That's great that she can get that much, and that's neat that she can explain her expenses.
Her expenses mean absolutely nothing to her customers. This amounts to a negotiating tactic, nothing more.
There are two options for the industry - add a lot of value, or race to the lowest price.
Some photographers are not adding a lot of value, and they're also not racing to the lowest price.
I can buy an $800 car. We all know what kind of car I'm getting.
Finding an $800 photographer for an 8 hour day - that's $100 an hour - shouldn't be so hard. And we all know what kind of photos they'll be taking.
That you provide an excellent service is great. That you have customers who love you is great. I don't begrudge you that. We spent a similar amount for our photographer, and it was worth it. I don't question your value.
You are not McDonalds. This bride clearly wants McDonalds. Your explanation of what a sous chef is, why a sommelier costs so much, and how you are insulted, is clueless at best, and condescending at worst.
I’m extremely insulted by your petapixel post and hope this sheds a little light on why we find the lack of competition in the photography market to be appalling. And I'd like fries with that.
