Often times a client asks, "why is there variation in cost for hiring a photographer." For potential portrait or wedding clientele who have not hired a professional photographer before, this issue is perplexing. Most clients don't understand until it is explained to them. Wedding and portrait photographers have varying cost due mainly too experience. The more the experience the more money you pay. You heard the term "you get what you pay for", this is so true in the wedding or portrait industry.

Let's talk about different level of photographers. There is what I call the Craigslist Firmenportraits photographers who will sell their services for $300 or free for wedding services. If you're lucky a novice photographer will pay you to shoot your wedding to get their portfolio rolling. Usually this type of photographer has no experience and is looking for a portfolio to build. I don't know about any bride who will chance one of the most important events in their life to someone who is inexperience. I guess if you couldn't afford one anyways, what is there to loose?

Secondly, there are the experience photographers who do not have a big reputation yet but have the experience so they charge the average cost in their location or city. This type of photographers are usually pretty good at their job but can not charge more for their services since they have low volume of clients. Or perhaps, they can't afford the big expense of advertising in a good magazine or newspaper.

The most experienced wedding photographers has built a good reputation in their area, that they are known to give great customer service, and take fabulous, stunning wedding or portrait photos. Usually, these types of photographers have high volumes of clients that they are able to charge approximately $1000 - $2000 above the average wedding or portrait price.

Last but not least, there are "Rock Star" wedding and portrait photographers. These "rock stars" are not only well known to their area but they are well respected by other wedding and portrait photographers. Furthermore, these rock stars photographers give lectures to other photographers in their respective expertise. These rock stars charge approximately $4000 - above the average price for their city area. These "rock star" photographers are usually spending an average $20,000 or more to lure high paying clients. Good luck in your search for your amazing photographer.