How to get FREE engagement/wedding photos! :)

cutupangels78

I'm newly engaged and was absolutely FLOORED by the costs of engagement and wedding photography costs in my city (Dallas, TX). $6,000 for wedding photography? Are you KIDDING me??

Future brides, there is absolutely NO reason to pay that much for wedding photography. Assuming you live in a medium-sized to large city, there are HUNDREDS of photographers (ranging from aspiring/new to the field to very seasoned professionals) who want to shoot you and your fiance for FREE. Yes, free! Photographers constantly want to update their portfolios to market themselves to potential clients. They are always looking to try out new themes, new concepts, new settings and new faces! If they have no work coming up (or just a day off), it's much better for a photographer to use that time wisely shooting your engagement or wedding photos for free!

I got absolutely FABULOUS engagement photos for free by doing a Craigslist post under "Gigs" in my city seeking a photographer for trade. I was very upfront in my post that I was seeking a free session as a way to help the photographer practice their skills and boost their portfolio. In under 24 hours, I received over 20 e-mails from photographers (some beginners, of course... but some sent me incredible photos!) I was so impressed! My future husband and I will be doing the same thing for our wedding photos! We will be saving thousands!

foxxfire90

If you really want someone to practice on your wedding, more power to you. No professional that I know or refer has any interest in shooting your wedding for free.  If they are good enough to e working, they have plenty of photos without yours.  And if they are not working, you should ask why. 

No one who is really, really good at what they do is grossly overpaid.  But you have a great wedding; I hope some of your photos are good.

cutupangels78

You're right that most photographers will NOT shoot a large, full-blown wedding for free. But it can be done. An engagement session will be much easier to book.

"If they are good enough to e working, they have plenty of photos without yours." Not necessarily true. Some photographers love what they do, and are really eager to try out new concepts. Even if they're not being paid!

How so? No photographer works 7 days a week (not most anyway, and there definitely is an off-season.) Of course, I recommend anyone check out someone's portfolio before booking a session. I had a very well-known, professional photographer shoot my engagement sessions on a Sunday afternoon for FREE. I saved almost $1,000. I plan to find a trade photographer for my wedding day as well ... saving me and my fiance well over $5,000.

P.S. - As a standard courtesy to my photographer, I kept his watermark on my photos, as well as give credit to his photography on my Facebook and other personal accounts. I also offered to wait as long as needed to receive my images - his paying clients obviously came first. It ended up being a great situation for both of us! He got quite a few referrals and free advertising from my shoot!

photogbride12

This post is laughable and offensive to all professional photographers who spend tens of thousands on equipment, education, and other business expenses to do what they do. I don't know a single photographer who is overpaid for the work they produce, and I guarantee you that a professional won't shoot your wedding for free. That's literally 30-40+ hours of work. Would you do it for free? My guess is you'll be back here a few months after your wedding telling us all a horror story about how unprofessional your photographer was, how you still don't have your photos/albums/prints, etc.

I encourage you to read some of these articles before you go giving terrible advice to strangers, and perhaps heed it yourself:

- "Why are Professional Photographers so Expensive?" - http://www.caughtonfilmphoto.com/costofphotography.html

- 10 Reasons Professional Photographers Cost What They Do - http://loriosterberg.hubpages.com/hub/10-Reasons-Professional-Photographers-Charge-What-They-Do

- Why Does Good Wedding Photography Cost What It Does? - http://primaverastudios.com/blog/2011/why-does-good-wedding-photography-cost-what-it-does/

- 12 Excuses for Shooting Photographs For Free (and Why They're Bogus) http://rising.blackstar.com/photographers-excuses.html

- "We Have No Budget for Photos" - http://tonysleep.co.uk/no-budget-for-photos

cutupangels78

Photogbride, I don't think a wedding photographer can give a neutral answer to the question, "Are wedding photographers overpaid?" Certainly some are, and some aren't (just like in any profession).

There are many incredibly talented photographers out there, who charge very high prices for their work, and their brides come out very happy. That formula doesn't work for all brides, however....

I ran some simple math on what I was quoted for a VERY simple engagement session by a top local photographer. The session was 1 hour with 1 outfit change. I was quoted a $795 sitting fee and $500 for online images. Everything else was extra. My photographer said she would spend 3-5 hours editing after our session.... fair enough. Assuming the HIGH end of those editing hours, my photographer is earning $259 an hour for her services. WOW. That's an incredible hourly wage.

I really have no problem with the prices wedding photographers charge because it's a free market... photographers can name their prices, and brides can name theirs!

Would I do 30-40 hours of work for free? Yes, and I do on a regular basis (in my industry). If I was a photographer looking to expand or diversify my business or portfolio, I would expect there to be a certain amount of work that goes unpaid. As a matter of fact, I do work "for free" quite a bit... I'm in the marketing field.. I spend 20-30 hours a week marketing myself to my clients, updating my resume, e-mails, meetings, etc. All unpaid work and time that I must do to keep myself competitive.

If a bride wants to spend $8,000 on wedding photos? Be my guest. Not all of us have that in our budget. Not all of us have parents footing the bill. Not all of us are willing to go into debt for photos. If you, as a photographer, want to charge $8,000 for photos, be my guest. Now, I find that outrageous, no matter how spectacular the images turn out. I'm not going to stop you from setting your own prices, or finding OTHER customers willing to pay those prices. Again, it's a free market.

This is forum for brides to share their ideas and suggestions with other brides. I think a lot of budget-minded and economcal brides would be happy to hear about more affordable options for photography. They DO exist. Does this option work for everyone? No.

Apparently, not every photographer agrees with your opinions. My photographer loved our images, and added them to his website and blog. I got about 35 e-mails from photographers interested in working with me on a trade basis. There are a lot of wonderful photographers of all skill and experience levels out there willing to shoot you for reduced prices or for free!

For the record, I'm VERY happy with my engagement photos. I received my edited images quickly and have no complaints.

photogbride12

Photographers do all of that "free work" you mentioned too on top of the rest of the hours they put into actual photos.

Of course not everyone has an $8,000 budget. I don't charge half that, but I know those who do and know why they do. What I'm trying to point out is that of COURSE you can find a photographer to shoot for free, but those are going to be photographers who are not professional, just starting out, shoot just part time, don't have as much experience or may not have any wedding experience, etc. I just take issue with you telling people they can find a professional for free. It's not realistic and there's good reason for it. Photographers have to eat and pay rent too.

Did you consider the almost 40% income tax on self-employed individuals (income tax and self-employment tax)? So let's cut that $260/hr by about 40 percent. $150 an hour, but what about the tens of thousands in equipment (camera, lenses, flashes, computers, external harddrives, editing software, and maintenance of all of the above). What about accounting fees, and website hosting fees, and packaging fees, and other miscellaneous costs of doing business? Let's not forget travel. You live in a metro area (Dallas) so photographers are also priced according to their market/cost of living. Photographers in NYC, DC, NY, Dallas, Chicago, San Fran, etc are all going to be much higher than an equally talented/experienced photographer operating in, say, Wisconsin. You really should read some of the links I posted to get a better understanding. I work 9-11 hour days at LEAST 5 days out of the week just editing, writing blog posts, responding to emails, keeping up with bookkeeping, and the rest of my time is spent shooting. There's really no off season either - weddings go from March-November, and holiday sessions and late fall wedding editing spans most of the holidays and into the following year. From there is advertising, business planning, doing randoom odd shoots, and gearing up for the next wedding season.

Your post was aimed directly at photographers, which is why I take issue with it. To say that pro photographers are some of the most overpaid people out there is grossly inaccurate. It's one thing to offer tips on how to find beginners and students who might shoot for free/cheap, but it's another to plant a false seed in brides' minds about what their professionals are charging.

By the way, giving credit isn't a "courtesy" - it's required by most professional photographers, who maintain the copyright to their images.

cutupangels78

Photogbride, you're entitled to your somewhat biased opinion as a wedding photographer. We all pay taxes (including myself, I'm also self-employed and understand freelance work, taxes and unpaid work... it's all part of the business of being self-employed.)

I regularly work for "free" (not always, of course.) I accept unpaid work as part of my industry. Sometimes I do "free work" for enjoyment, for personal gain or for professional growth. That's MY choice.

Dallas is a very affordable city to live in. Cost of living is quite low, much lower than SF or NY. No travel costs for my quoted session I mentioned above.

Like I stated in my above post, I don't believe ALL weddng photographers are overpaid, so I apologize if I gave that impression. This topic has been debated all over the Internet and in some reliable professional surveys and articles so I'm not the only one who's ever brought it up. Browsing a few blogs and news articles, I'd estimate that 99 percent of disagreeing forum/blog comments (disagreeing that wedding photographers are often overpaid) come from wedding photographers themselves.

I respect the right of photographers to set their own prices. But telling brides there is NO WAY to get free, qualty, professional engagment or bridal portraits is just a LIE. Of course, most brides won't want to go this route. But there are a lot of experienced, professional photographers who regularly do trade/unpaid sessions. It was TOTALLY worth it to me as a budget bride to go this route.

I just absolutely disagree that it's impossible to find a professional willing to shoot for free. It CAN be done. You can't be picky, but if you're willing to be flexible and open to somethiing new, brides can save a ton of money!

foxxfire90

Wedding pros, for the most part, love what they do.  It's also their job.  Do you love your job?  Would you do it for free?

I didn't think so.

utegoggles

I feel like this shouldn't be allowed here.

cutupangels78

Why the hostility? This is a BRIDAL forum .... for brides!! .... interested in sharing ideas, DIY, and budget-saving tips. No one is preventing photographers from charging their own prices or refusing to do trade shoots. It's a FREE MARKET. And the market proves that many photographers are interested in doing free or barter sessions for various reasons. That doesn't mean YOU have to. That's just the way it is. Brides deserve to have all options on the table.

In reply to FoxxFire -

Yes, I love my job.
And yes, I estimate that about 25-30 percent of my work is UNPAID. I do it to keep myself professionally relevant and competitive in my field, and because I enjoy it, because I CAN AND CHOOSE TO.

Also, not all photographers are out to make a buck. There are some EXCELLENT, PROFESSIONAL photographers out there who enjoy photography as a .... gasp... hobby.

jessjones1989

This is ignorant, distasteful, underhanded and somewhat damaging.  Nice work.  I hope you are pleased with yourself.

cutupangels78

JessJones, how is the idea of seeking out a complimentary photography session "ignorant?" My photographer was willing and eager to shoot a free engagement session with me. We were both very informed and open about what we were doing. My photog got several paid referrals from our shoot, and tried out some new concepts without the judgment of a paying client. He did our shoot on his day off, willingly and with the full understanding it was a free session. Get a grip.

I'm an informed consumer and bride. Photographers have every right to reject my idea of a trade session. I made an offer on Craigslist and photographers were free to accept it, decline it or just ignore it. Just like the many other free/barter/trade offers for many industries that you'll see on Craigslist. Wedding photography is not exempt. Sorry, that's how the free market works. Wedding photography is not a monopoly... competition is a good thing for everyone...Why are you judging other photographer's decisions to shoot with a bride for a complimentary session? Have you seen their business plans and marketing tools?

It's *ignorant* for a bride to assume she has to pony up thousands for a pro photographer for engagment shots. If a bride wants to do that... that's FINE... more power to her.. that option just isn't realistic for most of us. As a photographer, you set your own prices and that's under YOUR control, so why are you in such a tizzy?

Why are you judging brides and other photographers for their most intimate personal and business decisions regarding one of the most important life events? If your own photography business is doing just fine, stay out of other's business decisions. You really don't know the details.

Lots of wedding photographers (not budget-minded brides) responding on this thread.

atomicphoto

You just come across like you have a personal vendetta against professional photographers. Your post comes across hostile and not at all like you are trying to be helpful and informative, like you claim you are. This is why so many people are responding negatively to your post. 

Its fine to want to share your find and supposed money saving tips with other budget brides, but next time try to do it without insulting an entire professional industry and perhaps you won't upset so many people. 

Cony&Ben

I don't think wedding photographers are grossly overpaid. The photographers whose work I've absolutely loved have generally been more expensive. If I could afford it, I would definitely hire one of them. However, not everyone can afford to hire a professional photographer, so I see nothing wrong with trying to find a free (or cheap) photographer on Craigslist.

I found my engagement photographer through Craigslist. He is a hobby photographer who was looking to add to his portfolio so he was offering a few free sessions. I didn't have a couple hundred dollars to spend on them, so this worked out well for me. I might not have gotten as many great images as I might have working with an experienced photographer, but I did get a lot that I loved.

As for wedding photographers, I've been keeping an eye out on Craigslist for one. I've seen several posts offering all day wedding photographer for a few hundred dollars and some offering free services. I will say that in general, the photographers that charge more have better quality photos. However, there have been a few photographers I've liked a lot who have had really cheap prices as they are just starting out in wedding photography. There have also been some experienced photographers willing to work with me on their prices.

I've yet to see a well-known photographer offer their services for free but I haven't made my own listing seeking photography services. If you really don't have the money in your budget for a professional photographer, why not ask for people who are willing to work for free to build their portfolio? If they are willing to do it and you like their work, both parties are happy.

cutupangels78

Cony&Ben, I couldn't agree more. Of course, "overpaid" is subjective. Many photographers are incredibly skilled and produce beautiful images for brides ....I'm sure they consider these images priceless and well worth the money. Kudos to those photographers and those brides.

For me and my fiance, we simply can't bear the idea of burdening our parents or taking on debt (!!!) like so many brides do with $8,000 wedding photography. It's just not an option.

A free session CAN be mutually beneficial for the photographer and the bride. Of course, I would never EXPECT a photographer to provide free services. It's simply an offer. I was very impressed with the quality of work I found on Craigslist. Lots of amateurs but many seasoned professionals, too!

Ellfay

I think it's the way you went about this post that makes people angry. it's one thing to say you can find a hobbyist or amateur for free on Craigslist, it's another to say everyone should essentially go try to find photographers to work for free and put everyone else who does it full time out of business, and to say that they essentially deserve that for being "overpriced". You're going to take some flak for that. I'm also not sure what you mean by you're "trading" a session with a photographer if they're doing it for free (unless you're a model). Professional full time photographers with legit businesses who have to pay fees and taxes and all that usually don't need to shoot for free to get other work, and you should know if you're actually into marketing (which I am) that word of mouth about a free/cheap photographer/business/service provider usually involves something like "hey these people did this for SO cheap/free! you should call them!" So then when that referral calls them they're expecting the same free/cheap service and often won't use/book that service if they're quoted a normal rate. So that's the issue for photographers, graphic designers, etc.

Ultimately, you get what you paid for. Maybe you got lucky and your engagement photos really are amazing (I'd love to see them if they are and you got them for free!) but the general rule that governs almost any industry, ESPECIALLY the wedding industry, is you get what you pay for. I'm pretty positive you could find a pro in your area who will produce images a million times better for much much less than $8,000 (probably half or less than that) and I promise you the customer service/product you receive will be significantly better than what you're going to find for free/super cheap on Craigslist. Whatever you do, don't hire someone without a business license - if something goes wrong, you really don't want to be dealing with someone who has nothing to lose by not showing up/doing a good job/delivering the product in a timely fashion, etc.

cutupangels78

My suggestion hardly would put all photographers out of business.

If I suggested that brides try other DIY or free tips for their weddings - DIY bouquets, printing their own invitations, etc. - would that put every wedding florist or printer out of business? Of course not. It's merely a suggestion. It won't work for many brides, but the suggestion should be out there for consideration on both sides.

When I looked at my engagement and wedding expenses, photography was the one expense that really blew me away. Yes, quality photography is important (very!) but implying that the only way to get quality photos is to pay big bucks - just not true. I've done quite a few photo sessions over the years (modeling) - my favorite images often came from trade/free shoots.

Many (not all, but a lot) professional photographers do shoot "trade images" on a regular basis - "trade" implying that the shoot is mutually beneficial for both photographer and the subject of the photos (yes, I have a modeling background.) Of course, wedding photographers don't like brides to know about this, which I think is unfortunate, because that's just deceptive. Again, photography is not a monopoly; it's a fluid, creative market.

The great thing about an engagement session is - if you're not happy with your session or photos, you can always re-shoot or find a new photographer. There's not a lot of risk involved there.

Now, on your wedding day....I've spoken to several former brides who blew thousands on wedding photography and ended up very unhappy with their photos. Unfortunately, their's no do-over.

angybanez

Chiming in! I was a destination bride who won a free wedding package, but had to fly my photographers to my destination, so essentially paying $2500 for proffesional photography (before going any further, my photographers accumulated enough credits from their vendors to manage to offer a free wedding package and they still had to dip into their own pockets for the rest), and I am also a photographer. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but remember, getting a free engagement shoot outside in the sun or even a nice cloudy day where there's plenty of light is different from a wedding. Weddings are indoors most of the time and in any case tough lighting situation will always be there. Professionals know how to use light as part of their tools. I shoot manual all the time and constantly change my settings since alas the sun doesn't stay in the same position at all, and there's indoors and night-time to deal with. Like PP state, if you get lucky with your engagement pictures (I have it as part of the wedding package like many photographers) are you sure you will have the same luck at your wedding? Where is the wedding going to take place? Are you sure a craigslist poster saying they are a professional photographer will know how to handle lighting, thinking on their feet, have the creativity to shoot candids, photojournalism, properly posing the couple or guests to make sure they do not look awkward and more? If you do get lucky, then great. But the brides here and those whom are also photographers on top of being brides are just stating that you need to truly have a grasp and understanding of all facets of photography before stating that all photography prices are overpriced. The prints they create suprasses the prints you get from a local CVS or walgreens and the like. Remember, like mentioned before, photographers are constantly working. After the wedding they put in countless of hours on end editing pictures and meeting client's needs. After that, they also need to make sure their equipment are working and are still top of the line. Service companies like a photographer's business take into consideration the overhead and costs of taxes, albums, photolab fees, equipment, paying addiional photographers, paying their own salary and making sure they are covered month to month and year to year.  

cutupangels78

Good points. There's really no risk in a free engagement session, because you can always re-shoot (I got references and thoroughly browsed my photog's portfolio before my session so I knew I was in good hands!)

If you think about it, you take a risk whether you get free wedding photos or paid...paying doesn't ensure you'll be happy with your photos because you can't have a do-over wedding. I agree that you should have the upmost confidence in your wedding photographer... more leeway with your engagement session.

cofphoto

Someone linked to my "Why Professional Photographers are so Expensive" article in this thread, so I thought I'd reply.

This attitude is exactly why I got out of wedding photography.  I've been in business since 2002 doing weddings and portraits (more portraits, but a decent number of weddings). 

About three years ago, I noticed people were getting cheaper and cheaper with their wedding photography budgets.  So, when someone would ask me to photograph their wedding, one of my first questions was "what is your budget for photography"?

Over about a three year period, I was asked to photograph anywhere from a simple one hour beach wedding to a full on 8-12 hour all day wedding.  And not ONCE in that time period did ANYONE say that their budget was over about $1,200. 

Wedding photography has become a complete joke.  I have no problem at all finding families who will pay me $200 to shoot a one hour casual, fun family beach portrait session, and then typically they'll spend $500 - $1,000 on their photo order.

Somehow it's gotten to the point where people don't want to spend even that much on their WEDDING photos....the most important day of their lives?!

Between a bad economy and every Joe Yahoo who buys a digital camera calling themselves a Wedding Photographer, I'd had enough.  So now my website clearly states that I no longer do weddings.

What really cracks me up is that people will still spend $$$$ on all of the things that are gone the day after the wedding - food, flowers, DJ etc.  Last year I had a bride contact me who was getting married at a venue that charges about $30,000 for a four hour wedding/reception.  Her budget for the one thing that she will have forever from her wedding day - $1,000.

Oh, and the last wedding that I shot over a year and a half ago - $2,700 for two hours of shooting + all of the digital images + a $500 credit towards prints/ books etc.  To this day she STILL has her $500 credit sitting there, has not ordered a single thing and just yesterday I got a nasty email from her telling me how she feels like she didn't get value for her money.  Well of course she feels ripped off, because of people running around saying "I got my photos for free".

I am SO done with weddings. 

cutupangels78

Cofphoto, I appreciate your input from the side of the wedding photographer.

"I have no problem at all finding families who will pay me $200 to shoot a one hour casual, fun family beach portrait session, and then typically they'll spend $500 - $1,000 on their photo order." That's because these families aren't being gouged tens of thousands of dollars on other expenses - reception halls, venue fees, catering, floral decorations, videographers, DJ's, linens, honeymoon, travel costs, hotel costs, wedding organizers, parties, gifts, etc. If these families were dropping $30k on other expenses, I'd bet they'd have a more limited budget.

"Last year I had a bride contact me who was getting married at a venue that charges about $30,000 for a four hour wedding/reception.  Her budget for the one thing that she will have forever from her wedding day - $1,000." - That's her budget. $1,000 isn't chump change. You don't have to work with her, and vice versa. She's the customer.

"Oh, and the last wedding that I shot over a year and a half ago - $2,700 for two hours of shooting + all of the digital images + a $500 credit towards prints/ books etc." If I paid someone $2,700 for two hours of taking photos at my wedding, I'd probably throw myself over a cliff. That is OUTRAGEOUS and your bride has every reason to question the product when she's spending that much.

Reading over these posts, what bothers me is the impression that photographers give to brides - that the more you spend on your wedding photographer, the higher the likelihood you will have great photos and be HAPPY with them. Spending $10,000, or $1,000, or $0 is no guarantee your photos will come out nicely and you will be happy. A legitimate photographer with customer service sense will not only work with your budget, but will also work to ensure your satisfaction in every way possible after the wedding.

I live in Dallas, where many brides have unlimited budgets. Many go into debt or put their weddings on credit cards (!!!!!!!!!) A dirty little secret in the newlywed world is post-wedding depression and newlyweds arguing over the exorbiant costs of a wedding after the fact. Sorry, but I'm not interested in going there with my future spouse.

I really, really, REALLY suggest that brides not go into debt with their future spouse. That is the absolute worst way to start off a marriage. Don't buy into the wedding industry PR that photography is an "investment" (it's not). Photography is great to have at your wedding, but starting off on the right foot financially is a TRUE investment in your marriage. Not photos.

jessjones1989

cutupangels78 has a terrible attitude, and ironically, like 50% of all marriages, there is no guarantee you'll be married long enough to enjoy your pics for a lifetime anyway so you might as well get them free and terrible.  So that being the case, why don't we do away with weddings, venues, photos, video, tables, music, cake, food, etc and just get married at a courthouse so as not to go into debt on this terribly burdensome, wallet-gouging day that is our wedding day.  

As a matter of fact, let's get rid of the corporate giant theknot.com, whom exists to make money off of all of us by clicking the very ads that they charge for!  

You have such a positive attitude.  I hope your husband-to-be loves it!

cutupangels78

JessJones -

You sound like a bitter, insecure, unemployed or under-employed wedding photographer.

Funny, every hostile response on here is from a WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER. Bias anyone?

Why are you so threatened by a few brides getting cheap or free photos? Is it because you know your product's not worth what you're charging?

Please... keep clicking this forum and adding your replies. It will drive up traffic/search engine results and allow more brides to get ideas for cheaper or free photography.

On that note...good luck with your photography business.

amandalea2

to cutupangels78
Ok so i'm tired of everyone being so negative on here. This is for ppl tocome to get ideas for their weddings nothing should be taboo.
it's all about the risk you want to take on your wedding. and your completely right i know ppl who did pay alot for their wedding photos and were still not satisfied.  The truth is i myself am a photographer I am in the beginning stages and i have done a few weddings for dirt cheap so i could build my portfolio. i am constantly trying to better myself by practicing on whoever will let me. I know your are just trying to help a photographr jump start there career while getting your photos. Being a photographer phtos are very important to me but in my very recent wedding I actually had a budget of $1000 dollars and actually gave in and said i would pay a  little more than that but i still could not find a photographer that i had complete confidence in for that price and although they were the most important part of my wedding I did'nt  want to go in debt for a wwedding so I hired a high schooler who wanted to get started in photography for $200 dollars and i stand by my decision.  If i was going to be uncertain anyway it may as well be cheap it would be different if there was an affodable option i was comfortable with.
Was she perfect no. Did she mess up on certain sections of the wedding, yes. Did she get some good photos, yes. My parents did'nt pay for my wedding and my husband was fresh out of college. i paid for everything myself in cash not one cent of debt here. sure if i was loaded yeaah i would go back and pay a bunch for a super great photographer but that was not my case and wanted to be married now. I just took it upon myself to do everying i could to make her job easier here are some suggesions.

!1. take as many posed photos outdooers as possible it's easier and they are prettier than most indoor structures anyway
2 Keep all lights on dim may be romantic but do you want to sacrafice your photos
( i actually had extra stage lights turned on that are used for christmas plays.
3. cover anything that's ugly in the room
4 make a list of the pictures you def want
5 look up a few poses online just in case your inexpereinced photog runs out of ideas b4 you want to be done.
6 ask for the edited and non edited versions of your pics in case your photographer is not the best editor or over edits. You can always edit them yourself if you know how or hire someone to edit them for you in a year when you have more money.


I will say I do know why wedding photography is so high because editing takes a lot of time but some ppl are over priced but if they can get that and they are trully that good more power to them. but they should'nt criticize those who do not want to pay it even when I have more experince ( i've only done 7 weddings) i still want to try to remain affordable but raise my prices to were i do make plenty enough money to justify  my business.Everyone is not priveledged and everyone is not willing to go into debt for their wedding. my husband got laid off  3 months into our marriage and I was only working 3 days a week and guess what we got by for a month like that cause i was smart enough to pay cash for my wedding. sure it was tight but we made it anad he started a new job 3 weeks ago.