Danielle Penn is an award winning and a published expert in Wedding Photography and Portrait Photography. Her company offers both Photography and Cinematography. She has been voted as not only the top female photographer in SoCal, also as one of the Top 10 Photographers in Riverside and surrounding counties.
Danielle Penn specializes in capturing life's most precious moments. She brings creativity and experience to deliver photos that are striking and emotionally touching. Book her today and get photos that you will treasure for a lifetime!
"I have studied the craft of photography since 2004. My studies first began in Florida, furthered through college attending at UWF, and continuing from passion into a full business. I absolutely love what I do. Capturing special-priceless moments, and love stories is what I live for. Not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera, and I completely understand and recognize this right away. After several mins, you won't even remember the camera is pointing at you. I take so much time in assuring you are comfortable, and this is why images I take shine with light, laughter, love, and full of life. Everyone is unique. Everyone has a story to capture. I can't wait to capture yours! Look forward in working together soon."
Photography/Cinematography Price Breakdown: 1 hour-$500 2 hours-$1000 3 hours-$1500
4 hours-$2000 5 hours-$2500 6 hours-$3000 7 hours-$3500
8 hours-$4000 9 hours-$4000
10 hours-$4500 ALL PRICES ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
"My breakdown of Photographing your Wedding"
Why Are Wedding Photographers So Expensive??…. Or Are We??
It is a very common misconception about wedding photographers being overpriced. Wedding photos are the most tangible keepsake from your wedding day (other than your spouse….) ;) and many people believe that this is the main reason behind the high price of wedding photography. Despite their obvious sentimental value, there are so many other costs that go into producing wedding photos. Many couples wonder why full time professional wedding photographers often charge $2,500-8,000 per wedding. In order to support oneself as a full time photographer, this is a must.
Most couples immediately think that if they spend $2,500 on a photographer that should account for the number of hours the photographer works photographing the wedding day, so $2500/6 hours = $416.66. Right!?
Wrong.....
To break it down I am going to use my number of $2500 which is a little below an average experienced wedding photographer in the state of California.
Time spent working on a wedding from start to finish:
-4+ hours in emails, communications, maybe meetings, agreements, etc
-6 hours wedding day preparation- preparing gear, communicating with other vendors/coordinator/DJ, researching, going over a timeline, possible planning with second shooter or videographer
-2-4-6-8 hours average travel time to and from wedding- driving, arriving at venue early in case of emergency, parking, etc
-6 hours wedding day photography
-2 hours backing up wedding photos
-25 hours culling, sorting, editing, exporting, and uploading wedding photos
-3-5 hours sneak peek wedding highlight after wedding
-1-2 hours posting to client gallery
-1 hour creating client package of finished product
Total average hours involved in a wedding: 54
Expenses (budgeted average costs for a $2500 price):
-Sales tax @ 8.75% in LA/OC/San Diego = $218.75
-Self Employment tax, 13% = $325
-Income tax, apx 15% = $375
-Liability + Equipment insurance (total divided by 20 weddings per year), $25
-Health Insurance, (total divided by 20 weddings per year), $90
-CC processing fee: $105.00
-Gas/travel: $50.00 aprx.
-USB+ Packaging + shipping , $50.00
-Other expenses not calculated into this total: Gear, computers, transportation, software, website fees, studio space overhead, banking fees, worker’s comp insurance, accounting fees, membership fees, advertising, permits, city business taxes and fees, etc.
Total: $1,298.75 in expenses per wedding
Total wedding profit: $2,500 – $1,298.75 = $1,201.25
YES, Weddings are expensive and wedding photography is expensive. However, when you take into account all of the time and work I put in for a single wedding, the expenses, the quality of my work, and the value of the product you are receiving, it makes a lot more sense why wedding photographers are priced the way that they are.
I am extremely passionate about what I do! Any who aren't cant survive in this industry. The long hours put in, the emotions, the 20-50 lbs of gear. You have to love what you do to be a wedding photographer, and I wouldn't trade with any other career choice.
I love what I do, however I will admit, it is not a walk in the park. My experience has challenged me and kept me true to my craft.
If you are planning your wedding, as you are determining your budget, keep in mind not only what all goes in to your wedding photography, but what you will take away from it. Book someone who has enough experience, gear, insurance, and knowledge. Book someone you connect with personally, and feel comfortable around. Book someone you can trust with your memories, and trust in their advice and expertise. Wedding photography may appear expensive, but all things considered it will be worth your investment in a professional.
