Why is wedding photography so expensive?

I see you over there, searching affordable Edmonton wedding photography or wedding photography packages under $2000.00. I was a bride once too so I mean this in the least judgemental way. You can actually read my own experience about hiring a free “for experience” wedding photographer here. So today, I want to answer the question “why is wedding photography so expensive?” from the other perspective.

 

 

Psst: Are you new around here? Hi, I am Katie. I am an Edmonton wedding photographer serving couples all over Alberta. I describe my style as candid and relaxed. I don’t think you should take life so seriously, much less your wedding day. The goal for me on your wedding day (and engagement photos), is to capture your love in the most comfortable form. I don’t want you to be worrying about being on camera. I will definitely make you laugh. If you are looking for an Edmonton wedding photographer, check out my wedding packages here.

 

 

Why is wedding photography so expensive?

 

Let’s look at my 8 hour package, for example (you can check out all of my Edmonton wedding photography packages here or contact me for something more a la carte). As an Edmonton wedding photographer, you may think you are paying for my time. But it is not just the 8 hours that you are paying for.

It may surprise you, but for every hour spent at a wedding, there is 3-6 hours of editing to get you the finished photos. We know that you don’t want us to rush the editing process. That means up to 56 hours for an 8 hour wedding! That doesn’t even include drive time, or an engagement photo session that is often included. Of course there is also tangible costs as well, like paying a second shooter.

 

How much does it cost to run a wedding photography business?

 

I honestly had no idea when I bought my first camera how expensive this career would turn out to be. Am I allowed to admit that? Sure, there are big things like a business license, insurance and taxes – which I am hoping you already know your professional wedding photographer has/pays for.

One of the largest expenses of course, is the equipment. Not only purchasing the camera(s) and lenses upfront, but the cost of maintenance, memory cards, backup equipment. ALL very important because we can’t leave anything up to chance on your wedding day. And of course, continuing education is so important as well! Photography isn’t something you can learn once and “know”. It is a craft and the best photographer’s are constantly improving.

But if you have ever felt like your movie streaming platforms are getting out of control (Hulu, Crave, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple), it’s similar when you run a business! There is a cost for my website, my email, my domain. I use and love Honeybook to help keep me organized (and your contract and invoice safe and secure). Although they are all “little” expenses, they add up. I won’t cut them though, because they work together to create  a seamless experience for all of my wedding couples.

 

 

Marketing our Businesses

 

I know it sounds crazy, but some of the cost is marketing. Without customers, we don’t have a business. And we definitely can’t afford to pay for everything above without customers. So as a wedding photographer running a business, I have to decide if I want to:

a. Advertise on a wedding directory (like WeddingWire and TheKnot)
b. Spend our own time advertising (social media or bridal shows)
c. Outsource part or all of our marketing to another company
d. Rely on friends and family for referrals (likely not a reliable business plan)
e. A mix of all of the above

Even though it might feel weird that you are essentially paying for your photographer to market their business, it is the same as any other business. Cheerios has said they spend 40% of their revenue on advertising. CHEERIOS. And we all already know they exist.

 

 

What if your bank account REQUIRES you to book a more affordable wedding photography package?

 

I get it. We all have budgets we need to stick to, no matter how much we would love to splurge on wedding photography. As someone who admitted regretting hiring a “free photographer” for my own wedding, I am not going to recommend you go that route, no matter whether you are on a tight budget or not.

Instead, I am going to recommend you hire one of the photographer’s whose work you love, for a smaller package (typically shorter hours). In my humble opinion, it is better to have photos you love for the ceremony and portraits, then photos you don’t love for the entire day.

Do you have questions about choosing wedding photography packages? I would love to chat and answer any questions you might have. I know this might be your first time, but it’s not mine. I am an open book!