The average cost of a wedding photographer in New England
As the thrill of planning your big day consumes your thoughts, there's one question that seems to confuse couples the most: "How much should I pay for a wedding photographer?" Once you begin your research into wedding photography pricing you’ll quickly learn that there’s not really a simple answer to that question. You’ll probably just have more and more questions as you peruse through various photography websites and wedding planning blogs, often finding contradictory ideals that’ll make your head spin. But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through, not only my pricing, but I’ll also compare all of the pricing options you might find with other photographers in the area. Join me as we explore the labyrinth of wedding photography pricing in New England.
the priceless investment
The photographer for your wedding is different than the rest of your vendors for a number of reason, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that wedding photography is like an investment. Your wedding photos will outlive your cake, flowers, and probably even the wedding dress, but it has the power to preserve the moments and details that mean the most to you. They are your keepsakes for you to look back on over the years to transport you back in time to relive those cherished moments.
what is the average cost of a wedding photographer in new england?
On average a wedding photographer in New England can charge anywhere from $2000 to $5000, or even more in certain circumstances. The cost photographers charge are based on a number of factors, including their experience behind the camera, the time they spend travelling, photographing, and editing, and even the location and the gear they need to capture the special moments of your wedding day.
The Culprits of Cost
So, let’s breakdown the factors wedding photographers use to determine their pricing. Now, every artist is different but the primary factors they’ll use to set their prices will be determined by things like their experience behind the camera, the equipment they use, their style of wedding photography, and the number of hours they spend capturing the important moments of your wedding.
Experience: An experienced photographer will do more than just take photos. After photographing so many weddings we know what to expect and how to guide you through your wedding day seamlessly. They will know what to look for and how to anticipate the genuine heartfelt moments to capture the best photos of your wedding.
Equipment: Ah, yes, the bane of every photographers existence. Photography gear is a massive expense, even with the entry level gear. Your experienced photographer knows that they need a back-up for their back-up. That’s a lot of gear they need to carry from location to location to ensure your wedding is capture expertly. And depending on the style of photographer they might be bringing more than just cameras and lenses.
Style: Are you interested in documentary-style wedding photography, where your photographer tells the story of your wedding day with candid photos of your genuine emotions and reactions? Or, are you drawn to glamourous photos focusing on your attire, details, and look like they belong in a magazine, with creative backdrops and unique poses. Maybe you want to keep things traditional with a focus on formal poses and classic photos. These styles all require their own area of expertise and different types of gear to pull of certain shots.
Time: Most photographers offer wedding photography packages for 6, 8, and 10 hours of coverage, but those are only the hours that you see. However, most of the work we photographers do isn’t during your wedding. We do an extensive amount of research on your wedding venue to create a solid plan for the day. We create a timeline for your day so we can make sure all of the important moments are covered and we are all at the right place at the right time. The days leading up to your wedding we are meticulously organizing and packing up our gear to make sure we are ready to go, instead of running around 15 minutes before we need to hit the road. And that doesn’t even touch on the many hours we spend at our computers culling and editing your photos and creating a comprehensive album, perfectly retelling the events of your special day.
Location, Location, Location: Much like the real estate market, location matters, and it's no different in the realm of wedding photography pricing. A wedding in the heart of Boston on a busy Saturday, with multiple locations, will cost more than a charming barn wedding in New Hampshire. Your particular photographer may have a longer commute to your venue and may take their initial travel into consideration, as well. Consider the regional vibe or the travel required by your photographer when considering the photographer’s pricing.
Balancing your wedding budget
What percentage of your wedding budget should go towards photography?
Once you and your fiance have agreed on a budget you’re both comfortable with, it’s time to allocate your budget for the things that mean the most to you. With a solid budget you can begin your search for the dress of your dreams, the venue where you’ll share your vows, and the photographer who’ll immortalize it all. On average your photography budget should be about 10-12% of your overall budget. That means if you have a budget of $40,000 for your wedding, you should search for a photography packages around $4,000.
Quality vs. Cost
Now, we all like a good deal. And just because a photographers prices are lower than others doesn’t mean you won’t receive excellent wedding photos. We all need to start somewhere. Just like everything though, you do get what you pay for. Cutting the costs on photography could make the difference between a blurry snapshot or important moments being missed and a timeless masterpiece you’d be proud to hang above your fireplace. Years down the line, when you’re sharing your love story with your grandkids, your wedding album will be an heirloom to share the story of your wedding day and the emotions of your special day. Your wedding photos will follow you through all of the stages of your lives together and they will become more priceless as time passes.
When should you book your wedding photographer?
Your wedding photographer should be one of the first vendors you book, after securing your date and venue. Generally, a year out, or more if possible, from your wedding date is ideal. That will provide you with plenty of time to arrange an engagement session and for your photographer’s input on your wedding day timeline.
What are the important questions to ask your photographer before booking?
When you meet with your photography prospects you should be prepared with a list of questions to ask so you find find the perfect fit for your wedding day. Some important questions to ask before booking your wedding photographer include:
How would you describe your style?
Can I see a full album from a wedding?
Have you ever shot a wedding in my venue before?
How much are your packages and what do they include?
What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on my wedding day?
When and how will I receive my images?
How can my family members and friends order prints?
How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
What do you enjoy most about photographing weddings?
Remember, your wedding day is a treasure trove of moments that deserve to be captured with care, expertise, and love. By understanding the factors shaping wedding photography pricing and harmonizing your budget with your priorities, you're well on your way to selecting the photographer who'll weave your love story into visual poetry. So, dear couples, embrace the adventure of finding your perfect match – the one who'll capture your story just as beautifully as it unfolds.