| How much does professional photography cost for | | | | while prints and albums are extra. Other photography |
| your wedding? Learn how to set a realistic | | | | packages may include proofs, a set number of prints |
| photography budget with this guide to wedding | | | | and an album. Determine what services and options |
| photography prices and rates. | | | | you want first, then compare photographers' rates |
| The Going Rate for Professional Photography | | | | for providing those specific options to determine |
| When determining your wedding photography | | | | which professional works within your wedding |
| budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. | | | | photography budget. |
| You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having | | | | Creative Ways to Save on Wedding Photography |
| a professional wedding photographer document your | | | | Prices |
| wedding (not including the actual prints and other | | | | If you simply must have a certain photographer who |
| extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill | | | | commands higher rates, consider these ways to save |
| level, experience and geographic region (metro areas | | | | on your photography budget:o Buy a more basic |
| are usually considerably higher). The size of your | | | | wedding photography package with less prints and |
| wedding can also affect the photography cost, as | | | | albumso Negotiate and switch out an engagement |
| additional guests may increase the amount of time | | | | portrait for an additional parent's album Get even |
| that the photographer must spend at your event. For | | | | more ways to save on wedding photography prices. |
| instance, for an event of less than 100 guests, a | | | | Photography Contract Points |
| wedding photographer will typically dedicate four-six | | | | When reviewing your contract with a potential |
| hours of time. For a larger wedding of 300 or more | | | | photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in |
| guests, a photographer may have to spend eight-ten | | | | what it covers. Consider these questions:o Do you |
| hours on the job. | | | | need to make a deposit?o What is the cancellation |
| Comparing Photographer Rates | | | | policy? Will you get anything back?o Is any travel |
| Most wedding photographers will give general pricing | | | | time considered an extra or included in the bill?o Are |
| information over the phone or on their websites, so | | | | you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all |
| you can use an initial online search or phone call as | | | | of the proofs? |
| your first step towards finding a photographer that | | | | Now that you're an expert on photography costs |
| suits your budget. In comparing photography costs, | | | | and budgeting skills, this complete guide to wedding |
| remember that different photographers offer | | | | photography will take you the rest of the way |
| different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. | | | | towards hiring and working with a photographer and |
| Some rates only include the photographer's time, | | | | planning your wedding day shots. |