The Perfect Wedding Photography Package

how many do photographer give for wedding

The number of photos a wedding photographer will deliver to their clients depends on several factors, including the size of the wedding, the number of hours covered, the style of photography, and the photographer's editing style. On average, couples can expect to receive anywhere between 200 and 2000 photos, with some photographers delivering as few as 60 images or as many as 6000 if a second shooter is involved. While some photographers edit every photo they take, others may only deliver a curated selection of the best shots. The number of posed versus candid photos and the number of locations can also influence the final count. Ultimately, the goal is to capture the heart and soul of the wedding and tell a story through the images.

shunbridal

Wedding size and duration

The size of a wedding can vary depending on cultural and regional differences. In general, weddings with more than 100 guests are considered big, while weddings with 50 or fewer guests are considered small. Medium-sized weddings typically have between 50 and 100 guests, with some sources citing 175 as the upper limit for a medium-sized wedding. Micro weddings are a relatively new term for planned weddings with up to 50 guests.

The average wedding size in the US in 2024 was 116 guests. This is a slight increase from 2023, when the average was 115. Seasonality also affects guest list size. For example, weddings in the first quarter of the year had an average of 121 guests, while weddings in the last quarter had an average of 113.

The size of the wedding will influence various aspects of the big day, such as the venue and budget. For instance, wedding venues have a maximum number of guests they can accommodate. Additionally, a larger guest count will likely require a bigger budget.

The number of wedding photos delivered depends on several factors, including the duration of coverage, the number of guests, and the specific events and activities during the wedding. On average, a wedding photographer delivers between 50 and 100 photos per hour. For a 12-hour coverage, this could mean anywhere from 800 to 1400 photos. Some photographers deliver every photo that is not a duplicate, resulting in 600 to 900 photos for a two-day wedding.

The number of photos can also vary depending on the style and culture of the wedding. For example, Asian weddings, particularly Chinese weddings, tend to produce more photos due to early-morning door games, a high number of group photos, and multiple outfit changes for the couple. Having drinks reception activities, such as lawn games or table games, can also increase the number of photo opportunities.

shunbridal

Photography style

There are many factors to consider when choosing a wedding photographer, and style is a key element. The style of photography will influence the overall aesthetic of the images, and there are several approaches to choose from.

Vintage Style

The vintage style of wedding photography uses filters and techniques to create an old-school feel to the images. This style can lend a sense of nostalgia and romance to the day and is a popular choice for intimate, small weddings.

Fine Art Style

Fine art wedding photography is a style that focuses on creating unique, artistic images. This approach treats each photograph as a work of art, with careful consideration given to lighting, composition, and subject matter. Fine art photographers often spend time perfecting their craft and refining their skills to deliver exceptional images.

Documentary Style

Documentary, or reportage, wedding photography is a style that focuses on capturing the natural flow of the day. Photographers adopting this style will aim to record every moment, from the expected to the unexpected. This style is ideal for couples who want a comprehensive record of their day, including candid shots of guests and spontaneous moments.

Contemporary Style

A contemporary style of wedding photography often involves a second photographer or assistant. This approach allows for multiple perspectives and angles, capturing the same moment from different viewpoints. It also ensures that there is a variety of images, including detail shots and creative portraits.

When choosing a photography style, it is essential to consider the overall vision for the wedding and the desired outcome of the images. Discussing these elements with the photographer will help to ensure that the style aligns with the couple's expectations and that their special day is captured perfectly.

shunbridal

Editing style

Wedding photographers can capture more than 10,000 photographs in a day, but typically only keep one out of every ten shots. The number of photos delivered depends on the events of the wedding day and the number of guests. A wedding with 130 guests will likely produce more photos than one with 30 guests. Similarly, a wedding with many activities and animations will likely result in a higher number of pictures than a small, intimate wedding without much interaction between guests.

True to Colour

This style aims to retain the natural colours of the scene as much as possible, presenting a clean and simple look that is timeless. It strikes a balance between light and dark, creating images that will remain beautiful and relevant in 10 or 20 years.

Light and Airy

Also known as "light and moody", this style is characterised by an abundance of light, with minimal shadows. It creates a sense of moodiness, and some associate it with a slightly masculine tone. It is often inspired by high fashion and designer dresses, reminiscent of editorial spreads in fashion magazines.

Dark and Moody

This style is darker, with muted highlights and greens, and deep blacks. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance, reminiscent of old-school film. It is often inspired by high-fashion magazines and can give your wedding photos an editorial feel.

Bold and Vibrant

This style is the opposite of true-to-colour editing, embracing rich colours and strong contrasts. It creates a vibrant and eye-catching look that makes a bold statement.

Photojournalistic

This style captures the wedding day as it unfolds, with minimal posing. The photographer acts as a "fly on the wall", documenting the day in a candid and authentic manner. The resulting images are often a unique blend of quirky moments that make the day special and unique.

shunbridal

Number of photographers

The number of photographers you hire for your wedding depends on various factors, including the size of your wedding, the number of guests, and the specific events planned.

If you opt for a single photographer, they will typically capture between 300 and 800 photos during a full day of shooting. However, some photographers may deliver more or fewer images depending on their style and approach. For example, a documentary or photojournalistic style may yield a lower image count, focusing on carefully curated and captured moments rather than sheer volume.

On the other hand, hiring two photographers or a team covering both photos and video will result in a higher number of images. With multiple photographers, you can expect a broader range of perspectives, angles, and moments captured, resulting in a larger final gallery.

It's worth noting that the number of photos delivered is influenced by the dynamics of your wedding. A larger wedding with more guests and activities will generally result in a higher image count. For instance, Asian weddings, particularly Chinese weddings, tend to produce a high number of photos due to early-morning door games, a large number of guests, group photos, and multiple outfit changes for the couple.

Additionally, the duration of coverage plays a role in the final image count. A longer wedding day, spanning 12 to 16 hours, will naturally result in more photos compared to a shorter, more intimate event.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of photographers comes down to your personal preferences and the scale of your wedding. While some couples prefer the comprehensive coverage of multiple photographers, others may opt for a single photographer who aligns with their style and vision.

shunbridal

Number of locations

The number of locations a wedding photographer will cover depends on the type and size of the event. For example, if you have a large wedding with multiple locations, such as a ceremony and reception in different places, you may want to consider hiring two photographers. This will ensure that all the important moments and memories are captured from different angles.

Having multiple photographers means that both the bride and groom's preparations can be documented, as well as their reactions during the first look. It also allows for more impromptu moments to be captured, as there are more photographers to anticipate these moments. With a larger number of guests, two photographers can also help to ensure that all the guests are photographed, as well as capturing guest reactions during the reception.

If you are having a more intimate wedding with fewer guests at one location, one photographer may be enough. A well-seasoned photographer will be able to capture different angles and work the room to get a variety of shots.

It is worth noting that the number of photographers you hire may also depend on your budget, as hiring multiple photographers can be more expensive. Additionally, some photographers work in teams, so you may get more coverage without having to hire extra photographers.

Ultimately, the decision of how many photographers to hire depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions

On average, most couples can expect to receive around 800-1500 photos from their wedding day. However, the number of photos you receive will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the wedding, the number of hours covered, the style of photography, and the photographer's editing style.

Yes, the longer the wedding day and the more activities included, the greater the number of photos you can expect to receive.

Yes, the style of photography can influence the number of photos you receive. For example, a documentary or photojournalism style tends to yield a lower image count, while a more traditional style may result in a higher number of photos.

It depends on the photographer. Some photographers edit every photo they take, while others may only provide the best images or a mix of edited and unedited photos.

While some photographers may deliver 2000 or more photos, this is not standard practice. Most photographers will provide a few hundred to a thousand photos, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment