Opinions of wedding photography websites?

I know this is very typical but it drives me crazy when there's absolutely no pricing information on a website. Like I don't want to have to message a photographer just to find out they're way out of my budget. At least a starting price or a general idea is helpful.

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Yes!! I can see why it's done (because they want to draw us in to a personal conversation with them via email or phone) but it is very annoying because we have no idea whether their pricing is literally $1,000 or $4,000! Wastes everyone's time.

View Quoted Comment I wholeheartedly agree! I need some sort of baseline or details before I start talking to a photographer.

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This is really good to know. I'll be sure to do a baseline "starting at" kind of thing when I launch my own services. I think that's usually enough detail, or what do you think about having the full price list? I'm on the fence. As a bride, I am wary the 'starting at' price could include very little, but the full packages can get complicated and make me click off the page!

View Quoted Comment I think that if you state a baseline or starting price point, you should also state what the baseline includes, or at least some of what it includes.

Something that I found I like in wedding photographers (I’m still looking for mine) is when they offer the option of a “make-your-own” contract. Basically it gives a list of things the photographer can do and lets the customer pick how many hours they hire you and how many extra things (like a second photographer or an album or prints, etc) they want.

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Love it! I can see how this would be awesome Thanks Gabrielle!

View Quoted Comment You’re welcome! Glad I could help out, Jenny!

The lack of pricing, as PPs have said, annoyed me. There were really only two things I wanted: lots of pics of their work, in different types of venues, and a ‘starting at’ price or similar idea.
My photographer had a wide variety of work and a price range for her basic package.

A good website should show a complete profile of weddings they have done, not just the best pics from that wedding. It should also have diverse profiles of different body sizes and skin colors. It is also helpful if they have a package list so you can get an idea if they are in your budget as well as what is offered. I like it when the photographer shares about who they are and their style of photography too.

I personally don't like when a basic price list and packages aren't included. That makes me think they're overpriced right off the bat!

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Yesss!! I think there are some that show a minimal selection and others that show not only a large number but whole entire galleries. I think somewhere in the middle is a good place to be! No-one's got time to look at hundreds of pics, but I'm getting the sense that a wide range of images showing the complete story, is valuable. Thanks!

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I also think that showing personality (of the photographer) is important. When I don't see that it makes me think it's one of those nationwide studios - they will just send out a contract photographer, rather than the person who owns the business if that makes sense. I think it's so much about relationships and you have to get the sense of whether you vibe with that person not just their photography. And don't get me started on those who don't show diversity! It is definitely a pet peeve of mine when all the couples look the same!

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Yep - even if they're not overpriced they may be missing out on sales because people haven't got time to find out! This is super helpful that a lot of people are saying the same thing. I would definitely have a simple pricing page myself.

Their pictures should speak for themselves! I also like unique & creative pictures - not just a shot of a dress hanging

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True. The website is the place to wow with their own creative vision. Photographers from what I gather hate to copy other photographers, so it's the perfect place to showcase their unique perspectives. Thanks Michelle!

Agree about pricing and other "policy transparency." Daughter's photographer (whom we absolutely loved) has a link with ALL of his pricing options clearly detailed on his website, and a great FAQ page that provides tons of info about who he is as a person and how he approaches his work as a wedding photographer. He is SO honest and upfront about everything (and just the nicest and most talented photographer you could imagine). It was really nice to know everything up front and not feel like we had to ask "awkward questions," or had to meet with him before we could get specific information. In addition to a huge sampling of photos from his portfolio, his website also has some "mini-galleries" (up to 250+ photos from a single wedding) that definitely provide a good sense of what a potential customer could expect in a full wedding gallery from him. (And, before booking, he sent daughter links to several full galleries of weddings that likely had some elements in common with what she was planning.) (FWIW: KarlVerkadePhotography.com ; he's located in So Cal and we HIGHLY recommend him -- he's already booked 3-4 of daughter's friends' weddings based on her recommendations.)

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Oh verrrry nice! Awww I am sure he would be beaming if he knew you had taken the time to write this amazing post all about his services! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us here! I'm getting the sense that most posters feel MORE is better in terms of images posted online and also information provided before the meeting stage. I would have to agree that this is better because it does not waste anyone's time