"Photocrisy"- Is the wedding photography industry killing itself?

In today's world it seems like everyone wants to be a photographer. It's the new "fad" thing to be into...that and making cupcakes. With the accelerated world of digital media and camera technology, the ability to own a camera and take "decent" pictures has become commonplace. It seems as if the wedding industry (in particular) is rapidly becoming over populated with photographers. This in mind, the photography industry must respond. I have heard several responses as to what actions should be taken and I want to respond.

First, I have heard some photographers criticize the photographers that are constantly running deals and "undercutting" the professionals while they try to break into the business. I must ask of those photographers...Were you not once there? Did you not also do cheap shoots saving for a new camera or lens? And if you just happened to have $2000 laying around for a Mark II, then lucky you!

Other photographers say that if you just "stand out" you will get business. They also suggest word-of-mouth and a good brand. Let me again say, THIS TAKES MONEY! Photographers who suggest this often seem to have a product or service backing them that they want you to buy to help your brand. A good business logo by a professional will cost upwards of $200 and that's just the logo. Add on the domain name ($13/month), web server ($40/month), web designer (In the 100s), professional blog ($200 and this is your main up-to-date portfolio tool) and you have a steep bill for a beginner. And that's not even counting professional equipment which can take you to the $5000 mark easily. If you were ever in this position, you know that it takes money, a lot of cheap shoots and time.

I think overall the biggest problem is the economy + client apathy equation. (This of course does not apply to the photographers who have been lucky enough to break in to the wedding market of the millionaires. I'm talking about the middle class photographers.) The market is now bombarded with trillions of photos every day. For wedding photographers, this is tricky because it makes it harder for clients to see the differences in quality. But, more importantly, the state of the economy was forced brides into the world of DIY! Why do you think so many DIY bridal blogs are doing so incredibly well? And DIY has trickled down to the photography department of weddings. This is why so often the cousin, uncle or friend gets the job of shooting a wedding instead of the true professional. Brides regret it later, but this is the state the their pocket book seems to force them into.

So, what do we do? Pros don't like the newbies that they once were. Newbies don't have the money that they need for pro equipment, so they undercut and hurt the some of the pros. Brides just want a good deal. To me, it's a vicious cycle and as one being caught in it (unfortunately), I don't have an answer.

*Comments welcome and appreciate*

love: jenai and jared

I was so excited to hear that I was going to get to assist Hanssie Trainor at a wedding at the historic Casa Romantica in San Clemente. I was also excited to find out that the bride was not only gorgeous, but had a master's in journalism. Although the lighting was not ideal that day, I am still excited about how the images came out.
What do you think?

I absolutely adore Jenai's Maggie Sottero dress.
Thank you so much, Hanssie and Mary for letting me shoot with you!

Don't ruin someone's wedding!!!!

Below is the exact reason why some people should just say, "no" to shooting people's weddings.

I got this e-mail today from a bride and it just broke my heart to hear that her wedding day was ruined by a photographer that didn't know what they were doing. While I don't claim to be the best wedding photographer in the world, I do have the skills necessary to capture this irreplaceable day.

Here is the note:

Hi, Kristin! I'm a friend of (insert mutual friend). I saw the portraits you did for her and her roommates and they were beautiful! I was just curious, I got married last month, and as a present a friend was going to take care of our photographer. Unfortunately, we barely got any good shots. It was so disappointing to miss out on capturing that moment. How much would a session be with you for a couple hours if we got back into our wedding attire and just had you take pictures of us somewhere pretty? God definitely blessed you with a gift of photography. Hope to hear from you soon :)

-Bride's name

So, to other photographers who want to just "have fun" trying to shoot someone's wedding for a few bucks or as a friend with a "nice camera", take a second to step back and think about what you are doing.

Here are a few things that Scott Bourne mentioned in his recent blog post, "And You Call Yourself a Professional?" I HIGHLY suggest that ANYONE wishing to dip into the world of wedding photography read it!

I’ve been around a long time. I’ve seen dozens of businesses fail using this model and more importantly (and more to the point) have seen dozens of brides’ wedding memories ruined by photographers who had no business being there in the first place. There’s no do-over on a wedding. It takes a decent budget to get a decent result. Good reliable gear with backups cost money. Training cost money. Quality wedding prints, albums, books and gallery wraps cost money. If you sell a bride a cheapo wedding album that falls apart because you couldn’t make enough profit doing the cheapo wedding shoot, how does that serve the client? These are people’s lives you’re messing with. What could have more value than the wedding album – the first family heirloom of a brand new family? Think about it.

You can view his blog here: And you call yourself a professional?

And the winner is....

Kristin Fruh and Bobby Kelley
Here is their winning story:

In all honesty, I need your help-
Bobby and I have been dating for almost three and a half years, and have yet to kiss. We are saving that special moment for our wedding day. While it has not been easy, AT ALL, we have managed to stay true to our promise and wait until our wedding day on July 3, 2010. With Bobby starting medical school in the fall, and I continuing my Masters at CBU, we are just barely going to be able to afford the portion of his medical school that has to be paid upfront. In additon, we might be relocating to Parker, Colorado or New York two weeks after we get married--depending on medical school.
I have gotten several estimates on the cost of our wedding photography and almost every single one is 2,000 bucks over our budget- putting us way over on our pre-set budget for the wedding also. (Something that we cannot afford to absorb ourselves) In reality all we want is for someome to successfully capture our first kiss, in the most important moment of our lives.

Kristin and Bobby will receive:
8 hours of photography coverage by Kristin Joy on their wedding day
"Get to Know Me" 2 hour engagement session
Digital negatives of all their edited images
Reprint rights to all their photos
16x20 finished print
(Total Value: $1500)

Congrats!

2nd Place goes to: Sarah Robinson and Chris Cloes
Will Receive Digital negatives of all their edited wedding images and reprint rights to all their photos. (Total Value: $500)

3rd Place goes to Julia Brinkley and Jon Pickard
Will receive 10% off of their wedding photography package up to $300 (Total Value: $300)