Nashville weddings

Hire the Best, then Find Ways to Save with Your Favorite Wedding Photographer

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Let’s face it. The economy, though on the up swing (fingers crossed), still leaves a little to be desired. While you may be able to cut corners in some areas, you simply must hire the best wedding photographer your budget will allow. That has us asking the question: Are there things a couple can do to save on wedding photography without hiring a non-pro or a less than desired photographer?   We interviewed the wonderfully creative and artistic Jenna of jHenderson Studios to get her honest thoughts on the subject.  Here's what she had to say...

Beautiful Wedding Photography Ain't Cheap + Takes Time

Let me explain why wedding photos by professionals are usually fairly expensive: they're worth it. Let's face it, after all is said and done, after months and months of planning and thousands of dollars spent, the only item that will last beyond the day of the wedding is the photos. True professional wedding photographers know this, and that is why we spend hours upon hours perfecting our skills and truly knowing our craft. We want to create beautiful images for you that you're going to love, and we're willing to do the hard work that is required.

Weddings are very difficult to photograph; with restricting time lines, varying lighting conditions, and any number of the personalities of wedding party and family members that are involved, it takes someone with experience and great skill to be able to look past it all and create the beautiful photos that are going to last a lifetime. Beyond creating the images, shooting a wedding is difficult for other reasons. We usually spend 8+ hours on our feet with little to eat and few breaks, and our work doesn't end there. Post-processing and album design still remain to be done until you have the final, wonderful memories of your wedding. Haven't you seen the photos from your parents' wedding? Don't you want to be able to share photos with your own children someday?

In my opinion, this is the area of your budget that shouldn't get cut. It's always so sad when I see weddings of great details and beautiful people who hired a mediocre photographer, just to save some cash.

Determine Your Favorite Photographer(s) + Inquire/Research for Promos/Savings, Options

Every photographer offers different packages and products, and if you've found your dream photographer, it's important you communicate with them to see how they're willing to work with you. It's unrealistic to expect a photographer to discount their services because you're on a budget. Sometimes, photographers and other wedding professionals may be willing to offer discounts for weddings that don't happen on a Saturday or during the high season (May-October). For example, I would be likely to lower my minimum for a Friday wedding in November, but not for a Saturday in June.

Something else to keep in mind is purchasing a disc. It may be cheaper to purchase individual prints from your photographer vs. buying a disc with a full release; be sure to ask your photographer which would be the better option.

You might also consider only hiring a photographer for portraits & the ceremony, or only ceremony & reception, depending on your priorities, although some photographers might not offer this for Saturday/high season weddings. Again, the key is to communicate with your photographer.

{ABG adds - always start with our list of bridal savings as you research specials/promos.  It's always changing and will save you thousands of $$.)

Hire Your Dream Pro Photographer for Post Wedding Sessions

If you still just can't find it in your budget to hire your dream photographer, consider doing a post-wedding portrait session with them. You can hire someone who is perhaps less expensive for the wedding day, then plan a time another day to put on your wedding dress/suit again and have a session with the more expensive photographer. This way, you can have great bride and groom portraits without having spent quite as much.

If you must hire someone who is new or has very little experience, it might be a good idea to plan a time to walk through the venue with him or her where your wedding will be happening. This way, they can get a feel for the layout and the lighting and be prepared for situations that may arise.

And based on one of Jenna's personal experiences, there’s proof it’s important to spend the money on good photography, no matter what your budget.

I once had a bride whose entire wedding cost her $4,000, and she spent $2,000 of that on me! If she'd hired an inexperienced photographer, her wedding would have looked like $2,000, but instead, it looks like a $10,000 wedding. That's what a professional photographer does: we take any situation and make it look the best it can possibly look. You may not be able to save money without compromising quality, but I can almost guarantee you won't regret having beautiful photographs.

So whether you are a diehard do-it-yourselfer or are planning a wedding on a royal budget, spring for the best photographer you can afford. All the people (wedding professionals, photographers and past brides old and new, just to name a few) that preach this on a daily basis can’t be wrong. Your photos are what will last a lifetime; there is no disputing that.

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send   Posted on May 25, 2011 | Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography & Videography