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Are you a photographer?
I’m certain that you know of someone, whether it be a friend or family member, that is a “photographer”. The wedding photography business is overwhelmed with photographers. But what separates us is the quality of our work, the equipment we use, our communication skills, how we treat our clients and if photography is our sole source of income to provide for our families.
It will always be written in our Photography Agreement: “Derek Lee welcomes friends – family to bring cameras of their own and they may photograph freely without limitation.”
I do this because it is your wedding, not mine. I know how important it is to your family and friends to capture their very own memories, as they see them.
There is a lot of talent here in Nashville when it comes to photography skills and our pricing for the services we offer is all over the place, from $350-$10000. The good news is a bride (and groom) can see the difference in skill and communication. What they can’t foresee is how they and their guests will be treated on the wedding day and just how well this “pro” can handle the tight timelines, balancing getting the shots a bride wants while getting them to the Reception on time. And most importantly, a bride can’t see into the future of just how great their wedding images will actually be.
I hear, just about everyday, “my friend is a photographer too”.
With high gas prices, companies downsizing leading to job loss, and just plain uncertainty about future income for themselves, marrying couples are cutting back and looking to save money where they can.
It may sound appealing and enticing to let your friend photograph your wedding, but if that friend flubs the shoot, it could be the end of a friendship.
Personally, I wouldn’t, nor couldn’t, pay $3000 and upwards for wedding photography, unless I’m getting the greatest album on the market and a couple of them for our parents too.
Pricing for weddings is all over the place.
I’m often asked why wedding photographers (or as I refer to us: people with a camera that have a business license that will photograph your wedding for a price) prices are “all over the place”. My best answer is: “Pricing is determined by how much they want to earn, or at least attempt to earn.” Just because someone wants $4000 to shoot a wedding doesn’t mean they’ll get it. However, some do.
As for me, I’ve photographed close to 1000, yes, 1000 weddings since 1996 and have done so, and will continue, at a reasonable price. You’re more than welcome to have your friend come and shoot behind me, along with me, beside me. Perhaps we can share some ideas too.
If you’re a bride that has the budget for $4000 towards wedding photography, this article isn’t for you.
This post is for the bride and groom that wants beautiful, meaningful wedding photography by a photographer that isn’t greedy, but isn’t selling their talent short.
Mandi Reed: Great statement of who you guys are as a business – definitely well worth the money and certainly not too pricey to afford.
Scott O’Neal: Very well written Derek, and I can see a lot of compassion and thought went in to it! I’m right there with ya on this as well.
Mary Hildenbrand: Well said. I have looked at the results of photographers from $350 to $5,000. $350 results are laughable or a big disappointment if you use them. $5,000 is nice but you don’t usually get the rights to the photos and the DVD. $5,000 is crazy. You are very talented, friendly and affordable. So glad we found you.
Lisa Foust Shoemake: Derek, We were so happy with our pictures. We will cherish the pictures for a lifetime. You were awesome and want you to know how much we appreciate you.
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