Why do wedding photographers cost so much ?

The cost of wedding photography is a topic that has been debated and discussed for years. Many couples wonder why wedding photographers charge so much for their services, especially since weddings are already an expensive affair. However, there are many factors that contribute to the cost of wedding photography, and in this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why wedding photographers charge what they do.

1. Skill and Expertise

One of the main reasons why wedding photographers cost so much is that we have the necessary skill and expertise to deliver exceptional results. Professional wedding photographers have years of experience and training in photography, lighting, composition, and editing. We have honed our craft and invested in high-quality expensive camera equipment to produce stunning photos. Wedding Photography is not just about pointing and shooting a camera. It is a complex art that requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and exposure. A professional wedding photographer has the ability to capture the essence of the moment, the emotion, and the beauty of the couple, even in difficult lighting conditions. We know how to use light to create mood and how to compose a shot to tell a story. Furthermore, We have extensive knowledge of different camera settings and techniques that are necessary to capture the perfect shot. They understand how to use different lenses, apertures, and shutter speeds to produce the desired effect.

2. Time and Effort

Wedding photographers spend a significant amount of time before, during, and after the wedding day to ensure they deliver the best possible results. Before the wedding day, we spend time communicating with the couple, understanding their needs and preferences, and planning the shots. We also check out locations for shoots, identify the best spots for photographs, and take test shots to determine the best camera settings. On the wedding day itself, we are on our feet for up to twelve hours, capturing every moment and ensuring we don't miss a shot. We need to be alert and agile to capture all the important moments, including the ceremony, the speeches, the first dance, and the cutting of the cake. We need to be able to anticipate the moments and capture them at the right time, without interrupting the flow of the day. After the wedding day, we spend several hours editing and perfecting each image to deliver the best possible product in expensive software. We go through hundreds or even thousands of photographs, select the best ones, and then edit them to remove any blemishes or distractions as well as alter the tones and colours. This editing process can take anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the number of photos and the level of editing required. A typical wedding job is not just one day long but several days of work.

3. Expenses

Wedding photographers have significant expenses associated with our work. We need to invest in high-quality cameras, lenses, and other equipment to produce exceptional results. A typial camera body without lenses can cost up to £2500. We also need to invest in editing software such as Adobe lightroom, photoshop and other editing applications and fast computers such as the latest imacs and M2 laptops!  Storage and backup drives and hardware are also required for the large number of photos we take.  Furthermore, wedding photographers need to invest in marketing and advertising to reach potential clients. My google adwords cost for example can run to several hundred pounds per month. We need a website, social media accounts, keep on top of seo as well as take care of all the admin associated with running a business.  All these expenses add up and are reflected in the final cost of our services.

4. Client Expectations

Wedding photography is a fast paced high-stakes and emotionally charged business. Clients expect their photographer to capture their special day perfectly with minimum fuss, and they are willing to pay a premium for that level of service and quality. Wedding photographs are the only tangible memories that a couple has of their wedding day, and they want them to be perfect. Wedding photographers need to understand the expectations of their clients and work hard to meet them. We need to be able to capture the essence of the day, the emotion, and the beauty of the couple in their photographs. We need to be able to deliver photographs that tell a story and that evoke the feelings of the day.