How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost?
How much does wedding photography cost for the average Aussie couple in 2021? If you're looking for ways to make the financial planning process a lot easier, here is your guide for things to consider before you book your wedding photographer.
Just because you're planning a wedding doesn't mean you have to spend beyond your means. Although having a pro wedding photographer is one of the most expensive parts of the wedding, it's always worth spending a few extra dollars. Why? Because wedding photos are something you're going to have in your life for years to come. So let me break down why wedding photography should be high on your priority list, and why it's important to choose a photographer you love.
What does a quality photographer look like?
When choosing the right photographer for you, it's best to be comfortable around them! You need to feel like you can be their friend as if they are just another excited guest waiting for the after-party drinks. So take the time to treat them like a guest and be sure to discuss everything that you want your dream photos to be!
Having the photographer as your friend is one thing. Still, you also need to discuss your desired wedding photography in greater detail. The kind of shots you like and what you're really looking for in hiring a pro photographer!
Imagine it's your 10th wedding anniversary, you've cracked open a bottle of red and decided to flick through some photos from your wedding day. What kind of images do you see? What are your favourite images?
For most, it will be those photos of loved ones celebrating and having fun at your wedding. Less poses and more candid images. A quality wedding photographer is one who makes you feel comfortable and who captures photos that you'll still be loving in 10, 20 or 30 years.
What are the typical expenses?
The expenses of wedding photography vary depending on the wedding package itself, but the average wedding photography cost in Australia is $3983 according to ASIC's Moneysmart. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these costs will potentially be a lot lower due to a change in market attitudes from 2020-2021.
According to Inside Imaging, low-cost wedding photography is now sought after, as economic concerns change the wedding game. A September 2021 survey notes that the surge of COVID has resulted in 73.87 per cent of friends and family not being able to be present and that 45.05 per cent mentioned venues being restricted. So now, couples seeking to make plans for a wedding highly value flexible options, affordability, and high-quality photography.
As stated by Snappr, in 2020, a two-hour wedding photo session can cost up to $1219 in Melbourne, a one-hour shoot of $762, and a four-hour shoot range of $2,134. These wedding photographer costs have increased and are 2% higher than Australia's national average.
My starting price for a 6 hour shoot is $2,900 with couples having the flexibility to add hours on as they see fit.
These numbers surely don't need to put a depressing dent in your plans, though! There is always the option of a modern and fresh style of wedding: the micro-wedding if that suits you. Elle Australia writes on how couple Shirley and Scott Morrisey created a magical wedding by making it minimal! Overall, no matter your budget, your wedding has a range of creative potential for a wedding photographer to work their magic, whether it's big or small.
What does a wedding photography package look like?
In this case, you get exactly what you pay for, which is the insane amount of time and effort that goes into making wedding photography full of life and energy! There is an initial meeting that takes place (don't worry, it's nothing to feel nervous about!) to discuss photography planning, which is approved by you! A venue visit is included since you want the photographer to get a feel for the space.
On the day, the photographer travels to your wedding location, ceremony venue, reception, or applicable accommodation, and this doesn't include the work behind the photography. For more information about the quoting process, see our pricing and packages information.
Photos are then processed, and photos are edited! There are overall printing costs if you've requested a physical photo album, and some photos are edited quickly for you to share after the event! All in all, 30-40 hours of hard work is put into a single wedding, so the financial costs are worth the timeless rewards for years to come.
If you're looking to book a professional photographer in 2021 or 2022, hit me up today!
