With our vibrant wedding scene, from traditional African ceremonies to grand, Western-style celebrations, wedding photography in Kenya has become a promising career for those willing to put in the work.
As a professional wedding photographer in Kenya, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories from the shores of Diani to the lush landscapes of Limuru, and I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to make a good income in this industry.
So let’s dive into how much wedding photographers make, what affects our income, and what you might expect if you’re considering this profession.
Wedding Photography: A Job That’s Both Art and Business
Wedding photography isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about running a business.
Being a wedding photographer means juggling creativity with careful planning, marketing, and good financial management.
In Kenya, wedding photography is competitive, with many talented photographers and a growing demand for high-quality services.
So, how much does wedding photography make in Kenya? The truth is, it varies greatly based on experience, branding, and market demand.
From Hobby to Business: A Typical Wedding Photographer’s Journey
For many photographers here, the journey begins with a passion for photography.
Maybe you start by taking photos at family events, then you’re asked to shoot a friend’s wedding, and soon you’re considering making it a full-time job. Starting rates for new photographers in Kenya can be modest, maybe around Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.50,000 per wedding as you build experience and a portfolio.
As you grow your skills and build a reputation, your rates can increase significantly.
An established professional wedding photographer can charge anywhere between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 300,000 for a full wedding package, depending on the client’s needs, location, and the quality of service offered.
Factors That Affect How Much Wedding Photographers Make
The answer to “how much does wedding photography make in Kenya?” depends on several factors. Let’s explore the main ones.
1. Location and Market Demand
Where you’re based can make a big difference in what you can charge.
For instance, wedding photographers in Nairobi can generally charge higher rates than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
Nairobi has a larger market with clients who often prefer high-end photography services.
For example, a full-day package in Nairobi might cost around Ksh 150,000, while in a smaller town like Eldoret, the same service might go for closer to Ksh 80,000.
On the coast, especially in areas like Diani, destination wedding photography has also become popular.
A Diani wedding, which often attracts couples looking for beautiful beach ceremonies, might cost anywhere between Ksh 120,000 and Ksh 250,000, given the extra effort and travel involved.
2. Experience and Style
Experience plays a big role in how much Kenyan wedding photographers can charge.
Clients are often willing to pay more for a seasoned photographer who has experience handling different wedding types, from Kikuyu dowry ceremonies (ruracio) to grand receptions.
For example, if a photographer is known for a unique style, like moody edits or vibrant, colorful shots, they can attract a specific clientele willing to pay more for that unique look.
Experienced photographers with five or more years of practice and a good portfolio can easily charge Ksh 200,000 or more for a full wedding day package.
3. Wedding Packages and Extra Services
“How much does wedding photography make in Kenya?” depends a lot on how photographers bundle their services.
Some clients want just a basic package covering the wedding day, while others want everything—from the pre-wedding shoot to a custom-made photo album and even video services.
The more comprehensive a package is, the more a photographer can charge. Offering add-ons like engagement sessions, custom albums, and large framed prints can significantly boost earnings.
For instance, a photographer might offer a base package at Ksh.100,000, with extras that bring the total package up to Ksh.200,000.
4. Brand and Marketing
In Kenya, branding is everything.
Photographers who stand out online and on social media, like Instagram or Facebook, often attract more clients.
Strong branding, whether through a professional website, social media presence, or being featured in popular bridal magazines, can build trust and allow photographers to charge higher rates.
Many Kenyan photographers develop a specific “look” or style, whether it’s candid shots or dramatic poses.
This type of branding appeals to couples who want something unique, and they’re often willing to pay more for it.
Examples of Wedding Photography Earnings in Kenya
1 The Nairobi-Based Photographer
Consider Wanjiku, a wedding photographer based in Nairobi. She charges Ksh.120,000 for a full-day package, including eight hours of coverage, a printed album, and a flash drive with edited photos.
Wanjiku works on about 20 weddings each year, bringing in around Ksh.2.4 million annually. She focuses on mid-range clients who want quality but can’t afford luxury prices, keeping her weekends busy year-round.
2. The Destination Wedding Specialist
Now, let’s talk about Mwangi, a photographer specializing in destination weddings along the Kenyan coast. Mwangi’s starting package for a destination wedding is Ksh.180,000, and he typically books 10 destination weddings per year.
With travel expenses covered by clients, Mwangi makes approximately Ksh.1.8 million annually. Since he targets a high-end clientele, Mwangi can charge more while taking on fewer weddings, giving him time to focus on creating an unforgettable experience for each couple.
How Kenyan Wedding Photographers Maximize Their Income
The wedding photographers who earn the most in Kenya often have multiple ways of generating income beyond just wedding day photography.
1. Offering Different Package Levels
Many photographers create different packages to cater to different budgets. For example, a basic package might include just digital photos for Ksh.50,000, while a top-tier package could include a pre-wedding shoot, a full wedding day session, a customized album, and a video montage for Ksh.200,000.
By offering tiered packages, photographers allow clients to choose what suits them best, while upselling to those who want a premium experience.
2. Selling Photo Albums and Prints
After the wedding, photographers can offer photo albums or framed prints as a premium add-on. These physical products not only make for cherished keepsakes but also add to the photographer’s income.
Some clients are willing to spend an extra Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.50,000 on a professionally curated album, which can be an excellent upsell for photographers.
3. Hosting Photography Workshops
Experienced photographers sometimes host workshops to teach beginners. If a photographer in Nairobi holds a weekend workshop for Ksh.10,000 per person and attracts 20 participants, that’s an additional Ksh.200,000. By sharing their skills, photographers not only earn extra income but also help build the next generation of Kenyan photographers.
Costs of Running a Wedding Photography Business in Kenya
While there’s good money to be made, wedding photography in Kenya also comes with its costs. Photographers need equipment, marketing, and reliable transportation to run their business successfully.
Equipment and Software
Quality gear is essential for any professional photographer. In Kenya, a full setup with a DSLR camera, lenses, lighting gear, and editing software might cost Ksh.300,000 or more. Additionally, software subscriptions, like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, come with monthly fees.
Marketing Expenses
A solid online presence requires investment. Many photographers spend money on social media ads or Google ads to reach potential clients.
Some even attend bridal shows to showcase their work. Marketing can take up 10-15% of a photographer’s yearly income, but it’s often worth it for attracting new business.
Transportation and Travel
In Kenya, where weddings often take place outside the cities, travel costs are common for photographers. Transportation to locations like Naivasha or Mombasa can add up, and photographers need to factor this into their pricing, especially for out-of-town clients.
Final Thoughts: Is Wedding Photography in Kenya a Good Career?
So, how much does wedding photography make in Kenya? While earnings vary, experienced photographers who understand the market and build strong brands can do very well. Some photographers can make six figures, while others may earn a more modest income depending on their business choices.
Wedding photography can be an exciting career, with the opportunity to capture beautiful moments and celebrate Kenya’s diverse cultural traditions. For photographers who are dedicated and willing to invest in their business, it’s a rewarding path—financially and personally.
Whether you’re shooting an intimate Koito ceremony or a grand wedding in Karen, wedding photography is all about preserving memories.
And that’s priceless.
Leave a Reply