I feel like a camp counselor gathering my cabin of campers to tell scary stories by the campfire. As a wedding photographer, there's nothing more terrifying or heartbreaking than the thought of lost wedding photos. So come closer and let me tell the terrifying tale of 'AITA for deleting my friend's wedding photos in front of them' and learn how to avoid a similar fate.
Photographer Breaks the Internet After Deleting Wedding Photos
Once upon a time, a couple hired a friend with a camera to photograph their wedding. They agreed to pay the friend (who wasn't a professional photographer) $250. All was well until the friend asked to take a 20-minute break during the wedding to eat and rest to continue working the 10-hour event. "I was told I cannot stop to eat because I need to be a photographer; in fact, they didn't save me a spot at any table," she said. The couple insisted she could continue working or leave without being paid. She added, "Honestly, at that point, I would have paid $250 just for a glass of cold water and somewhere to sit for five minutes." It was a breaking point. She decided to delete the images she'd photographed and leave the wedding. After sharing her story on Reddit, the internet created an inferno of debate over which party was at fault. Newsweek shared the aftermath and an update on the newlyweds.
Assigning blame is almost pointless in a situation like this, however. Regardless of who was right or wrong, it's a cautionary tale illustrating why a professional should be your first pick for an assignment with priceless memories on the line. It's also a lesson that being kind and respecting fellow humans is the best policy. The question is not who's to blame, but what can we learn to avoid similar failures?
This experience exemplifies the danger of not choosing an experienced pro for an important job. Failing to invest in someone performing a vital task (not providing appropriate financial compensation or even simple kindness) has catastrophic results. Read on to discover how to avoid these pitfalls and what to look for when hiring your wedding photographer.
Why Does Wedding Photography Cost So Much?
Wedding photography is a specialized service. Like many skilled trades, there are differences in pricing related to a photographer's level of expertise, how many years of experience they have, where the business operates, and many other factors. According to The Independent, wedding photography typically ranges from $1,000-$10,000 in the United States.
What's Included in the Expense of Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer?
Wedding Wire states the cost of hiring a wedding photographer includes essential services such as their time. Wedding Photographers spend, on average,
2-4 hours per client on correspondence and consultations
2-6 hours on engagement sessions
6-12 hours during the wedding day
20-40 hours for editing
Additionally, photography fees cover business costs such as,
Travel expenses for wedding days and engagement sessions
Editing software + gallery hosting to deliver images
Print rights, which allow you to share, download, and use the photographs
Insurance. A professional photographer will have liability coverage to protect clients and themselves in emergencies.
Education and time invested in mastering their craft. An excellent photographer will spend years and thousands in education to become a skilled artist.
Eight Things to Consider Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer
When searching through an undulating sea of photographers, it's tempting to look at pricing to guide your decision. You want your wedding photographed. All these people have cameras, so anyone with a couple of good pictures on their website and an active Instagram can do the job. Right? Before you jump on the first person with a website who's not charging the proverbial 'arm and leg,' here are some questions to ask. These queries can help weed out unsuitable options and assist in finding a qualified professional deserving of your trust and hard-earned money.
Request complete wedding galleries to review
Look for a photographer whose style you love
Ask if they have a contract
Make sure they're insured
Read their reviews
Does the price point make sense for the quality of work shown? (There's such a thing as a deal that's too good to be true.)
Ask if they recommend adding a second photographer
Check if there are extra charges or fees associated with their service
How to Book Wedding Photographers for Less
Flexibility is the key to saving money on your wedding photography (without sacrificing quality). Consider thinking outside the box in these three areas:
Choose a less popular wedding date. Weekday weddings and off-season dates (January-March) allow photographers to charge less for dates they're unlikely to book otherwise.
Shorten the time your photographer captures the dance floor. The dance floor is the first place in a wedding timeline where you can choose to cut coverage without affecting the final product. Most photographers can provide a fun selection of dance floor photos in half an hour. This will free up the time you book with them to cover more essential parts of the day like bridal portraits, a first look, or wedding party photos.
If you're engaged and searching for a photographer around Black Friday or Christmas, check to see if your dream photographer offers any sales or deals on their services.
Choose Your Photographer Wisely
My final thoughts as a photographer who has captured weddings for over a decade: You need to like and feel comfortable with the person you’re entrusting to capture your memories. Your wedding photographer will be beside you, witnessing some of your life’s most intimate and sacred moments. It’s a special profession, far more involved in the emotion and overall experience you receive than any other vendor you’ll hire for a wedding. The photographer who captures your memories is the witness and historian of your love story. Photography (and videography) are the only wedding purchases you'll continue to use after your wedding. These photos are a precious, irreplaceable commodity. Choose the person who captures your photography for you with care and treat all your wedding vendors with kindness to have the best possible wedding day.
As a seasoned wedding photographer, I have the joy of capturing couples in love and preserving their most cherished memories. Each wedding is a unique story, and I’m passionate about documenting the moments that matter most and preserving the once-in-a-lifetime memories that happen during a wedding. Let’s work together to make your special day unforgettable. Reach out today to see more of my work and to start planning a wedding photography experience that will be easy and fun!
FAQs About the Wedding Photographer Who Deleted Photos
Can you get a refund from the wedding photographer if the photos are bad?
First, let your photographer know you're disappointed and why. They may be able to adjust their editing to fix the issue. If that doesn't solve the problem, or if the photographer is unwilling to change their edits, compare your photos to their portfolio. Are your pictures consistent with the style and quality of work they show? If not, you may be entitled to a partial or full refund, depending on the specific circumstances.
Do Wedding Photographers Keep All Photos?
It's an excellent question to ask before booking a photographer. What length of time do they guarantee the storage photos? How long will you be able to access and download your photos? What kind of storage and backup safeguards do they use? A seasoned wedding photographer will have answers to all of these questions.
Can You Ask a Wedding Photographer for Unedited Photos?
A professional photographer will not typically provide unedited photos. The RAW files are only part of the creative process you're paying for. Unedited files will not reflect the style and quality of their work. Sometimes, a professional photographer may allow the purchase of unedited photos for an additional fee. This is an excellent question to ask before booking.
Do Photographers Delete Bad Photos?
Professional photographers will edit and deliver only photos that are technically correct and important to the client or the storytelling aspect of the wedding. Duplicates, images that show flaws such as unflattering expressions or blinking, are not edited and delivered to the client.
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