Why does wedding photography cost so much?

Advertising.

That is right, advertising.

The really expensive photographers spend multiple thousands of dollars a year on advertising. They have to pass those costs on to the bride and groom.

I will tell you how I figured this out. My son is a wedding photographer. His pictures are great. I am really proud of him. But, I don't think they are a lot better than mine, even though he charges a lot more. He is also a graduate student at NMSU working toward his MBA. They have taught him a lot about business. This is how the business model works.

1. Spend lots of money on advertizing
2. Charge high prices
3. Fill your calendar
4. Take great pictures
5. Make good money in a career in photography

It is a good business model. I have seen my son invest in advertising, fill his calendar and take great photos.

I have just chosen to go a different way.

First, photography is not my day job. I do it because I love taking pictures--especially wedding pictures. Second, I believe there ought to be a place for the average middle class family to get great pictures of a wedding and not have to sell the farm to do it. Photography is expensive and time consuming. Good cameras, lenses and flashes all cost money. It takes time to process photos. Every photo I take goes through Photoshop. Rarely is there a picture taken that cannot be improved in Photoshop. And, like most people, I am in a place in life where I have to trade my time for money to make the house payment. So, I can't give my services away. But I can charge reasonable prices, offer a quality product and everyone is happy.

I invite you to look at my photos and compare them with others online. Compare prices. Don't assume big prices means better pictures. Decide for yourself.