If you're wondering about South African wedding photographer pricing, I wrote this blog post to assist you. I've been a dedicated wedding photographer for many years. I've seen people come and go and I know the South African Wedding industry well.
Unrealistic reports
One article states that the price of the SA wedding photographer ranges between R4,000 and R11,000, that's massively unrealistic.
You get what you pay for
Cheap wedding photographers are like anything else cheap—you get what you pay for.
Let’s break down the different levels of wedding photographers, whether in South Africa or anywhere else.
The Elite Wedding Photographers - From R17,000.00, my weekday package starts from R9,500.00
- Style: Our style has taken years to develop, and that's often what attracts you to us in the first place.
- Passion: This is what drives us, we live eat and breath it. We are always trying to get better pictures that will blow you away!
- Experience: We’ve photographed many weddings; in my case, over 700. This means we're prepared for any eventuality.
- People skills: Admittedly, this is something that can't always be taught. I’ve been fortunate to get along well with anyone and make them feel relaxed from the start.
- Skill: I can shoot in settings ranging from a dark wine cellar a moonless night to a bright sunny day on a white beach.
- Lighting: I know how light works, what the best angles are to avoid ugly shadows and if it's too dark, I bring my own!
- Gear: Our gear is excellent, and we have backup equipment to cover any scenario.
- Consistency: Anyone can get a great shot, but the key is consistently delivering great photos—something we excel at.
- Service: Our reputations are impeccable, and we work hard to maintain them with outstanding service.
The Mid-Level Wedding Photographer - R8,000.00 to R15,000.00
- Budget: If you're on a budget, this could be a good option.
- Developing: They're on the way up and improving—I was there once too.
- Camera gear: Their gear might not be as high-quality, so it's important to ask what happens if something goes wrong.
- Environments: Ask how they handle shooting in challenging environments.
- Talent: There’s a possibility of encountering an emerging talent who can deliver remarkable images.
The Fly-By-Night Photographers - R0 to R6,000
- Gear: Typically low-cost with poor lenses.
- Technical expertise: Usually lacking, often relying on auto mode.
- Reliability: This is a gamble—are you willing to take the risk?
Low to no expectations: If you don't have high expectations for your wedding photos, this could be an option. However, more often than not, these photographers are likely just looking to make a quick buck without the dedication needed to become an excellent wedding photographer.
A bargain isn’t truly a bargain unless you get quality:
Hiring a South African wedding photographer shouldn’t be about finding the cheapest deal. It’s only a bargain when you receive stunning quality at a low price, but the truth is, that’s unlikely. Hiring the right photographer from the start ensures your expectations are met, while choosing a fly-by-night option is a real gamble.