Wedding photography rates can be so complicated because there are plenty of options depending on your needs. Photographers usually create packages to make more money by bundling services together or give you things that you don't want or need. I found this to be a problem since not every has the same desires!
So lets keep things simple and be real. Get what you want and custom create your own package below.
If you love my work, but have budget issues just call me directly at (941) 345-5239 and I will work with you. It's that simple. Thanks - Alexander
Please Generate a Quote by Selecting the Options and Hit "Calculate"
Remember prices reflect Tax, insurance, Transportation & Gas, Equipment costs, Backup Equipment, & Editing time. The quote above covers a 50 mile radius from St. Petersburg, FL. Additional coverage area available for an extra fee.
Prices shift from time to time, so if you have specific needs or like your price, call me and book the price given to you - Alexander
Whats the deal with the DVD's, CD's, and Royalty Rights?
If a photographer gives you a disc this is like handing out profit. About 50% of photographers include it even with smaller packages, some include it only with large packages (such as over $800). SO BE WARE IF YOU WANT A DISC (ASK IF THEY INCLUDE ONE). If they dont, they will post pictures online and require you to order prints. Or you can buy the CD/DVD seperately for around $1,000 bucks.
If you have a disc you can make your own prints. (Of course a lot of times the prints you will make will never be the same quality and you can read the next question on why below....). My Advice: Get a disc for backup - and always ask if one is included. If not ask how much it is. Get the large prints or important prints with the photographer, get small prints at your local store. I always include the disc with wedding packages.
Photographer prints are more expensive... why?
Each time you order prints from photographers they make additional money from that. This is in essence to try and have a lower hourly rate in hopes of making more profit from the prints. Usually the print rates are more than the standard store rate of 20 cents a print because the photos are edited, equipment costs, production in a color-corrected and color calibrated lab, and usually printed on higher grade (lustre) paper. Some photographers charge less per hour in hopes of you buying more prints - this is why many do NOT release the DVD for you. This is also why sometimes the hourly rates are low, but you get print credit (allowing you to spend money buying prints from them - more about print credit below) However, beware that if you get prints at a local store and they come out bad, but look good on your computer chances are the machines at the store arent color-calibrated or some other degree they arent checking the file type.
What in the world is print credit?
Print credit is like monopoly money given to you. You can use your money after the wedding to buy prints from a photographer. Usually the print rates are standard photographer rates such as $2 for a 4x6 and $15 for a 8x10 or so. Its an easy way of forcing you to spend more money on purchasing prints and making the "package" more expensive but make you feel like your getting more for your dollar. Just as a note: remember to check the print rates before getting your print credit and make sure the print rates are fixed for your contract (meaning they dont shift after your wedding). I never include print credit or monopoly money. I feel like im forcing people to buy stuff or handing out obligations like an insurance company. Just buy what you want from my online ordering system at the regular rate... Of course like other photographers, I can give you a discount on coverage rates if you agree to get a certain amount of prints from me, but I wont force you.
Some photographers charge tax, others dont.. Im stumped
If the wedding is in the same state the photographer resides, the photographer has to pay tax. It's illegal not to. Some photographers give you a package and then ADD tax to that. $1,000 + 7% for example. (photographer makes $1000) This is the best and safest route to take legality wise for the photographer and yourself. Others will take a $1,000 package and make a total value of it $935 + 7% tax. (You pay $1000 still - photographer makes only $935). Whatever way your photographer does it, be aware that there are taxes and it comes out of someones pocket (so don't be shocked if you get tax added on to your package and always ask if you have doubts because for larger packages taxes can be very expensive.)
1, 2, 3 or how many photographers?
1 Photographer usually will be just fine for most weddings if the photographer is competent enough and understands they need to do short and long distance shots. If you have an amazingly large wedding with many guests, or want plenty of coverage, or have multiple locations to cover I would recommend a second or third photographer. A second photographer can also help knock out formals a bit faster doing other groups at the same time. Usually there is always a primary and then a secondary photographer (or shooter), but depends on the team. Of course more photographers means high cost for your pocket. If you are debating and can't figure this one out, a question to ask is do I want a lot of coverage on other guests and not just the wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen). It never hurts to ask the photographer for their recommendation as well.
Do I really need a pre-wedding photographers consultation at my wedding location?
No you don't need one. All photographers will consult with you via phone or email these days. If they wont, go to someone else. Not all photographers though include a on-location consultation. Because driving to the location, chatting, and so forth takes time and has transportation costs, most photographers include this in a package deal.
But the question is do you need one? I recommend one if you don't trust the photographer (but with that in-mind why did you book them). I would also get one if you aren't feeling secure, ancy, just want a consultation, or just want to meet the photographer and discuss some visions and ideas in person. It's not a bad idea to get them to scope the location first and get some initial ideas. However a good photographer can usually spot visions upon coming to the location a first time. This is an important trait since weddings are sporatically placed and uncontrolled (meaning you take more action shots then posed shots).
Just be aware it does cost money to meet people due to transportation costs, scheduling time, and so forth. I don't include a consultation ON LOCATION (so an extra fee is involved). But I always have my cell phone handy if you have questions or need to reach me. Its pasted all over the website. (941) 345-5239.
How to get FREE coverage from photographers!
Photographers are people too. If you have a nice after party, invite your photographer to come as a guest. You might just end up getting some free professional photo coverage. Be sure to mention that you are inviting them as a guest and you arent expecting any coverage (otherwise you might just get a HUGE bill). So be open, honest, and up-front, sometimes they might feel like they would be intruding on your party so reassurance and friendliness is key.
Prior to starting your photo session, we have a brief consultation and discuss what you want from your photo session. This is the time we figure out a time, date, place, and can customize your package if necessary. After you place a deposit on your date, your session is confirmed. (No date is confirmed without a deposit). Based on the schedule place and time, we will meet you at the location, sign some paperwork, and photograph the session.
After your session, we will choose the best photos from the shoot, tweak them, add a few creative enhancements, and upload the photos to our online photo viewing and purchasing location. On the clients website link, you can view your photos, order prints, or other photo merchandise. Your friends and family will also be able to view and order prints via this link. We can password protect your photos by request, at no additional cost to you, however remember that other family members will need the password to order prints. If you ordered a CD/DVD disk, it will be shipped within a week to the address on file.
Since everyone wants different formats of final copies, some people just want prints and others need a CD/DVD multimedia disk. Most of our packages come with a DVD disk of the final processed files. Your welcome to get these printed at your local Wal-mart, Walgreens, Wolf Camera or any other retail store. However please be aware the the prints of retail store usually do not come close to those that are created by most professional photographers. This is because we have a special partnership with professional print vendors that use a higher quality paper, ink, adjust color tone of your prints than those of retail stores. Our print vendors can even print unique custom sizes such as wide pictures at 5x30 or get a super large prints at 30x45, or even print on metallic surfaces. We try to keep our prices competitive for standard prints, however keep in mind you do get what you pay for.
Payment for each photography package is due in advance before actual shooting takes place. All photography sessions require a deposit (usually 30% of the package price) to secure the session date. Photo shoots are not confirmed without deposits. Deposits can be paid by credit card (we accept Visa and MasterCard via phone), PayPal, or by check. Allow 10 days for your check to clear. If the weather does not permit us to take your photos on the date selected, we will reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, your payment will be refunded in full, minus any transaction fees. (Usually 3% to 5%).
