Hawke's Bay Wedding Photography Pricing

You might be wondering how a very good, award-winning photographer can charge so little to book and so little overall. There's one simple reason behind both, and it has nothing to do with quality.

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I don't photograph weddings to get through winter.

Many wedding photographers work mostly in the summer wedding season. The money earned in those months has to cover the whole year, so prices go up and large deposits are collected early to fund the quiet months. It's a fair way to run a seasonal business, but it means you're partly paying for the weeks the photographer isn't working.

I'm a full-time commercial photographer. I'm busy all year, so I don't need my weddings to fund my winter. That changes two things for you.

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Why is the deposit only $300?

Because I don't rely on half your fee up front to cover a quiet season. $300 holds your date, and the balance is paid closer to the day. It's easier on your budget when you're juggling venue, catering and everything else.

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Why are my prices so reasonable?

Because I work throughout the year as a successful, full-time photographer, I don't have to squeeze a year's income into a few summer months. Many wedding photographers do, so their wedding prices have to be higher to cover the quiet months.

I basically charge my normal full day rate, the same rate I'd charge any private client, with no 'wedding season premium' added on. You're paying for my time and skill, not for months without work.

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What you are paying for

• Nearly 30 years of experience and many years of award-winning work

• A photographer who can handle bright sun, cloud or a dark reception

• Skilled posing, lighting and direction, plus a calm presence on the day

• Fast, careful editing, usually within about a week

• NZIPP accreditation, the NZIPP Code of Ethics and liability insurance

 

What you're not paying for

• A winter income top-up

• Presentation boxes and packaging you may not want. Your photos arrive on a USB or by download link, ready to print, share or turn into an album with any supplier. If you'd like an album, I'm happy to recommend options.

 

Does a lower price mean lower quality?

No. The price is lower because of how my business works, not because of how I work. Every wedding gets the same skill, attention and care.

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Ready to lock in your date?

It only takes $300 and a quick chat.