Why does wedding photography cost so much, and how should you choose?  Maybe you had a friend or relative get married a couple of years back and they didn't have to pay so much for their photographer.  Maybe even the same photographer you are using this year.

A recent survey by The Conde Nast Bridal Group shows that the average amount spent on weddings has increased to $27,852. This is almost a 100% increase since 1990 when the average cost was $15, 208.



Of the top growth categories, the average cost of photography jumped the highest percentage – 178%. In 1999, the average cost of photography $1263. In 2006 it was $3509 and I believe it is still rising.

There are several reasons for the jump.  

Digital Costs and Equipment

As photographers made the change from traditional to digital, they had to invest in very expensive camera equipment and back up camera equipment, computer equipment, software, etc.  that may only have a life of about 2-3 years max.  This is because the technology is changing so fast as you know the computer you bought 4 years ago is now considered old or even ancient.  Same goes with the digital camera equipment used compared to the film cameras, where a good investment film camera could last 10 or more years.

Time

In the old days, the film photographers job was to shoot the film and then they turned it over to their pro lab who would develop, density and color correct images and print the images, sending the photographer printed pictures as proofs.  Now with digital, the photographer does the majority of the work by developing the images on the computer, so to speak, color and density correcting as well as touching up any imperfections needed.  This takes hours and hours of extra time for the photographer and that time has to be figured into the cost they charge the client.

Experience

Never discount the cost of experience as a wedding is the one event you want the best. Don't risk this event that you may have been planning since a little girl to an amateur photographer.  As more and more people buy digital cameras and think they can be a wedding photographer, it is now the brides job to interview and screen the photographer looking for experience and a style they like.  In the old days most photographers shot a traditional style, did similar poses, used similar equipment, etc.  Some were better than others, but there was an automatic trust with a professional photographer.  You trusted that they went to school and or learned under someone, and you trusted that they would do a good job.  Now there is so much more that goes into it, that you really need to do your homework and choose wisely.  All photographers have a different style and the adding of digital has also added an artistic flare to wedding photography.  Not all art is created equal and one very good professional can have a totally different look to their work than another.  As they say "Art is in the eye of the beholder",  so you can not longer pick based on price alone.

Quality of Products Offered

Again what one photographer offers may not be equal to what another offers, Albums are not created equally.  I have brides call me and want to know what it costs for me to shoot their wedding including an album.  In the old days it would be easy to give her an answer and she could compare by calling the guy down the street too as most wedding albums were similar in style.  Well now there are several different options, different styles and several different qualities of albums, so she can't really compare by calling for a price.  She needs to see and feel the different albums and styles or album designs to see what she likes first.  Brides need to find out what is included, online viewing of proofs, touch ups, engagement sessions, extra prints, album design, 2nd photographer, etc. as all could add to the cost of your initial package.