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| A recent survey revealed wedding photographers spend roughly 4% of their time actually taking photos. |
UK-based company Your Perfect Wedding Photographer recently conducted its fourth annual industry survey. Although more than 300 full-time wedding photographers participated in the survey, it’s important to remember that the findings reflect a small segment of local wedding photographers and the results may be more typical for a specific region rather than the industry as a whole. That said, there are a few interesting tidbits from the data.
Here are some key takeaways:
- The average number of weddings captured a year is 28, down by 1 from 29 in 2018.
- The average cost of a full day starting package is £1,590 ($ 2,063 USD), up by £30 from £1,560 ($ 2,023 USD) in 2018.
- The average yearly marketing cost is £1,253 ($ 1,625 USD), down by £21 from £1,274 ($ 1,652 USD) in 2018.
- 40% of Photographers use a Canon Camera, 31% Nikon, 22% Sony, 7% Fuji.
- The average age of those surveyed is 39 years old, up 1 year from 38 in 2018.
- 44% of respondents were women and 56% are men.
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| According to the survey, Instagram has become the leading social source for bookings – surpassing Facebook from last year. |
Note that the above info only represents a fraction of the information revealed in the survey. Statistics on important items such as biggest expenses, average editing time, and percentage of wedding photographers that partake in online awards is also included.
Participants also shared their thoughts on this industry. ‘It’s getting more competitive with more people charging less. I would love for photographers to charge properly so the average moves from £1500. It has been this for so many years and hasn’t moved with inflation or other external costs increasing. My rate reflects my experience and the level of service but at a glance, it can be harder when someone is comparing primarily on price,’ laments one commenter.
On a more positive note, others elaborated on what they love about being a wedding photographer. ‘The wedding photography industry is more exciting than ever at the moment with amazing new talents shining through all the time. There is also a growing movement away from the staged, fake “traditional” wedding photography towards the documentary style, real and genuine moments that weddings are really all about. Artistic storytelling is becoming more mainstream and expected at last and not just a slogan on photographers’ websites,’ exclaimed another participant.
You can find the entire survey here.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)