Cheap vs Expensive Wedding Photographer: What's Actually the Difference?

Cheap vs Expensive Wedding Photographer: What's Actually the Difference?

The short answer: the price difference usually comes down to experience, how much time goes into editing, backup equipment, insurance and a proper contract. A cheaper photographer isn't always a bad choice and an expensive one isn't always the right one. What matters is knowing what you're getting for your money, and whether their photos and the way they work actually suit you.

If you've started looking at wedding photographers and done a bit of a double take at how different the prices are, you're definitely not alone! One photographer might quote a few hundred pounds and another might be well over a thousand, and it can feel really confusing.

I get asked about this a lot, so I wanted to give you an honest answer. This isn't me trying to talk you into booking me. It's just what I'd tell a friend who was trying to work it out:)

Experience on a wedding day

Weddings move quickly. The confetti happens once, the first kiss happens once, and the light can change completely between the ceremony room and the garden. Someone who has photographed lots of weddings has learnt how to stay calm, be in the right place and handle things when the day doesn't go to plan.

Newer photographers often charge less while they build up their experience, and that's completely fair. Just make sure you're comfortable with how much experience they have, and ask to see full galleries rather than only their favourite few photos.

Backup equipment

Cameras can fail and memory cards can stop working. Professional photographers bring backup kit to every wedding so that if something goes wrong, your photos don't go with it.

I bring two cameras and a backup lens to every wedding. Both of my cameras record every photo onto two memory cards at the same time, so there's always a second copy from the moment it's taken. They're also set up so they won't take a single photo unless both cards are in, so there's no chance of anything being missed.

It's a really simple question to ask any photographer: "What happens if your camera stops working during the ceremony?"

Insurance

A professional photographer should have public liability insurance, and lots of venues won't let suppliers work without it. I'm fully insured, and I'd always recommend asking any photographer you're considering to confirm theirs before you book.

Editing time

This is the part most couples don't see, and it's a big part of the price. I spend around 40 hours on every wedding gallery. That's going through every single photo, choosing the best ones and then editing each one so the whole gallery looks consistent and true to the day.

A quick batch edit can leave a gallery looking patchy, or quite different to the photos that made you fall in love with that photographer in the first place. My own editing is bright, colourful and natural, so your photos look like your day actually felt.

A proper contract

You should always get a clear contract before you book. It sets out what's included, when you'll get your photos and what happens if something unexpected comes up. It's there to protect you just as much as the photographer. If someone only offers a quick message agreement, I'd be a little cautious.

How they make you feel

This one doesn't show up on a price list, but it really matters. You'll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than with almost anyone else! You want someone who makes you feel relaxed, who you can chat to easily and who you'd actually like having around.

Lots of couples tell me they're camera shy, and that's completely fine. You don't need to know how to pose. For most of the day I'll blend into the background and capture everything naturally as it happens, and when you do need a bit of help with group photos or portraits, I'm there.

What price doesn't guarantee

Here's the honest bit. Paying more doesn't automatically mean better photos, and paying less doesn't automatically mean you've made a mistake. The best way to compare photographers is to ask:

1. Can I see a full wedding gallery?

2. Are you insured?

3. Will I get a contract?

4. What's included, and how long until I get my photos?

5. What happens if something goes wrong on the day?

   
   

If you're happy with the answers and you love their photos, that's usually a really good sign.

A real example

One couple I photographed, Kristie and Damien, had their original photographer cancel shortly before their wedding at Rockbeare Manor. I stepped in, and it's a big reason why I always tell couples to check things like contracts and backup plans. You can see their wedding here: Kristie & Damien at Rockbeare Manor.

Planning your wedding in Devon, Somerset or the South West?

My packages start from £595, and full day coverage is £1,495. You can see everything that's included on my pricing page.

If you'd like a photographer who'll capture your day in a relaxed, natural and colourful way, I'd absolutely love to hear from you. You can check if I'm free for your date here or just pop me a message on Instagram :)