Jump to content

$1400 for our wedding photos, rip off?


Recommended Posts

I'm going to play devils advocate but...why does it matter at this point? Your wedding is over and you seem to be happy with your pictures so who cares if it's a good deal or not because you already paid it??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 31
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • VIP Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by KJT1985 View Post
So part of me thinks it's ridiculous that anybody would charge that much for pictures but at the same time, it's sorta a once in a lifetime thing and if you both like the pictures and neither are too upset at the cost it's not a rip off. Do they make like 500% profit on it? Sure they do.
I have to say something in regards to this comment. I just want to set the record straight:
For people who purchase from resort photographers who don't do ANY editing, or even just minimal editing, then yes. There is probably a very large markup.

However, for normal photographers, this is COMPLETELY false!!!! COMPLETELY! And I don't want anyone to think that we charge what we do simply because it's a once in a lifetime event so we can. That's not the case.

For instance, the wedding I just photographed in Mexico. Just the wedding.
10 hours of photographing. For every hour of photographing I do approximately 6 hours of "other" stuff. That would include editing, sorting, blogging, burning a disc, mailing, and backing up. So to photograph one wedding is 60 hours worth of work.
Let's pretend that you hired a photographer for your wedding for $2,000. First things first, remove 40% of that, because that's what we pay straight to Uncle Sam. So now, the photographer is getting $1,200. Divide by 60 hours of work. The photographer is making $20 an hour. Not bad, but it certainly is not a lot! Now, please don't forget the cost of goods. So what if your package included a book? Images? Online Gallery? These things all cost money. Not to mention the cost of our insurance, our equipment, etc.

In the end, many of us photographers end up making very little money. We don't do it to be rich. We do it because we love it and we have a passion for it. We love capturing such beautiful emotion and capturing the love on one of the best days of your life. It's what we do. It's what we love to do. But please don't think that we are making easy money, as it is anything but!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the breakdown, Trisha! I know that my photographs were my one big regret with my wedding. I didn't find this forum until too late and had already booked a local person for my AHR and we don't love any of those photos. They're not awful, but totally not the right style. I think seeing the breakdown of what a photog has to pay or put into each session should make the pricing seem more reasonable.

 

I know that since i didn't love any of my photos, I played around with editing and it's freaking hard and time consuming! I'm sure you get better with it the more you do it, but a wedding takes well over 1000 photos usually and to edit that many. Wow.

 

Anyway, just wanted to say that seeing that info is really helpful!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tlseege View Post
In the end, many of us photographers end up making very little money. We don't do it to be rich. We do it because we love it and we have a passion for it. We love capturing such beautiful emotion and capturing the love on one of the best days of your life. It's what we do. It's what we love to do. But please don't think that we are making easy money, as it is anything but!
Well said Trisha!

It's tough especially in this market right now but you have to really love what you're doing to make it worth while. I know your passion is for weddings and my heart is obsessed about them too :-) It's a wonderful job though for sure.

Plus another thing I always say is you get what you pay for.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

first of all - Carly, how freaking cute is your dog?!!!!

 

I am paying more for photography than anything else in my wedding. A great photographer is worth it...to me anyway. You guys are right - the behind the scenes work is just as important as the actual taking of the pictures...it's a lot more than pointing and clicking. It's an art and you can't put a price on it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just like most of the girls here have said, if you love your photos then its definately not a rip off. A rip off would be paying half of that and hating all of them. Im spending a bit less on photos but its only because I have a tiny budget and 50% of my budget is going to travel and stay alone. I searched a long time for a photographer until I found one in my budget that was giving me the exact thing that I wanted.

Just hope that I get beautiful pics now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tlseege View Post
I have to say something in regards to this comment. I just want to set the record straight:
For people who purchase from resort photographers who don't do ANY editing, or even just minimal editing, then yes. There is probably a very large markup.

However, for normal photographers, this is COMPLETELY false!!!! COMPLETELY! And I don't want anyone to think that we charge what we do simply because it's a once in a lifetime event so we can. That's not the case.

For instance, the wedding I just photographed in Mexico. Just the wedding.
10 hours of photographing. For every hour of photographing I do approximately 6 hours of "other" stuff. That would include editing, sorting, blogging, burning a disc, mailing, and backing up. So to photograph one wedding is 60 hours worth of work.
Let's pretend that you hired a photographer for your wedding for $2,000. First things first, remove 40% of that, because that's what we pay straight to Uncle Sam. So now, the photographer is getting $1,200. Divide by 60 hours of work. The photographer is making $20 an hour. Not bad, but it certainly is not a lot! Now, please don't forget the cost of goods. So what if your package included a book? Images? Online Gallery? These things all cost money. Not to mention the cost of our insurance, our equipment, etc.

In the end, many of us photographers end up making very little money. We don't do it to be rich. We do it because we love it and we have a passion for it. We love capturing such beautiful emotion and capturing the love on one of the best days of your life. It's what we do. It's what we love to do. But please don't think that we are making easy money, as it is anything but!
yeah, I was really just referring to resort photographers since that's the kind in question...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, this thread has been an eye opener for me as I am not sure how much I am willing to spend on pics. My fiance could probably care less as long as we have a few nice ones, but I would like a few more than that.

 

This might sound dumb, but the cds they usually give you, are you able to print off pics from those or not?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickers View Post
Wow, this thread has been an eye opener for me as I am not sure how much I am willing to spend on pics. My fiance could probably care less as long as we have a few nice ones, but I would like a few more than that.

This might sound dumb, but the cds they usually give you, are you able to print off pics from those or not?
Yeah, our resort gave us the copyright waiver but it really depends on the photographer. Better ask if that's important to you.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickers View Post
Wow, this thread has been an eye opener for me as I am not sure how much I am willing to spend on pics. My fiance could probably care less as long as we have a few nice ones, but I would like a few more than that.

This might sound dumb, but the cds they usually give you, are you able to print off pics from those or not?
i would def ask and also ask up to what size can you print. If you can only print up to a 4x6 and want a lot of 8x10s then you will have to go thru them which could cost a lot more money.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...