Do Not Choose A Photographer On Price Alone!

How Much Will It Cost Is Not The Only Question To Ask of A Wedding, Portrait, Events or Corporate Photographer

I belong to a number of online wedding, events and corporate photography internet services; and every week I am forwarded requests asking about photography services. Invariably, there is a comment posted with the request such as this:  We are on a limited budget and want an elegant wedding and full day wedding photography coverage with all the bells and whistles and have less than $___ to spend. Please email us your pricelist.”  Or, “I am looking for an events photographer in your area. We are looking for the best price. What are your hourly charges?”

When prospects only want an emailed pricelist, and do not pick up the phone to talk with the photographer, then the gambling game begins!

If you only choose on price, it may be like ordering an item online without knowing what it will look like, and once received, it is the wrong size. If you only choose on price, you don’t get another chance to have those images that capture your event….you know, the once in a lifetime, elegant images which you deserve and will cherish year after year.

If prospects do call, the photographer must convey how important it is to choose wisely and not just by price; book a real professional with credentials and not a neighbor down the street who has a tiny digital camera and who wants to make a few hundred dollars.

First, I would like to caution prospects NOT to ask the photographer to email a pricelist without meeting in person or speaking on the phone. You lose so much information by judging just from a pricelist. Not only will most photographers customize packages for you these days, it is so very important to talk on the phone and meet in person since the photographer wishes to establish a comfortable relationship before the day. You want the photographer to know you and really capture your heartbeats in fantastic images. Feeling each other out, getting in sync with each other, understanding what is important and what style the photographer will offer you is critical in having products with the pizzazz and personality and radiance you are expecting.

So, let’s discuss how to choose wisely, and not by price alone. Don’t make it a gambling game! Meet or talk with the photographer and let him/her do her job…it’s not just taking photos.  Talk to me at www.joanhefflerphotography.com