Choosing Between the $2000 and $10,000 Wedding Photographer

Very often couples have to consider this question when they are planning their weddings. Should they preserve some money by booking the cheaper photographer? Or should they go for the more expensive photographer?

The answer to this question is not always easy and it is perhaps appropriate to look at the qualities of a good photographer. Firstly there is an artistic element involved, namely the ability to select good photo opportunities or 'too see a good photo' and then secondly comes the technical factors that include things like equipment and the ability of the photographer to use that equipment to its maximum.

Whilst the more expensive photographer may have more expensive equipment he could be lacking in the artistic department and Vice versa. Considering the fact that excellent photos can be taken with just about any good digital S.L.R. camera then the choice should be made on the grounds of ability and experience.

The solution is to have a look at their portfolios. An experienced photographer should be able to show say at least a hundred excellent photos from many different weddings instead of a hundred good photos from only one wedding. Look at the photos and style of the photographer. Are the photos unique or different? If you like it, make a booking. A bad photographer will not get many weddings and will therefore not be able to present you with an excellent portfolio. If you wish you can also follow up references but I would not attach to much value to this as the references are usually selected. You would therefore never get the opportunity to speak to an unhappy customer. The best measure of judging ability will therefore almost always be the photo portfolio.