Higher is not always better, but...

Now before you guys curse me fore the confusion created, let me clarify using analogy of Cars. Cars come with all sizes, budgets, engines, performance and so on. Choosing a perfect car is perfect example for choosing your photographer. You ask people for reviews, You search their web pages to see what features (or services) they provide and stuff.

Should you go with the best of the best racing car out there ?

Should you go for the cheapest one with best gas mileage ?

Should you settle down somewhere in the middle ?

I cannot make the decision for you of course, but I can tell you something for sure : The more $$$ you throw in, the better quality (of products/services) you get but they all follow a basic Law of Diminishing Returns. What this means is that after a point, the price to performance ratio starts dropping. You'd be getting extra quality for sure but the raise in quality would be lesser than what you put in for for money. That's usually the sweet spot what most people like to settle down with. So, where's the problem ?

The problem lies in finding that sweet spot. Let me run you through a formula given to me by a client :

  1. Fool Proof method : Get references from people who you trust and get their prices and portfolios. If you don't have references, skip to next step.
  2. Check the prices, portfolios and 'what's included in packages' of best in class photographers and entry level photographers.
  3. On a sheet of paper, mark down the services you want for your event (like prints, second shooter, online backup galleries etc.) and rule out the ones giving more than what you need(or choose a lower package in their list). This is most crucial step, because you don't wanna be paying for what you're never gonna use / need.
  4. Now that you're narrowed down to fewer options, it's time to make the choice.
  5. AND
  6. The final part is Face to Face Interviews. This is where you won't go wrong. In the end, it'd be a person shooting your event. You need to meet them to know how friendly they are, how reliable they are, what's their way of working and any questions you might have.

I hope this formula helps you to find a good photographer for you at a genuine price. Let me know what you think :)