Couples spend months planning their weddings. That’s why just about every couple hires a professional wedding photographer to capture the big day in all its stunning detail. Many couples assume that the most important question for their photographers is how many professionally edited photos they will receive when all is said and done, but this question may not be the right one to ask.

Average Photo Counts

Most highly rated photographers provide between 400 and 600 photos to clients. Some provide 1,000 photos or more, but is that really better? The short answer is, typically, no.

A good photographer will be more concerned with quality than quantity. While no couple wants to miss important moments, no one will include 1,000 or more photographs in the final wedding album. Sorting through endless less-than-perfect pictures is exhausting and defeats the purpose of hiring a pro.

Video Packages

Those who are afraid to miss any moment of the big day may want to hire a wedding photographer who also provides professional videography. A videographer can create a highlight real, a short film, or even a feature film that shows all the couple’s and their guests’ most important moments. Videos typically include the full ceremony, important speeches, and the formal dances at the reception. Check out snowshoeproductions.com to learn about one local company that can film and edit exceptional wedding videos.

Cost Concerns

Wedding planners should expect professional wedding photography and videography to cost at least a few thousand dollars. The reason a professional photo package costs so much is that a photographer’s work doesn’t end after an 8 to 12 hour day of shooting.

Photographers typically take thousands of pictures then carefully screen them to find the best ones. Once they find the best pictures of each part of the ceremony and reception, they must edit them, sometimes extensively. All that work often takes upwards of 30 to 40 hours and requires expensive equipment.

It may seem outrageous to pay $4,000 for 12 hours of shooting, but the bottom line is that couples are also paying for transportation to and from the venue, post-wedding editing, printing, material costs, and more. Even the best wedding photographers aren’t making millions. They choose this career because they are truly committed to their craft, and they’re passionate about helping couples capture memories on film that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

Choosing a Photographer

Don’t just find the photographer who offers the most pictures for the least money. Chances are, he or she is not going to provide high-quality prints. There’s no point in spending money on a photographer who won’t provide professional results.

Some unscrupulous photographers claim they will professionally edit 1,000 or more photographs for clients for surprisingly low prices, but they’re not to be trusted. More often than not, they haphazardly screen out a few photos, apply the same filters across the entire set of photographs, then deliver a sub-par product to their clients. At this point, the wedding is over and there’s nothing dissatisfied clients can do.

The Bottom Line

Prioritise quality over quantity and expect to pay a professional a reasonable rate for his or her services. Couples only have one wedding day, so it’s worth spending the extra money on high-quality prints and videos. Get in touch with a photographer and videographer in advance to ask questions, make arrangements, and ensure availability.