The cost of wedding photography

The other day I was reading another photographers blog about under pricing your work to get the job.   A few weeks ago I actually gave the lowest quote EVER on formal wedding portraits and was turned down.  They were thinking of spending less than the quote I gave them.  Now I do believe that I am a pretty darn good photographer and I have pretty decent equipment and I think (my own opinion of course) that my customers are going to get the best possible customer satisfaction. 

Personally I would like to believe that I go above and beyond.   You know why I do it though; because I LOVE it!  I honestly can't stop myself.  Taking photos is my 3rd love with my hubby and son taking 1st and 2nd.  So what does all this love of photography have to do with money?

Let me explain why I gave the cheapest wedding quote.  Twelve years ago when my husband and I got married, we could not afford to pay for a photographer.  The cheapest quote we got was $1200.00.  Our family provided many photos for us, but nonetheless they were not "professional".   When I decided to be "professional" I wanted to be affordable but I need to make a living too.  I do have limits and let me say this--- I am NOT the cheapest, but I do offer a couple cheaper wedding photography package.

Why?  Let me answer that for you.  Everyone.  Everyone should be able to afford professional portraits. What makes me different from the photographer who's cheapest price is $1200.00?  Nothing, I just want to make sure that everyone can afford to have a professional photographer at their wedding.  Even if it's only for a couple hours.

I am guessing at this point your (hopefully) wondering well what are the prices?  I am still working on that and I actually went over the new wedding prices with some customers and they felt that they were fair prices. 


 
What are the prices?  You need to call or email and set up an appointment so we can get together.  I will bring my portfolio for you to view and go over the prices and what is included with those prices, but know this, there is a price for every budget.

I found it and that too!!

So by accident, we were going out to dinner and I was looking at this landing and I thought, that would make such a cool place for photos.  I didn't have my camera, but I took a few shots with my phone to share with everyone.

Now the cool thing about this location, it could be for a couple of shots or for a whole shoot.  It has that much potential! This would be a great senior location and you could do a one location shoot. 

This weekend was relvoling around me making it to Norton Shores for the craft show where Two Tutu Ladies were going to be selling their adorable tutus!  Well I promised to go rain or shine, and it was raining of course.  Not just a little rain either it was pouring rain!  We ducked into a tent that was selling food items and when it slowed down, off we went to find them or her I should say.  Nonetheless I found the tent containing the tutus!  I got two, one baby size and one toddler size and I already had one that's a little bit bigger than toddler size.  So now I need to schedule some tutu shoots!  I plan to add more to the collection, but for now I have to spread the word about tutus!!

This is the baby tutu, and I have matching leg warmers!  Can't wait to put a baby in it!!!
More soon!!

Photographers Choice

You may have noticed that I have been talking about "Photographers Choice". This year my lawn co. started working for the city of Hillsdale and this has given me the opportunity to see some places and things I would have never seen or paid attention too before. Then I got thinking how cool would it be if that was used for a senior shoot. Then I thought how would I tell them about them about this place? The solution = photographers choice. Here is how it would work.

1. The cost will be $150.00 and there will be multiple locations (at least 4 but probably more).
2. We will meet at a designated location, then you will hop in my car and off we will go.
3. A proof book will be included in this package.

There are quite a few locations I have found that I think most people will find interesting:

These are just a couple of the places that I think are really cool.  This adventure could result in a lot of locations.  If there is a special place in Hillsdale you wanted to add I am open to suggestions!