The reason we photogs charge so much once we get in the business is indeed the overhead involved. And you wouldn't believe the amount of time we put into each wedding. More than the 8 hours you are booking us for, I can assure you. However, that is the biggest difference between a seasoned pro and someone just starting out. This is my FULL TIME JOB… And all that entails. That means that I am at your beck and call for more than 40 hours a week… leading up to your wedding and after. I help my customers with wedding planning and as a seasoned pro, I keep the wedding day flowing with as little stress on the couple as possible. I'm great at troubleshooting. This is what comes with experience, since I've seen it all and I've seen worse things happen than the drama at your wedding. You don't get that from someone starting out. What it comes down to is basic… what do you value? Not every couple wants what I offer, some are more DYI. There is a photographer out there that is a perfect fit for every couple and vice versa. Find the Photographer that you can't live without and then pay them whatever they charge. We all have different financial situations and therefore different overhead.

Here is my .02:

• Most of my couples are unique, so I don't give discounts on uniqueness.
• The only weddings I ever gave a discount on, I regretted immensely. Same for those who promised portfolio gold. If I have a great portfolio wedding… I compensate the couple after the fact in tangible ways. Like sample albums… Which I give to them when I don't use them anymore!
• Find the Photographer that you can't live without and then pay them whatever they charge. We all have different financial situations and therefore different overhead.
• In this day when photo labs are closing by the dozen, I think having the photographer make your prints and album is hugely important. We know how to get archival quality that will last generations. In this one area, cheaper is not better. I worked for a photo lab for 10 years, and this is one point that I cannot repeat enough. And when will you ever get around to designing your own album??

All this being said, I reward my clients heavily. I value their hard earned money and I work twice as hard as I think I should because I am no longer in the lower price bracket. So, all I ask is you don't judge a book by it's cover (price). It could be the best money you ever spent.

As a wedding photographer getting to know my clients, I always ask about their background. If one of them have an interesting job that I feel I can benefit from, I will propose a bater as partial wedding services payment. So far, I have gotten hair cuts, eyebrow waxing, tattoos, graphic design, and even a shark tour for my whole family from bartering.

As a bride, I would share all the unique details of my day with my potential photographer. If they feel you are going to be their "dream bride" they may end up offering you a free bridal or a day after session.

It never hurts to ask or offer. Just be fair and reasonable.

-an usual wedding
-a location that the photographer wishes to shoot at
-a couple that is very excited about you shooting their wedding
-a couple that takes the photography seriously and makes time for photos and are open to unique ideas
-a couple that not only looks good but you can tell that they will pose well for photos

It's important for the excitement to be mutual for any photo shoot and a couple enthusiasm can certainly help soften the photographer's prices.

As far as "getting what you pay for" – there is something to that, however, everyone (as in, every photographer) has to start somewhere. If you take a risk on someone new, or inexperienced, it might really BE a risk, or it might be a great deal!

I am always looking for photos from "beyond the Goth"….I love the Swing Kids theme, vampyres, Steam punk, and anything else that you normally don't get with an "I do."