Ruined Memories - Woodbridge Family Photographer

Getting married is one of the most exciting times for a bride.  Those visions of how you're going to look, what dress will you wear, and all of the other pertinent information like venues and food.

However, once the big day is gone and gifts are opened, the only thing left are your wedding portraits.  Many times families and brides take for granted the importance of hiring a qualified photographer to capture their family memories or more importantly, their wedding day.

North Texas Photographer Ruins Bride’s Big Day 

The average wedding photographer costs approximately $1600 to $2000 for 6 to 8 hours of wedding coverage.   For everything that the bride include would be approximately $5000 to $6000.  So when I saw the bride was excited about paying only $800, I was skeptical about a happy ending.  

Which brings me to this post.  In North Texas a couple contacted a photographer to capture their wedding day.  To their surprise they booked this photographer for $800.  According to the bride, the price included a "Bridal Session, 6 hours of wedding day coverage with TWO photographers, 200 5x7 prints, 1 8x8 album, 1 16x20 canvas, and a $200 gift certificate I planned on using for a family session, and I could throw in a videographer for another $400".  

One of the most important piece things I can suggest.  When looking to hire a photographer, don't allow price to be the number one factor in who gets your money. 

• Personality/Customer Service
  

The photographer's personality is extremely important.  If you don't get a great vibe from the photographer it may be better for you to continue looking.  Customer Service is key!  Is the photographer willing to ensure your happiness?  Many times in business, we experience things we don't like or wished may have gone differently.  Is the photographer will to make concessions or make adjustments to keep your business.  When purchasing a car, would you expect the same level of customer service and quality if the car was purchased from Chevrolet vs Rolls Royce?  I would image not.  Rolls Royce is a luxury car maker; therefore we expect the level of service is superior to be far superior to other car makers. 

• Style

One of the greatest factors in selecting a photographer is their ability to capture a moving portrait.  Does it evoke emotion?  Do the portraits move you?  Are the portraits creative?

• Cost

The last factor to consider is the cost.  Regardless of the price paid $100 or $1000, you're spending your hard earned money and you're wanting to receive the best product possible.  Like the example of Chevrolet and Rolls Royce, the price level will determine the quality of service and products you will receive from your photographer.  So when it comes to your portraits, ask yourself this very important question.  Once your wedding is over or after your child is no longer a young kid, but a teenager (or adult) what will I have left?  Your portraits will be the only remaining tangible item from your special moments. 

Unlike buying a home or a piece of real estate, the buyer gets what you pay for.  Don't be like so many other wedding couples or families who cross off a photographer's name because you asked about their pricing it exceeded what you believe photography should cost; or "it's too much".  I'm certain you would feel better spending more in the beginning and afterwards you love your images and photographer because you love every image you see and it's hard to narrow the images down.  This is a stark contrast to spending way less initially and getting less images presented and you really don't love or like many of the images. 

Tamieka Smith Photographer is a Northern Virginia (NOVA) family, maternity, and event photographer serving Woodbridge and Washington D.C. metropolitan area.