WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Where is the Pricing?
If you just started looking for your wedding photographer, you may have noticed many do not publish pricing on their websites. This can be frustrating especially if you are trying to figure out what fits in your budget. I can’t answer for everyone, but for me, I offer so many options for your wedding day that there isn’t one fixed price for every scenario. There is a lot to consider depending on the complexity or simplicity of your wedding day. I prefer to open a dialog to find out more about your vision and come up with a package that will cover the most important features plus anything else your wedding day might require.
For a ballpark, most pricing for 8 hours of photography starts around $3800 for a solo photographer and I offer 10 hours for $4600 with two photographers. For more details, please Contact Us or fill out our Wedding Inquiry Form here so we can provide you with the best possible quote.
how much time do you need?
Most requests start at 8 hours but there are a few factors that could raise the time to 10-12 hours. Before deciding on how much time you need, here is a better way of understanding how the 8-hour timeframe typically works. If you have an “all-in-one” wedding venue, that is, everything from getting ready, ceremony and reception all take place in one location, 8 hours usually breaks down to 2.5 hours for getting ready, half an hour ceremony, 15 minutes for family portraits, 15 minutes for wedding party pictures and between 20-30 minutes for couple portraits during the cocktail hour, leaving about 4 hours for your reception. Another factor that might require an increase in time is the First Look which typically need to be scheduled about 2 hours prior to the ceremony start time. Multiple locations such as getting ready locations or a church ceremony will add travel time and pack-up/set-up time. Large wedding parties usually mean more getting ready time. Some of these things can be offset by having us leave before the reception ends or starting a little later. We’ll discuss all the time options with you to help decide a timeframe that will work with your budget.
Example of a 2nd shooter angle during the couple session.
Do i need a second photographer?
When I first started shooting weddings years ago, I probably shot 90% of my weddings solo and told my clients that I could handle almost any wedding solo. Now, I shoot about 90% of my weddings with a second photographer. What I find most important working with a second photographer is the variety of angles that can be taken, especially during the couple session. Before, I always use two cameras during the couple shoot — one wide angle and one for close-up details. But no matter how fast I can switch hands from one camera to another, I can still only take one photo at a time. Having a second photographer shoot the closeups means I can focus on wide-angle composition portraits, giving you twice as many photos to love. When I have second photographers, they start a little later (for the groom’s getting ready shots) and end a little earlier (when the more important parts of the reception have taken place) to maximize their time while minimizing the added cost of a second photographer.
Lighting assistant for off-angle lighting. With the sunset directly behind, the couple would have been too dark otherwise.
LIGHTING ASSISTANT
About 95% of the weddings I shoot include a lighting assistant regardless of whether I’m shooting solo or with a second photographer. Many wedding photographers are not comfortable using off-camera lighting so they tend to focus on effects like “natural light” or “light and airy”. If you are considering this type of photography, there are factors you need to consider such as location and weather. The venue you choose may not be built to allow for natural light nor will the weather be forecasted so far in advance to know if it will work. A lighting assistant allows me to capture you in an amazing way no matter the lighting situation. Lighting assistants also do more than just lighting. They also take care of all the details in setting up special shots like the bride’s gown or bridal accessories. They are also developing photographers, learning and practicing their craft, so the additional cost to you is minimal. My goal is for you and your wedding party to relax and enjoy as your special day unfolds, and allow us to take care of all the details for your pictures.