Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.
How much are wedding photographer prices near me?
Wedding photography costs$1,600 to $3,600 on average but often exceeds $4,000 in major cities. Wedding photography prices range from $700 to $10,000, depending on the package, add-ons, location, and number of photographers.
When to book your wedding photographer?
Book your wedding photographer as early as possible, ideally as soon as you choose a date and reserve a venue. The best photographers book events more than 12 months in advance, especially for weddings during the peak season.
What to expect from your wedding photographer?
Before the wedding day
Discussion of the photographic style and your needs and wants
Contract and initial payment to reserve the date
Reviewing the wedding day timeline to ensure you schedule enough time for key photos
Engagement photo shoot, if included
Rehearsal dinner coverage, if included
On your wedding day
Capturing key moments during the getting-ready process, ceremony, and reception
Traditional or posed photos of the wedding couple, bridal party, and family
Photos of candid moments throughout the event
After the wedding
Photo editing and retouching
Delivery of proofs, typically via a private online gallery
Assistance with photo selection and album design
Delivery of prints or an album, if included
How much should you tip a wedding photographer?
Tipping a wedding photographer is not required but is usually appreciated. Consider tipping $50 to $200 to express your gratitude if the photographer exceeds your expectations.
How much do wedding photographers make?
Wedding photographers make $40,000 to $60,000 per year on average, depending on their experience and location.
How do I find wedding photographers near me?
Start by searching our list of wedding photographers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:
Decide which photography style and aesthetic best suits your wedding.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, your wedding planner, the venue, and other wedding vendors.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Choose a pro who specializes in wedding photography.
Interview your favorite photographers and discuss your ideas and vision.
Ask the photographer about their pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding process.
Schedule an engagement photo shoot to allow you to work with the photographer before the wedding day.
Get a detailed contract in writing that breaks down everything included in your package, the payment plan, and the refund and cancellation policy.
Discuss the photo usage and printing rights to confirm how you and the photographer can use the images. Photographers typically retain the copyright to the images, giving them the right to use the photos for marketing and social media.
Beware of basing the decision solely on pricing. The photographer with the lowest price may lack experience or isn't as good as local competitors.
After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the photographer in your area.
What questions to ask wedding photographers?
Ask them the following questions when hiring a wedding photographer:
How would you describe your photography style and approach?
Can we see full galleries from a few recent weddings?
How many weddings have you photographed?
Do you have our wedding date available?
How far in advance do we need to book with you?
Have you ever shot a wedding at our venue before?
Do you have experience shooting weddings of a similar size and style as ours?
How much are your packages, and what do they include?
What add-ons are available? Can we customize a package to suit our needs?
How many hours do you work? How much do you charge if we go over that time?
Can we discuss unique shots we'd like?
How much extra do you charge for an engagement shoot or rehearsal dinner coverage?
Do you provide retouching, color adjustment, or other editing services? Do they cost extra?
How long after the wedding will we receive our finished photos?
How will the images be delivered – online, in print, or on a USB drive? If online, how long will the proofs be available for viewing?
Will we own the rights to the digital images?
Do you provide high-resolution digital files? Do they cost extra?
What size can we print the finished files?
Do you offer printed items or albums?
How can our family members and friends order prints?
Can other guests take photos while you work?
Do you work with an assistant or second shooter? Can I meet them before the wedding?
How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
Do you charge a travel fee? What does it cover?
How much do you require on deposit? What is your payment schedule?
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Do you have liability insurance? What does it cover?
Do you carry backup photo equipment?
What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on our wedding day?
Will you be sharing our wedding photos on your website, social media, or other magazines or blogs?
Reviews for Lodi wedding photographers
Recent success stories from people in the Lodi area.
Matthew S.
Very professional, knows what he is doing. The pictures turned out great, I highly recommend
James Thornton III Pictures
Dorthy G.
Christina is very easy to work with giving you just the right picture. Prices are very reasonable.
She does an amazing job!
Christina Chaves Photography
Stephanie N.
I had so much fun doing my wedding dresses photoshoot with him. The rose garden was the perfect place for it. He got the perfect angles and everything 😊
Majestic Photography
Mr T.
Really a lot of light hearted fun to work with . Great images . He knew the questions and answers I was going to ask him . Before I even knew what I wanted .
Way Fun Films / JPAAPE Photography
Hannah G.
Brinkley has an incredible eye. She captured the essence of our farm and brand with such ease. Her photos have a dreamy and whimsical spirit that makes her work so unique.
Brinkley Capriola Studio
Jessica A.
Great professional that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Fabio was able to capture beautiful moments with my family (daughter and husband) in a very natural way. We absolutely loved! My daughter that's just 3 was amazed and really enjoyed our time at the photo shoot. I highly recommend him and can't forget to mention that he's super quick sending the proof to choose the pictures from. We highly recommend him and will do more photo shoot for sure in the future! 😄😄 You won't be disappointed!!!!!
Pineal Photography
Rachel B.
Emily was a delight to work with, from booking through to getting our pictures ready. We met with her in person a month before the wedding to discuss our goals and preferences for the day, and Emily not only met those but captured us beautifully. My personal favorite is how she caught and sent us pictures of us kissing but also the moment immediately after a kiss, and she captured our love on the day perfectly with those shots. I can't stop looking at how happy we looked in our photos, and Emily’s work made it possible.
Emily Pillon Photography
Cheryl E.
She was creative and our pictures turned out gorgeous. She made the entire experience, fun and extremely professional.
Fortheloveofphotos-Photography by Candace
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