I get it — wedding planning is expensive, and sometimes photography feels like the biggest splurge. But here’s the thing: there’s a whole lot behind those photos you’ll cherish forever, and I want to give you a peek behind the curtain.

Education + experience MATTER!

Photography isn’t static. It’s always changing — new gear, new styles, new techniques. To keep up, I invest in multiple workshops and training every year. That means time, travel, and tuition. Education costs money. Lots of money. But it’s one of the best investments I can make for you, because it means your photos will be current, beautiful, and uniquely you.

Gear you can TRUST

When you hire a photographer, they should have a backup camera. Period. It doesn’t have to be the same model or as fancy as their main camera, but it has to shoot in manual mode and work with interchangeable lenses. Why? Because no one can redo your wedding photos. Ever.

For example, on a wedding day, I carry at least $15,000 worth of gear — and that’s just the equipment in my camera bag. Two Nikon D750 bodies, lenses like the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.4, Sigma 35mm f/1.4, flashes, light stands, and a ton of other essential accessories. That doesn’t even include my computers, software subscriptions, hard drives, website hosting, insurance, or business fees.

If another photographer charges double what I do, chances are they have twice the gear and twice the experience — and that will show in your photos.

What are you really paying for?

If a photographer charges $500 for a wedding, think about this: did they really spend thousands on education, equipment, advertising, travel, insurance, and ongoing business costs? Probably not. And that will reflect in your photos.

On the flip side, if you’re on a tight budget and choose someone just starting out, that’s totally okay — just be clear on expectations. Do they have a professional website? Are their emails timely and professional? Is there a contract? Are they insured? These things protect you and the photographer.

Photography isn’t instant gratification – but it’s PRICELESS!

Unlike linens, cake, or lighting, photography isn’t something your guests immediately notice or that’s tangible on your wedding day. You don’t see your photos while they’re happening — and that can make it feel negotiable.

But here’s what makes wedding photography priceless: your photos are the only thing you get to keep and look back on forever. You might keep your dress or a piece of cake, but will you show those off 30 years later? Will your kids laugh at a photo of mom and dad from way back then?

Photography captures your story — your moments, emotions, and memories — so you can relive them again and again.

Think of photography like dining out

I love photography and food equally, and here’s a comparison I like to make:

Imagine you order a gourmet burger for $15 at a restaurant. The ingredients might cost $8, but you’re also paying for the chef, the ambiance, the service, the utilities, and everything else that makes the meal special. Sure, you could grab a $4 burger at a fast food joint, but it’s not the same experience or quality.

Similarly, a $3,000 photographer isn’t just charging for the photos — you’re paying for years of experience, top-tier gear, training, insurance, and the ability to deliver images that truly capture your day.

I hope this helps explain why photography prices are what they are — and gives you ideas on how to find a photographer that fits your budget while still delivering beautiful images.

Oh, and fun fact: the very first wedding I shot? I’m still proud of those photos. In fact, when I recently returned to that venue, I saw my images from that wedding featured in their ads and signage. That’s the kind of lasting impact great photography can have.