With this economy headed into the pooper, I’ve heard some people ask the inevitable questions:

               Why should I pay for professional photos, when I can take photos that look great with my phone? Why are professional photos so “expensive”?

                In this post, I’ll answer that, as well as shed some light on why professional photo sessions cost what they do.

                First off, don't get it twisted....Professional photography is an actual investment. They are memories and images locked in time that will last forever. Professional photographs are not everyone's priority in their life, but I do believe it should be! Our families change so darn fast, and I think it's so important to capture that in every stage of life! However, I'm not too daft to realize that everyone prioritizes where they would like to spend their money.  And not everyone values amazingly crisp, sharp and quality photographs like I do!

                I feel like with a little bit of education, I can show you why it's worth the investment. It's not as easy as clicking a button. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say that, I wouldn't have to work anymore! LOL

                Here is what a typical session booking can look like.

                You contact me to inquire about a session. From there, there is some back and forth regarding dates and times and locations. Sometimes, we talk for months before you actually come see me! I love that time, getting to know you.  But that can be some time consuming chats prior to even seeing you in person.

                You come in for your session and we have a blast! Your session can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on what you are coming to see me for. 

                After your session, I head home and immediately start working on culling and editing your photos. Now, because I’m absolutely insane, I get them done quickly. But that is because I sit down at my computer and I don’t leave for the next 12 hours, editing so I can get your photos back to you as soon as humanly possible. THIS IS NOT NORMAL! For almost anyone! Typically, other photographers are better at time management and upholding household tasks than I am, so they give a window of 1-3 or more weeks to get your photos back. I’m obsessive and I hyperfixate on editing, so I get mine done much faster, but again, that is not normal. But in the editing process, that is the most time consuming part of a session. It may seem like your session was only one hour long, but it is definitely much more than that.

                Once you have received your proofing gallery, there is some back and forth regarding making your choices for your gallery download and delivery. There may be some more communication regarding where and how to print as well.

                However, your part in the session and pricing is actually quite minimal.  The other considerations that go into how we have to factor out our pricing can include, but are not limited to:

o   Camera

o   Multiple lenses

o   Memory cards

o   Batteries

o   Studio lighting

o   Rent for studio  space

o   Props

o   Blankets

o   Backdrops

o   Time and travel to locations

o   Computer

o   Computer programs

o   Website

o   Proofing website

o   Hosting

o   Client management programs

o   Online education

o   In person workshops

o   Professional printing and framing

o   Business and liability insurance

o   Accountants

o   Lawyer fees

              All of these expenses cost thousands of dollars to obtain and or maintain. A lot of us use a calculation that generates our Cost of Doing Business.  Depending on that calculation, that determines what we NEED to make, just to break even, let alone make a profit.  This is why cost can vary from photographer to photographer.

               You are also paying for the years of experience the artist has. Someone just starting out will very likely charge less than someone who has been shooting for thirteen years. The years of experience will also very likely determine the quality of your photos, however I’ve seen some new photographers whose work is phenomenal! But again, you are paying for that expertise and talent.

                Why can’t you use your cellphone? Well…..you can. However, the quality will never be the same. Phone cameras just plain ol’ do not possess the same characteristics required to print your photos with the clarity and quality that a DSLR does. That’s just fact. A cellphone image will not print as large as a DSLR image can, without pixilation. If you are paying purely to have digital photos, the phone will be decent for that. Provided the person operating the phone understands lens distortion that occurs with the phone.  Portrait style photographs with a phone will never be the same as portrait photography with a DSLR.

                 I suppose it really all boils down to what is most important to you. I always advocate to get those photos by any means necessary. Photos are the one thing that will remain FOREVER. As long as you actually PRINT them. Hard drives fail. Hard copies are the way to go!  If you prioritize amazing quality photos, you definitely need to invest in a professional photography session. Let me stress, professional photography IS an investment. But it is an investment that will last a lifetime. Your great-grandkids will be looking at your photos long after you are gone. I think that’s amazing!

                I’ve had people save for months just to have the experience of a session with me, and I’ve never had anyone tell me they regret it.

                But again, if it is between getting photos by any means necessary, and nothing at all….Go with any means necessary. But be very aware of the limitations of a cellphone image.

                 I am so incredibly passionate about capturing these moments in time with your family. I genuinely want everyone to have these memories. The seratonin boost you get when looking back in time with your family...there's no feeling quite like it. If you have to save for a bit prior to getting these photos done, please do that! I promise you, it's so worth it. I'm so incredibly grateful for every single person who has come in front of my camera over the past 13 years. I get so much joy from providing my art to you!