Price Guide to Choosing a Photographer

STL photo of wedding shoes
STL wedding row of glasses

This a price guide to choosing a photographer without all the ads.

In reality, research has already been done on this topic. Moreover, I spent a good deal of time myself, with this in mind I know this is not for all brides. I have learned that you shouldn’t try to please everyone. As a result, you end up attracting no one. I’ll start off with the disclaimer that there are talented photographers at all price ranges. Coupled with the fact they have a particular style and finesse. One should always look at the work of the photographer. Having said this, the bride or groom typically begins with investing time reading all the bridal magazines.and looking at the most prestigious corporate websites.
Millennial’s seem to get most of the attention from websites attracting them to advertisers and companies selling wedding products.

Gen Alpha, Gen Z has grown up in the age of technology and digital media; everything is at their touch through mobile technology. However according to critics, we might look beyond typical corporate channels for new wedding options. For example the corporate websites can sometimes give the perception that the paid ads and Photoshop pictures are what your wedding is going to look like if you just spend enough money.

I believe all brides dream about getting the very best photographer with high end magazine quality images. At any rate, the corporate brand has convinced us that the experience is going to match our perception. With this intention, the service will be fabulous because our perception is it must be, look at what the photographer is charging. 

Surprisingly what’s the real value to looking beyond the corporate ads and why look for a local photographer? That’s easy you can keep your hard earned money. The local home grown photographer passes the savings on to you. To clarify, the final analysis I can say that the higher the price the higher the perceived quality just is not true. Additionally by supporting small businesses, like Dave Hunsche Photography, you can expect more, and we can give more. Its important to realize we will deliver stronger customer service, and we can certainly be more flexible with service packages. We can design a package to fit your needs. I’m eager to go above and beyond to make sure your special day is captured. Start with small steps let’s build a relationship and establish trust along the way. We begin this process with the engagement session.

 Never the less there is a lot more involved in creating the perfect memory of your wedding day. Being a solid photo editor is essential, or you have to farm out the post-production, this adds to the cost.
Ask yourself these questions why are they cheaper?
1. What corners are they cutting?
2. Are they using good gear?
3. Are they insured?
4. Do they have the experience?
It’s important to realize if you are satisfied with their style of photography and these areas are good, then look no further.

Keep in mind photographers are running a business and with any business there can be cost involved with running it. Over charging to make your service look better is damaging to the market and to the wedding photography industry.

My final thoughts on the matter are photographers invest a lot of time and money in their craft. Whereas, they do this primarily because they love what they do and of course want to make a buck while doing it. It’s important to realize almost all photographers are passionate about photography and want to get your wedding day right.

Dave Hunsche Photography   /contact  

Pre-Wedding Shoot

I’m sitting here thinking about my next year bookings and I’m wondering and thinking what about the 2019 Stl wedding Photography trends.

So one of the most nerve racking things is what are my brides going to expect this year. As a result of this stress I began doing my research. My main takeaway was brides want what they read and see in the bridal magazines, not only…but also what they hear and see in advertisements. Let’s look into to those areas and figure out what we need to focus on this year. Needless to say there is a lot of material to work with.

Stl Pre-Wedding Photo Shoots 

Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies

Teaser

First Look

Although not new but uniquely trending are within the top four. With this in mind let’s look at the first trend, pre-wedding photo shoots. So exactly what is the pre-wedding photography? Pre-wedding photo shoot’s are a growing trend  where the couple decides to get some photos taken in a special location before the wedding day. Although the pre-wedding shoot is somewhat of a  new trend it did originate from Asia.  I would have to say this is one of my favorites, it’s important to realize I get more time to work with the bride and groom, therefore more images. Technically if we do the shoot the day before the wedding the groom is not seeing the bride in her wedding dress on (the day of the wedding) but rather the day before, or done with different clothes. With this in mind we stay current with the tradition.

Some of these shoots take place at exotic locations and can go on for days; they can take place three to six months before the wedding in regular clothing.  Needless to say those shoots can get very expensive, adding to the  average cost of wedding photography for this reason we will stick with the day before. All things considered I believe  time could be shaved off the wedding day.  The bride and groom pictures are taken the day before. It’s Important to realize the pre-wedding can be staged with props like your dogs, or something special that you can’t bring to your wedding day.

Regardless of your situation it’s worth a look and consequently will be your choice in the end. If this trend is not your choice that’s Ok your special day will be perfect, the most compelling evidence with be your uncompromising love for one another.  /contact

Groom kissing bride forehead
Stl wedding photographer groom kissing bride

Get to Know

Get to know your photographer. Do the engagement session as a chance to work with your photographer. All in all, I think it’s  important to build a rapport with a couple before the wedding. I like to have an actual conversation face to face, even more get to know time.  Equally important is the trust you build going over the time line, after all your photographer will be with you all day.

It’s a funny thing but I never forget a bride and groom. I may forget the reception or church. But I never forget the relationship I forged with the wedding couple.  I like to take the entire experience in and capture the story of the relationship. As a part of the get to know, I recall this couple was married outside in 100 degree temps in the middle of it all, a thunderstorm. Later there would be a rainbow, I think just for them. /contact

bride groom walking

Classical Style

In the first place classical style most of the time is photo-journalistic. Reportage wedding photography literally means “to report”. The wedding photographers mix into the photograph events and background as they happen and frequently. In addition you don’t even realize the pictures are being captured. With this in mind I think this style combined with formal or classical style is the best way to shoot a wedding. I like to do a bit of both giving direction and letting things happen. Classical style wedding photography captures the typical wedding day. On the positive side pictures which include the remarkable moments of the wedding day, such as signing the marriage contract. Not to mention  exchanging of rings, cutting of the cake, family groups, tossing the garter and much more. I think posing the family around the bride and groom makes remarkable results.

This classical style of wedding photography is the most difficult to complete. In fact, it takes years of skill and knowing and working with lighting, not to mention fast reaction to professionally capture a ceremony in this form. Keep in mind one without the other is your choice and I have shot all three, so please keep dave hunsche photography in mind when planning your special day.

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bride groom toast

Beautiful colors of a fall wedding

The beautiful colors of a fall wedding. This fall season finds me doing a few outdoor weddings. Furthermore the beautiful fall wedding photography is my favorite. The warm colors, crisp air are the hallmark of a perfect wedding day. Whatever your wedding date may be, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on weather. Beautiful fall wedding photography, needless to say is my favorite.  Not to mention beautiful fall wedding photography Although this color palette mimics the changing of the leaves and provides warmth to any style.

When you buy what’s in season, you get food and flowers at the peak of their supply when costs are lower. Plus, when they’re locally grown they don’t need to be shipped around the globe. So not only do you save money, but you also reduce your carbon footprint The key to a wedding reception timeline that runs smoothly is planning ahead. Breaking down your entire wedding day timeline helps you stay organized and on-track when the special day arrives. Like wise the more detailed you can make the plan, the better./contact

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