**DISCLAIMER**This blog is a bit harder for me to produce as I'm on the fence about the entire thing and I really think it's important for you to just do your due diligence and make the decision that best suits you. 

Potential Client: "ISO: PHOTOGRAPHER FOR A WEDDING ON XX-XX-XXXX"

Photographer: "Hey there I'd love to photograph your wedding on xx-xx-xxxx!  I have PM'd you with a link to my website and contact information; hit me up if there's anything I can do for you! :)"

Potential client Response: "Hi. You're too expensive. You really charge a lot just to show up and take pictures."

Photographer: "Oh well If you like my portfolio and would like to use my services, I'd be happy to negotiate with you regarding the price."

Potential Client Response: "No that's okay, my Aunt Betty just bought a new camera from Wal-Mart so she can do it."

No hate on Aunt Betty because I'm sure she's a great person and I understand that money doesn't grow on trees. HOWEVER. With that being said, beautiful photos don't just come from an expensive camera. 

In today's world of technology, everybody and their dog thinks they're a photographer. You no longer have to have a special skill, special education, or special equipment to be a photographer.  Psh, people are making money off of being "iphoneographers" so it's definitely become a dog-eat-dog type of industry.  When it comes to "getting what you pay for", it's a 50/50 gamble. Let’s break down the types of photographer's you may come across in your search.

Confident VS. Potentially Cocky:

Don't get me wrong, most of these types of photographers are FANTASTIC. However, they'll spend 3 hours with you and give you 10 edited images all for a grand total of $3,500 (minimum).  They only need to spend 3 or so hours with you because this isn't their first rodeo and they know the shots they're out to get.  9 times out of 10 they aren't willing to negotiate the price with you and expect you to take their offer or leave it. I think I can comfortably say many of these types of photographers have no consistent form of income and therefore are more expensive to cover the cost of living. They are usually the master of photography skills and can give you some kick-ass photos for sure. 

Middle Man:

These are the types of photographers who have a consistent form of income and don't rely heavily on booking shoots. They are the ones who are more willing to negotiate price with you as they still want to photograph but are well aware that many people don't have an endless supply of money.  These types are more willing to spend time with you and often times will provide you with at least 20 edited images.  They've got advanced skills and know the shots they want to get but are open to ideas and experiments. 

N00b:

Every single photographer starts here so no hate to the newbies. These are the types of photographers who literally just got their first point and shoot and want to photograph their friends.  They're starting off so their skills may be rough but they're a clean slate and will be slowly molded into an awesome photographer.  They're typically cheaper in price as they're just starting out but like middle men, they're willing to spend more time with you and can usually give you TONS of good edited images.  They want to show that good stuff off!

My recommendation is to seriously do your due diligence and choose the photographer who will best suit you. Ask them questions to get a better idea of their style, pricing points, and expectations so there is no miscommunication and the end result will be beautiful.  Need an idea of questions to ask? Check out my list of questions to ask your photographer

XOXO