How much does a wedding photographer cost in New Zealand
Many couples who have recently gotten engaged have no idea what they should spend on wedding photography – and that’s ok!
There are numerous factors that come into play when determining how much you’ll need to pay for a wedding photographer and videographer.
The first thing you and your partner should decide is the value you truly want and will be satisfied with in the long run. After that, you can determine your price range.
If you’ve been looking into wedding photography pricing, you might have noticed that it can vary greatly, ranging from $0 if you have a family friend taking the photos, to $10,000 or even more if you hire a luxury wedding photographer. The range is quite wide! It can be difficult to determine what you should pay for wedding photography. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss a few factors that you should consider when searching for the perfect photographer. So let’s dive right in!
WHY CAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BE SO EXPENSIVE OR INEXPENSIVE?
Why can wedding photography be so expensive or in expensive?
Well, it’s simple: you get what you pay for. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss a few factors that you should consider when searching for the perfect
photographer.
Below, I’ll discuss some of the different factors that photographers consider when setting their prices all across the New Zealand.
Location
Location plays a significant role in determining the pricing for wedding photography. Generally, if you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect the prices for wedding photography to be higher as well. For example, in a city like Auckland where the cost of living is higher than most NZ towns, you might find that the average starting price for a photographer or videographer is around $5,000 compared to $3,000 in Timaru.
Style
Every photographer has their own unique style when it comes to editing their images. Styles can range from “bright and airy” to “dark and moody,” and there are many variations in between. Finding a photographer whose style aligns with your preferences can greatly impact the pricing. It’s important to choose a photographer whose style resonates with you and fits the vision you have for your wedding.
Expertise & Experience
Both expertise and experience are valuable qualities in a photographer. While experience alone doesn’t guarantee greatness, a photographer who has shot numerous weddings will have a far better understanding of how to handle various challenges that may arise during your special day. This can add value and alleviate stress. Expertise, on the other hand, refers to the photographer’s skills, such as shooting in different lighting conditions and working well with other vendors. To gauge a photographer’s experience and expertise, it’s helpful to read reviews from past clients and ask to see full galleries of their work.
Packages
The contents of a photographer’s package can vary greatly. Some photographers offer basic packages that only include the actual day of photography, while others may include additional amenities like engagement sessions or albums. The pricing for base packages versus all-inclusive packages can differ significantly, but the added value of these extras can be worth considering.
When choosing a package, it’s important to consider the value it adds to your overall photographic experience. Here are some key things to look for:
1. Does the package include a high-quality album that will become a cherished heirloom?
2. Does it include an engagement session or a bridal session to capture special moments before the big day?
3. Does the photographer offer a timeline review or creation to ensure everything runs smoothly?
4. Do they also provide videography services to capture your special moments in motion?
While bundling all of these things into one package may seem like a higher cost upfront, it can actually save you money in the long run. So, take the time to carefully consider what’s included in each package and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Average wedding photographer cost in Canterbury, NZ
Here are some average costs for wedding photography in the Canterbury area. Please note that these are just general starting prices and can vary depending on various factors.
1. Starting photographers: $0-1000 – These photographers are just starting out and may not have shot many (or any) weddings. These individuals are usually seeking to gain experience, create a
portfolio, or simply pursue it as a hobby on the side. While every photographer has to begin somewhere, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with this path. Awkward poses, lack of confidence (for good reason), stress, low level gear and not knowing how to deal with different lighting situations.
Therefore, if you choose this route, remember that you get what you pay for and avoid having unrealistic expectations by comparing their work to someone with years of experience.
2. Experienced beginners: $1500-2000 – Photographers within this range might have captured a couple of weddings. Novice photographers usually possess a portfolio to exhibit their work, which can provide you with a sense of reassurance regarding their ability to produce excellent photos. However, it is advisable to ask for a complete gallery to have a comprehensive understanding of their skills, rather than solely relying on their “best” photographs. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the photographer’s overall capabilities. Sure, someone can get some gorgeous photos in their portfolio, but can they shoot a complete wedding well?
3. Regular photographers: $2000-3000 – These photographers have more experience and regularly photograph weddings. However, they may not have a high demand due to their style or may not be considered professionals.
4. Professional photographers: $3500+ – Typically, these photographers are considered full-time professionals. They have a high demand based on their style, expertise, and reputation. We recommend this level to all couples who care deeply for high quality images and a top tier wedding experience. This is the level in which we operate for local weddings.
Please keep in mind that these are just general price ranges and do not include videography costs. If you’re interested in videography services as well, keep reading for more information.
Wedding Videography
Wedding videography, much like wedding photography, can vary in price. However, starting prices for videography are generally similar to those of photography. You might be wondering if hiring a videographer is worth the extra cost. In my opinion, videography is often overlooked but it adds a unique element to preserving your wedding memories. A highlight film can bring back the emotions and atmosphere of your special day in a way that photos cannot fully capture.
Wedding videographers may seem like they belong to a completely different world, but in reality, they are not. The average pricing for videographers generally follows the same guidelines as photographers.
To ensure you get the best value for your money, we highly recommend hiring a Photo/Video Team.
Why should you opt for a photo/video team instead of hiring two separate companies? Well, besides the obvious reasons, there are several great advantages that you may not have considered.
You’ll Save Money.
The math is simple. If a photographer charges $4.5k and a videographer charges $4.5k, but a photo/video team charges $7k, which option would you prefer?
Less Headache.
Instead of dealing with and coordinating with two different companies, it becomes much simpler when you only have to work with one. You’ll only need to sign one contract and pay one retainer fee. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary hassle.
Fewer Professionals at Your Wedding.
This is something that may not immediately come to mind, but it can make a significant difference on your special day. Most photographers come with a second shooter, which means there will be two people capturing moments. While cheaper videographers may work alone, high-quality ones often bring along a second shooter, and sometimes even a third or fourth. This means there could potentially be six people constantly following you around on your wedding day. On the other hand, aB photo/video team like ours usually consists of two or three people at most.
You Won’t Compromise on Quality.
A good wedding videographer will ensure that the quality of your wedding film is not compromised. By hiring a photo/video team, you can have confidence that both your photography and videography will be of the highest standard.
Not only is Ōhinetahi Gardens a popular spot for photography, but it is also a favourite with Christchurch’s professional event organisers and venue specialists. The gardens offer a unique and unforgettable location for any function, from weddings to corporate events. The Ōhinetahi Charitable Trust can help recommend trusted suppliers to ensure that your event is a resounding success.
Wedding videography, much like wedding photography, can vary in price. However, starting prices for videography are generally similar to those of photography. You might be wondering if hiring a videographer is worth the extra cost. In my opinion, videography is often overlooked but it adds a unique element to preserving your wedding memories. A highlight film can bring back the emotions and atmosphere of your special day in a way that photos cannot fully capture.
Wedding videographers may seem like they belong to a completely different world, but in reality, they are not. The average pricing for videographers generally follows the same guidelines as photographers.
To ensure you get the best value for your money, we highly recommend hiring a Photo/Video Team.
Why should you opt for a photo/video team instead of hiring two separate companies? Well, besides the obvious reasons, there are several great advantages that you may not have considered.
You’ll Save Money.
The math is simple. If a photographer charges $4.5k and a videographer charges $4.5k, but a photo/video team charges $7k, which option would you prefer?
Less Headache.
Instead of dealing with and coordinating with two different companies, it becomes much simpler when you only have to work with one. You’ll only need to sign one contract and pay one retainer fee. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary hassle.
Fewer Professionals at Your Wedding.
This is something that may not immediately come to mind, but it can make a significant difference on your special day. Most photographers come with a second shooter, which means there will be two people capturing moments. While cheaper videographers may work alone, high-quality ones often bring along a second shooter, and sometimes even a third or fourth. This means there could potentially be six people constantly following you around on your wedding day. On the other hand, aB photo/video team like ours usually consists of two or three people at most.
You Won’t Compromise on Quality.
A good wedding videographer will ensure that the quality of your wedding film is not compromised. By hiring a photo/video team, you can have confidence that both your photography and videography will be of the highest standard.
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of photography and videography pricing! I understand that it can be overwhelming to absorb all this information.
Ultimately, the value of wedding photography and videography is determined by how much you are willing to invest. By budgeting wisely and considering your memories as a top priority, you can find a photographer and videographer who aligns with your preferred style, offers the services you desire in their packages, has positive reviews, and possesses the necessary experience and expertise. This approach will save you time, stress, and money!
Fewer Professionals at Your Wedding.
This is something that may not immediately come to mind, but it can make a significant difference on your special day. Most photographers come with a second shooter, which means there will be two people capturing moments. While cheaper videographers may work alone, high-quality ones often bring along a second shooter, and sometimes even a third or fourth. This means there could potentially be six people constantly following you around on your wedding day. On the other hand, aB photo/video team like ours usually consists of two or three people at most.
You Won’t Compromise on Quality.
A good wedding videographer will ensure that the quality of your wedding film is not compromised. By hiring a photo/video team, you can have confidence that both your photography and videography will be of the highest standard.
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of photography and videography pricing! I understand that it can be overwhelming to absorb all this information.
Ultimately, the value of wedding photography and videography is determined by how much you are willing to invest. By budgeting wisely and considering your memories as a top priority, you can find a photographer and videographer who aligns with your preferred style, offers the services you desire in their packages, has positive reviews, and possesses the necessary experience and expertise. This approach will save you time, stress, and money!
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, filled with memories that you will cherish forever. It is crucial to capture these moments beautifully!
In Conclusion...
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of photography and videography pricing! I understand that it can be overwhelming to absorb all this information.
Ultimately, the value of wedding photography and videography is determined by how much you are willing to invest. By budgeting wisely and considering your memories as a top priority, you can find a photographer and videographer who aligns with your preferred style, offers the services you desire in their packages, has positive reviews, and possesses the necessary experience and expertise. This approach will save you time, stress, and money!
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, filled with memories that you will cherish forever. It is crucial to capture these moments beautifully!
Not only is Ōhinetahi Gardens a popular spot for photography, but it is also a favourite with Christchurch’s professional event organisers and venue specialists. The gardens offer a unique and unforgettable location for any function, from weddings to corporate events. The Ōhinetahi Charitable Trust can help recommend trusted suppliers to ensure that your event is a resounding success.
In 2012, Ōhinetahi Gardens was gifted to the nation and is now run by the Ōhinetahi Charitable Trust. The trust has been working tirelessly to preserve the gardens’ natural beauty and to make it accessible to the public.
In conclusion, Ōhinetahi Gardens is a bride’s paradise, a place of magical beauty with a profound sense of peace and tranquility. The gardens have been celebrated for their international significance and are a favourite with Christchurch’s professional event organisers and venue specialists. We highly recommend Ōhinetahi Gardens to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of nature and capture it in a photograph.
Ōhinetahi Gardens isn’t just a venue, its an experience.
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of photography and videography pricing! I understand that it can be overwhelming to absorb all this information.
Ultimately, the value of wedding photography and videography is determined by how much you are willing to invest. By budgeting wisely and considering your memories as a top priority, you can find a photographer and videographer who aligns with your preferred style, offers the services you desire in their packages, has positive reviews, and possesses the necessary experience and expertise. This approach will save you time, stress, and money!
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, filled with memories that you will cherish forever. It is crucial to capture these moments beautifully!