Why Asking for a “Reasonably Priced Photographer” Is an Insult, And What You Should Ask Instead

If you’re planning an event in London, Pinner, Harrow, or West London, you’ve probably seen the same request pop up again and again:

“Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced photographer?”

On the surface, it sounds harmless.

But if you’ve ever hired a professional event photographer for something that actually matters, you know that phrase is a minefield.

Because “reasonably priced” means absolutely nothing.

It’s vague. It’s subjective.

And, let’s be honest, it’s often code for “cheap, but I don’t want to say cheap.”

As someone who has worked in event photography for over 15 years, I can tell you this:

Asking for a “reasonably priced photographer” is an insult to the craft, the skill, and the years of experience required to do this job well.

Let me explain.

“Reasonable” to who?

A photographer with £500 of gear and six months of experience will have a very different idea of “reasonable” than someone with £20,000 of equipment and 15 years of professional work behind them.

One person is guessing. The other is guaranteeing.

So when you ask for “reasonable,” you’re not filtering for quality, you’re filtering for price.

And price alone has never been a reliable indicator of value, especially when it comes to event photography in London, where expectations are high and second chances don’t exist.

What you actually want is value for money

Value for money is a completely different conversation.

Value means:

• Skill

• Reliability

• Professionalism

• Experience under pressure

• The ability to capture the moments you see

• And the moments you miss

• The confidence that nothing will go wrong

• And if it does, someone who knows exactly how to fix it

• 
  

Value is about outcomes, not bargains.

Value is about predictability not hope.

Value is the difference between:

“We got some photos.”

 and

"Five star service from Julian. Fabulous to deal with from start to finish, made us all feel at ease and even got my Dad smiling nicely (which is a miracle!) Just received the full batch of photos less than 2 weeks after my son's bar mitzvah - don't know where to start choosing as there are so many brilliant shots. Managed to capture the wonderful atmosphere without getting in the way at all, cannot recommend Gander photography highly enough "

- Actual Client Feedback

That’s what people actually want when they hire a photographer.

They just don’t always know how to ask for it.

Photography isn’t just clicking a button

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re paying for:

• Years of training

• Thousands of hours behind a camera

• Equipment that costs more than most people’s cars

• Backup gear

• Backup plans

• Insurance

• Editing time

• Delivery systems

• Reliability

• And the ability to perform under pressure, in chaos, in bad lighting, with no second chances

• 
  

If you think all of that should come “reasonably priced,” you’re not looking for a photographer. You’re looking for a gamble.

I am willing to admit this. I’m not the cheapest.  I’m not the most expensive.  I’m priced for the value I deliver. As a London‑based event photographer with 15+ years of experience, I’ve captured events without fuss, drama, or disappearing acts. I guide you through the must‑have shots, keep the process smooth, and deliver a complete story of your event from tears to laughter, speeches to dances, entrances to farewells.

My starting price in 2026 is £1850.

For a once‑in‑a‑lifetime event that deserves a lifetime of memories, that’s value for money.

So next time you’re looking for a photographer…

Don’t ask for “reasonably priced.”

Ask for:

“A photographer who is great value for money.”

Because that’s the person who will show up, deliver, and give you something you’ll treasure long after the price is forgotten.