Question 1

What should a wedding photography quote include?

Accepted Answer

Coverage hours, lead photographer + second shooter (if included), engagement session (if included), edited image count, online gallery access, print rights, album/credit (if included), travel fees, total package price, retainer amount and due date, and balance due date. State validity period ("Quote valid for 30 days") so you can adjust pricing as your calendar fills.

Question 2

How should I structure photography packages on a quote?

Accepted Answer

Three tiers (Bronze/Silver/Gold or named: Elope/Half-Day/All-Day) is the standard. Each tier states coverage hours, deliverables, and price. Use Issueable's optional line items for add-ons ("Second shooter (4 hours): +$600", "Engagement session: +$450") so couples see the menu and pick what they want. The Gold/All-Day tier should usually be the second-most expensive — anchoring sells more middle packages.

Question 3

Should I require a retainer at booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every working wedding photographer does. Standard structure: 25-50% non-refundable retainer at signing, balance due 7-30 days before the wedding date. State both amounts and due dates explicitly on the quote. Without a retainer, no-show or last-minute-cancellation losses can wipe out a year of profit.

Question 4

How do I price destination weddings?

Accepted Answer

Travel fees are billed at-cost or with a small markup, separate from your photography package: flights (economy or premium economy), hotel (3-4 nights typical, you arrive day before, leave day after), per-diem ($75-$150/day), and ground transport. Some photographers offer destination wedding packages with an all-in price; clearer to itemize so couples see what's covered. Domestic destinations (within driving distance) usually charge mileage + meals + hotel; international includes passport/visa fees.

Question 5

Should the quote mention exclusivity?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most wedding photography contracts include an exclusivity clause: "Photographer is the exclusive professional photographer for the day; family members and guests may take personal photos but no other professional photographer or videographer will operate." State this in the terms section. The exclusivity affects how you direct group photos and ceremonial moments; it's not unreasonable, and most couples accept it once it's explained.

Question 6

How long should I keep wedding files?

Accepted Answer

Industry-standard: 1 year online gallery access, 5-7 years archive of edited high-res files. After that, you may charge for re-delivery from cold storage. State the retention timeline in your quote's terms ("Edited files archived for 5 years post-wedding; re-delivery after archival: $X"). RAW files are typically not delivered and not archived for clients.

Question 7

Should I quote for albums or just digital deliverables?

Accepted Answer

Both — albums are typically $400-$1,500+ depending on size, paper, and number of spreads. List as optional in the quote so couples see what's available. Many photographers find that 30-50% of couples don't initially budget for albums but order them as a follow-up purchase 3-12 months after the wedding. Issueable's optional line items handle this exactly — list it as available, the total reflects only items they accept.

Question 8

What if the wedding gets postponed?

Accepted Answer

State your postponement policy in the terms: typically the retainer transfers to a new date within 12 months at no additional charge if the new date is available; postponement beyond 12 months or to a peak-season date may require additional fees. Cancellation (vs postponement) forfeits the retainer because the date you held was unavailable for other bookings. The pandemic taught everyone the importance of postponement clauses; couples expect to see one.

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