Are You Paying Thousands Extra Just for a Few ‘Wow’ Shots?

So, you’re planning your wedding, and photography is a big one on the list. If you’ve got a decent budget, you’ll quickly notice some photographers charge way more than others. We’re talking thousands of dollars more. The question is, why? And is it actually worth it?

Usually, the big difference with those really high-end photographers comes down to their specific “style.” You see it on their Instagram – maybe it’s super moody, maybe it’s bright and airy, maybe it’s got a vintage look. It looks amazing, cinematic, and it’s easy to fall in love with that vibe and think, “Yes, I want that for my wedding!”

But here’s the thing to keep in mind: that super distinct style? It mostly gets applied during the part of the day where you and your partner sneak away for photos together – the “romantic” or intimate session. And yeah, those photos are important and often end up being favorites.

But what about the rest of the day?

The ceremony, your family photos, all the candid moments at the reception – basically, the hundreds of other pictures you’ll get will not be anything out of the ordinary. Don’t get me wrong, they will be nice and sharp and all that but very similar to what your regularly priced photographer will be delivering.

This brings us back to the price tag. Is paying an extra $3,000, maybe even $6,000, really worth it just for those handful of cinematic, magazine-like shots?

For most couples, I’d argue probably not. Now, I’m definitely not saying go hire the cheapest person you can find. There’s a reason people say “you get what you pay for,” and you want someone reliable who knows what they’re doing! Bad photos are forever.

All I’m saying is that a really good, professional photographer who charges somewhere in the $3,000-$4,000 range can totally capture your day beautifully. They have the skills, the gear, and the experience. Going way above that price point often means you’re paying more for the fancy marketing and that specific ‘look’ for just part of your photos, rather than getting a hugely different result for the whole day.

So, my take? Getting maybe 10-20 extra “artistic” shots with special editing probably isn’t worth thousands more dollars.

If the difference was maybe $500 or $1000, sure, maybe splurge. But when it’s thousands? Think hard about whether that money could be better used elsewhere in your wedding budget. Find a solid pro you trust, whose general work you like, and you’ll likely be just as happy with your photos without breaking the bank.