Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t an easy thing to do, I know. As someone looking for a wedding photographer, the photographers are plentiful, their packages are even more daunting and then there is calculating the cost. On the itsjustmoney blog, they can really identify:
We decided that we would see 10 photographers. A lot, I know. But that’s just the type of people we are. As organized as we felt, we kept having a difficult time comparing the different photographers. We realized that the problem was that each had their own customized package”..
and after trying to figure out the exact package items, they go on to say:
“Ultimately, we found that quality sorted itself out. The mediocre photographers never really made out list. Personality was huge, but couldn’t overcome quality. We were turned off by photographers trying to be salespeople. Yes, it’s a business (and one heck of a business at that), but let your work speak volumes, and be cool.”
The most important part seems to be in finding the photographer you really want to work with. The one that creates the quality you’re looking for and the one who has the personality you can work with. Everything else in the “package” provides items you may or may not want. As a photographer, I know those choices can lead to more confusion, but a one-size fits all package just won’t work either. I would LOVE it if a a bride and groom were able to come to me as educated to know exactly what they wanted, that way I could give them a price based on that. That way, I’d know they were going to get everything they wanted. Nobody likes to be stuck with something they didn’t like! The difficulty in trying to please everyone with a single “Package” is that it will never please everyone.
I have looked at what other photographers are offering in their “packages” but what other photographers offer, doesn’t really give anyone the true picture of what most people want. After all, there are almost an infinite amount of options and products. I’ve been developing a new structure that doesn’t lock people into taking things they don’t want, or having to barter for things they do. I got some great ideas from Dawn Muncy, http://www.muncyphotography.com where she has everything priced individually. “The more you buy, the more you are rewarded - the more you save” is her motto. I really like it and I’m working on adapting the same type of pricing. If you’re anywhere near Enid, Oklahoma, and you need portraits, you should go see her, she’s an incredible photographer! You should go see her anyway even if you don’t need portraits because they are really great people!
In choosing a photographer:
- Make sure they can produce the quality of work you want.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with them and that you can get along.
- Make sure you can get what you want without a lot of hassle.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I hope you’ll look at my gallery section to see the quality of my work. I’d love to talk with you anytime to see how well we get along!
Good Luck in making your choice.
