Information on the 2024 Wedding Wire and Zola Awards and Professional Photography Services
Christopher Duggan Photography is feeling very grateful to win the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award and the Best of Zola Award for 2024. I take pride in having built my business on artistic excellence, and I’ve always been determined to be the best photographer I can be. The wheels of my mind are constantly turning with ideas on how I can create richer photos. It is equally important to me to create a warm, calm, and settled environment for my clients, whether we are organizing portraits or I’m allowing special moments to happen naturally.
Understanding the Award Criteria
Receiving both WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award and the Best of Zola Award for 2024 is so meaningful to me. Winners of the WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award are selected based on 5-star client reviews and heartfelt testimonials. A lot of the feedback I’ve received from my clients in the past few years mentions things like “thoughtfulness, a calming presence, kindness, and professionalism.” Furthermore, winners of the Best of Zola Award are vouched for by clients, peers, and Zola across a set of criteria. Winning the Best of Zola award is a huge compliment and honor from both my clients and the wedding industry.
Wedding Photography Pricing and Expert Advice
When planning your budget, keep in mind that the range is wide. Wedding photographers early in their careers can cost as little as $1,500, while super experienced photographers, as seen in magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair, can cost upwards of $30,000. In general, you can expect to spend around 10% of your budget on wedding photography.
Rates also vary based on wedding length, the services you want, and location. For example, regarding additional expenses:
- A good rule of thumb is to tip 10% of their rate, or at least $100.
- If they are bringing second photographers or assistants, an additional $50 to $75 per person is an appropriate and nice gesture.
It’s also important to use your conversation to get a sense of their personality. This person will be with you and your loved ones every step of your wedding day, so it’s very important that you and your partner both feel comfortable with them and their working style.
Featured Photography Providers and Packages
Kate Scott Photography (Chicago, IL)
Kate Scott Daly is a Chicago native and has been a professional photographer for nearly a decade. She is obsessed with capturing the perfect moment that will make you gasp. Being a queer woman, it is so important to her that you feel safe, loved, and beautiful every step of the way. Her service details include:
- Full Service Wedding (6 hours): Peak pricing $3,000-4,500. This package includes a custom, high-resolution digital album.
- Small Wedding (3 hours): Starting at $1,500-2,000 for up to 40 guests.
- Courthouse/Micro Wedding (2 hours): Pricing ranges from $600-1,000.
Pacific Light Photography (Seattle, WA & Oregon)
This is a local, private, woman owned company serving Oregon and Washington State. They take the time to get to know you and your vision, so they are able to create wedding imagery that is a true reflection of your love. Their offerings include:
- Full Wedding Pricing: Prices start at $2,400.
- Elopement/Micro Wedding (4 hours): Off-peak pricing $1,800-3,100, including 4 hours of photography and 4 hours of videography.
- Elopement/Micro Wedding (3 hours): Off-peak pricing $1,200-2,100.
Comparative Overview of Photography Services
Below is a summary of the featured professional services based on the provided data:
- Christopher Duggan Photography: 2024 Award Winner (WeddingWire & Zola), focusing on artistic excellence and real emotions.
- Kate Scott Photography: Based in Chicago, specializing in inclusive experiences with packages starting from $600 for micro weddings to $4,500 for full service.
- Pacific Light Photography: Serving the Pacific Northwest, providing combined photo and video packages starting at $2,400.