300 per hour

Price Estimates for Different Packages

One of the most challenging tasks in finding the right wedding photographer is comparing prices. They all have different pricing schemes. Many photographers try to beat the competition by offering add-ons for free. Add-ons might include free travel expenses for the photographers, additional prints, or free engagement photos. When comparing prices, looking at these items can be a great way to find the best deal.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

Not all wedding photographers use the same pricing scheme. This makes it difficult to compare the average wedding photographer cost and to know whether you are getting a good deal. However, there are some ways to choose the right match for you.

• Know What You Want – The first step is to define what you want from your wedding photographer. Write down your specific expectations.
• Compare Packages – When comparing packages, make sure that you are comparing similar packages. Know what is included in each package for comparison.
• Be Upfront – Be upfront about what you want and what you expect. Be sure to state your goals to your photographer clearly.

Licencing and Qualifications

Wedding photography is a creative art and does not require any formal licence, other than a standard business licence. However, there are still some ways to make sure that you get someone who will present your special day in the best light.

• Examine the Portfolio – Every photographer should have a portfolio available that reflects their previous work. If it is not available online, be sure to ask about it.
• Read Reviews – The reviews on the photographer’s website are likely to be glowing, but you can read reviews on other websites. Brides are often more than willing to post both positive and negative remarks about their experiences.
• Get It in Writing – Getting everything in writing can help avoid misunderstandings. It protects both you and the photographer.

How to Save Money Hiring a Wedding Photographer

You might be tempted to rely on a bunch of friends with phones for your wedding pictures. Still, unless you have a few friends who are professional photographers, this option seldom works out as planned. When it comes to finding affordable wedding photography prices in your area, the best advice is to shop around. Here are a few ways to save money.

• Hire Local – Hiring local means that you will not have to spend as much on travel for the photographer.
• Price Does Not Reflect Quality – One of the most important things to keep in mind is that price does not necessarily reflect quality. Be sure to see some of the photographer’s work before signing the contract.
• Ask Around – If you have friends who have recently tied the knot, they might be an excellent resource for a quality photographer at an affordable price.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources