How many times have you been to the garage and heard that dreaded “tut-tut” from the Bob the mechanic?

If you’re lucky and happen to know a bit about mechanics then you know when you’re being ripped off, but what if you don’t? Do you leave the garage feeling that Bob is laughing in the back room?

In recent years I’ve found the same applies to photography. Not many people understand how much effort goes into providing that perfect image and they leave a consultation feeling that Dave the photographer is laughing away in his studio.

I decided that to ensure my clients are assured they are paying a fair price for my services, I would break them down into each part and allow them to customise a package to meet their needs.

The first service you’re paying for is TIME.

This is not only the time I’m present on the day but time to edit the images and ensure everything is ready for viewing.

*Meeting with clients and scoping out locations doesn’t come into this fee because I feel this should come under professionalism, which should be free.

For example if I am shooting for 8 hours, there are normally around 600 images that need sorting and editing. I spend around 2 hours selecting the firsts (top 300), then around 16 hours editing these images to style I feel suits them best.

So all in all you are paying for 26 hours of labour.

The next service you’re paying for is PRODUCT.

There are a number of different ways you can have your images supplied, it all depends on what you want to do with them.

The first is albums, prints and photo books.

This option you only pay for the images you use and the products you want.

It’s like paying for your water on a meter, it can be cheaper depending on how much you use.

The benefits of this option are that you only pay for what you want and if friends and family want images, they can purchase them through the online gallery or through you.

The second option is a DVD of all the images.

This options means you can make as many copies as you like, either design your own photo book or single prints for family and friends.

This may seem like the more expensive option because I assume no more purchasing of the images from me so the images are priced higher but in reality if you made 3 copies of each image either in digital form or print, you have saved yourself some money.

I will always suggest the cheapest option for you so you get the best quality service.

Just like a mechanic, photographers have to pay for new equipment, insurance, clothing, travel costs, electricity and much more so the hourly rate is a accurate one (well it is for some photographers).

I hope this article has made you more confident about your selection of wedding photographer.

Written by Aaron Polhill

For more information and a full pricelist visit Aaron Polhill Photography or contact me on 07854 778798.

Tags: Wedding Photography