Overview:
Maybe you’ve been asking yourselves (or the internet), “How much does photography in Colorado cost?” or “How much should we spend on our Colorado photographer?”
This article will cover all questions about pricing options for Colorado photographers. Keep in mind that this information is intended for 6-10+ hour traditional weddings.
The cost of a photographer depends on quite a few factors. We aim to shed some light on this topic while giving you full confidence in your search for a photographer that aligns with your vision and is within your budget.
But first, we’ll tell you something that may sound a bit cliché or overly preached, but only because it’s absolutely true. At the end of the day – heck, definitely toward the end of your life – your memories will fade.
Photographs are truly the only thing that’s left to tell the timeless tale of your love story. It’s the closest thing we have to time travel. Photos possess the power to transport you (and any future generations) right back to those moments and make you feel all the feels.
We wholeheartedly believe that the happiest days of your lives deserve to be remembered forever.
Cheesy, we know. But it’s 100% true.
So what’s our recommended approach? Find a photographer based on VALUE & VALUES rather than simply cost alone.
We say “value” in terms of what that photographer offers you with their services and “values” regarding how their skills, vision, and mission can be matched with your own personal beliefs and values.
Things to consider if you’re looking for:
- Affordable Photographers in Colorado
- Budget photography in Colorado
- A cheap photographer in Colorado
Cheap photographers are a dime a dozen. Keep in mind that oftentimes – in both cases of expensive vs. inexpensive – you’ll get what you pay for…
Inexpensive usually also means:
- Inexperienced
- Overworked and overwhelmed
- Not insured
- Low-quality equipment, which can easily lead to low-quality photos
- Unprepared
- Lack of knowledge/expertise
- Inconsistency
OUR BEST ADVICE
Our best advice to you is this: Find a photographer that aligns with your values.
You owe it to yourselves to be true to what you hold near and dear to your hearts.
Do you deeply care about your magic moments being preserved forever and ever? If the answer is “unequivocally yes,” don’t go price-shopping for the cheapest photographer out there. Really do your research and make sure your photographer is QUALITY.
Quality photographers are almost always worth their asking price (and more).
Once you read this blog article about “How much do photographers cost,” you’ll have a better understanding of photography costs and what to expect.
What’s the Average Cost of a Colorado Photographer?
The average cost of a photographer will vary based on a number of things.
Here are the main factors that determine average photographer cost:
- Experience & Expertise
- Location, Location, Location (Scouting)
- Professionalism
- Consistency
- Photography Style
- Latest and greatest photography gear (+ the knowledge to use it!)
- Communication, helpfulness, and willingness to spend countless hours on ensuring your photography is perfect for you
- Being in Demand
- Photography Package Inclusions
- Legit Business vs. Hobbyist
Now, let’s expand upon each factor.
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
While experience and expertise are often correlated, they are different. It is possible to have a lot of experience without being an expert, and it is also possible to be an expert without having a ton of experience.
For clarity, experience is the amount of time and exposure a photographer has, while expertise is the level of skill or knowledge.
A photographer who is experienced AND an expert is almost always readily adaptable in facing challenges such as inclement weather or timelines that aren’t on track.
Experienced and expert photographers will also take the time to scout your venue and photo locations and likely have great backup plan options or can pivot the plan with ease, according to each situation.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Your experience is also important because your photographer should put that at the forefront of their minds. Your wedding should be one of the happiest days of your lives together, and having a positive experience with your wedding photographer is paramount.
EXPERTISE
Adaptability is a key skill for experts in any field, as the photography world is constantly changing, and new challenges are constantly emerging.
Adaptability and skill can be measured in expertise in a number of ways. For example, experts can be assessed on their ability to solve problems, make decisions, and think critically. They can also be assessed on their ability to learn new things and adapt to new situations.
Here are some examples of how adaptability and skill can be measured in photography expertise:
- Photography skills in general. This includes handling any lighting situation, whether direct sun, low light, or any other scenario.
- Clear communications with you and your wedding day vendors.
- Emotional intelligence skills that will help you feel comfortable during your photography experience and will also evoke the intended emotions for your photographs.
- Business efficiency & professionalism enable businesses to operate more smoothly and effectively, leading to greater client satisfaction.
Keep in mind that expertise will likely play a big role in determining the cost of a wedding photographer because it often directly relates to their market demand. Check out photographers’ portfolios and reviews to get an idea of their level of expertise.
We will break down the average cost of a Colorado wedding photographer, according to levels of experience & expertise, along with some ski terms to keep it fun.
🐰: JUST GETTING STARTED | $0-$500
This photographer is new to the game and likely still figuring out what they like photographing. They have entry-level gear and are still learning about all the technical photography skills.
What to expect: You better hope and pray that your photos turn out. You may get lucky, but you may also have a terrible experience if your photographer can’t figure out the proper camera settings or doesn’t know how to pose you.
As a skier: This is their first time on the ski hill. They may not buckle their boots tight enough, they are unsure how to get on and off the chairlift, they are catching edges on the flats, and they are still figuring out if they want to ski, snowboard, or telemark ski. Just kidding, nobody actually thinks about teleskiing.
🟢 : BEGINNER | $500-$1000
The beginner photographer may have some experience working with other photographers to learn how to lead, but they might still be discovering their style and could be struggling to keep it consistent.
What to expect: They have at least a few weddings in their portfolio, and you may have to ask to see them as they likely don’t have a website yet. You may feel some awkwardness with their posing direction, and they may panic if things don’t go exactly according to plan. Or they may not have a plan to begin with!
As a skier: They’ve successfully made it through a few ski lessons (with or without injury) and can comfortably get on and off the lift, but they’re still renting ski gear. They’re probably skiing in jeans and sunglasses (but obviously having a great time). There is likely to be some kind of yard sale scenario on the slopes.
🟦 : INTERMEDIATE | $1000-$3500
By now, this photographer has photographed at least a dozen weddings on their own or as the lead. They may (or may not) have decided on a specific style, and they may (or may not) feel confident in most lighting situations.
What to expect: They’re likely to be good! They probably will not be as involved in the planning process or have the best gear, but they may be working toward those goals. It’s entirely possible that they are overworked and overwhelmed, which could mean poor communication and an inability to follow through on their promises.
We’ve honestly heard too many horror stories of photographers in this range that end up never delivering photos to a client because they can’t keep up with the workload, so they just ghost!
As a skier: They got the full set-up. Skis, goggles, helmet, boots, gloves, etc. They’re ready to shred! They may have taken an avalanche awareness course… These folks are still gaining their confidence on the slopes, and they’re starting to hit flat boxes in the terrain park.
: ADVANCED | $3500-$5000
Advanced photographers are in-demand, full-time photographers. They have excelled in mastering the technical skills of photography. They are consistent and typically have several years of experience in owning and operating their wedding photography business. They are still investing in educational courses and perfecting their process.
What to expect: You’ll know what to expect because they’ll show and tell you. The advanced photographer will readily walk you through their portfolio and has likely even been published and/or received awards for their work.
As a skier: This shredder wakes up early to get the first chair on a powder day. They are confidently skiing moguls but not sending cliffs yet. They have traveled in the backcountry at least a handful of times… They’re dressing up on Gaper Day, complete with a vintage onesie and snowblades.
: EXPERT | $5000-$15,000
As experts, you can expect a top-notch experience. This photographer (or photography team) will guide you every step of the way throughout your photography journey. They have the top-of-the-line gear and are confident and adaptable in all situations.
What to expect: They have perfected their style and process. They will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and will always be professional. They take their time getting to know you and are helpful with their recommendations. Advanced photographers will provide you with the highest quality photographs, including heirloom archival albums and museum-quality artwork.
As a skier: They have skis for every snow condition (and ride them all incredibly well). They have spent years shredding the gnar and are sending cliffs with ease. They know all the secret stashes, plus they have traveled to many ski resorts and backcountry huts. This is the friend you want on a powder day.
🚁: PRO (Celebrity Status) | $15,000-$50,000
As pros, these photographers (likely a team of photographers) also may offer videography and full-service productions. They know their way around 200+ guests weddings and offer an over-the-top luxury experience. They will likely capture multiple days and/or photographs in extremely sought-after destinations.
What to expect: Their work is incredibly consistent. They are extremely selective about who they work with, where they work, and when they work. They are accustomed to working with high-profile and celebrity clients.
As a skier: This is that skier you saw in a ski movie doing a double-backflip over the helicopter while drinking a Red Bull. They have several sponsors and likely have a gold medal from the X Games. You’ll find them ripping down the most rad couloirs, and maybe even DJing your afterparty! 😉
Key takeaway from this section:
When choosing a wedding photographer, it is important to consider both their experience and expertise. Experienced photographers have more time under their belts and have learned from their mistakes. Expert photographers have mastered the technical skills of photography and have a consistent style. A photographer who is both experienced and expert will ultimately have a solid foundation of trust that will provide you with an ease-filled wedding day.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION (SCOUTING)
Getting married in a destination location vs. signing your marriage license at the courthouse is going to impact the cost of your wedding in general greatly.
Also, consider that the cost of living is much higher for photographers either living or traveling to desirable destinations.
Mountain towns such as Crested Butte, Aspen, Telluride, Durango, Vail, etc., will cost more. Period. The cost of living is high for those fortunate enough to live there, and destinations always cost more when it comes to hotel, Airbnb, and VRBO rentals.
But consider the tradeoffs: Expansive mountain views, stunning scenery, pristine wilderness, and backcountry adventures right out your door.
We, as local photographers in the Gunnison Valley, find these benefits to outweigh the costs greatly. We proudly donate to {1% for Open Space} because we believe that natural places deserve to be protected and respected. Plus, many of these spots serve as our favorite photography locations. In our opinion, uninterrupted views of nature make for stunning scenery.
And that’s another area of expertise that ties into location: knowing where to take you will get you insanely epic photos.
Not all photographers have insights about the secret waterfalls, easy-access lookout points, and best hikes for romantic getaways.
That’s something we totally geek out on: Where to take our clients to get the best, most beautiful backdrops that fully align with their heartfelt desires.
We often pour hours of research, both online and in person, into finding hidden gem locations throughout Colorado.
PROFESSIONALISM AND CONSISTENCY
We already touched on these points earlier with our expertise and experience breakdown, but we’ll dive a little deeper.
- Professionalism is what shines through in great communication, honesty, integrity, plus knowing how to own and operate a small business. Not all photographers are “professional” in the sense that they may not understand what it takes to provide a high-quality service for their clients.
- Consistency is seeing years’ worth of 5-star reviews, so you can rest assured that your photography experience is in trustworthy hands.
{Check out Mountain Magic Media’s client reviews linked here.}
PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
Photography style can vary and is completely subjective. You should always ensure you’re absolutely in love with your photographer’s style.
- Photojournalistic: focuses on capturing candid moments and telling the story of the day as it unfolds. Photographers who shoot in this style often blend in with the guests and avoid posing their subjects.
- Traditional: is more formal and posed. Traditional photographers will typically direct the couple and their guests to create traditional wedding photos, such as family portraits and group shots.
- Fine Art: This style is characterized by its dramatic and artistic compositions. Fine art photographers who shoot in this style often use creative lighting techniques and angles to create unique and memorable images.
- Editorial style: is inspired by fashion magazine editorials. It is characterized by its creative and artistic compositions, bold lighting, and dramatic editing. Editorial-style wedding photographers often use unique angles and perspectives to create images that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
- Lifestyle: This style is a mix of photojournalistic and traditional photography. Photographers who shoot in this style will capture candid moments and posed shots. However, they will typically avoid the more formal poses of traditional wedding photography and focus on capturing the couple’s natural interactions with each other and their guests.
Some photographers have overlapping styles. In our case, we believe that different situations call for different approaches.
- Lifestyle photography is our main style. We love to creatively capture candid moments as they happen naturally and encourage authentic emotions with our (un)posed interactive “posing” techniques.
- We often implement a Fine Art approach when featuring our couples in dramatic landscapes and sunrises/sunsets.
- Boudoir photography lends itself well to utilizing Editorial style techniques.
Now, let’s talk more about editing styles. You’ll want to choose a wedding photographer whose editing style you are completely satisfied with and are also extremely drawn to.
Editing styles are important in photography because they can help photographers create a unique look and feel for their images. Editing can also be used to enhance the natural beauty of a photo or to create a more specific mood or atmosphere.
When selecting a photographer, it is important to consider their editing style. This is because editing can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your photos.
Editing styles:
- Natural: Clean and classic, this style aims to preserve the natural look and feel of the photos. Photographers who edit in this style will typically make minor adjustments to the brightness, contrast, and color saturation of the images.
- Dramatic: This style is characterized by its bold colors and high contrast. Using filters and other editing techniques to create a more dramatic and cinematic look is common with dramatic styles.
- Bright and Airy: is characterized by its light and airy feel. Photographers who edit in this style will often increase the brightness of the images and reduce the contrast. Color saturation tends to range a bit depending on each photographer’s preference.
- Moody and Atmospheric: Dark and moody atmosphere photographers will typically reduce the brightness and saturation of the images and increase the contrast. They may also apply tinted color tones.
It is important to note that a photographer’s documenting style, in addition to their editing style, will impact their photos’ overall look and feel.
Some photographers are still discovering their style, and it’s important to note whether or not a photographer has a consistent style throughout their portfolio.
Here are some steps you can take when determining photographers’ styles:
- Look at the photographer’s portfolio. This is the best way to get a sense of their style. Pay attention to the overall look and feel of the images, as well as the photographer’s use of color, light, and contrast.
- Ask the photographer about their editing style. The photographer should be able to explain their editing process and show you plenty of examples of their work.
- Consider your own personal style. When choosing a photographer, it is important to consider what you feel most drawn to. This will help you find a photographer who can create images that you will love and cherish for years to come.
You’ll want to really listen to your gut feelings about styles and ask yourselves, “What style of photography resonates most with us, and how do we want to remember our wedding day?”
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR + KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO USE IT
You may ask yourself, “Is camera gear really that different or specialized? Does it actually matter?” And the short answer is “Yes.”
Cameras offer a range of megapixels and features that allow photographs to either take in a ton of information or… not. This translates to being able to enlarge your photographs into wall-hanging works of art or… not.
Entry-level gear will not provide the same high-quality results as professional gear.
Lenses are often the most expensive gear items in a photographer’s bag. Quality glass also makes a huge difference in the perspective of the photographs, the ability to high-speed focus, and the crispness of the photographs.
Flashes and the ability to off-camera flash are other skills to consider. Many photographers are self-described “natural-light photographers,” but it’s worth mentioning that the available light in any given scenario might not always be ideal.
Having the confidence and skills to manipulate the light (and do it well) can really make a photographer stand out in their own right.
And that brings us to what makes the most difference in having quality gear: Also having the knowledge to use all of the fancy equipment.
Even with the best, most high-tech gear in the world, the photos will turn out sub-par without knowing how it all works.
We’ve spent years taking educational courses on the skills of photography and have really dedicated ourselves to perfecting our craft. Lydia has a degree in Photojournalism and has taken the time to teach T everything she knows. We read all of the manuals on our gear and take the time to learn their intricacies.
And if you’re curious about what’s in our camera bag, check out this blog linked here.
COMMUNICATION & HELPFULNESS
The willingness to spend countless hours ensuring your photography is perfect for you is not something that’s offered by every photographer. Some photographers won’t have the bandwidth or capacity to offer their extra time to you because they’re spread thin by taking on too many clients.
It’s one of our main missions to our clients that we’ll be extra communicative and helpful throughout the entire photography process.
Trust us when we say that not all wedding photographers are created equal in this aspect.
For example, here’s a story that pains us to tell, but we’ll tell it for the sake of hopefully saving more people from grief.
We were in the wedding party for some of our dearest friends. The photographer they hired seemed great based on credentials and what was visible on their website. Their pricing also seemed fair, and so they booked with this photographer thinking, “We’ve hired a professional.” They didn’t look at any full galleries, and they didn’t do a ton of research about this photographer’s process. However, they did seem like an advanced photographer.
As the wedding day approaches, this photographer has hardly communicated with our friends (the soon-to-be-married couple), and they are left completely in the dark about what to expect for their wedding day photography. As it turns out, this photographer spent absolutely zero time helping the couple plan their shot list.
This photographer didn’t get to know the couple on a personal level. They didn’t ask any questions about what the couple felt would be most important to capture. In the end, this photographer hardly documented any of the guests. Like, at all.
Aside from a few impromptu group portraits, there are virtually no photos of the wedding party. No candids of the guests during the ceremony. Only a few photos of the couple at their afterparty, and that’s it.
Sadly, our dear newlywed friends were a bit underwhelmed with their photos. They didn’t even think to ask their photographer to get plenty of photos of their guests. And to be honest, we were a bit shocked to discover how few photos existed of some of the most crucial moments throughout their wedding day. This photographer hardly even moved from one spot throughout the entire ceremony. We were mindblown (and not in a good way).
On the flip side of that, many wedding photographers (us included) will go in-depth in getting to know you. For us, this is so important because we deeply care about documenting your day in a way that is true to you. Every wedding day is different, and we believe that each day should receive the time and attention that it deserves. We love being involved in helping our couples figure out a shot list or specific requests, but we also make sure to capture all the little moments in between. Candid photos, guest reactions, moving around for dynamic angles… These are all things that we take pride in and prioritize on all wedding days.
BEING IN DEMAND
Reputations are built over time, and photographers who are in high demand will typically have high reputations and higher prices to match.
Photographers who have developed their craft and built their reputation typically see the demand for their services increase.
Since it is not possible for them to photograph multiple weddings on the same day, they will become selective in who they work with. Eventually, they will need to raise their prices, or they will risk diluting the experience they can offer since their attention will be pulled in so many different directions to keep up with their high demand.
PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Wedding photography coverage will vary with each photographer. Some photographers opt for an hourly pricing structure, while others may offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day packages (i.e., including the welcome party or send-off brunch).
Some photographers offer the bare minimum with their entry-level pricing, while others create all-inclusive packages to ensure you’re completely covered.
You’ll also want to be sure to ask your photographer if they include the actual photos in their packages or if you’ll be spending more money after the fact to obtain digital copies and prints.
Wedding photographers may or may not offer albums, engagement sessions, boudoir sessions, rehearsal dinner coverage, etc.
Here’s a checklist of items to consider when viewing different photography packages:
- Are there one or two photographers? Does a second photographer cost extra? Is this a team that has worked together before or regularly?
- Is any printed artwork (or credit) included?
- Will they help you build your timeline or do a walk-through of your wedding venue?
- How and when will your photographs be delivered?
- When are payments due, and do they offer a payment plan?
Make sure you discuss your needs with your partner, consider what unique offerings are provided, and trust that your photographer will help you make the best decision for your wedding day.
LEGIT BUSINESS VS. HOBBYIST
Everyone has to start somewhere, but as a hobbyist photographer grows and takes on more clients, it is crucial for them to get established as a registered business with proper workflows, licensing, and insurance.
There are a number of risks that hobbyist photographers can face including:
- Legal risks such as copyright infringement, contractual disputes, and personal liability.
- Financial risks or unexpected expenses.
- Professional risks that could ruin their reputations.
What’s the difference between someone just claiming to be a photographer vs. actually being set up as a legitimate business? Great question.
Being licensed and insured is extremely important when it comes to photography. A photography business in Colorado can expect to pay between $1500-$3000 in licensing and insurance startup costs. Insurance costs are then ongoing.
Having a solid contract in place is necessary for working with a legitimate photographer as well. A lawyer should write every contract and should be specific to each business. It should also include language that protects both the photographer and the client. A well-written contract can cost thousands of dollars.
Legit businesses also pay taxes on their photography income, whereas hobbyist photographers likely are not tracking their expenses or earnings.
Consider that self-employment taxes alone can be up to 20% of gross income (depending on a photographer’s business structure and location).
Photographers need several types of software, including client management software, photo processing software, accounting software, photo gallery hosting platforms, and website hosting platforms.
The total cost for photographers can range from $360 to $14,500 per year, depending on the specific software that is chosen, the features that are needed, and the size of the photography business.
Large photo files will require high-tech computers with powerful processors, a dedicated graphics card, and lots of memory and storage. These things will be a big investment for photographers who are just starting out, but they are necessary for any photographer to develop high-resolution photographs.
Earlier in this article, we highlighted the importance of camera gear and the investment involved with those items.
{In case you missed that section, click here to see what’s in our camera bags.}
One of the main points we’re trying to make here is that the operating expenses of a legitimate wedding photography business will be higher than those of a hobbyist.
Many brand-new businesses fail simply because they don’t take the time to figure out their cost of doing business and therefore don’t charge appropriately to continue covering their costs.
We paid our dues early on in our photography career, and we continue to uphold the standards of operating as a legitimate business.
How much should I spend on a Colorado photographer? How much should I expect to spend on wedding photos?
We know you may be looking for a quick and easy answer to these questions. But the truth is that a wedding photographer in Colorado can cost between $0 all the way up to $50k!
And we know that’s a huge range. But again, it will depend on so many factors that you’ll need to really consider when making this decision.
You may have heard some advice that you should spend 10-15% of your wedding budget on photography, but that’s not a perfect approach for most people.
Again, if you focus on your values and match those with what your photographer can offer you, the cost will be a worthy investment because you’ll have an experience and photographs you’ll be happy with forever.
Rather than looking for the “average” photographer cost, you may want to ask yourself, “How much does a photographer cost that will really listen to our dreams and will bring those to life through their photography?”
By placing your values at the forefront of your search, you’ll surely get the perfect photographer for you.
This article answered the following questions:
- How much do Colorado photographers cost?
- Why do photographers in Colorado cost so much?
- Do wedding photographers overcharge?
- How much should I expect to spend on wedding photography?
- What’s included in photographer pricing, packages, and collections?
- What should I know about the cost of photography in Colorado?
- Who are the best photographers in Colorado?
- Wedding photographer cost Colorado
- Portrait photographer cost Colorado
- Photographer pricing Colorado
- How much does a photographer cost in Colorado?
- How much should I spend on a photographer in Colorado?
- Photographer rates Colorado
- Photographer packages Colorado
- Does photography cost too much?
- Best photographer Colorado
Do you have more questions? Ask us! If you’re looking for our pricing, click here.
