Should You Hire a Cheap Photographer? The Truth Behind Photography Pricing
- Vohny Figueroa
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
Ever get overwhelmed by the pricing options for different creatives? Why would someone charge $4,000 for wedding photography? Why is this videographer so cheap? The answer? It depends. All creatives get to set their price, that’s the nature of the industry, but it’s up to you to wade through the murky pricing waters. Should you go with a cheap photographer to save a buck? Or, should you mortgage the house to get some family portraits done? Is expensive always better—or can you get a great deal from an affordable shooter? We’ll go over how photographers set their prices—and how to choose the right creative without overpaying or regretting your decision!
Photography Pricing Isn’t Always Expensive
Usually the creatives who charge sub-prime rates are either inexperienced or unqualified. That doesn’t mean to avoid the green shooters altogether, it just means to be a little more mindful. Usually, if you meet a newer photographer or videographer they will tell you,
“I’m working to build my portfolio, so my lower price tag reflects that.”
What this means is: “Hey, I’m a little new to this. I should still get paid, but I’m not going to charge you full price because my current portfolio/experience doesn’t justify it yet. What I will charge you is what I think I should get paid for this.” Does this mean you should avoid brand new photographers? Well, yes and no… Do you have a powerful moment that you want captured and have no room for errors? Then going with an inexperienced shooter may actually cost you. Have some room for error and you like the rookie’s photos so far? Then why not give the rook a go? You could get some great quality content at a discount. Just remember, if you always push to the bottom for your events you may just get what you pay for.
When Pricing Seems A Little Steep
Once you find a photographer or videographer you want to book, get a feel for their character. Usually, you can sniff out the wannabes and the somebodies (and handle tricky conversations like pricing or expectations—here’s how we handle difficult photography clients). Not everyone is money-grubbing, but sometimes you can come across creatives who may not respect the work and are simply looking to clear a check. If you are met with a quote you feel is out of your budget, come back and ask questions. Ask questions like, “what all is included in the pricing?” “How long have you been doing this for?” “How many (insert your event here) have you done?” “Can I see more samples of ____?” This is to weed out the bad apples who want to prey on the less-informed client. That being said, those who do charge a high dollar amount usually have a reason to. If they charge $5,000 plus for a few hours of coverage they may be bringing more people to help shoot your event. They also may be in high demand and the clients who get priority are the ones who pay. Take that into consideration when debating on booking your photographer/videographer. Lastly, look at their work. If you don’t like what they have put together, why would you want to go with them at all?
The Marriage Of The Two Ideas
At Dark Rainbow, we strike a balance some creatives miss—offering professional-level storytelling without luxury-level prices. Our goal is to make quality photography and videography accessible, not exclusive. We calculate our rates based on the hours required and the scope of work involved. For example, a full 8-hour wedding with us—including every edited photo—typically starts around $1,200. (If you’re in the proposal or engagement phase, check out our guide to planning the perfect proposal in Dallas to make sure your big moment is captured beautifully.) This reflects not just time spent shooting, but the years of skill, professional equipment, and post-production that makes your story stand out. What you get with any creative is our mind and know-how. We work with you to execute your vision. We don’t just click a button, we tell your story the way you want it to be told. That’s why picking the right one is so crucial.
So, should you empty your wallet to book your next event? Unfortunately, the answer is still: it depends. The beauty of our work is that art is subjective. What you really don’t like may be gold to someone else. In the end, whether you choose a budget-friendly rookie or a seasoned professional comes down to your comfort with risk and your expectations for the final product. At Dark Rainbow, we’re here to guide you, not gouge you. Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Dark Rainbow Photo & Video offers affordable, professional photography and videography for weddings, events, and more. If you need a wedding photographer or an event videographer, we’d love to help tell your story. Contact us for a custom quote today.
At Dark Rainbow Photo & Video, we’re all about capturing moments, telling stories, and sharing insights. Whether you’re looking for gear recommendations, Dallas photography tips, or behind-the-scenes takes, we’ve got you covered. Check out more of our posts on our blog page and explore what Dark Rainbow has to offer! Want to look at our other work? Take a look at our portfolio. Have other burning questions you need answered? Contact us!
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