Collections and packages and prices... OH MY!
Do you feel like you are traveling through a confusing new land full of wedding photographers, packages, and collections on your way to the Emerald City? You know what you want, but you are not sure exactly how to get there? Has a lion already popped out and scared you?
I’ve got some tips for making sense of this unusual world of wedding photography!
First thing you should know is not all collections are created equally! You aren’t always comparing apples to apples.
Some collections (or packages) only include the photographer’s time. Any prints, wall art, or albums are all purchased at an additional cost after the wedding.
Other collections may include the photographer’s time, prints, wall art, albums, and an engagement session.
When it comes time to sit down and compare the photographers that seem like a good fit for you, it is important to read the details carefully as the wedding packages offered vary widely from photographer to photographer.
Things to look for in a typical package are:
1. Time.How long will your wedding photographer spend with you on your wedding day? It can range anywhere from 4 hours to all day. If you are planning an elopement or micro wedding you might find packages with as little as 2 hours. I highly suggest getting the most time you can afford. You don’t want to miss those little, important moments because you didn’t have your photographer long enough. You can’t get that time back!
2. Images. This refers to your digital images. How many will you get and how will they be delivered? Possibilities include a zip drive, a small external hard drive, or via a cloud server (online gallery).
3. Prints. Some photographers include prints and wall art as a part of their collections. While you don’t have to purchase prints through your photographer, they will be of unmatched quality. I highly suggest prints larger than an 8x10 be ordered through your photographer. In 40 years, you’ll thank me for that suggestion.
4. Albums. Your photographer may also offer an heirloom album. I love the way an heirloom album tells your wedding story. You’ll never regret putting one of these together for your family to enjoy throughout the years. You can approve the final design and have a choice of
cover materials to match your wedding theme. I’ve written more about this in my blog “Why You Need A Wedding Album.”
5. Extra photo sessions: Many wedding photography packages include an Engagement Session so that you can get comfortable with the photographer before your wedding. Some may also offer bridal portraits or boudoir portraits. I really value the time I spend getting to know my couples during an engagement session and it is very helpful to have some great images on hand during the wedding planning process. I’ve shared more in my blog “9 Things To Do With Your Engagement Photos.”
Details to consider before you sign the contract:
- Printing rights
- Travel costs
- Second shooters
- Plan B incase of emergency
- Extra hour costs
What should you expect to pay for your photographer?
An average wedding photographer in the Seattle area can cost anywhere between $1500.00 to $6000.00. The biggest factor in determining this cost has to do with time. The longer you have your photographer the more it will cost. When comparing packages between photographers determine what is most important to YOU and YOUR wedding day.
- Is all day coverage more important than having a second photographer?
- Do you want an heirloom album or just prints?
Choosing your perfect wedding photographer:
You will be spending a lot of time with your wedding photographer before, during, and after your wedding! You want to make sure that you have a connection and feel comfortable together. (Another reason the Engagement Session can be so helpful.) Everyone has the common goal of capturing all the special moments of your big day beautifully. It's important that it is enjoyable, too!
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