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 Alexandria wedding photographers
Recent success stories from people in the Alexandria area.
Aroura P.
What I liked most about working with Marcellus is how comfortable he made the whole experience. He was very considerate about my look and what environment and poses would be best for me.
Marcellus Photography & Art, LLC
Liletta H.
Vsoul is about professionalism but also allows you to feel very relaxed and comfortable. The end results are amazing images!
Vsoul Photos LLC
Mallorie W.
Michael was a DREAM to work with! I wish I could leave more than 5 stars! He made our special day so simple! Michael took candid photos for the wedding as well as THE most beautiful Engagement Photos! Michael was flexible with dates and location and his pricing was extremely reasonable. So thankful to have him their to capture our special day!
Michael Mason Studios
Thuy D.
I highly recommend VENUTEC. I always have great experiences and results with the company. They are a very easy company to work with and I appreciate all their hard work and positive energy to help me to build and advance my own company. I am really happy, especially with Mr. Silvestre who is a professional and talented design artist and photographer. Two thumbs up!
VENUTEC
Rose L.
I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of being photographed by Magnolia! A long time friend and forever creative force that knows all my best angles. Even better than I know myself dare I say. Her keen eye and calm demeanor brings out the inner beauty out into the world— all in one snapshot. Book with her and you’ll see what I mean.
Magnolia
Satish S.
Great experience and I would certainly hire Doug for my next party :)
Doug Sanford photographs
Walt P.
I have had the pleasure of hiring Herb Perone for a variety of photography projects, ranging from large social events to my daughter’s wedding, and even the print, advertising, and web photography for a political campaign. In each instance, Herb's exceptional talent and professionalism have consistently exceeded my expectations.
From the moment you meet Herb, his friendly and personable demeanor puts you at ease. This ability to connect with clients and subjects is one of Herb's greatest strengths. Whether he is capturing the joyous moments of a wedding or the formal atmosphere of a political campaign, Herb has a unique knack for making everyone feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. This results in photographs that are not only technically excellent but also brimming with genuine emotion and personality.
Herb's astute eye for detail ensures that every shot he takes is of the highest quality. He has a remarkable ability to capture people at their best, creating images that are both flattering and true to life. This talent was particularly evident at my daughter’s wedding, where Herb managed to encapsulate the love, joy, and excitement of the day in a series of stunning photographs. Each image tells a story, preserving precious memories that we will treasure for a lifetime.
But Herb’s expertise extends far beyond personal events. His understanding of marketing and public relations makes him my first choice for commercial projects. During the political campaign, Herb's work was instrumental in crafting a visual narrative that resonated with voters. He knows exactly what kinds of images are needed to sell a product, a service, or a candidate for office. His photographs are not just pictures; they are powerful marketing tools that communicate the desired message effectively.
Herb’s professionalism and dedication to his craft are evident in every project he undertakes. He is meticulous in his preparation, ensuring that he understands the specific needs and goals of each assignment. This attention to detail is matched by his commitment to delivering first-class images time after time. No matter the scope or nature of the project, Herb approaches it with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism, always striving to produce the best possible results.
In addition to his technical skills and artistic talent, Herb is also incredibly reliable. He is punctual, organized, and always meets deadlines. His professionalism extends to his interactions with clients, where he is always courteous, respectful, and responsive. This makes working with Herb a seamless and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, Herb Perone is an outstanding photographer who excels in both personal and commercial photography. His ability to capture the essence of an event or subject, combined with his understanding of marketing and public relations, makes him an invaluable asset for any project. Whether you need photographs for a wedding, a social event, or a commercial campaign, you can trust Herb to deliver exceptional results. His images do much more than merely document an event; they tell a story that you will want to see again and again. Herb Perone has my highest recommendation, and I look forward to working with him on future projects.
Perone Photography
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Nearby wedding photographers in and around Alexandria