Wedding Photographer Salary

A wedding photographer shoots all the activities related to a wedding―the rehearsal dinner, the wedding, the reception, etc. S/he can be hired to shoot all these events or just a few of them. Earlier the role of a wedding photographer involved only shooting the bride and groom, it has now evolved significantly. Today, couples travel all over the world for their pre-wedding shoot. The salary of a wedding photographer, thus, has become significantly rewarding than what it was before.

Please Note:

• All figures are as of January 2014, and in U.S. Dollars.
• All figures are average annual salaries and may vary according to education, experience, location, and type of employer.

Salary By State

Alabama	106,000
Alaska	84,000
Arizona	91,000
Arkansas	102,000
California	114,000
Colorado	95,000
Connecticut	119,000
Delaware	96,000
Florida	100,000
Georgia	122,000
Hawaii	68,000
Idaho	72,000
Illinois	117,000
Indiana	104,000
Iowa	103,000
Kansas	96,000
Kentucky	90,000
Louisiana	91,000
Maine	91,000
Maryland	109,000
Massachusetts	126,000
Michigan	107,000
Minnesota	93,000
Mississippi	116,000
Missouri	104,000

Montana	101,000
Nebraska	79,000
Nevada	89,000
New Hampshire	104,000
New Jersey	115,000
New Mexico	94,000
New York	129,000
North Carolina	104,000
North Dakota	94,000
Ohio	102,000
Oklahoma	97,000
Oregon	101,000
Pennsylvania	99,000
Rhode Island	101,000
South Carolina	100,000
South Dakota	79,000
Tennessee	99,000
Texas	102,000
Utah	85,000
Vermont	96,000
Virginia	107,000
Washington	105,000
West Virginia	102,000
Wisconsin	96,000
Wyoming	91,000

Source: Indeed

Usually, students have no option but to acquire a general photography degree and then, post that, individually choose to be a wedding photographer. There is no separate degree per se, that is completely dedicated to wedding photography. However, acquiring this degree gives you a stronger technical backing. You study equipment, technique, related software, composition, etc., which can be later used to creatively invent a style of your own.

Taking part in workshops related to wedding photography, completing courses offered by other schools/universities, and staying up to date with newer equipment will increase your chances of earning more.

• First and foremost, a wedding photographer has to talk to the couple who is getting married. S/he has to know them properly before shooting what is perhaps the most important day of their lives.
• After knowing them for the people they are, s/he has to make a list of what they’re expecting in terms of number of photographs, number of events, particular moments they want captured a particular way, etc.
• Based on what is expected, s/he has to form a contract and get it signed before the first session.
• The photographer should click all the special moments during the wedding―the bride walking down the aisle, the couple taking the vows, exchange of rings, etc.
• The photographer is also responsible for the bringing in of equipment that s/he thinks is necessary.
• The wedding photographer is also responsible for editing photographs. Sometimes, the couple might want changes in some photographs. In such cases, the photographer is responsible for doing the needful.
• Sometimes, a particular package might help the couple financially. For example, a DVD along with the photographs might come cheap than hiring two separate people for these jobs. It is the duty of the photographer to inform the customers of such packages, if any.
• If the wedding photographer needs to work closely with the church staff, special permissions may be required. For example, certain churches may not allow flash during a certain part of the ceremony. In this case, the photographer may request an imitation later on.

Today, more than experience, couples look for photographers who can do something creatively. Experiment as much as you can with your skills, to offer something that is unique, affordable, and yet beautiful.