Cost of a Wedding Photographer in DC, MD, & VA
How much should you invest in your wedding photography?
The Average Cost for Wedding Photography
Almost every couple when planning their wedding has asked the question, “how much should we spend on wedding photography?”
This can be a difficult question to answer, how does one begin to know the average cost of a wedding photographer? There are infinite options at many different price ranges. Blogs may tell you to spend either a specific amount, or even a certain percentage. Let’s add some clarity to this issue.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?
Determining what to budget for a wedding photographer depends on what you as a couple value most. It is important to remember that after the big day is over, all you’re left with is your personal memories and photographs.
When you’re mindful of this, you’ll begin finding photographers that you love instead of just searching for a price tag. This will allow you to have a good experience while also sticking to a budget, or even adjusting your overall spending capacity to fit your photography needs.
Below is a breakdown of the average cost of a wedding photographer into distinct groups:
•Brand New: $0-500 (Just starting, may have not photographed a wedding yet)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: This is risky and they likely cannot make you feel confident. You don’t want to spend your day worrying about whether you'll receive quality photographs back.
•Beginner: $500-1200 (May have shot some weddings, may not have a high demand and/or may not have a style that demands a higher price tag)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: You may have seen some examples of other weddings they’ve shot, so you can possibly feel comfortable that they can pull it off. They likely will not possess the ability to provide natural posing and other more developed skills that you’ll see in higher level photographers.
•Amateur: $1200-2000 (Probably photographs weddings fairly regularly, may not have a high demand due to style, may not be considered full-time)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: At this level, the photographer may be seeking to provide a solid service as a sustainable price-point for maintaining quality gear.
•Growing Amateur: $2000-3000 (Probably has a bit higher demand for style, probably shoots a few less weddings while focusing on providing each client more support, beginning to get into the “professional” category)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: At this level, it’s not uncommon for photographers to be investing in good gear, backups, and even furthering education that will help them grow their business. They probably have some level of portfolio and can help you have a clear idea of the level of consistency they can provide.
•Professional: $4000-$5000 (typically considered full-time professionals, have the demand based on style, expertise, etc.)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: Very established with a solid style. Has structured their business to make sure you feel well cared for with an emphasis on incredibly high quality photographs.
•Luxury: $5000-$6000 and beyond starting prices, e.g., may start at $8k, $10k, $20k, or higher (Typically more established, refined style, and luxury offerings)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: Can handle high-profile events with ease. Usually possesses an industry sought-after style with refined taste.
How Much to Budget for a Wedding Photographer?
The best advice that I have is to find which wedding photographers you love and build your budget around them. View your wedding photography as an investment. Afterwards, you can decide what areas of your wedding budget you can cut or adjust. Make a list of your top priorities for your big day.
How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost?
There is no simple answer to this. So many factors determine the price of a wedding photographer.
A few of the factors that affect how much wedding photographers costs are:
Location
Expertise
Experience
Style
What is included in packages
That’s why it is important to factor in what you as a couple value.
Here are some questions to ask yourself or be mindful of when deciding on a budget:
Location: Where do you live? Pricing in the mid-west will differ compared to photographers in California or NY.
Expertise: Does the photographer’s work showcase different lighting scenarios? Do they have interpersonal skills? Do they have communication and business skills?
Experience: What is the photographer’s experience? (Breakdown given above) Everyone knows the saying, “You will get what you pay for.”
Style: What style of photography/ editing do you prefer? Photographers who charge a premium have typically found or crafted a style that is in demand.
Packages: What is included in the package? Increased hours, heirloom items, engagement sessions, and second photographers can increase the price of a package.
Average Wedding Photography Costs In The DMV (DC/ MD / VA) Area
A couple in the DC, MD, and Northern VA region should focus on professional and luxury pricing as their budget. A photographer with the proper equipment and experience will be in this range.
•Professional: $4000-$5000 (typically considered full-time professionals, have the demand based on style, expertise, etc.)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: Very established with a solid style. Has structured their business to make sure you feel well cared for with an emphasis on incredibly high quality photographs.
•Luxury: $5000-$6000 and beyond starting prices, e.g., may start at $8k, $10k, $20k, or higher (Typically more established, refined style, and luxury offerings)
-How they’ll likely make you feel: Can handle high-profile events with ease. Usually possesses an industry sought-after style with refined taste.
Conclusion
In the end, you’ll need to make photography a priority in your budget, spending as much as you can afford to match the style that fits you most.
A wedding photographer is worth whatever you’re willing to invest. If they have a solid reputation, you love their photos, their personality, and they make you feel comfortable, then book them whatever their price is (as long as it’s in budget).
Regardless, what cannot be overvalued is a wedding photographer that helps preserve your wedding memories for you, your spouse, and future generations to cherish forever.
Looking for a wedding photographer in DC to capture your dream wedding? Inquire below.
Looking for a documentary wedding photographer in the DC, MD, or VA area to capture your wedding? Click below. Sheridan Mangold has also traveled to many destinations throughout the US, the Caribbean, and Europe.