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Chris
Beginner October 2022

Photography packages

Chris, on January 6, 2021 at 10:46 PM Posted in Planning 1 23
I have no clue how much to spend on a photography package. I'm getting quotes from 4000 to 6000 for 8-10 hours. Any thoughts?

23 Comments

Latest activity by Molly, on January 10, 2021 at 11:54 PM
  • Jessica
    Savvy November 2021
    Jessica ·
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    You can find some for less. I am not sure what state you’re in, I’m in Ohio and I see most in the 1,500-3,000 range and some for less than that if they’re newer / less experienced. You should find a local wedding FB group and search for some photography posts that’s where I see most reviews and recommendations.
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  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    Where are you located? Average cost depends a lot on geographic region.
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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    You ever thought of hiring student photographers? I had one do my graduation photo shoot and it was so good and it was literally $50 haha.
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  • Chris
    Beginner October 2022
    Chris ·
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    Upstate New york near lake George..
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  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    Yeah, that's a pricier area. A quick search showed me prices ranging from $1000-$5000: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wedding-photographers-lake-george-ny
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Price depends on your location. Do a Yelp/Instagram search for wedding photographers in your area and nearly all have prices listed on their websites with what is included.
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  • Chris
    Beginner October 2022
    Chris ·
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    Yep thanks.
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  • Jasmine S.
    VIP May 2022
    Jasmine S. ·
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    I'm in the Hudson region and I also got quotes in that range (and a bit more). I would definitely hire a professional with experience. For my sister's reception, my parents hired an acquaintance who just did photography on the side and they weren't happy with the pics.
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  • Nicole
    Master September 2020
    Nicole ·
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    We paid $4000 for 2 lead photographers, 9 hours, an engagement session, and a 10x10 album in Southern CA. The package ultimately changed as we pivoted plans (photographers came to shoot the short ceremony and family pictures and then a month later traveled for an adventure shoot, still for $4000). Honestly, the best money that was spent during the entire wedding process was on our photographers. Typically, those charging the higher rates are the true professionals who have not only done many weddings and therefore have the experience, but also who invest in their gear, their continued professional learning, and who have wonderful creativity. Remember, you're not only paying them to shoot the wedding, but you're also paying for the hours they spend editing the photos afterward to deliver a perfect product to you. Make sure you look at full albums of the photographers to make sure you truly love their style, but I definitely encourage you to spend the money on the pricier photographers (as long as you're financially able to) as you're really going to see a difference. I've had so many people tell me that our wedding photos are the best they've ever seen and I truly agree. Our photographers were worth every penny!

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  • Yasmine
    Master October 2020
    Yasmine ·
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    It depends on where you're located. I personally would never pay that much just for photography, but those prices aren't unheard of.
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  • T
    Devoted July 2021
    Ty ·
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    I’m in the Miami/FLL area and the prices here were around the same. But don’t stop looking. You will find someone that is willing to work with you. The guy we really wanted was like 6k. We ended up hiring his lead photographer who branched off on his own a few years ago and he was priced a lot cheaper. We paid 3500 for 8 hours of photography & videography, engagement shoot, and a 10x10 album. It took a lot of research and conversations (20+) to be exact. But once you find someone talk to them, let them know the budget and what you are looking to stay in.


    Good luck, also check Instagram hashtags. They are a big help.
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  • J
    Devoted September 2021
    Jay ·
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    That’s in the range of what we’re paying! We had found some we liked who were cheaper, but all of those were booked. We did continue to find some cheaper/toward 4k, but ultimately didn’t like the full albums (I have a photography background & FH works in film, so we have a lot of thoughts about editing, framing, etc.). We ultimately chose one of the cheaper of the more expensive photogs we considered, when we liked both the photos & the photog as a person. We also really wanted someone good at candids & with a more natural editing (neither of us like the “bright & airy” style at all), & this person fit the bill there, too. It is more than I initially planned to spend, though, especially as we may add on another hour & a second photog, & no prints or albums are included, but that’s fine by me. The additional hours & photog will depend on COVID—how many people, if it’s just a ceremony, etc.


    Definitely look at the full album, & more than one—I think this is what really indicates if the photographer is someone who happens to get some good photos or who works hard to get good photos.
    I’m in New England, near a big city, & getting married during peak season. We didn’t find too many good photographers for less, & a bunch of those had very limited hours or only gave you a certain number of photos. I do think they exist, we just couldn’t find them!
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  • Hanna
    VIP June 2019
    Hanna ·
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    Sounds about right for what I was quoted too. We ended up paying $5000 for 10 hours of coverage, and it also came with a 1-hour engagement session and 15-spread photo album.

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  • SLY
    Master January 2022
    SLY ·
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    Not sure where you're located, but you may find photographers that charge less than that. BUT if that's the average price range in your area, or it's low for your area, then I'd go for it!

    We're in Georgia, and our photo package is almost $3k. This included our engagement photos (she let us have two separate sessions), 8 hours of coverage on our wedding day, USB keepsake, a second shooter, and we get to pick out 10 (I think) photos for her to print for us.

    If you aren't set on a photographer, I'd def. compare and contrast their prices and what they offer! Pick the one that matches your budget and style the best!

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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    Wowzers! That's expensive! You should be able to find some for cheaper. Check thumbtack.com. also do you really want 8 hours? Consider having 4 to 6 hours instead.
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  • Sally
    Savvy April 2021
    Sally ·
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    Mine will be around 3500 for 8 hours. This was one of the middle to high prices I saw, but there were some quotes around 6000 for full days of coverage.
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    Unfortunately, photography is one of the more expensive items when it comes to a wedding. The average price is going to depends on where you are located, but the quotes you are getting don't sound too out of the norm. Search for photographers here on WW and on The Knot. Ask around to friends and family to might have been married recently and see if they have any suggestions.

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  • Expert September 2021
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    I searched for a reasonable photographer for so long. I actually found one out of state who was more than accommodating to my needs and my budget.

    For reference, I'm in South Carolina and I hired a newer photographer in Georgia for $2,000+ a hotel room for the night before and night of our wedding. She includes bridal portraits, engagement session, a second shooter for the day of, and an uncapped amount of time. She told me she will be there as long as I am there and the party is still going on. We are getting married at a downtown venue and will be going to bar hop after the send off - she is even coming with us to that to take fun pictures of us downtown in wedding attire! I would just make sure you search high and low for reasonable shooters WITH a nice portfolio. At the end of the day, photos are all you have so make sure you go with someone who will really capture your day in the best, most professional way!

    Also keep in mind how prices vary in different areas! Hope this helps!

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  • Chris
    Beginner October 2022
    Chris ·
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    Thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts. Will keep on looking.
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  • Alyssa
    Dedicated July 2021
    Alyssa ·
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    My photographer will be $3400 for 6 hours. If we wanted 8 hours she would have been $5,600. Our photo package includes a good amount things though like giving us digital copies of photos as well as a flash drive with photos, so definitely look into what you will be given with the price that you pay.
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