Why Photographers Charge What They Do
The myth that wedding photographers make outrageous amounts of money is simply not true. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average professional wedding photographer makes $26,610.00 based on the standard 40 hour work week. In actuality, most independent photographers work over 80 hours per week, spending those additional 40+ hours managing and marketing their small business.
Our economy lives and breathes because of self-employed entrepreneurs. There are many unforeseen costs of doing business as a photographer that hinge on four factors: Priorities, Time, Tools and Talent
Priorities
The question you must also ask yourself is, Do I want a photographer who charges very little and must take on many weddings to survive, including often a full-time job, leaving very little time dedicated to each wedding? (Part-time, craigslist, “weekend warrior” type wedding photographers often hold full time jobs and don’t focus their talent constantly) or Do I want to work with a photographer who dedicates more time and energy to each client so that every wedding receives the highest quality possible?
Time Allowance
Whereas larger retail photography studios may employ a staff to regiment and streamline production, independent wedding photographers will cater to the individual needs of their clients, which may limit their time and only permit them to capture a limited amount of weddings each season. An independent wedding photographer regards their consultation time as valuable moments to engage and learn about the objectives of their clients, straying from providing amalgamated coverage of their event and instead personalizing the objectives in order to execute to their client’s desires.
I consider my photography very important and my clients equally worthy of my time and talent. I want to work with a bride and groom who are as committed to their wedding images and feel they are worthy of a high degree of attention, dedication and pride.
Let’s look at the time investment for each wedding:
• 4 hours for emails, phone calls, travel and consultations as you interview the photographer.
• 8 hours for the shooting, editing & blogging your engagement session.
• 12 hours on your wedding day w/ travel.
• 4 hours to back-up and blog your wedding images.
• 20 hours to process your images & upload them to online gallery.
• 12 hours designing, posting & revising the final wedding album.
• 6 hours for misc. meetings, phone calls, emails, planning sessions, etc.
________________________
= 66 Hours
Tools
The money you are paying for an independent professional photographer goes toward each of these items below. Each are key to keeping every small business operational.
Equipment Expenses
Cameras
Lenses
Flashes
Subsequent Backup Equipment
Tripods
Gear Bags
Portable Lighting
Stands / Sandbag Weights
Light Meters
Cordless Flash Triggers
Portable Muslin Backdrops and props
Stands, clamps, extension cords, gaffers tape, etc.
Batteries/Rechargeable Batteries/Recharger
Event Expenses
Equipment Insurance
Liability Insurance
Transportation (Gas, Tolls, Parking Garages, Maintenance, Insurance)
Post-Event Expenses
Desktop Computer
Laptop Computer
Photo Manipulation Software
Studio Management Software
Album Designing Software
Photo Sharing Software
Applicable Updates
Print Proofing Lab Client Fee and Lab Fees
Security Systems
External Hard Drives
DVD Burner
Blank Media (DVDs, CDs)
Large Format Printer Ink
Printer (for contracts, office paperwork, etc) Toner
Studio Expenses
Studio Rent
Heat
Electricity
High Speed Internet Access
Credit Card Transaction Fees
Projector
Projections Screen
Sample Prints
Sample Albums
Sample Frames
Updating Samples
Furnishings: Conference Table, Chairs. Display Materials
Client Refreshments: Espresso, Coffee, Purified Water
Lighting: Track lighting, spot lighting, bulbs
Office Supplies (Letterhead, Envelopes, Pens, Paper, Staples, Tape, etc.)
Office Organization (Flat Files, Filing Cabinets, etc.)
Various cutting, mounting & trimming tools
Advertising Expenses
Advertising Costs
Bridal Show Participation Fees
Print Ads
Postcards
Brochures
Business Cards
Website Design Fee
Website Hosting Fee
Web Updating Fee
Domain Hosting Fee
Web Advertising
General Business Expenses
Clothes (Laundry & Dry Cleaning)
Comfortable Dress Shoes
Cell Phone
Legal & Government Expenses
Accountant’s Fees
Attorney’s Fees
Taxes
Education Expenses
College Education
Professional Memberships
Online Forum Subscriptions
Educational Books & Resources
Magazine Subscriptions
Professional Conferences
Professional Seminars
Professional Workshops
Print Competition (entry fees and labs fees)
Talent
Photographers found of craigslist and often hired by larger retail studios receive a fraction of the what professional photographers earn forcing these photographers to also hold a full time job which is not as beneficial to the client as an independent photographer constantly honing their craft.
These retail studio freelance photographers and novice craigslist and student shooters are usually new to the industry and utilize the opportunity to prey on brides with budget limitations as they practice their profession while continuing their education. Successful, established independent wedding photographers have sought their apprenticeships previously and finished their primary education prior to gambling with not only their reputations but their client’s memories as well. While an independent photographer’s livelihood and continued success relies heavily on loyal customer referrals, larger retail studios often focus on their bottom line – quantity often over quality. Whereas the craigslist photographer, student or amateur friend/uncle gamble with clients memories in pursuit of a quick buck to afford better equipment and build their portfolio as a part-time hobby.
Larger retail studios systematically use an opportunity to cut costs by providing a company spokesperson or sales representative whose responsibility it is to meet with every client and provide them a generalized code of conduct, a universal task/shot list and other common objectives that their assigned photographer must pledge to demonstrate. While larger retail studios may also receive discounts from product manufacturers for producing such high volume sales which aids in keeping their prices aggressive, independent photographers offer competitive industry standard rates based on their merit while striving to provide the best quality products and services for the amount of time not divisible amongst a staff, whereby shooting fewer events per year and hence providing a more personalized, prompt performance. An independent wedding photographer may offer to discount their services based on a given time period such as an off-peak seasons event or a Friday or Sunday service. Larger retail studios however rely on a constant price structure which is as low as they’re willing to go based on a system driven on volume, whereby not allowing clients to bargain for discounts and/or other special offers. And though larger retail studios may entice you to walk through their doors with the promise of an inexpensive “package”, this offer usually includes their lowest tier, lackluster, self-assembled album comprised of considerably less pages/photos than an independent photographer’s comparable product that the studio anticipates you’ll upgrade to meet the level of popular consumer spending averages which compels their bottom line: a compounded and generalized service with additional products offered based on an average of volume sales.
Wedding photography is similar to other services in that there are people operating at all levels of experience and expertise. Pricing is only one factor that those with the most experience or expertise distinguish themselves. Customer Service is another factor to consider in addition to how well you initially like meeting your photographer.
I pride myself in excellent customer service. It is the highest merit of my aptitude to work with you on your wedding day. During college I participated in the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, Florida. I was nationally selected to work for the Walt Disney Corporation and studied hands-on knowledge of the customer service industry. Anyone who’s been to a Disney theme park knows the high level of customer service they pride themselves on and I feel my expertise is no exception.
Capturing hundreds of weddings and special events, my patience and graciousness have been tested on occasion. As weddings are a non-controlled event and plans have a tendency to deviate at a moment’s notice, it is my job to grab the wheel and steer the ship back on course. I’ve learned that you can’t direct the wind but you can adjust your sails. When drifting on a sea of despondency, trust that I’ll have the ability to always make you smile, fan you with a magazine, grab a glass of water, help you to laugh and remind you how to breathe and relax.
