For All The Lovers Out There Searching For Their Perfect Wedding Photographer For 2025, This Post Is For You!


If you’ve been researching Wedding Photography, you’ve probably noticed something curious: pricing can range anywhere from $2500 to $6000+ (and sometimes even higher) for 6-8 hours of Wedding Day Coverage. Why is that?? Why is there such a wide range? Let’s break it down and start uncovering the reasons behind these numbers.


I’m kicking off my very first educational series to help couples like you better understand the world of Wedding Photography. While I can’t speak for every photographer out there, I can share insights from my own journey—how my offerings and services have evolved as my rates (and experience) have increased throughout my career.


This will be a multi-part series because there’s so much ground to cover. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california

Ever Heard a Wedding Photography Horror Story?


You’ve probably heard the heartbreaking tales: couples not receiving their wedding images because of a photographer’s corrupted SD cards, a hard drive crash, or even accidental deletion. It’s a nightmare scenario, but it happens more often than you’d think. I’m here to ensure this doesn’t become your story.

The Storage Difference: $2500 vs $6000+ Photographers


Here’s how image storage practices can differ between photographers at different price points:

 

$2500 Photographer


  • Images stored on one external hard drive
  • SD cards formatted right after images are transferred
  • Deletes stored images after a specified period



 

$6000+ Photographer


  • Images stored on FOUR external hard drives
  • Keeps SD cards until the gallery is safely delivered, then formats cards
  • Keeps all images safely archived for future reference
  • At least one hard drive is stored in a fireproof safe for added protection
jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california
jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california
jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california

Why Does This Matter?


Here are three key reasons why proper image storage should be important to you:


  • Avoid Losing Images in the Transfer

Sometimes, we think all images have been transferred, only to realize later that an entire SD card’s worth of images was missed. If the SD card was formatted too soon, those images are gone forever.

  • Multiple Backups Provide Peace of Mind

Hard drives can fail, become damaged, or even get corrupted. Having multiple backups ensures that your images are safe, even if one or two devices fail.

  • Long-Term Image Security

Years down the road, you might want to revisit your wedding gallery or ask about an image you can’t find. If your photographer has deleted the raw files, they won’t be able to help you. Keeping an archive means those precious memories are always accessible.


jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california

The Bottom Line


If the thought of losing your wedding photos is unimaginable, you want to work with a photographer who takes storage seriously. A robust backup system means you can breathe easy knowing your images are in safe hands.


That said, not everyone prioritizes this level of image security. You might care more about staying within your budget than about long-term storage, and that’s perfectly okay! The key is finding a photographer who matches your priorities.

jelau photography wedding photographer brothers ranch enhance workshops wedding industry education glam luxury wedding california

Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers


If image storage and security matter to you, here are some essential questions to ask during consultations:


  1. What is your process for backing up our wedding photos?
  2. Do you store our images in multiple locations or formats?
  3. How long do you keep our images after the wedding?
  4. How do you mitigate the loss of images?


Stay tuned for more in this series as I dive into more factors that separate photographers at different price points.


Remember, your wedding photos are priceless—invest in peace of mind and memories that will last a lifetime.