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Photography

Average Cost for a Wedding Photographer

May 9, 2023 by Jessica

Average Cost for a Wedding Photographer, SLO Wedding Photography

Many of my potential clients wonder, what is the average cost of a wedding photographer? Am I paying too much? Will I be disappointed with my wedding photos if I pay less?

I decided to do some digging and help shed some light on wedding photography, how much it costs, and why it can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding ceremony.

Wedding Photography Considerations

The average cost of a wedding photographer varies depending on several factors such as the location, experience of the photographer, length of coverage, and services provided.

Although I listed the average cost below based on a 2022 survey by TheKnot.com, there are still more questions than answers since we do not know how many hours the photographer was present at the weddings in the study, if their packages included extras like an engagement session, if travel expenses were added as a separate charge and, ultimately, if couples were happy with their wedding photographer and wedding photos.

And Drumroll… Here is the Average Cost

In the United States, the average cost of a wedding photographer ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. However, in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, the cost can be significantly higher, with some photographers charging upwards of $10,000 or more.

It’s important to note that while cost is an important factor when choosing a wedding photographer, it’s also crucial to consider their experience, style, and portfolio to ensure that they are the right fit for your wedding day.

In The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding photography cost was $2,600. However, this study includes all different types of wedding photographers such as hobbyists as well as licensed and insured professionals.

Why is Wedding Photography So Expensive

Wedding photography can be expensive for a variety of reasons, including:

Experience and Expertise

A professional wedding photographer often has years of experience and expertise, which comes at a premium. They have invested time, money, and effort into perfecting their craft and have likely honed their skills over many years of shooting weddings.

Equipment & Software

Professional wedding photographers use high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and other accessories that can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This equipment is easily worth $10,000 and sometimes much, much more. They may also need to invest in backup equipment in case of equipment failure. Last, but not least, monthly software subscriptions add up quickly as well.

Time and Labor

A wedding photographer typically spends a lot of time before, during, and after the wedding, including consultations with the couple, scouting locations, capturing the wedding day, editing photos, and delivering the final product. All of this time and labor comes at a cost.

Post-Production and Editing

After the wedding, the photographer spends a significant amount of time editing and processing the images to create the final product. This includes color correction, retouching, and other adjustments to ensure that the images are of the highest quality.

Business Expenses

Running a photography business involves many costs, including marketing, insurance, rent, and taxes. These costs are factored into the price of wedding photography services.

While wedding photography can be expensive, it is important to remember that you are paying for the photographer’s experience, expertise, equipment, time, labor, and business expenses. These costs are all necessary for a professional photographer to provide high-quality images and a stress-free wedding day experience for the couple.

My Personal Wedding Photography Experience

As a wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of experiencing many weddings firsthand as well as getting married twice myself. I am also a frugal person so I completely understand wanting to get a good deal on wedding photography and all things wedding-related. Wedding expenses add up fast!

However, I have also experienced disappointment with wedding photographers that don’t seem to care and wedding photos that are less beautiful than I expected. At my first wedding, my former partner and I booked the first photography company we drove by just to knock one more thing off our wedding to-do list.

At my second wedding, we paid more for a professional wedding photographer for only a few hours. However, we simply chose a husband and wife photography team who lived close to us. Although their portfolio was beautiful, I think the wife may have been the better photographer of the two and the husband was the one who photographed our wedding.

For this reason, I strongly recommend investing in an engagement session before your wedding or selecting a wedding photography package that includes an engagement session. In my experience, this is the best way to get to know your wedding photographer before the big day and make sure their style fits what you like in photos. Also, I love landscapes and was disappointed our wedding photographer used a larger aperture for our photos so the beautiful beach we chose to get married at was completely blurred and unrecognizable in our photos.

A Timeless Heirloom

Yes, wedding photography is expensive. However, ideally, you will have the opportunity to print these photos in albums, hang them on your walls, and share them on social media on your anniversary for decades to come. Consider all this carefully before asking a friend to take your photos or hiring a hobbyist photographer. Is saving a few dollars now really worth less than amazing wedding photos? Ultimately, you and your partner will have to decide.

Filed Under: Photography, Pismo Beach Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Weddings, Wedding Photography Tagged With: Pismo Beach Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography

Jess Lerner Photography Rebrands as The Beach Photographer

February 8, 2023 by Jessica Lerner

The Beach Photographer Jess Lerner Photography

Life takes you down many paths, but my favorite ones lead to the beach.

Some of my happiest childhood memories took place at the beach. There’s something about gazing over endless blue water, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, and listening to seagulls laugh at the waves. As a child, I recall spending hours playing in the sand and ocean and quickly becoming best friends with kids that happen to stroll by. I love the instant community you often feel near the ocean. In most places, you can leave your flip-flops and towels almost anywhere, walk for miles, and come back to your belongings like you never left.

At The Beach Photographer, I want you, my client, and my friend, to feel this way anytime we take photos together. I want you to think of happy memories, family vacations, and weekends with friends. I want you to feel at peace, experience a sense of community, and leave your wedding or session feeling calm, relaxed, and like you just went on an unforgettable vacation.

Jess Lerner Photography as a business name allowed me to get this party started. However, I’m excited to start leveling up this year. I appreciate your patience during this transition, and I appreciate your support over the last few years. I couldn’t have created this business without you. For that, I am eternally grateful. Happy 2023!

Filed Under: Photography, Pismo Beach Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Weddings, Wedding Photography Tagged With: Pismo Beach, The Beach Photographer

SLO Life Magazine Photographer: Monika’s Macarons

February 28, 2022 by Jessica Lerner

Monika's Macarons featured in SLO Life Magazine

This post is more personal in nature, but I am incredibly excited! My first published photographs were recently printed in the Taste section of SLO Life Magazine’s February/March 2022 issue. I am forever grateful to SLO Life Magazine for giving me this opportunity to see my photos grace the thoughtful and moving story about Monika’s Macarons written by Jaime Lewis, a well-known writer, food blogger, and podcaster.

The Backstory

A few months ago, I wrapped up an intensive travel photography certification course with the New York Institute of Photography. Part of our capstone project was to reach out to a local magazine or publication and find out if they need photography assistance. Although it seemed like a complete shot in the dark at the time, I chose to reach out to SLO Life Magazine. It took a few months for them to reply, but eventually, I was asked to take photographs of Monika’s Macarons in San Luis Obispo for the Taste section of the magazine.

Moving Forward

Since we moved to the area a few months ago from Florida, I am happily seizing opportunities to get involved in the community and find out more about the fascinating people and organizations that call San Luis Obispo home. For the time being, I will continue to photograph restaurants for the Taste section of SLO Life Magazine. I appreciate and welcome the challenge to photograph small businesses in San Luis Obispo county. Here’s to many more!

Filed Under: Personal, Photography, San Luis Obispo Commercial Photographer, Stories

Must-Have Shots: The Wedding Photography Checklist

February 14, 2022 by Jessica Lerner

As the big day approaches, you likely realize there are a million small things that need attention. Even if you hired an AMAZING wedding photographer, he or she might not realize all the shots that are important to you. This list is meant to be a guideline and includes many couples’ must-have wedding shots as well as a few bonus captures you might not realize are important to you before it’s too late. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wedding Photography Checklist

I hope this guide helps you capture all the precious moments of your wedding day!

Details

  1. Invitation, program, special signs, & gifts
  2. Wedding rings
  3. Wedding dresses/suits
  4. Outfit accessories like shoes, cuff links, or jewelry
  5. Bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres

Getting Ready

  1. Bride(s) and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
  2. Wedding party having fun
  3. Mother and bride/groom portraits
  4. Father and bride/groom portraits
  5. Family shots

Before the Ceremony

  1. Couple alone for first look
  2. Bride(s) and bridesmaids/flower girls
  3. Groom(s) and groomsmen/ring bearer
  4. Bride alone
  5. Groom alone

Ceremony

  1. Venue shots including ceremony site, flowers, interior, and exterior details
  2. Groom and groomsmen waiting inside venue
  3. Guests
  4. Bridal party entrance
  5. Bride(s) walking down the aisle
  6. Groom’s reaction
  7. Father/mother giving bride away
  8. Exchanging of vows
  9. Exchanging of the rings
  10. The first kiss as a married couple and the moment after
  11. Signing the marriage certificate
  12. The recessional (couple walking back up the aisle)
  13. Confetti throwing

Group Portraits (before or after the ceremony)

  1. Couple with bridesmaids/groomsmen
  2. Couple with entire wedding party
  3. Bride(s) with bridesmaids/maid of honor
  4. Groom(s) and groomsmen/best man
  5. Couple with any children
  6. Couple with each set of parents
  7. Couple with both sets of parents
  8. Couple with siblings
  9. Couple with close family members

Reception

  1. Details and room decor shots, including table settings, place cards, favors, centerpieces, etc.
  2. Wedding cake detail shots
  3. Grand entrance
  4. Toasts and speeches
  5. Cake cutting
  6. The first dance
  7. Bride(s) dancing with father / groom(s) dancing with mother
  8. Couple mingling with guests
  9. Guests dancing
  10. Musicians, singers, DJ
  11. Grand exit

Bonus Captures

  1. Photos with special family members and friends
  2. Funny wedding photos (check Pinterest for ideas)
  3. Private moments with your significant other, away from the festivities

Filed Under: Photography, Pismo Beach Wedding Photographer, San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photography

SLO Family Photographers

January 20, 2022 by Jessica Lerner

Since styles vary so much between photographers, I created a list so you can easily see the options for family photography in our area! Yes, The Beach Photographer offers family sessions, too. (View my portfolio.) However, if I’m not quite what you’re looking for, check out the photographers below!

We rise by lifting others.

Robert ingersoll

SLO Family Photographers List

This is an alphabetical list of photographers who specialize in family photography in the San Luis Obispo area. If you’re a photographer and interested in being a part of this list, send me a message.

Amy Wellenkamp Photography

Amy is a highly-trained artistic photographer specializing in wedding, senior, and family photography.

amywellenkamp.com

Austyn Elizabeth

A hopeless romantic who embraces people as they are. Offers wedding and family portrait photography.

austynelizabeth.com

Dylan Kyle Photography

Dylan is a jack of all trades and specializes in wedding, engagement, family, senior, maternity, commercial, and landscape photography.

dylankylephotography.com

Eliza Bolen Photography

Eliza specializes in easy-going and fun family photography with neutral tones, soft color palettes, and golden light.

elizabolenphotography.com

Emily Gunn Photography

Emily offers emotional, colorful photography for your wedding, newborn, family, or small business.

emilygunn.com

The Beach Photographer

Jessica specializes in true-to-life and timeless photography including, but not limited to, wedding photography, seniors, family, and commercial photography.

thebeachphoto.com

Jessica Sofranko Photography

Specializes in wedding and family photography. Jessica’s style is classic, romantic, and funky.

jessicasofranko.com

Kristen Bullard Photography

Wedding and portrait photographer based in San Luis Obispo.

kirstenbullard.com

Lauren Hargreaves Photography

Specializes in family, maternity, newborn, and event photography.

laurenhargreavesphotography.com

Loveridge Photo & Film

Local wedding photography and videography team.

loveridgephotoandfilm.com

Love My Baby Photography

Specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography.

lovemybabyphotography.com

Michelle Roller Photography

Wedding and portrait photographer for the positive and non-traditional who know how to party in style.

michelleroller.com

Nikkels Photography

A husband and wife team that focuses on weddings, family, and senior photos.

nikkelsphotography.com

Rachel Bausch Photography

Specializes in vibrant, joyful, authentic family and senior photography.

rachelbauschphotography.com

Rosa Clark Photography

Specializes in family and portrait photography.

rosaclarkphotography.com

SLOtography

Photography that captures the honest, meaningful moments in between. Specializes in portraits, family photography, engagement and wedding photography, and videography.

slotography.com

Studio 101 West Photography

Specialize in portraits, high school seniors, business headshots, and commercial photography.

studio101west.com

Tayler Enerle Photography

She’s a wedding photographer that also offers family and newborn photography.

taylerenerle.com

Wible Photography

Danae Wible is a beautiful soul who captures almost everyone and everything in our SLO community, from corporate to intimate.

instagram.com/wible.photography/

Filed Under: Photography, San Luis Obispo Family Photographer

What to Wear for Outdoor Family Photos

December 3, 2021 by Jessica

You can never be overdressed or overeducated.

Oscar Wilde

I’m so happy you’re taking the time to read this guide! To create beautiful photographs, so many moving pieces need to be in place. Ideally, we’ll have the perfect lighting, amazing weather, a beautiful setting, a relaxed and fun vibe, and comfortable clothing that makes you feel confident and alive. Choosing the perfect outfit can be tough though! This guide is meant to help you choose outfits that work well in outdoor settings.

I have been shopping all my life and still have nothing to wear.

every woman ever

12 Wardrobe Tips for Your Outdoor Photo Session

  1. Choose Clothing with Warm, Neutral Tones – If your favorite colors can be regularly found in your outdoor photo backdrop of choice, they will likely work great! Consider wearing clothing that features blues, greens, tan, gold, orange, light pink, or white. I strongly encourage clients to avoid wearing all red, black, neon, or any colors that might clash with an outdoor scene. You’re less likely to love your photos if the colors don’t mesh well with the background.
  2. Coordinate Outfits – Your family, partner, or friend group doesn’t all have to wear the same color, but consider choosing colors and patterns that work well together. I don’t recommend that everyone wears plaid or stripes, but if one person in your party wears plaid and it matches with the other outfits – it can definitely work. If you have any questions about your outfits, go ahead and send me a FB message or text. I’m happy to help.
  3. Dress Up – I don’t mean you need to buy a $1,000 gown. However, consider dressing up slightly more than you would on a normal day. We always feel more confident when we know we look our best. Make sure you are comfortable and don’t wear itchy material, but wear something a step above what you would usually wear. Maybe add layers like a cute vest or jacket. (Check out Pinterest for outfit and layering ideas.)
  4. Fitted Clothing – It’s easy to think that loose clothing will hide any flaws. However, in photos, it can often make you look bigger than you are. Make sure you choose an outfit that fits you well and doesn’t have anything loose about it that can hang in an unflattering way.
  5. Get in Date Night Mode – Think about the last date you went on. What did you do beforehand? You probably got a haircut, bought some new makeup, shaved, tried out a new perfume or cologne, put on some fun music, had an adult beverage, trimmed your nails, and pumped yourself up to have some fun! Think of our photography session as a fun date night. (Also, plan to go out afterward!) You’ll be much happier with your photos if you do a little extra grooming and get in the same mindset.
  6. Footwear – Where are you heading for pictures? Wearing those gorgeous high heels won’t do any good if we are going to the beach! Instead, consider investing your high heel money in a pedicure. You may also want to wipe any mud stains off your children’s shoes before the photo shoot. Footwear might seem like a small detail, but if everything else about the picture is perfect, imperfect footwear (and socks) will stand out.
  7. Avoid Logos, Lettering, and Hats – Logos are easy to miss, but even small logos and lettering are distracting in photos. Please avoid wearing them. Also, hats with a brim can cast a shadow over your face during photos so I recommend avoiding most hats as well.
  8. Pay Attention to Details – Do you have a bandaid on a small scratch? Does your favorite watch not match with the outfit you chose? Is there a tiny rip in your socks that you don’t think anyone will see? Try to remove or replace small items like this. It will ALL stand out in photos.
  9. Add a Little Contrast – If we’re taking your photos in the woods around springtime, you’ll want to avoid wearing solid green clothing or you could blend in too much with the leaves. Adding a little contrast between the background and your outfit is best.
  10. Watch Your Pockets, Tuck in the Shirt, Fix the Collar – As your photographer, I will try my best to catch any wardrobe malfunctions. However, you can help by checking this ahead of time, too. Also, I will happily hold your cell phone and keys for you! Just please, please don’t put them in your pocket. It will show in photos.
  11. Consider the Weather – While you might be incredibly tough and not care what the temperature will be, your child or teenager is unlikely to smile for pictures if he or she is cold, hot, or in any way uncomfortable. Please check the weather before our shoot and make sure you and your little ones are dressed for the weather.
  12. Try Your Outfit On in Advance – Last, but not least, don’t wait until right before our shoot to put on your new outfits. I have had clients show up with clothing that still has the stickers and tags on and suit jackets with the back still sewn together. Life happens, but let’s try to avoid this situation. I want you to love your photos, and all these little details can get in the way if we overlook them on the day of your shoot.

It’s All About Mindset

All that being said, the right mindset is the most important thing you can wear for your photos! Try to forget about the stresses of the day, your little one’s tantrum, the small argument you just had with your partner, or the person that just cut you off on the way to your photo session.

Shake it all off. Let it go. Focus on your breathing. You’re having photos taken to capture this brief, imperfectly perfect moment in time and to share these photographs with the ones you love. Be yourself. Relax. I know we’re going to have a blast. 🙂

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.

Coco Chanel

Filed Under: Photography

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