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How much is too much?

whiteforestswhiteforests member
First Comment
in Wedding Photography and Videography Forum
I have found the most amazing photographers for my wedding (they stand for everything that I do, as I met them at my place of employment) They only book 20 weddings a year and I think we're going to end up paying 3,500 for them. (which is their cheapest package) I know that it is a lot but honestly, I am entrusting the photographer to capture my memory...correct? I have 170-180 people coming, I feel like it is a reasonable price for a good photographer.

I told my mother (Not the one paying for the photographer) and she almost murdered me for even thinking about hiring them. 

My question is how much money is too much?
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Re: How much is too much?

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I think it would be a bit much for me personally, but I think I may be budgeting on the cheaper side for a photographer.

    It also depends what it includes. If it's a full day shoot, with two photographers, DVD with images you have the rights to, engagement shoot, etc, then I think it may be worth it.

    My budget for a photographer is no more than $1800 including engagement session. Granted, I don't want any prints included. I will order those later. I just want the DVD.
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  • deepcovejackiedeepcovejackie
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Holy Hannah, that's a lot.  My photos were $500.  We had a very short session with some posed shots and of the ceremony.  We got an album, and the disc of all the shots.  I was happy with that.
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  • whiteforestswhiteforests member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    It is two photographers, 8 hours coverage, min of 800 print portfolio, 600$ credit to a album buy them, all recycled/ soy ink, every image on a dvd and website.
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  • KarenArnold322012KarenArnold322012
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    you pay for talent and education and equipment...it is a large investment to become a photographer. my photographers both have degrees in photo from highly esteemed art schools...not cheap. i am paying 5000.
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  • ~mRm~~mRm~
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Prices will vary due to many factors throughout the country. In one region of my state I have seen base prices vary from $500 - $3500 and end prices from $6500 to $10K. If you have done your research and you are confident their ability and product is worth their price than you shouldn't have to justify it further than that.
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  • whiteforestswhiteforests member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks guys!
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  • planetkariplanetkari
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We are also paying $3500 for our photographer's package, but it includes an engagement session, print credit, photo album and a photobooth at our reception.  We are also adding on some additional things which will bring the total to around $5000 when all is said and done.  They are extremely talented and their work blew us away.  I agree that you get what you pay for with photographers.
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  • annandted86annandted86
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You don't describe what you're getting in your package, but In my area (northern  NJ), $3500 is typical.  It is not uncommon around here to spend much more than this.
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  • luckywing7luckywing7
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't think that is too much, as someone else pointed out there are a lot of factors to consider, prices will vary in different parts of the country. That said, we are also spending $3600 for our photographer. Her work is amazing, and I do believe you get what you pay for. It will be the most photographed day of your life, in my opinion it's worth the extra money to get someone top notch!
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  • lopezalonsolopezalonso member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_photos-video_much-much-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:30Discussion:48159fbf-0b84-4aae-b443-fb53dc1da5e4Post:0bd4e58c-1a2a-4a94-b64d-5deeff1fb77d">Re: How much is too much?</a>:
    [QUOTE]You don't describe what you're getting in your package, but In my area (northern  NJ), $3500 is typical.  It is not uncommon around here to spend much more than this.
    Posted by annandted86[/QUOTE]

    I agree... the cheapest I've seen in northern NJ so far is 2500 and that's just for the 8 hrs of shooting without rights and without any prints...  So at least 3-3.5k ... at least here
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Yes, I think you're paying one-third too much.

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