Negotiating Tips From A Wedding Photographer

By guest author Sean, from What Sean Saw

You're desperately looking for a bespoke wedding photographer but unfortunately ‘bespoke’ is often a by-word for ‘expensive’. However, I'm a photographer and I'm going to explain how bespoke can mean that you choose what you want and still keep to your budget. The advice here is based on the process that I talk my customers through when I know that they're on a fixed budget.

- Work out your budget, based not on what a wedding photographer is likely to cost but based on what you want or can afford to pay.

- List what you expect for that and focus on the tangible elements, a photo album, high resolution images, hard copy prints, a canvas, t-shirts etc!

- Find and fall in love with 20 photographers reasonably close to the venue; pick 10 who are covering a variety of styles and 10 who are exclusively wedding photographers.

You're almost ready to negotiate but I should explain a photographer's motivation. I love photography and I love working with people, I didn't choose to become a photographer because I think it's something which can make my fortune. That I can make a living from doing something I love is a gift, it's important that you realise that money isn't the motivating factor that it may often first appear. If you love my photography just a tenth as much as I love all photography you've already got me half way out of the door. And I know I'm not the only photographer who feels like this.

When you speak with the photographer explain how much you love the photographs and what you like about them. I really appreciate feedback from my customers and if I know that you're choosing me based on my photography I'm thrilled. When discussing your budget and requirements be honest and explain what you are or aren't willing to compromise on.

I'm now going to reveal your best bargaining tools.

The wedding date – as a photographer I'm more likely to negotiate if you're date falls outside the peak season – I'd rather have a small booking than no booking.

The location - if it's close to where I live I don't have to worry about the overheads of covering the wedding.

The size of the wedding party - if there are lots of guests at the wedding there's a good chance that they'd want to order photos of your wedding and of themselves at the wedding.

One last tip – don't forget your wedding list, ask the photographer how much of the photography or the final products could be added to the list, it's something that I like to mention to my couples so that they can get a bit more of what they'd like.

If you'd like to find out more about me and my wedding photography visit what sean saw and don't forget these tips if you need to negotiate with me! You can also keep up to date with all my latest offers through my quarterly newsletter.

Related articles:

How to Source a Good Photographer For Your Wedding
How to Reduce Your Wedding Photography Costs
Questions to Ask Your Photographer
Learn To Negotiate With Your Wedding Suppliers
Tips and Ideas for Cheap Wedding Cameras

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