How much can I charge?

"How long is a piece of string"?!!

In the UK you might find photographers charging from £200 to £1500 or more (Say $300 to $2,500 in the USA).

Much depends on how large a coverage is offered, or how long (how many hours) the photographers is booked to attend. The nature of the output also comes into play, - prints, large prints (in frames?), all digitally on CD, etc

Don't charge too much to start with - you need experience to charge top prices. You also need a lot of business skills and "people skills" - never upset the mother of the bride! The simple possession of a good camera outfit and photo editing software does not make you a "wedding photographer" or any kind of professional photographer.

Do some local research where you live.

First, you have to be good at photography - it doesn't matter if you have an expensive camera, I can't stress this enough. It's a craft and a form of creative expression, not solely a technical exercise. Professional photographers charge around $1,500 per wedding. The price ranges from between $1,000 and $8,000 depending on what you offer, skill level and how well known you are in a community but $1,500 is an average price.

Keep in mind the average pricing for local development ( wal mart for everyday photos, and jc penny for the fancy card stock, michaels for frames, web hosting from shutterfly ) depending upon what you are offering and also keep in mind that you are being invited to participate in all of the wedding activities as a guest with a camera; and price accordingly. Also, consider whether or not you will have to develop the photos, website on your own -- or you will be outsourcing

1. Determine how much You want to make per week or month for yourself.

2. Calculate the cost of materials. Add 100% for error and waste.

3. Travel expenses, wear and maintenance of your vehicle.

4. License fees, and business costs.

5. Attorneys fees, legal forms, representation, contracts.

6. Office and laboratory (darkroom) expenses.

7. Office supplies, and telephone.

8. Amortized laboratory equipment (enlargers, developers, copiers)

9. Advertising, Yellow Page listing, etc.

Add it all up then you will have your base expenses from which you can determine your specific cost of doing business.

Firstly, you need the skills, experience and equipment to begin charging for weddings - have you got those? Hint: this takes several years.

Otherwise, you need to charge enough to cover your costs when you get sued for ruining the brides day.

That's a big " if " '?' ....It takes years of being behind the camera to do it right .

A wedding is a one shot deal and there's no going back .

Prices vary a great deal . It depends on what they want .

$3,000 isn't too high ...

about $100. That's what my friends photographer charged him for his wedding picture.