Cheap photographer? What to look out for

When it comes to photography, “you get what you pay for” often rings true. Realistically speaking, though, not everyone can afford to shell out thousands for a well-known wedding photographer. Luckily, there is still a great selection of wedding photographers who offer their services for more affordable rates.

Professional wedding photography typically costs around $150 per hour, with premium services costing up to $200 per hour. As such, it can be a bit daunting to go for a photographer who only charges $100 per hour or less, especially with tons of cheap photography horror stories making their rounds on the Internet. However, with enough patience and research, you might just stumble upon a diamond in the rough.

Here are a couple of tips to remember if you’re planning on going the cheap photographer route:

Be prepared to gain some and lose some

The job of a professional wedding photographer doesn’t end when he or she packs his equipment after your wedding. Most of them spend hours and hours editing your photos, preparing your high-quality prints, and finalising your wedding album. But if you or someone you know is handy with photo editing software and crafts, you can skip the editing and photo album on the photography package. Many photographers offer “no album” photography services for a much more affordable price.

Take a (calculated) risk on newbies

All great wedding photographers started somewhere, and while experience definitely helped them hone their craft, there are still those with a natural gift. A wedding photographer who is still looking to build their portfolio will charge less than an established photographer. However, make sure that you still ask to look at their sample work, even if it doesn’t necessarily consist of wedding photos just yet. Just keep in mind that someone who can show you an excellent portfolio of still life photography or landscape photography isn’t automatically equipped with the skill to handle a very busy and dynamic wedding shoot.

Check out their equipment

Different weddings will require different equipment, so make sure that your photographer has the right equipment. For instance, low-light conditions will require a specific type of lens. Make sure that you don’t compromise these things when you hire a cheaper photographer.

Keep looking

Any decent photographer can offer you ten or twenty good photos, but your wedding photographer should be able to take hundreds of great shots on your big day. Ask to see as many photos from their most recent projects as they can give you so you can really judge their style and skill.

Carefully compare quotes

Since you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, it would be useful if you could get multiple quotes so you can size up the photographers side by side. Remember that the price tag isn’t the only way to measure the quality of service.