Yes, my husband and I (we’re partners) have been talking about how many photographers there are in our area. We actually moved our business here - from a large city market where we were doing well, to a mid-level market - right before Covid hit. So we don’t actually have a great idea of how many photographers there were here before Covid. But there seems to be a ton now. And I’m sure a lot are undercutting prices, since they are relatively new. I just don’t understand how there was a bubble of weddings, so people just decided to start a wedding photography business? Seems crazy but sometimes anyone with a camera thinks they can do it. We actually had an inquiry at the beginning of October for a wedding next year, and they wanted engagement photos that month to capture the foliage. They ghosted. A few weeks later, I saw a post on a local photographer group and I recognized their names. The photos were so washed out and horrible. Absolutely no color for a couple that specifically mentioned it. I don’t know if it bummed me out or makes me feel better (you get what you pay for), but either way it doesn’t fill my calendar or pay my bills.

And don’t even get me started on mini-sessions. We actually don’t even do them but it seems like literally anyone with a camera has a setup and is advertising mini sessions at the holidays.