whats the difference between cheap photographers and expensive ones?

Photography can be taught but having an eye for good imagery is a natural talent.

You either have it or you don't. I know I will kick up a stir by saying this but the truth is only around 10% of professional photographers in Sydney really have an eye for photography. Good photographers will agree with me I know.

When you book a photographer you are really booking him or her for their eye.

Equipment, software, websites anyone can have only few have an eye!

My personal opinion is that the reveiws and photos should speak for themselves. I also think you need to ask about the quality of the images/prints. So obviously the better quallity would mean, better equipment etc. I don't believe you have to charge the world, just because it's a wedding. It is A LOT of work and you don't want to mess it up, so it you can understand that it won't be cheap.

There can be a big difference and it usually comes done to a combination of experience & talent.

Photographers just starting out will usually have a lower price than established photographers. If you're starting out you may not have the best equipment nor the experience to handle any situation. So to hire some with less experience is to take more risk....but we all have to start somewhere!

Talent is the other determinant of price - like in any industry the better someone is the more they will charge!

I think your budget is good - you should be able to find someone with moderate experience and talent. Or if you can spend around $3000-3500 you'll certainly get a better & more experienced photographer.

This really depends on your definition of 'cheap'.

Some photographers are newly building a business, whilst others are more established and built a reputable brand. 

It really comes down to the quality of the final product. If your photographer is newly established, they certainly may have the talent and 'eye' equal to (if not better in some cases) to more expensive counterparts. But you need to visualise the final product. Definitely DO NOT settle solely on images from social media or even their portfolio. Ask to see a complete wedding to give you an idea of how they capture the whole day, not just what they want you to see online. 

Most importantly, ask to see some studio samples such as prints and/or album. Have they had any work published in a local magazine? You will want to ensure that their work is print quality. 

One other point to bear in mind, some larger expensive companies have more than one photographer. Ensure the photographer you are paying for meets the standard of the images that you see online.

In my opinion there are two types of wedding photographers. Big studio companies who have more overheads like studios costs, rent, outsourcing work to photographers and editors. There other group of photographers are smaller independant, non studio run buisnesses. These photographers dont have the additional costs like bigger studio companies and personally I believe the independant photographers can provide a more personalised service for cheaper cost. Having said that, the most important thing to consider when choosing a wedding photographer is the personal connection you have with your photographer because you will be spending most of the day together and you want to feel comfortable having photos taken on your wedding day. Price has no impact on the connection you have and that can make or break your special day. Another thing to consider is the style of photos that you like (candid, posed, fun, silly, vogue, natural editing?) as you will be looking at these photos for the rest of your life so you need to love the style of them. Finally, the package inclusions is a big influence on the cost of a photographer. Some only include minimal photos on a USB and some include beautiful hand finished albums so make sure you ask lots of questions about what products you will get. Only some photographers will also tailor packages to suit your preferences which also might save you some money so don't forget to ask for exactly what you want! 

Hope this helps you all choose your perfect wedding photographer! :)

You might be really lucky, and get someone great that is just starting out, and needs to build their portfolio, but I would never trust the most important photos of my life to a newbie. Experience and a track record are very important. 

Hi there,

Like most businesses, there are costs involved in running a photography business.  Part of the overall cost comes down to how much it costs the photographer to run their business and attend your wedding (print costs, insurance, studio space (if any), travel, equipment, utilities etc) and the other part comes down to the value of their art.

At the end of the day, however, it comes down to your budget, what you like in terms of photographs and how you feel about the photographer as a person.

Many thanks
Sam

My advice would be to not focus so much on price but rather the style of the photographer. Some photographers may be cheaper than others for a number of reasons.  For instance, it may be a part time business and if you dont have to pay a mortgage or rent for studio etc, etc, then the overheads are not so high and the cost can be kept down.   Pick your photograher based on personality and rapport - how well do you relate to them.  If you relate easly to them and you like their style of photograhy (remember all photographers have a slightly different style) then  you will get much better, more relaxed photos and you'll enjoy the the experience much more.

Coming from a photographer who has very reasonable prices I believe it is a personal thing as to how much you charge for your photography service. It is an art as well as a business. You need to meet your photographer in person or have an open conversation over the phone. If you feel comfortable and confident that they can deliver what they are promising, you will have chosen the right photographer regardless of the price. If you are feeling like some of your questions haven’t been answered they way you might have hoped or with lack of confidence or interest you might not want to spend so much money on such an important part of your wedding planning. You want a photographer who can speak with experience and use examples from real previous wedding situations that can confirm their ability. Research into their previous work and if you are really worried ask to get in contact with a previous customer as a reference. Looking at reviews and testimonials are good too. I love photographing weddings I get really excited about each and every moment to capture and I like to keep my packages affordable so that every couple can afford a good photographer to leave you with all the best parts of your special day to look at and cherish forever. High prices does not garauntee a better experience or results. It is not the price but the photographer them selves you need to judge as they are a close and big part of your day. Happy wedding Planning

Great question!  There is a MASSIVE difference.  It's really important that you research your photographer carefully as there are many "not so professional photographers" charging "professional" fees. 

I would look to see if they belong to an industry body, such as the AIPP and are an "Acredited" photographer, it's also impreative that you ask to see a few full weddings if you have any doubts, as anyone can "get lucky" with a few good shots, but you need to see that they know "all the right moments" to capture. 

Do they understand using beautiful lighting, and know how work in all kinds of adverse situations like low light, rain, etc etc.,  What are their back up plans? Do they have all the correct insurances, such as public liability, and can prove it?  Do they have back up camera's should a piece of equipment break?  All those are very real costs for a professional photographer.  Cheaper photographer's don't usually have all those things in place as it's very expensive. 

Then listen to how they advise you, if they sound confident and come up with lots of ideas and suggestions for you to help make the day and photography easy and special for you, or if they are wanting you to guide them on everything and aren't forth coming, well ....... that can be a tell tale sign.

But more than that....... You only have ONE chance at getting it right for your wedding day.  When you spend thousands of dollars on "feeding and drinking" people for one day, and on all the accesories, dresses and clothing, decorations, flowers, venue and food etc.,  and a year perhaps of your life planning potentially the most special moment of your life to date, surely you would want to make sure that it's captured properly, without you having to worry if the photographer was actually going to deliver what they promise........ that would just be heartbreaking. 

There is always a budget for your wedding, but truely, photography is not one of the items I would choose to skimp on if at all possible, because your images are all you have left once everything is said and done, and one of the most important things you will cherish for the rest of your life everytime you look at them.        Hope that's helpful  : )