Wedding Photography Prices Guide: How to Set Your Photography Budget

 How much does professional photography cost for your wedding? Well, not $300 as one bride told me she thought it would cost!

 Learn how to set a realistic photography budget with this guide to wedding photography prices and rates.

The Going Rate for Professional Photography

When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.(read my other post on Why Choose A Pro) You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having a professional wedding photographer document your wedding (not including the actual prints and other extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill level, experience and geographic region (metro areas are usually considerably higher). The size of your wedding can also affect the photography cost, as additional people may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event.

Comparing Photographer Rates

Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone or on their websites, so you can use an initial online search or phone call as your first step towards finding a photographer that suits your budget. In comparing photography costs, remember that different photographers offer different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer's time, while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which professional works within your wedding photography budget.

Once You Have Chosen a Photographer:  Photography Contract Points

When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:

•             Do you need to make a deposit?

•             What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?

•             Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?

•             Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?

•            Do you have all the printing rights to print any photos you get on CD/DVD?