Shopping For a Wedding Photographer?
If you're currently shopping for a wedding photographer in Branson or Springfield, MO, one thing you've probably realized is that the prices are all over the road, ranging from over $3500 to well under $1000.
In part, this is due to the wide variety of packages, add-ons, and options offered by local wedding photographers.
But it's also because the wedding industry has become extremely competitive, due to the massive influx of part-time wedding photographers, planners, florists, and officiates in recent years.
A Buyer's Market
As a bride-to-be, this is generally very good news, as many wedding vendors (including photographers) have cut their prices in order to stay competitive. In most cases, you can hire a quality photographer, florist, or officiate at a significantly lower rate than you could just a couple of years ago.
However, it is a buyer-beware environment, and the old adage really applies:
If It Looks Too Good To Be True...
While saving money is always good, be careful not to shop by price alone. Because Branson and Springfield, MO wedding photographers are not licensed, anyone can buy a digital camera and declare themselves a "professional wedding photographer".
Warning Signs
Look for these warning signs when shopping for a wedding photographer in Branson or Springfield, MO:
- Low, low, low prices. While everyone wants to be competitive, the truth is that it's impossible to run a profitable wedding photography business by only charging a few hundred dollars for unlimited photography or "full day coverage". Trust me, the cost of doing business is just too high. As an example, the 50% off prices we are presently charging for wedding photography in Branson and Springfield, MO are among the lowest in the market... but only because we're new to town and running an introductory special. In a city where we are already established, our Tampa wedding photography prices are significantly higher.
- A limited portfolio of wedding pictures. An experienced professional's online portfolio should show a variety of different couples in different types of settings, as to opposed to a lot of pictures from just one or two weddings.
- Confusion or uncertainty on the part of the photographer with regard to his or her style, packages, or plan for photographing your wedding. Speak to them on the phone and listen for confidence, professionalism, and a personality that you won't mind having around for several hours. Remember, you'll probably spend more time with your photographer than anyone else on your wedding day. Other than your fiance, of course!
- A photographer's inability or unwillingness to detail the terms of your agreement in a written contract. Be sure to get everything in writing!
- A cash or checks-only policy. The vast majority of professional photographers in Branson and Springfield, MO accept major credit cards for payment, as well as cash and checks. Accepting only the latter could be a sign of inexperience.
What's A Fair Price?
As with many other products and services, it's all about what you are getting for your money. If you like the pictures in a wedding photographer's online gallery, contact them and ask some questions about the points I raised above.
If you're satisifed with their answers and the price is within your budget, then congratulations! You may have found your wedding photographer.
Comments and Questions?
As a local wedding photographer competing for your business in Branson and Springfield, MO, I recognize the fact that there are many talented professionals to choose from, and urge you to find the one who suits your specific needs, style, personality, and budget.
If I can help you in your search, please visit our contact page online, or leave a comment in the box below.
I'd also like to encourage other wedding vendors in the Branson and Springfield, MO area to chime in with their thoughts and tips, too.
As usual, thanks for reading... and happy holidays!
<a href="http://www.coolchangephotography.com/?pageID=310328" rel="author">About Me</a>
