The reason we wedding photographers charge a "Wack" price

We visual artists don't believe in talking too much , and as far as photography is concerned I don't like to talk at all. But there are circumstances nowadays where some fraudulent tricksters are trying to create a misconception about wedding photojournalism (more popularly known by the name of Candid wedding photography) by cheating on customer with low quality and low-priced service. Also to compensate their paltry holes in quality they are delivering huge outlandish quantity of photos. It has created an impression that the art of photography can be easily acquired and the entire concept of photography is facing a quantitive demand rather than a qualitative one.

Please read on because I as an artist and professional has something to say to all of you out there.

Being a professional means being a self-employed businessman. Who is earning money by employing his knowledge and skills. Being a freelance professional photographer implies the same. It does not mean only clicking the shutter release button of the camera. I am a professional photographer which means I am an artist who had to invested an important part of his life-time learning the art and science of this trade. If I want to count my investment till date then it would outlined as below. 

• Cameras & lenses- Rs. 5 lacs+
• Lighting equipment- Rs. 2 lacs+
• Post-production units, (which includes a place for my work (costliest), computers, test prints, printers, storage devices, other electronic devices) - Rs. 6 lacs+
• The knowledge and Skills I acquired did not come for free. I had toiled over half a decade learning and nurturing them and I am still learning everyday. I spent around Rs. 14 lacs+  for my photography diplomas.

Even after spending that 'Wack' amount of money, I am still spending a huge amount every year (recurring expenses) which is around Rs. 1.5 lacs for

• Up-gradation of my equipment and maintenance of the old ones
• License renewal
• Rental renewal
• Website maintenance
• Advertisement and yellow page listing renewals
• Books/Magazine subscriptions for latest updates
• New facilities in and outside my studio.
• Up-gradation portfolios in form of coffee-table books.
• Car rental services (to reach my destinations and venues on time)

In case you come to me enquiring, I will give you a free services of

• Consultation before a project.

And if you eventually hire me, then

• Free delivery of your prints/CD/DVD/Coffee table books.
• Free services for contract document creation.
• Discounts if you are a referred or returning customer

Unlike any other professional/Serviceman, I DO NOT get :

• Sick leave
• No holidays for me, I even work on Durga puja, Christmas and other national holidays depriving my family of my presence during those celebrations.
• Medical insurance.
• Bonus for festivals.
• Appraisals and or bonus for good work.
• Benefits.

Photography is my passion and my livelihood, and it is also expensive. Yes, it seems like a lot of money for one day, but one day isn't all we spend on your photographs or on our business. Say for event or wedding photography, my charges may seem apparently high. But did you ever think that you will spend thousands or probably lacs of rupees on a wedding dress & jewelry, refreshment arrangements, venues or flowers which you are going to have for only one day, but your photographs will be the only thing you have to remind you of that one day for the rest of your lives. I am passionate about photography and that is why I took up photography as my profession. But this passion won't pay my bills right, for that I need money.

I'm extremely insulted when someone questions my fees, compares them with unparalled services or calls them absurd. I even endured comments like- 'I also take photos with those lights you use and I don't think you should charge so much, because at the end of the day its just click, click, click.' hope my detailed explanation sheds a little light on why we charge so much when take up an assignment for one day to capture your memories that are going to last forever.