BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Lorie A. Tritz
 

How much to charge for shooting a wedding


I am slowly getting my photography career off to a jump-start and have been asked to photograph a wedding reception in June. The reception is for a close friend's brother and I am not sure the appropriate amount to charge. I will not be needed for the entire event - only for approximately 2-3 hours. Shots would include: group shots of family; tables; the cake; the "special" dances, a few quick fun shots. What is a reasonable price considering it is for a friend's brother and the amount of pictures to be taken is limited?


To love this question, log in above
January 09, 2006

 

Kerby Pfrangle
  Lorie,

I have not done any wedding but I have a good friend who charges five hundred dollars and that includes about 100 small prints in a little book. She is a very good photographer too.

Than the family has to purchase anything after that.

I know I will get some people saying that not enough but that not bad for a couple hours work.

Kerby


To love this comment, log in above
January 09, 2006

 

x
  For reception-only coverage, I would charge $1,700 for minimal reception coverage.

This would be for DVD-only coverage, no prints or albums. I would also put the images on-line, and I would provide about 150 or so images.


To love this comment, log in above
January 09, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Jerry's price might be good for downtown Philly but here in Lower Slower Delaware, $1700 is my middle to high end pricing. Feel out your market. It's underhanded, but moock up a wedding and call around to price it.

Chris Walrath


To love this comment, log in above
January 09, 2006

 

x
  Chris's advice is what's wrong with this industry. Call some locals, tell them who you are and what you are trying to do, any pro with a heart will at least guide you on how to price this in your market. If a pro wedding photographer is battling on price with someone starting out, they might as well give up now.

But, please, don't shop us. It's a waste of everyone's time. You see, as a client, they are not going to tell you anything, just the price, but you have no understanding of what it means. How long have they been doing this, do they book 45 weddings a year, or 5? This is significant because I do know some people that charge a ton of money, but do very few weddings per year. Anyway, there's more, but it's late.


To love this comment, log in above
January 09, 2006

 

Kerry L. Walker
  It really depends a lot on the part of the country you are in and whether you are in a small town or large city. Obviously, the areas where the cost of living are higher, the prices are higher. Check the websites of area photographers and see what they are charging. On most websites that show pricing, you will see a range of prices. See what fits you.


To love this comment, log in above
January 10, 2006

 

Mark Feldstein
  We've probably been over this same question a gazillion times. Each time I have difficulty understanding a lot of people here want to hold themselves out as professionals, yet don't know what to charge and never, ever, mention joining a local chapter of a professional association for all the benefits, including pricing parameters, that membership can and does provide.

While I don't think your question is foolish or a waste of time as Jerry indicates, Kerry, however, is precisely right because rates vary from place to place. There are countless other variables as Jerry suggests from hourly fees, assistant and travel expenses, if any, film and processing if any, level of experience as Chris indicated, and whether you really want to charge a professional fee or low ball the neighborhood photographers and get a reputation for doing that. In turn, that will hurt you professionally and in terms of future pricing.

Also, your question suggests that you've never done this before. How long has your close friend been close and would the shoulders of your friendship sag or break beneath the weight of shooting a critical assignment that turns out poorly for some reason??

Aside from pricing, or before you even get to that particular problem, you need to self-explore the issues of your experience level to work under chaotic conditions, whether you've got the right equipment to do this and know how to use it, your investment in that vs. rate of return, what your business plan calls for, taxes, (insurance ), proofing and printing expenses, ad infinitim. THEN, once you've considered all that along with what you've learned by attending some local association meetings, THEN you can start getting into the pricing ballpark.

I think we need a new forum entitled:
"How Do You Handle an Intoxicated Wedding Guest." Whaddya think??

Take it light.
Mark


To love this comment, log in above
January 10, 2006

 

x
  Thanks for the insult Mark. You completely missed my point. Maybe you didn't even read my posting? I was responding to the idea of new photographers "shopping" established photographers. With the new wave of digital people wanting to do weddings now, I get shopped alot, and I'm getting tired of it. It is a complete waste of both of our time. If a new photographer wants to know some things, all they have to do is call me up and ask. I'm helpful and friendly to newbies.

You can sometimes figure out shoppers because they know a little too much about photogaphy, and usually slip at some point. I had one guy in my office who was very sketchy the whole time, then I noticed his wedding ring.

It's not a waste of time to ask locals, in fact that's what I did at first. But, it is a waste of time to pretend to be a bride or groom and call everyone asking for price lists and information about a fake upcoming wedding. In fact, I call that lying.


To love this comment, log in above
January 10, 2006

 

Mark Feldstein
  Relax Jerry. I read it, a couple of times before I replied. Maybe you ought to be a little clearer in your terms. Although I agree, impersonating a bride or groom to be is akin to lying.

And BTW, I think you clearly missed my point also, which was to join a local chapter of an association like WPPI.

Meanwhile, I hope you don't get shopped til you drop. We'd miss your brisk and witty reparte'. Well, at least I would. :>)))
M.


To love this comment, log in above
January 10, 2006

 

anonymous
  Geeze... I think poor Lorie got a little bit more than she bargained for.


To love this comment, log in above
January 10, 2006

 

Lorie A. Tritz
  Yes, just a little, Natalie! I was really only asking for some advice as a beginner and did not anticipate I would start a war! I do appreciate the honest answers from all who responded. Thank you.


To love this comment, log in above
January 11, 2006

 

Denyse Clark
  Hi Lorie,
As a fellow newbie, here are my thoughts...

Figure out your actual costs involved. (film, developing, album, etc) then think about what you want for your time. And like the others said, know your area. ($1700 in my town would be 10 hrs coverage with a decent pro, full proof albums, and 20 pg 8x10 bridal album!!)

But also consider what you're comfortable charging a friend of a friend. In my town, and as a newbie, I'd do this 2-3 hr reception gig for $325, maybe $350. They get my time, and a 4x6 album with up to 150-200 photos. That's just me, for what it's worth!


To love this comment, log in above
January 11, 2006

 

Lorie A. Tritz
  Thanks, Denyse. That is exactly the range I was thinking. BTW...great pics in your Gallery!


To love this comment, log in above
January 11, 2006

 

Denyse Clark
  You're welcome Lorie, and good luck! I hope to see some of the results in your gallery after the wedding. (post a thread!) And thanks for the nice comment.


To love this comment, log in above
January 11, 2006

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.