Gold Five
Wedding Photography in the Credit Crunch
Weddings are, usually, beautiful occasions for the couple getting married as well as their guests. When you look at the amount of expense that goes into that one day, however, you may think it causes more misery financially than it does happiness on the day itself. The average American wedding cost the couple an incredible $20,000, and in the UK the average figure was even higher at £20,000. I don’t have to tell you that’s an insane amount of money to spend on a single day. But more and more couples are feeling the pinch of the recession now, and are looking for a way of getting married on a budget, without spoiling any of the magic of the occasion. Couples are cutting down guest lists, asking for friends and family to help out instead of hiring caterers, DJs and videographers, and brides are increasingly considering pre-worn wedding dresses. However when it comes to photography, most couples don’t want to go for a cheap option – and you can understand why. Your wedding pictures are one of the few lasting memories you have from that all too fleeting day, and of course it’s something you’d want done perfectly and in style. Below are my top five tips on how to keep your wedding photography budget low, without compromising on quality.
1. Trust in Google
The majority of modern wedding photographers have their own websites, and one of the most common ways of finding them is via search engines like Google. However since there are so many photographers jostling for space the problem is it can be easy to miss out on some great ones by not searching deeply enough. Do not make the mistake of not going beyond the first page of results or the top few sponsored links in Google. By ensuring you take your time on your search you can get the best possible short-list of potential wedding photographers to choose from. Additionally use specialist search terms like “black and white”, “reportage”, etc, as well as looking for wedding photographers from other towns within a couple of hundred miles from you, as most are happy to travel. When my partner and I were looking for wedding photographers we not only searched for things like “Wedding Photographer Sussex” but also surrounding areas such as London, Hampshire and Kent.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
In this day and age most photographers are using digital equipment rather than old school film cameras requiring darkroom processing. All of which has meant that wedding photography prices are a lot more simple now too. Yet many photographers are still working off the model of charging couples for each print they want after the wedding – that’s an additional cost on top of what you’ve already paid for their time! Always look for photographers willing to give you all the images from the day on CD. Armed with this CD you can then trot down to your high street photo printers and get the prints you want in the size you want at minimal cost.
3. Albums and Extras: Do It Yourself!
You remember the old flowery, faded, peeling wedding albums your aunt insists on showing you every time you visit? Yeah, they’re dead now. Nowadays modern wedding photography books have become hugely popular, and many photographers charge significant premiums to include these with your package. But if you can be bothered and have a flair for creative design, you can now design photobooks yourself using specialist software downloaded from the net, and get them printed up at ludicrously cheap rates. Ditto when it comes to canvas prints or blow up posters really – as long as you have high quality original image files from your photographer, you can pretty much do it all yourself!
4. Yes, There are a Few Swindlers Out There, But You Can Easily Avoid Them
Everyon’e heard a story about a couple who got scammed by a so-called “photographer” who ran off with their money. These swindlers will poach couples with cheap prices and slick sales pitches, receive their deposits or even full booking payments and then never be heard from again. It is a heartbreaking and cruel practice. However the good news is that they’re easily avoided. Firstly, ensure that any payment of deposits or fees are done via bank transfer – its the most secure method of payment, and can be traced and reversed in the event of a problem. And be sure to get a proper contract from the photographer which makes clear what you are getting and what you are paying for – this provides protection to the couple. And lastly, just make sure you have your radar up – try and visit the photographer, see lots of examples of his work and ask lots of questions.
5. Dont be Overzealous in Your Moneysaving Crusade!
Now this one may sound counter-intuitive when it comes to ‘credit crunch weddings’ but I feel it’s an important one. In your quest to cut your wedding budget don’t go too far! Like I said, the photography is quite possibly THE most important part of your wedding, especially when you look back. There are a lot of amateurs out there with little experience, talent and lacking in the proper equipment. Judging from their prices alone you’d think you’ve struck gold. But if you ignore the very cheapest prices that’s where you often find the best compromises between price and quality. Your photographer’s portfolio should always make you go “wow” – otherwise what’s the point of having a wedding photographer?
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