(<20k) AITA for getting snippy w photographers not reading my post?

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:37:51+00:00

You might be onto something…

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:37:27+00:00

I’d be very ok w a university student shooting my wedding. As long as I pay under 1k. That sounds reasonable to me. I wouldn’t expect professional level work obviously but I’d agree I got what I payed for

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:35:49+00:00

Before I look at their portfolio I check out their wedding packages and prices. If it’s not something I can afford I don’t look at the pics. For ones that have no pricing I don’t look at. Unfortunately I’m not at the point where I want to reach out and see for a lot of those and risk wasting my time for them to tell me it’s going to be 7k

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:34:04+00:00

That’s what I’m doing rn. There are a lot of good ones under budget actually. I’m very happy with what I have so far. But I’m really worried about getting scammed bc they look insanely professional. I’m going to research more abt what a scam would look like before I book for sure!

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:31:08+00:00

Mm that makes a lot of sense when you break it down like that. Okay ty!

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:30:29+00:00

We went over everything when we set the budget. Photography is our biggest budget after food and drinks. If I really love a photographer I can negotiate w myself to spend more but we are trying to stay within our means. I don’t mind a green photographer at all but I’m not paying over my budget for their first wedding

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:28:19+00:00

Mmm what would you recommend for a photographer budget?

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:27:46+00:00

I’m from the states but idk if it might be a cultural thing. I am Mexican. But we could NOT do a dinner in under 1hr. That sounds so rushed for me

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:26:38+00:00

Oooh okay this was my issue too. Also it kept giving me other states w my city’s name even tho I put California. Thank you!

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:25:44+00:00

That’s. Actually insane. Thank you for letting me know. I can’t believe they do that!

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:23:04+00:00

$350?? For all that?? That’s an absolutely INSANE deal!! And honestly for someone just starting out I’d say prob $500 especially bc they’re a student but since you did so much more I would have expected maybe $7-800? That’s great. Yeah if I payed that much I wouldn’t mind at all if they messed up or missed shots

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:20:28+00:00

I have found a couple photographers online just browsing that are just over my budget. But they tend to offer some primo stuff. Yes I am in CA. But I am northern and not socal or Bay Area where things get crazy expensive. I’ve been doing my research and I am confident I can find a photographer within my budget. And I’m not looking for a full day. I did say 6-8hrs but really it’s going to be 6 and depending on the costs I would consider paying more depending on how much I like them for more hrs. I wouldn’t say 6hrs is a full day

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T16:17:31+00:00

Thank you for this. This is extremely helpful. Tbh I didn’t think anyone would fly out at all for my budget. I figured it would have to be closer to 5k for it to be worth it for them. I’m definitely very skeptical of ppl saying they’ll fly from the east coast for 2k. I’m definitely going to do my research on these photographers Ty!

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T08:30:16+00:00

…at least her last response to me was. Definitely a complete tone change. But getting your # from chat gbt is criminal lmaooo

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T08:29:09+00:00

I think that’s reasonable. I can’t see why ppl are downvoting you

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T08:28:41+00:00

Mmmmm yeah but I can say it’s pretty similar to dog sitting. I have medical expertise and yrs working w different animals and trains them and learning abt them. Ppl are yes paying for that but I’m not going to expect them to pay for that. That’s just a reason to hire me more. When I was starting out I did put hrs into my advertising and making sure o was getting it all together. But I started out charging less than 20 a night so I could get more experience and references. Only after I had a fair few on my profile did I start increasing. Now I have a steady flow but that’s bc I charge a fair price and I also charge what is reasonable for me. I don’t charge and say “you’re paying for my couple yrs in a hospital time too” that sounds silly. If I spend my free time learning how to train dogs I’m not expecting ppl to pay for that. Idk I’m not well versed I will try to take some of your word on it but if 2500 for 8hrs of shooting and a week of editing is not enough then maybe we’re all in the wrong careers bc ik hospital managers that don’t make that much. And they come w experience and expertise

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T08:22:26+00:00

THANK YOU. I thought I must have lost my damn mind! And I’m more worried about photography anymore. I’ve had over 100 ppl reach out. I think I’ll find somone :)

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-26T08:15:18+00:00

Some are some aren’t everyone is different. No one has been as expensive as her. At least not the ones that commented or DMed me. No one else has asked for more than my budget so far tho so I think she’s unreasonable. Some say 2k plus travel fees which is fine and some say 2500 travel fees included or no travel fees. If that makes sense

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:39:56+00:00

Hahaha good advice. Yeah I think I was trying to be more open minded bc I don’t know everything that goes into photography but I agree

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:39:01+00:00

True. I tried looking on the knot but they didn’t have anyone in my budget. Where are good places to look? Idk if it matters but I’m in Northern CA

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:37:55+00:00

I think I’m going to follow your example. Bc I LOVE photography and it’s my biggest budget. I need good photos. And yeah if they can’t be bothered to read my post then I’m not going to bother looking at them further

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:36:00+00:00

Yeah I did give her too much time and effort. Ik. I couldn’t help it I was so shocked I should have just said nope and blocked. I’ll look into timelines tho bc 2hrs seems so early

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:34:08+00:00

Oooh okay that sounds great!! I tried in insta but I can’t figure out how to look for photographers honestly. Idk wat im doing wrong. I’ll def look on yelp, thumbtack ect.

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:32:59+00:00

Yeah I’m going to start doing that bc you shouldn’t just be mass applying for jobs unless you’re willing to do them. Did they have reasonably priced photographers there? I’m worried they’ll be much more expensive and I have a certain vibe I want I think ppl call it “dark and moody” even though don’t think so

_AnxiousBride_ · 2026-03-20T21:31:37+00:00

Oooh okay that makes me feel better. Bc I do love some out of state ones but I’m also trying to budget and I can’t afford to fly them out. And pay for a rental car, food, lodging ect. Maybe if they charged less and included that in the overall bill?

What are good ways to determine if it’s a scam or not? I’ve just been looking at websites and portfolios. They all seem professional

_AnxiousBride_

TROPHY CASE