Photography Budget

afleming88

Hi everyone! I'm pretty new to this local board, but I can't wait to have everyone's input on Houston wedding planning.

My current task is photography. We are meeting tomorrow with a great photographer, but I don't want to go in blind on what an average budget for photography should be. Photos are very important to me, but I believe I can get great photos for a reasonable price. Any suggestions on a good price range to keep it in? I'm looking for a package that includes an engagement session, bridals, ceremony and reception.

Any suggestions, ideas, pricing would be greatly appreciated!

Belle101781

What exactly is your budget? Most if not all photogs have packages.

My photog has 3 packages ranging from $1800-$3600 and an a la carte "menu."

It's totally up to you what you want to spend on photos. I know my photog personally and she does amazing work and gives her clients what they want and more.

Don't settle for just one meeting. I think you should keep your options open and do some research. Talk to a few other photographers and see what they offer, their work and if you feel comfortable with them.

I went with the $3600 package and it was worth every penny! But that's just me.

Good luck!

MdniteMustang00

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-houston_photography-budget-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:121Discussion:005537fe-1734-423e-b48c-a288ce97685cPost:20596f67-c860-4393-89ee-9030c5bee3bf">Re: Photography Budget</a>:
[QUOTE]My photog has 3 packages ranging from $1800-$3600Posted by Belle101781[/QUOTE]

This is about the norm. tho typically the $1800 packages are not going to include the engagement AND bridal session. i said typically - but you can probably find it, yes. It'll also depend on if you want albums/prints/discs/etc.

If photography is important to you - pick your photographer based on their work, not their price.

PrimoBride

Photography is art...and is expensive for a reason. Depending on the syle that you want can vary the price. A more artistic style will be pricer. Definitely do your research, ask to see photos of past weddings that they did.

asmcswain

I originally didnt want to spend that much on photography, but realistically speaking, you want your photos to be the best representation of your special day. To get bridals, engagement, CD rights & reprints, and 8 hours on the day of... our pricing was around $2500.  We also added videography and rehearsal dinner coverage.  By the end of it, we will be spending under 4000 but leaving with ALOT. 

PJS001

I ended up spending a little under 2,000 for my photography and that is with engagements, all day wedding coverage, printing budget, etc.

Like everybody else said, after the wedding is over all you have left if your pictures so make sure that the money is well spent. I had a friend who cheaped out on her photography and she regrets it everyday.

Belle101781

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-houston_photography-budget-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:121Discussion:005537fe-1734-423e-b48c-a288ce97685cPost:211418c4-99e2-41c6-ab2a-1257584d4e18">Re: Photography Budget</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Photography Budget : This is about the norm. tho typically the $1800 packages are not going to include the engagement AND bridal session. i said typically - but you can probably find it, yes. It'll also depend on if you want albums/prints/discs/etc. If photography is important to you - pick your photographer based on their work, not their price.
Posted by MdniteMustang00[/QUOTE]

Like Mustang said... Not all packages unclude bridals and engagements. I know that Erica's do. And I especially agree that if the photography is important to you, pick them based on work not price. But if you can find both, that's even better!!!

kelseyfyffe

I'm going with BCL Photog and am getting bridal, engagement, and 6hrs of wedding coverage for $2000. Good deals are out there, you just have to search for them. I agree with asmcswain, these photos are the only thing you'll have to visually represent your wedding, so you want to make sure they look as beautiful as you will remember your wedding being. I would suggest also looking at the vendor listings on WeddingWire.com, they have some vendors that the knot doesn't.

afleming88

Thanks everyone!! Pictures are definitely very important to me, but I have to be careful with the budget. Met last night with my first choice and meeting next week with my 2nd choice. I'm getting a better idea of what I want for the price I'm going to pay )

jovanandkim

There is a lady who I have booked for my wedding next year and she lives in Katy.. Her work is awesome!!! If you have a Facebook look under Snapped with Love Photography. I can't remeber her website right off hand. When you see her work you will be amazed and her price is unbelievable. Please make sure you tell her Kim Blaine referred you. She only charges $750. She photographs everything from the time you start getting dress for your wedding to the end of the reception when you leave. There are no additional charges and her deposit is only $100.00. Also if you have ever seen the advertisement for the charm bracelets with two people holding hands at James Avery that is an example of her work as well. She also do Bridal shoots and Engagement Photo shoots at a very reasonable price. I think $150.00 for the first additional shoot then $120.00 or $100.00 fro each additional one. I hope this helps out. Again, please tell her Kim Blaine sent you.

brown_kimberlyj

Joyandkim, what is the name of that photographer? It seemed to cut off a little. I looked on Facebook and apparently ppl like to name their business Love Photography lol

jovanandkim

It is called Snapped with Love Photography

brown_kimberlyj

Thanks J&K

afleming88

Thanks! I will check her out )