Weddings What is do you think is more important, DJ or photographer?

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Audio One said:
The reception is for appox. 175-200 people at an upscale venue.

I quoted her $850 for 4 hours. DJs in my market range from $200-$2000.

I may take your advice and start posting my starting rate on my site.
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You're higher than I am :triwink: although certainly not out of the ballpark. I know that in Knoxville there seem to be a lot of price-shoppers so my best advice is what I've already given you; post your prices to your website. If your experience is like mine, your call volume will actually go up, overall, and the tire-kicker calls where they want to lecture you on why you should be cheaper will virtually stop. Did I mention I HATE those calls?

I will add this. If she got a photog for less than $850, she's got an inferior photog. It's not a job you want. My opinion.
 
Audio One said:
I must admit my wedding photogapher was only $550......but that was 1983.

The divorce cost more than that.
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I got the photog and video for $250 total in '87. DJ cost me the same. :)
 
From the guest standpoint it might be the DJ, but the for the person paying you, it is definitely the photographer, even more so than a videographer (never quiet figured why have one of them anyway... I doubt very people go back and re-watch the video, pictures get hung around the house or set on the mantle). The DJ is typically forgotten within a few years at most, unless they were incredibly bad then they are just infamous.
 
kind of a silly question to ask....
but I also think we ALL play a role in the success of the day.
and as other have said, the DJ takes care of the instant gratification
the photogs take care of preserving the memories.
but always remember,
show me a reception without entertainment
and I'll show you a client who is wasting their money paying someone to take pictures of it.
 
I'm slowly transitioning to photography from DJ work. Who knows which is more important, for Gail and I, it's about lugging gear. On our big weddings can require a 3+ hour setup and well over 1000lbs of gear not including light show and trussing setup. We are fast approaching 60 years old, both of us. I took some photography courses in school years ago, and cut my teeth on full manual 35mm cameras. I can satisfy the brides no problem, and have invested in full frame FX Nikon gear and the proper FX lenses and an assortment of flashes, outboard power for both the cameras and flashes, and enough backup so I cannot go wrong.

I know I'm still "cool" with the music, and a recent reference for a 2001 class reunion bears this out, however going forward I find that if we were able to do away with the sound reinforcement gear, and the HUGE gas-suckin' van and be able to show up ready to roll in the car with 100 lbs of photo gear............ this business model fits our plans very well.........

Best,

Paul
 
nextgen1 said:
With out reading all the answers. The DJ is the most important to the wedding, but the photos will be more important for the bride and groom for there memories.
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We woulda gave you somethin' for winning this contest but we didn't win the lottery, so all ya get is a CONGRATS!!!

:)
 
Hey, I had the photographer at my last wedding take the bride & groom hostage. When I stated that it's only a 4 hour wedding, it's now 2 hours into it & the bride & groom should be thinking about their first dance she said "oh that's not important".
 
If the photographer stated that. I would have gone to the bride and groom and talked with them about it. They are the client the photog is just another vendor. Now if that was the feeling of the bride and groom then that's another story. Now I have no problem working with anyone but if someone wants to change the plan that I helped make with the client. Then it can most certainly be talked about before hand but. I will be the one talking with them about the change of the flow we put together.
 
I would have gone to the bride and groom and talked with them about it.
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Oh you bet! Ran like a girl with gossip straight to the bride & let her know. They did their first dance 10 minutes later. Photographer didn't talk to me for the rest of the night. Oh well, too bad.
 
USDJ said:
I'm slowly transitioning to photography from DJ work. Who knows which is more important, for Gail and I, it's about lugging gear. On our big weddings can require a 3+ hour setup and well over 1000lbs of gear not including light show and trussing setup.
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3 hours and 1000 lbs? What do you consider a big wedding?

A big wedding for me is all on a r-n-r cart, about 180 lbs and maybe 30 minute set up.

doing a wedding tomorrow for 130 people, set up will be less than 15 minutes, including lights
 
Ive been reading THE BEST WEDDING RECEPTION EVER! and I think I agree with the author: location, photographer, and entertainment are where the biggest % of the budget should be allocated.

I honestly don't think you can choose between a photographer and a dj. There are cheap ghetto options for either if the BG doesnt care, but if you want a successful wedding, you need quality caliber for both.
 
All I will say is there is no difference

its the CLIENTS that decide, not us

end of thread!


have a nice day!
 
For the sake of the OP I'll give my 2...

There is no comparison.
If the client wants entertainment they will hire the right entertainment for the right price.
If the client wants photos, they'll hire a photographer for right value at the right price.
There is no association of pricing between vendors to base value on.

A better comparison for her would be:
Which is more important? Being a good DJ or MC?
Which is more important? Being a good photograher or a good post editor?
 
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