What is a cheap wedding photographer… And how do you find a photographer for your wedding that won’t break the bank?
If you’re planning a wedding or an elopement, you’ve probably asked this question. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was $30,000. That’s a big bill for a single day. Photography is a standard wedding expense for most couples, but not everyone is willing to spend thousands of dollars for their day.
I get it. Weddings are expensive, but you can find an incredible photographer that fits within your budget.
Let me tell you how!
Decide on Your Wedding Photographer Budget
To be able to find a cheap wedding photographer you first need to have a conversation about your budget. Where do you want the bulk of your money to go? Weddings are expensive, and if you don’t have a plan, you are going to be disappointed.
On average wedding photography cost $2600 in 2022. It’s one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding day so it is an important part of the budget conversation. There is a huge difference between a cheap wedding photographer and a photographer who is charging a smaller amount to build their business.
Understanding the Importance of Wedding Photography
Photos might not be something you’re passionate about, but they are the one thing that will last longer than your actual wedding day. They will be there for every anniversary, every fight, and every life change that happens… until death do you part and beyond.
Why do Some Wedding Photographers charge so much?
There are a lot of reasons wedding photography is so expensive. Gear costs a lot. A more seasoned photographer likely has 3 or 4 cameras. Those cameras each cost $2,500 and above. lenses are another expense that can cost more than the actual camera body. Flash adds another few hundred dollars minimum, and the list goes on.
Newer photographers don’t have as much gear, so they are not going to charge as much as a more experienced photographer. As they become more experienced, they will raise their prices to purchase higher-end equipment. Newer photographers also do not have as much experience, so there will be more room for error.
Wedding photography is a skill that is refined from year to year, but it is possible to find talented beginners. You just have to put in the work to find them!
How do I find a talented Wedding Photographer?
Following people on Instagram or TikTok is a great place to find cheap wedding photographers. Social media is full of talented wedding vendors building their businesses. Follow anyone who has a style you like. Look at their website and check out their pricing. Sometimes photographers offer discounts or giveaways for their followers. Enter as many as you can!
When you find a few wedding photographers that you love, reach out. Start a conversation with them to see if your personalities match. As them questions like why they are pursuing photography and what their favorite aspects of wedding photography are. You can also ask if they have ever worked under another photographer before. This is a good question because it will showcase their experience… You want someone who has done this! Even if they have not worked their own weddings, experience with other photographers is huge.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is HARD WORK. Weddings are EXPENSIVE. But, celebrating your future with your spouse is life-altering and worth the investment. Life will never be the same again… and that’s cool!
Celebrate your future together, but also make sure you have a budget and a plan in place. Wedding photography is an important part of that conversation. I have talked to too many couples who were disappointed in how their photos turned out. I don’t want that to be your story.
You can have the wedding of your dreams AND stay within your budget. It just takes a little work and creativity. If you have questions, reach out to me or check out this blog for more questions to ask your photographer. I would love to point you toward having the best photographer possible.
xx Crysahna
