02/12/2024
Why Does Wedding Photography Cost So Much?
A potential client once asked me, "Why does wedding photography cost so much? It’s just clicking pictures, right?"
I replied: “For a full-day wedding shoot with all the perks, it’s around £2,000.”
He gasped, “That’s outrageous for just taking pictures!”
I asked, “How much do you think it should cost?”
He said, “Maybe £500 tops. Cameras are advanced now; it’s not like the old days.”
I smiled and said, “For £500, feel free to capture your own wedding. The photos will surely be priceless to you.”
“But I don’t have the equipment or the skill to take professional pictures.”
“Well, for £1,500, I can teach you everything about wedding photography over three full-day sessions. I’ll guide you through lighting, posing, composition, editing, and storytelling. After that, any further questions will be £100 per hour for a consultation. Of course, I won’t be there to take the photos for you—that’s your job.”
“That’s... a lot of work,” he murmured.
“Well, you’ll also need equipment. Let’s talk about cameras, lenses, flashes, memory cards, editing software, backup drives, and so on.”
“But I can’t afford all that gear for one event.”
“No worries, I can rent mine to you for £500, including professional-grade cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and editing software.”
After a pause, he asked, “Can I just borrow them for my wedding day?”
“Sure, but keep in mind that wedding photography isn’t just about showing up and pressing a button. You’ll also need to plan your shots, scout locations, manage the timeline, and handle the unexpected—like bad weather, lighting changes, or an emotional mother of the bride!”
“Oh, I didn’t think of all that.”
“And let’s not forget the post-production. You’ll need at least 40 hours to cull, edit, and retouch your photos to give them that timeless, magical feel.”
“That sounds... exhausting,” he admitted.
“Well, if you’d rather skip the stress, I can handle everything for £2,000. You’ll receive expertly crafted memories of your special day, free from worry and hassle.”
After a long pause, he finally said, “You know what? I’d rather let you do it. I don’t want to mess this up—it’s too important.”
The Value of Wedding Photography
When you invest in a wedding photographer, you’re not just paying for someone to show up with a camera. You’re investing in:
Expertise and experience to capture the perfect shot in any situation.
Premium equipment like professional-grade cameras, lenses, and lighting.
Time and dedication, including dozens of hours planning, shooting, and editing.
Storytelling skills that turn fleeting moments into an unforgettable narrative.
Creative vision to make every photo an art piece.
Reliability for peace of mind that your memories are in safe hands.
Post-production magic that transforms raw shots into timeless images.
Backup systems ensuring your photos are never lost or damaged.
Compliance with trends and best practices to keep your album fresh and elegant.
Criticizing the cost of professional wedding photography without understanding the depth of work involved isn’t fair. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event—there are no do-overs.
You could try a DIY approach or go with a cheaper option, but don’t be surprised when the results leave you disappointed and wishing you had invested in a professional.
Think of it this way: hiring a skilled wedding photographer isn’t just about getting photos; it’s about preserving your love story. When the cake is eaten, the flowers fade, and the dress is packed away, your photos are the one thing that will let you relive the magic for years to come.
And that is worth every penny.
