green kat photography ~ Whitefish Montana Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

A Craigslist Ad

2012-01-26T10:10:00.002-07:00

I had to repost this from the Blog of Kristen Booth Photography

January 25, 2012

{For Brides} Why wedding photographers are SO expensive….

I am usually the last person to post something negative or controversial. I just prefer to keep the peace and be an up lifter!

But earlier today, I read something that had me LIVID. So this post is not one of my usual posts. I was actually supposed to be writing Wednesday Weaknesses right now, but it can wait. What I am about to say is FAR more important.

So…onto what it was that I read, that made me so angry. This morning, a fellow photog posted this listing that they found on Craigslist, on Facebook:

ATTN: Wedding Photographers

WHY is finding an amazing wedding photographer so difficult? :/

I am a Bride who is getting married this summer and have yet to find a decently priced, exceptional, amazingly talented, fun photographer.

WHY because the word “WEDDING” is involved photographers think they can change you $ 3,000.00 for wedding photos? Oh, because no bride is going to go without so they are going to pay it, because they HAVE to. They are ripping people off for all they have! Why when you want to get married it costs you AT LEAST 15 grand after all is said-and-done? Its such CRAP!! I love all you $ 3,000.00 photographers out there but i think your prices are WACK. All your doing is hanging out at a wedding taking tons of photos and editing them.. and thats owrth 3 GRAND!!! You’re making so much money its crazy. I just wish people would be more realistic. I mean the “average” persons salary for 1 freaking month is somewhere around 3 grand. (Thats making 19$ an hour) So you’re going to take someones WHOLE MONTH paycheck for one flippen day of photos? Just because you CAN!!?????? So that maybe they will not be able to feed themselves or pay any other bills they have, right? It makes me SICK!

I know im speaking for more than just myself right now. Alot of brides out there think the same thing. & I bet all you fancy photographers wont even read this. oh-well.
Maybe there are cheaper photographers that will read this and LOVE to take my photos

Now before I go into my perspective….I want to address two things. First, I value difference in opinion…..I don’t expect everyone in the world to think that us wedding photographers are worth what we charge. I respect that. What I don’t respect, is someone who has NO idea what they are talking about, ranting about how I make my money and discrediting the amount of work that REALLY goes into it. Second, I am in no way “complaining about how much work I have to do” or “crying about how hard I have it”. Not at all! I LOVE my job. I am simply re-claiming some respect for the craft and explaining some things that some people aren’t aware of.

Piece for piece, here is my response:

WHY because the word “WEDDING” is involved photographers think they can change you $ 3,000.00 for wedding photos?

Because, weddings aren’t just every other day. YOU as a bride, should know this.

I wake up the morning after every wedding, feeling like I got ran over by a train…..weddings hold a much higher level of stress than just an everyday shoot. You get one chance to capture it. You have to have the right equipment to get the job done, and not to mention backups….in case those fail. Anonymous Craigslist bride…do yourself a favor and please do not discredit your wedding day this way. The word “WEDDING” means a great deal actually. So yes, we are entitled to charge more for this highly stressful service, because it is a wedding! But it is quite silly to label this to photographers only. It goes for every wedding service! I mean unless you regularly spend hundreds of dollars on a single bouquet of flowers or $1500 for a dress?

I love all you $ 3,000.00 photographers out there but i think your prices are WACK.

You know what I think is wack? The cost of my rent! Oh and my car insurance…..ooh and not to mention, my phone bill! But guess what? I still have to pay them! And I do it with my camera. I think maybe you forgot that this is my career. Not just something I do for fun, that I can charge next to nothing for. Each photographer’s prices are derived from a specific formula that involves their cost of running business and cost of living. Believe it or not, we don’t just say “Ooh a wedding! I think I will charge……hmmmm…..$5000!” We are trying to survive, just like you. The high priced photographers cost more for a reason. And if they were charging the prices you seem to be pining for, they wouldn’t be able to stay in business.

All your doing is hanging out at a wedding taking tons of photos and editing them.. and thats owrth 3 GRAND!!!

This is just silly. Craigslist bride…..if you really think that is all we are doing….please oh please just go to Costco and buy your cousin a Canon Rebel and let him do the job! Since ALL we do is hang out, shoot a few pics, then edit them….piece of cake! Cousin Kevin will do just fine!!! You’ll even get to keep the camera after….SCORE!

I mean the “average” persons salary for 1 freaking month is somewhere around 3 grand.

Keyword is SALARY. We are not on salary. That one wedding that we “make so much money on” might have to feed us through the slow winter season when we have NO weddings. There is no financial security in this field. We either have the bookings or we don’t. And even when we don’t, the bill collectors still come for theirs!

Also….have you ever considered how much of that $3000 really becomes ours? After taxes and the HEFTY chunk the IRS takes from business owners… that income is nowhere near what you think it is. Then there is business insurance, websites, advertising, editing software, the thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and the costs of maintaining it. The list goes on and on. And then the cost of our time…..we blog, edit, email, process orders, shoot engagement sessions, market, etc. There is so much more time to shooting a wedding than actually just being there on that wedding day. We work our booties off to give you a great experience and photos for a lifetime. A business is like a baby….it constantly needs your attention and care!

Also, this “average person” probably works a 9-5 during the week, then is free to enjoy their weekends with their family. Well we also work that 9-5, doing all of the inside work I mentioned. Then on the weekends….we are at your wedding, still working! Don’t get me wrong, I love being at your wedding. Seriously, some of the best times of my life are when I am shooting my awesome brides and grooms. But please, just respect our time and be mindful of these hurtful things you’ve said about how little we are worth.

And finally…..

You’re making so much money its crazy.

Sweet!!! This is great news!!!! Craigslist Bride, if you are reading this, please email me!!!! Cause I know I should totally be rich by now….with all these weddings I’ve shot. But I just can’t seem to figure out where all of that money went….hmmm….can you help me find it? You seem to know more about my finances than I do!

Moral to the story is. You do not have to value me at $3500+ if you don’t want to. But you DO need to know the facts before you can judge my lifestyle and my financial situation. Being a wedding photographer has been the BEST thing to happen to me….and I hope I can do it all the way until retirement! But it has also taken every ounce of myself to keep it going. It is a lot of work and to see myself and other photographers degraded by statements like the above, is frustrating. We have put years and large amounts of money into mastering our craft, becoming better artists, and learning!

You don’t have to agree with it….but at least respect it.

To close out, here is the very first photo released from a top-secret shoot I did in Ireland. The rest will be up in a couple of weeks! Keep your eyes peeled!

WOW

This is my thoughts, upon totally agreeing with Kristen Booth about an Ad posted on Craigs List. The Ad and Kristen's comments are below my own.

This can be a touchy subject for photographers. And not just for weddings either. I do some event photography as well, and the main thought is I take the pictures... and that's it. Nevermind the countless hours behind a computer organizing, renaming, adding the metadata, storing, then working with the images, storing them in 2 places.. just in case, education, constant evolving gear that needs to be updated with the technology, back up gear, then you dive into the intellectual property, the creativeness upon pressure, and if it is a wedding ~ more stress.

A Wedding is your one day. You're one day to shine above the rest. I have talked to so many friends that are so disappointed with their choice of photographer trying to save $ & budget the way they think is best. But the fact is, after your wedding date the photographs you receive from your wedding photographer will be the main memory of your special day that will last forever. Isn't that worth it?

I love to photograph weddings. I love it. I love it so much, I always offer an engagement/{love} session for no cost... so I can see how the couple photographs together, so they can see how I photograph... and just because I LOVE it! On a Wedding day, everyone is happy and excited. Having the honor to be chosen to photograph the loving couple means so much to me, the trust & new friendships are endearing. I get to hang out with the lovebirds all day, follow them around, and bask in their happiness. What a job! I am so happy to say, I love what I do. I love the hours and hours behind the computer looking through images and making them sparkle. I love making an album and thinking back to what a wonderful couple I've just met. I love the tears that well up at almost every ceremony. And I love watching those last couple images in my wedding photography videos that make my heart soar. I love weddings.

But this Craigs List ad is ridiculous. No need to slander. Uncle Joe or Aunt Sue Im sure can take some photos for you... if that's what you want. I do understand a budget... totally get it. But I guess the main thing would be, how important is it to you to have this memory 5 years from now, to look back and FEEL the photography. FEEL the emotion you felt on that day. FEEL the love. I think it's worth more than what I charge... but Im happy to help be a part of someone's Big day.

Julie + Chris {love} session by Green Kat Photography

2012-01-23T17:37:00.001-07:00

I just love photographing {love}

These two love birds braved the cool temps and bright sun for a little bit of love & fun...

and some laughing & kissing.

Next month, the two lovebirds are tying the knot

on a frozen lake.

I CAN'T WAIT!
How beautiful and amazing will that be!

{Scout} by Green Kat Photography

2012-01-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is 14 yr old Scout with his family Amy, Kevin, & Cooper.

"we found out that Scout's days are numbered. Our friend Kat was kind enough to capture some family moments together before we say good-bye." -Amy

Here are some of our moments captured in still. Wonderful memories of a best friend to have and hold.
There's nothing as sweet as your four legged best friend. <3

emily + joe = {love} by Green Kat Photography

2012-01-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
So excited for these cute people to set a date and grow in love together!
Congrats you two!!!

and through a cup of coffee and lunch... i got these! whatta cutie!!!

gotta love a sweet pair of shoes... by green kat photography

2011-12-19T14:17:00.003-07:00

I was doing my last check through this wedding... and can't help but to want to blog about these shoes!

Gotta {LOVE} a ~fabulous~ pair of shoes!

Uncle Craig & Aunt Kim in MT! Glacier Park! Whitefish Ski Resort! by Green Kat Photography

2011-12-15T12:15:00.001-07:00

This summer I was lucky to have so much family come visit me!

My Uncle Craig & Aunt Kim came out with my 2 cousins... and we had an ACTIVE visit! yes!
Hiked the Big Mtn, Hiked 3 trails in Glacier, ate good food.... what didn't we do!!!

Then up to the Big!

Alia + Eric = 3 by Green Kat Photography

2011-12-13T12:18:00.001-07:00

I love mommies to be.
Those bellies.
Those big, beautiful, wonderful round bellies.
And inside each bellies is a bundle of amazing new life.

I've know Eric & Alia for years now, and I was super excited to shoot them. A super fun couple with the little buddy coming into the world in January. It had been awhile since I was there... but was really happy on that chilly drive out to the Weatherwood since it's my favorite place in the Flathead for photography, owned by a wonderful woman & friend named Patty. To put these elements together with the frosty trees, cute cabin, Tamaracks, and fabulous barn I knew would make for some beautiful images. I was so excited with the results.

Congrats Eric & Alia! I hope you cherish this moment forever... your lives are about to change drastically.. in the most amazing way! :D

little Waylon

2011-12-10T16:38:00.001-07:00

What a happy little guy I had heard...

but I must have been more scarey than Santa Claus! Just kidding...
I wouldn't say he was a happy camper during his first little photo shoot... but he sure is a cute little buddy!!!

Packers vs Tampa Bay

2011-12-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

I LOVE going to the Packer game with my Aunt Tandy, Jenni & Suzy.
Some memories that I will NEVER forget!!!

Thank so much!!! ALWAYS a BLAST!

tried to put chicken on the grill... didn't really work! not in the short tailgating time we had...

Little Olivia

2011-12-04T20:16:00.001-07:00

This is Olivia.

Cute, funny, silly little Olivia.

She reminds me SO MUCH of her Grandpa & his baby pictures.

She's so stinkin' cute!

2011-11-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

I rarely blog an article written by someone else, but I felt this was the perfect sum up of what it's like to be a wedding photographer.
But now add 40 hours a week on a fairway mower.... but I just love to do both.

ENJOY!

WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO BE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - CLICK HERE

Ski Joring 2011 video

2011-11-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR SKI JORING 2011

Joesmarried {the wedding} - sneak peak!

2011-11-05T12:20:00.001-06:00

Oh you two.
It's so beautiful to see two people in love. I had goosebumps all Thursday while photographing love shots, and Friday throughout the wedding day. But the biggest bumps appeared the moment before that first look.
Oh you two.
Rosemary, you are so sweet. Your voice screams sweetness & your eyes cry sweet. Joe, you are so tall. =D just kidding... you are so calm and inviting. The two of you together will move mountains.

I had so much fun with you... here's to many long days of blissful marriage.
Thank you.

Friends, family, and anyone.. comment away for the newlyweds to win prizes!! You must leave your name... and please comment about a favorite image or two!
20 comments starts the prizes!
40 ups the ante! Thanks!

Wedding location ~ St Edward Church in Chicago

Getting ready location ~ Black Hearts Hair House

Reception location, catering & Trolley ~ Victoria Banquets

Flowers by ~

Finding love in Chicago...

2011-11-03T16:08:00.000-06:00

Rain, rain, go away...
no??? Well, we'll still play!!

Rosemary & Joe.
The woman with the most amazing smile & the man with the view of the world.
Together they melt hearts. They definitely melted mine.

What a sweet & fun couple. Together with Wrigley... we braved the rain and had some fun!

I hope you enjoy my photographs of my favorite thing to photograph.... love.

Please comment away! Help the couple win prizes!!
Must leave your name & a fav photo or two.
20 comments starts the prizes... 40 ups the ante!

Here's to a long life of Love & Marriage to Mr & Mrs Vega.

Barry + LeOnna + {MARRIED}

2011-10-24T06:17:00.000-06:00

A beautiful Saturday. Rain likey with party cloudy skies. West winds at 7 miles an hour.

Precipitation 80%. Lows in the 40s.

chance of love is 100%

Please enjoy this sneak peak- more to come soon!

Comment away for the newlyweds to win photo prizes!

20 comments wins... but

40 comments ups the ante.

Please leave your name in your comment & your fav shot!

Wedding location ~ BruMar Estate

Cake by ~ Miss Patti Cakes

Fall is here...

2011-09-28T21:10:00.001-06:00

Today felt like Fall.

It was crisp.
sunny...
clean...
colorful...
happy.

On the golf course today, I mowed the stripe around the fairways. Leaves falling from the trees. I wish I had my 50mm with me on the mower, there were some AMAZING scenes that would have LOVED the 1.4 aperture. Tomorrow. Tomorrow it comes too...

But, I did have the zoom lens!

that's Forest golfing.... wish I could've joined! Can you believe I've only golfed once this year... and not even at my own course!! hahaha.... but I had lots of photo time! whooopie!

2011-09-21T09:52:00.001-06:00

Chrisian + Samantha... the {video}

click the link above for some photo LOVE

{Tracey + Adam} = digital short

2011-09-21T06:37:00.001-06:00

I've been working hard.... hope you like it!
Click the link below... and relax.

Tracey + Adam in Love {the video}

Alison Michael = {love}

2011-09-20T17:28:00.001-06:00

Alison Michael = {love}

click the words for a "love"ly video....

Hayfields with Niko & Weston

2011-09-13T06:05:00.000-06:00

Dirt dirt and more dirt. Rolling around in the dirt with little Weston definitely made my week. :)

Thanks for coming out Niko & Weston.... you guys are awesome!

Two Bear Marathon

2011-09-11T22:09:00.001-06:00

It was a gorgeous day in Whitefish on 9-11 for the Two Bear Marathon.

It's just too bad I couldn't be all over the course... but the finish line seems like the place to be!

{Alison + Michael} = MARRIED NJ Wedding Photographer

2011-09-04T21:06:00.008-06:00

A Beautiful & Elegant wedding in New Jersey....

there's so much to write. so much to tell. :)
Words can't describe what an amazing trip I had. Along with my buddy Jesse, I traveled to NJ for a wedding of Epicness. I spent 3 full days with the Bride & Groom, drinking coffee... eating good food, walking around Princeton, tours around the Jasna Polana, and enjoying the moments before the big day.

I hope you enjoy looking through these as much as I had taking them.

Please leave your NAME and a COMMENT about the photography & maybe your fav photos, to help win the newlyweds photo PRIZES!

30 comments starts the winnings... more than 50 up the stakes!

alison & her sweet girl Abby

a super fun group of gals!!!!

SUCH a handsome groom...

a mom & her daughter...

sealed with a kiss

alison + michael = LOVE

2011-09-02T14:35:00.003-06:00

I'm in New Jersey with the FABULOUS couple Alison + Mike... seeing Princeton University, drinking coffee from "Small World", eating good fun, and enjoying life.

Tomorrow though... is the BIG DAY!!! YAY!

Greenwell Law, PLLC

2011-08-28T20:32:00.000-06:00

Meet Jeff Greenwell.

Bankruptcy attorney based in Kalispell, MT

He can be reached at 406-257-8909.

Visit his website coming soon - at www.greenwelllawmt.com

{Adam + Tracey} = married! - Whitefish - Eureka Wedding Photographer - Montana - Flathead Valley

2011-08-28T08:30:00.003-06:00

Years ago, I got a text from Miss Tracey about watching this live band that I LOVED! That night I wanted to dance the night away with some of my favoritist folks I'd ever known. Adam, just happened to be one them... and I just happen to introduce Tracey to him... and during the intro I felt they sparked.
I danced & danced, and a little while later, I noticed they still were talking....
and later... still talking...
and later... still talking...
and later... still talking...

Yesterday.... they sealed that spark in front of their loving family and adorning friends.

Congrats Tracey & Adam... you are both beautiful and fantastic... in every way. I hope your spark flames forever.

Comment away folks (more photos coming soon)
30 comments starts the photo prizes!!!
50 comments raises the ante!!
Don't forget to leave your name too!!!

Wedding location ~ Kincheloe residence

Flowers by ~ Mum's Flowers

Catering by ~ John's Angels Catering

Music by ~ The Bad Larrys

Blazer... my buddy dog. "bubbaz"

2011-08-22T22:30:00.000-06:00

Blazer. the cute little 4 week old Black Lab that I fell in love with 12+ years ago. I worked at Mt LaCrosse in Wisconsin, a liftie, and my boss had a litter of labs. My favorite dog. I went, I saw, I fell in love in a second.

Blazer was the little rolly polly guy off on his own. Always was searching on his own. Always exploring.

We've been through soooo much together.

And tomorrow... he's on his way to the big doggie park in the sky.

I love you buddy. xoxo

{Tiffany + Sean} are TRASHIN' the DRESS! - Bigfork Montana Wedding Photographer

2011-08-21T22:32:00.003-06:00

SWEET!!!! Talked this lovely couple into jumping off the dock for a little "Trash the Dress" sesh. SOOOO glad they did it! I think one of the jumping shots is my favorite photo to date :)

20 comments will get this lovely couple a fun wedding "gift"! But don't forget to leave your name!!

Entiat River Glass & Jewelry

2011-08-21T20:57:00.000-06:00

I love the work of this amazing company.

Karen & Dave... you two are just AMAZING!

{Tiffany + Sean} = married!

2011-08-21T02:56:00.005-06:00

I sat there on the dance floor... just watching how Sean eyes came alive as he watched his new bride hold his hand and spin underneath the lights. A tear ran down my cheek. The love between the two of them was so clear...

Two people that laugh, love, and enjoy each other... and today... they shared that love with their friends and family.

Please leave a comment at the end of this blog! I'd really appreciate it!!

Especially since... if the couple receives 30 comments, a fun wedding gift will come their way
50 comments... the bounty grows!
But you MUST leave your name :)

Here's the sneak preview! More coming soon!

Wedding & Reception location ~ Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork

Flowers by ~ Costco & Rosaurs

Floral Arrangements ~ Sue Powell

Catering by ~ John's Angels Catering

Cake & Cupcakes by ~ Harvest Foods