Why is Professional Photography so Expensive?
I get this question a lot… or rather this response to my pricing….
“WOW, that is out of our budget!” or “let me talk to my husband”….commence ghosting never to be heard from again.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a full believer in budgets and talking to spouses about expenses too, which is why my prices are what they are. I have a budget just like you. In my budget I need an income to pay the bills too. My prices aren’t pulled out of hat and no I don’t make $100/hour (a girl can dream though…someday maybe). My prices are bases on my COBD (Cost of doing business) and a reasonable wage for my family.
Let’s break it down:
TIME
EQUIPMENT
EDUCATION
EXPENSES
TIME: Photographers spend HOURS sorting through photos and editing. This is not counting the time we have already spent setting up the shoot, sending contracts and invoices, driving to venues or planning and setting up studio sets, and taking the photos. A photographer’s day does not end when the session is over. There is hours of work after the session that goes into making beautiful art from the memories we’ve captured. An average session requires 8 hours of my time.
EQUIPMENT: Professional Photography equipment is expensive! Camera bodies, lenses, lighting, backdrops, props and editing software are just a few of the items that photographers regularly purchase and upgrade and upkeep. A camera body alone can cost up to $5000. Good gear & equipment helps me as an artist to create beautiful imagery for you!
EDUCATION: Some may say "oh she just picked up a good camera.” Not so. Though I don’t have a formal photography degree (why is a topic for another day) I have spend thousands of hours and dollars on education. I have taken workshops (which I now teach), spend hours online in classes and learning to perfect my art. I have been shooting and honing my craft for 8 years. I now enjoy spending some of my time teaching others and helping create more future artists.
EXPENSES: This is a big one! Even my hubby was surprised by the backend costs of running my business. To name a few monthly expenses, website building and upkeep, editing software, business software, photo storage, marketing costs, paying employees, travel fees….the list goes on. This doesn’t include regular bills that need to be paid. Remember, this is our career, not a hobby.
Photographers need to support their families too. So when you see stunningly beautiful portraits on my social media and think I would love to have that type of art in my home displayed of my family. Just remember that beautifully memories captured and displayed are an investment. Invest in your memories! There is nothing better than looking through old photographs and remembering all the details of time that is so fleeting!
So let’s do it. Let’s book that session (even if the price tag stings a little) It’s worth it. It matters. Let’s book your session today. You need to savor that belly bump, the magic moment of becoming a parent, those tiny toes, those toddler giggles, or even that teenage sass. Or maybe it’s those tender moments or wrestles with Dad, those mommy kisses and snuggles, or the love between spouses that is still there even after 10+ years and lots of little ankle biters. Even better the magnigicent hands of an aging parent, or the tender relationship of 40 years of marraige, I love to be a small part in keeping it all alive! I love what I do. Let me do it for you!
I’d love to be your photographer. Remember you are supporting a small business….and another family when you choose me to be your photographer.
