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 Evanston wedding photographers
Recent success stories from people in the Evanston area.
Erika G.
It's a surprisingly personal question; no one else can decide how you measure your own success and it's allowed to evolve over time.
My definition has certainly transformed over the past 7 years as I shifted from focusing on how life looks to how life feels.
I used to think success was about checking boxes and collecting gold stars: I was a corporate-climbing mom who could "do it all and do it with a smile". It looked great on the outside.
But, on the inside, I felt hollow and like I was never doing enough. There was always more to do/be/achieve. When my infant daughter had serious spinal surgery 7 years ago, it made me reevaluate how I was living, and for whom. Thankfully, she’s healthy, but it became the pivot point where my life has since become before and after.
Now I know success means having the courage to create a life of authenticity and impact. By letting go of who I think I should be, it freed me up to embrace who I am and who I am to become.
We are most impactful when we’re most authentic so, ultimately, success is living into my full range and building a life aligned with my values, purpose and gifts in order to inspire others to do the same.
I am humbled and honored to be included in Steve Ewert Photography's series on Successful Women in Chicago.
I'd love to hear from you: What does success mean to you? How has your definition evolved?
Steve Ewert Photography
Nedra M.
So he was on time before me on my daughter prom and he also took some beautiful pictures of my daughter prom I will be book him again for my event he a nice person and do good work thank u 🥂🤗
Negus Photography
John F.
Vivian is very flexible when it comes pricing, we were on tight budget and Vivian was willing to give us the price according to our budget without compromising on the quality.
Vivian Milton Photography
Solomon P.
She was very professional and good at her craft. She explained the process and gave me quality service.
ShèShell Photos
Bismarck R.
Excellent photo, He has the best eye for brides.. I love his photos...
Yosmertmphotography
Jessica
Joani is incredible! She made us feel so comfortable during our session and our pictures came out beautiful!
JCPhotography
Venna
Great customer service
We_Versee Images
Amy
We are delighted with the photographs Jeff Kash took of our wedding. The day itself is such a whirlwind; it's wonderful to go back and savor the beautiful images. It was definitely worth it to hire an excellent photographer.
Jeffrey Kash Photographer
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Nearby wedding photographers in and around Evanston