Planning a wedding in North Dakota can be crazy-making. One of the first questions you may ask yourself is, “how much should I spend on my wedding photography?” Since this is probably the first wedding you’ve ever planned, it’s hard to know where to begin! On top of that, you have to figure out how much it costs to get what you want without blowing your budget. And pricing here is all over the map!
So, how do you know what it should cost for a wedding photographer and how much do you want to invest in it?
If I were you, I’d also be asking myself, “Why should I listen to YOU?”
It’s a good question so let me introduce myself.
My name is Justine and I’ve been a photographer for 20 years. I know how much it costs to get a great wedding photography experience and where you can consider cutting corners.
I’ve also talked to brides and grooms who didn’t invest in hiring the right photographer…and sadly lived to regret it.
There are photographers in every price range. I’m not here to “sell” you on my business. I know what I do is fantastic (in my humble opinion), but it’s not for everyone.
I’m here to help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you. This article is designed to work hand in hand with How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer, so be sure to check that out after you’re done here.
Wedding Photography Pricing in North Dakota:
According to The Knot, the average couple in North Dakota spends approximately $2560.00 on their wedding photography.
But that number only tells HALF the story. The “average” figure includes couples who elope with a justice of the peace as well as those who spend as much as a celebrity.
There are 3 general price ranges for wedding photography in our market:
#1 – $750.00
#2 – $2000.00+
#3 – $4000.00 +
Let’s explore what you can typically expect in each of these ranges.
Range #1 – A photographer in this price range will generally have less experience and education. Many bargain photographers have day-jobs and shoot weddings on the side. Technical expertise may be limited. Understanding of flattering posing, lighting and directing of the varied aspects of a wedding day may be also be at a novice level. Photographic gear, backups and lighting, as well as his/her post production skills (editing) may also be insufficient. They may be passionate about what they do, but may deliver final results that are inconsistent and of lower quality.
Range #2 – Photographers in this price range will have more experience and education as well as a necessary understanding of the technical aspects of camera and lighting use. He/she will understand how to pose a variety of subjects (individuals, couples, groups, families, children) in flattering and artistic ways; and, will have adequate professional gear, lighting equipment and editing skills. Additionally, he/she will be confident in creating consistent images through-out your day, in a variety of conditions.
Range #3 – In addition to all the aspects of range #2, a photographer in this range will have years of specialized wedding photography experience, have options for second shooters, be accredited and trained, have excellent reviews, a stellar reputation, and produce the utmost in consistent, high quality and creative work.
EXPERTISE
Let’s define expertise as how capable a photographer is to create consistent results at any given wedding. Expertise and experience may correlate, though a more “experienced” photographer who has photographed hundreds of weddings may not necessarily be as technically skilled as a photographer who has fewer weddings under their belt.
That’s why we’ve giving expertise and experience their own distinguishable categories in this post.
Expertise typically involves the following:
- Actual technical photographic skills (e.g., use of professional level equipment, including cameras and lighting. Knowing how to recognize and adjust for a variety of situations – low light, harsh light, backlight and weather. Ability to pose and direct people into flattering poses, including individuals, couples, families and children, etc.)
- Interpersonal communication skills (e.g., ability to help guide day-of communication so that cooperation between multiple people and groups is realized, such as organizing family photos in a friendly but efficient manner)
- Stable emotional communication skills to put you and others in a comfortable and confident frame of mind, especially on the most important of days or when events become hurried or stressful.
- Business skills that create consistent and high quality services – i.e. equitable contracts, easy to view and pay invoices, delivery of final galleries and products, professional and timely communications, etc.
EXPERIENCE
Don’t undervalue experience, however! Generally speaking, a photographer who has shot lots of weddings will have more “trial and error” insight and adapt easily to tricky situations (schedule changes, timeline troubles, tension between family members, etc.) If she/he has shot at your venue multiple times, they’ll probably be more prepared to quickly and smoothly direct photographs there.
An experienced photographer preparing to shoot at a location new to them would certainly understand the advantages of visiting the venue before hand, and making a plan for your wedding day photography. You should feel confident the photographer understands your venue and/or has a plan to pick specific locations that are best for things like first-look, portraits, and formals before your big day.
But, know that a photographer who does this is likely going to be above your average cost.
The REAL Price of Wedding Photography in ND– what it all boils down to….
At first, it seems like the least expensive option is the best way to go. That’s the best way to save money, right? Sometimes going cheap is a good idea, but sometimes it leads to a wedding disaster.
The first question to ask yourself is, “How important is the photography to YOU?”
Should you end up with an inexperienced unreliable photographer or poor quality photos, is that okay? Will you still have the wedding you dreamed without it?
If photos are near the bottom of your priority list and it’s not that important that you get exactly what you dreamed of, hiring a low-priced wedding photographer can be a good idea.
On the other hand, if not having amazing wedding pictures is going to be something you’ll regret, it makes sense to invest more in someone who can deliver exactly what you want.
The cheapest price isn’t always the best value
Some photographers will charge a very low starting rate that doesn’t include most of what you’ll want for your wedding. For example, the package might cost only $1000.00 but doesn’t include an engagement session, full day coverage, or post production edits. By the time you add that on, you’re paying much more.
You’re probably going to want an engagement session, edited final images and access to all of them digitally. Make sure you know the REAL price that includes all these things.
Sometimes it’s actually a better value to go with a more expensive package.
Questions to Ask
- How long have you been a photographer/wedding photographer?
- Can we see an entire wedding gallery?
- What is your style – classic, journalistic, posed, natural light, dark & moody, light and bright?
- Do we get the digital rights?
- What happens if it rains or snows? It is North Dakota, after all!
- Will you help us create a wedding day time-line?
- Do you have lighting equipment for churches and altar photos?
- Do you have backup equipment?
- Are you insured?
- Do you design albums?
So really, a wedding photographer is worth whatever you’re willing to invest. If they have a solid reputation, you love their photos (from throughout the day!), their personality, and they make you feel comfortable and confident, then book them !
For some, this could be $500. For others its $5k, $10k, or even $20K+. As a rule, your higher priced photographers have more demand for various reasons, usually associated with skill, style, etc.
Most of the couples I meet spend $2500.00-$3500.00 on their wedding photography in North Dakota to get the quality services and final images that they want.
I believe it’s up to you, as a couple, to decide on the best way to spend your wedding dollars. What areas of the wedding day are the most important to you? The photos, the gown, the food, the entertainment, the décor? Where can you spend less, so that you can add more to your most important items? Of course, I believe that the photography should come at the top (or near) of that list.
You should never feel pressured by a photographer (or any wedding vendor) to choose their services. Finding a great match in style, quality, services and price is a challenge and I understand that.
Wedding photography is a real part of your day… and at the end of that day, you leave with a spouse and your photos, so choosing wisely only makes sense.
Be sure to check out my “How To Choose a Wedding Photographer” article next to get more information finding your ideal photographer
Have fun planning!
And, if you’re ready, I would love to talk with you more about your wedding!
Check if your date is available
Contact me at 701-748-5656 – talk or text
justine@photographybyjustine.com
or use the Contact Page
I hope you have found some helpful information in regards to how much your spend on your wedding photography.
