{"id":10820,"date":"2020-11-12T13:58:44","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T19:58:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photographybyjustine.com\/blog\/?p=10820"},"modified":"2021-11-11T08:07:20","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T14:07:20","slug":"how-much-should-i-spend-on-my-wedding-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photographybyjustine.com\/blog\/how-much-should-i-spend-on-my-wedding-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Should I Spend on My Wedding Photography ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Bride<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve ever planned, it\u2019s hard to know where to begin! On top of that, you have <\/strong>to figure out how much it costs to get what you want without blowing your budget. And pricing here is all over the map!

<\/strong>So, how <\/strong>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\u2019d also be asking myself, \u201cWhy should I listen to YOU?\u201d
It\u2019s a good question so let me introduce myself.

<\/strong>My name is Justine and I\u2019ve 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\u2019ve also talked to brides and grooms who didn\u2019t invest in hiring the right photographer\u2026and sadly lived to regret it.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Red<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are photographers in every price range. I\u2019m not here to \u201csell\u201d you on my business. I know what I do is fantastic (in my humble opinion), but it\u2019s not for everyone.

<\/strong>I\u2019m here to help you make an informed decision about what\u2019s right for you.  This article is designed to work hand in hand with How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer,<\/a> so be sure to check that out after you\u2019re done here.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wedding Photography Pricing in North Dakota:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201caverage\u201d 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 \u2013 $750.00

<\/strong>#2 \u2013 $2000.00+

#3 \u2013 $4000.00 +

Let\u2019s explore what you can typically expect in each of these ranges.

Range #1<\/strong> \u2013 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<\/strong> \u2013 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.
<\/strong>
Range #3<\/strong> \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bride<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

EXPERTISE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s define expertise as how capable a photographer is to create consistent results at any given wedding. Expertise and experience may correlate, though a more \u201cexperienced\u201d photographer who has photographed hundreds of weddings may not necessarily be as technically skilled as a photographer who has fewer weddings under their belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019ve giving expertise and experience their own distinguishable categories in this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expertise typically involves the following:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n