Weddings: how much will you cost me?
Why choose a professional photographer?
When you plan a wedding, a whole world opens up. Suppliers, photographers, restaurants: doing the sums becomes an accountant’s job as you work out your budget and the right balance between quality and price. Choosing a photographer is an important decision because, of everyone present on the day, the photographer will always be close to you, following you from morning to night, and will be the only professional who leaves you photos as tangible proof of a day when you had the time of your lives. Memories fade quickly, especially on days packed with events and with so many people around. That’s why choosing the photographer is often the hardest decision: many people turn to “cheap” photographers who then gradually raise the price after the shoot with extra costs for prints, albums and so on. Even worse if you rely on relatives who are hobbyists and certainly can’t handle the workload or lack the technical skills. Hiring a professional means being sure your photos will be safely preserved; quality and technique are the foundation. Taste and style are their form of expression. Managing stress and problem solving are their daily bread. Being a wedding photographer requires experience and a deep knowledge of what you are doing.
Someone might often wonder: they asked me for 2500€ for a single day’s work, are they mad? The wedding day is only part of the job. Before and after the wedding the photographer prepares and checks the equipment to make sure nothing goes wrong. After the wedding they store the files securely, edit the work and spend many hours finalising everything.
How much does a professional photo shoot cost?
When it comes to professional photographers, the market varies a lot, but prices usually start from a minimum of 1500€. The price usually includes an album and video. The album has a big impact on the final price: there are budget albums and hand-finished albums in fine materials that can shift the price by as much as 40/50%. The photographer is simply the link between the lab and the end client. Taking care of the layout and the choice of materials and colours is an important part of the photographer’s job. The same goes for prints, album copies and other products the photographer buys and then supplies to clients. Cutting corners on the album means finishing all the work in the worst possible way. Durability and quality of materials are essential. You often hear about OFFSET printing, which is not recommended for colour stability over time or print quality. This type of printing is usually used for hand-out flyers, designed for a short life. Printing on chemical photographic paper is always recommended, as it mirrors the old darkroom enlarger method. Another factor affecting the cost is whether assistants are needed. Often, for logistical reasons, a single photographer can’t cover and document the entire event. What matters is putting all your choices and the agreed price in writing: it’s the only way to have a calm professional relationship without misunderstandings. So beware of pseudo-photographers and amateurs. Yes, you’ll save money, but you’ll get an unprofessional service with expensive, poor-quality prints.
I want a low-budget photo shoot.
People often don’t consider going to a professional and asking for a photo shoot without prints. It’s a good way to get a photo shoot on a limited budget. Unfortunately, printing has a big impact on the final price, and remember that a photographer is a professional and an entrepreneur, so avoid making indecent proposals. Aim for a quality service, even without prints. You can always print the photos later, whenever suits you best.
Would you like a free quote from My Happy Wedding for your wedding?
Click to find out more
Frequently asked questions
What does a wedding photographer’s price depend on?
On the hours of coverage, whether there is a second photographer, the album chosen, any video and drone footage, and the distance to the venue. That’s why a tailored quote is more reliable than a price list.
Is the photo shoot quote free?
Yes. Just tell us the date, the venue and what you’d like: My Happy Wedding will prepare a detailed quote, free and with no obligation.
Is it worth saving on the wedding photographer?
Photos are the only thing from your wedding that lasts forever. It’s better to compare what’s included (hours, post-production, album, delivery times) rather than just the final price.
