Survey Results:
I must admit, I'm a bit shocked by some of the results. With over 210 responses, I think it's safe to say that there's a pretty good sampling here. Some interesting discoveries:
- About half of the people surveyed have worked with a wedding photographer, and half could be in the market for one.
- Most people highly value wedding photography, but may have misconceptions about the cost.
- Referrals and reputation are very important.
- You should offer both online prints and a traditional album.
- People don't like package deals, they want to design their own!
- Almost half of those surveyed would pass a wedding photographer up who didn't have a website.
Official results. Top answers listed:
Did you/would you hire a professional photographer for your wedding?
Yes-75%
No - 25%
How important would you rate hiring a pro to photograph your wedding?
High on the list - 35%
Very important - 32%
How did you/would you find your photographer?
Recommendation from a friend or relative - 52%
Website search (Google) - 18%
How much did you/would you pay for professional photography services?
$500-$1000 - 36%
Less than $500 - 25%
$1000-$1500 - 21%
$1500 or more - 10%
What were/would be deciding factors to hiring a professional wedding photographer?
Reputation of photographer - 75%
Price -67%
Referrals - 65%
Easy to work with - 64%
What was/would be your preference for choosing prints?
Online gallery - 47%
Traditional wedding album - 42%
What other types of products are you interested in?
DVD of images - 66%
Wedding album - 53%
Slideshow playing during reception - 40%
Online prints - 39%
Would you prefer pre-set package deals, or making your own custom photography package by choosing your own options?
I prefer custom tailoring my own - 85%
If you previously hired a professional wedding photographer, were you happy with the service you received?
Yes - 46%
No - 9%
I have not worked with a wedding photographer before - 44%
Would you disqualify a wedding photographer who did not have their own website?
No - 58%
Yes - 42%