As we head into busy season for photography, I wanted to share some insights for all those booking photographers this season (and beyond). We know everyone has budgets, and prices vary from photographer to photographer. But the truth is, you usually get what you pay for. When you book a photographer, you’re paying for more than just the images; you’re investing in an experience, in artistry, and in the years it took to master their craft.
A common misconception is dividing the total cost of a session by the number of images, as if each shot is simply a line item. That might work for products on a shelf, but with photography, there’s so much more. Let me explain:
What Your Session Really Covers
1. Time: In any job, people are paid for their time—and photographers deserve the same respect. Each session fee covers more than just the hour we spend together. Planning, shooting, editing, and communicating with clients all take hours. For each hour spent photographing, there are typically 3-4 hours editing, not to mention all the other work involved behind the scenes.
2. Skill: You chose your photographer because you loved their work, right? It takes skill to capture those images, edit them to perfection, pose clients naturally, select flattering locations, and even provide wardrobe advice. Each of these tasks reflects years of experience and ongoing training to bring you the very best results.
3. Costs: Every business has costs, and photography is no exception. Just like stores mark up prices to cover overhead, photographers have to set rates that cover their expenses and allow them to make a fair wage. Think of it this way: You wouldn’t try to negotiate the price of a painting at a gallery, and the same respect applies here.
The Real Cost of Making a Living Wage as a Photographer
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t go get a haircut and just walk out without paying, or have a nice meal at a restaurant and leave without settling the bill. You wouldn’t have someone fix your fence and then refuse to compensate them. Photography is no different. It’s a real profession, and it’s so important for it to be recognized as that. Behind every photograph, there’s not only a skilled eye but also hours of work, significant investments, and true dedication.
When you book a photographer, you’re not only paying for the images you receive but also for the hours that go into creating them. From planning and communication to the session itself, to hours of editing afterward—it’s a labor of love that requires time away from family and countless hours in front of a screen. And just like any other profession, photographers deserve to be compensated fairly for this time, their expertise, and the tools they use.
To make a living wage that covers business expenses and time spent on each session, a photographer’s rates reflect more than just a handful of images. Imagine this: for a photographer to earn a sustainable income, they often need to charge around a minimum of $500-$700 per session—this is the average rate needed when accounting for everything from gear upkeep to studio rental, software, marketing, and insurance.
This rate helps photographers break even on their costs and actually make a fair living from their hard work. Just as you’re paying a restaurant not just for the food but also for the chef’s expertise and the restaurant’s operational costs, booking a photographer means you’re investing in all the artistry, skill, and experience that brings those beautiful images to life.
Understanding the Value of Experience
Here’s a little story to put things in perspective. Imagine a ship’s engine breaks down, and a mechanical engineer with 40 years of experience is called in to fix it. He inspects the engine, taps a small spot with a hammer, and the engine roars back to life. The bill? $10,000. When the ship owner protests, asking why it’s so high, the engineer explains:
- Tapping with the hammer: $2
- Knowing exactly where to tap and how hard: $9,998
Photography is similar: it’s not just about taking a shot. It’s about knowing how to compose, light, and edit each image with precision, skills that only come with experience and investment.
The Hidden Costs of Photography
Photography is an art, but it’s also a business. Here’s a glimpse into what photographers invest to make your memories last:
- Gear: Professional cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Editing Software: High-quality editing software, which photographers use to perfect each image, costs hundreds per year.
- Gallery Delivery Systems: Sharing images in beautiful, high-resolution galleries requires specialized software and services.
Beyond costs, photographers invest heart and soul into their work. They’re creating something priceless that you get to keep forever. And when clients compensate fairly, they’re supporting not only a small business but families and also the passion that drives it.
Why Fair Payment Matters
When you pay for a photography session, you’re supporting an artist and a business owner. You’re allowing photographers to keep doing what they love, capturing the memories that mean so much to you. So next time you book a session, remember everything that goes into each image. It’s the training, equipment, time, and the personal touch that makes each photo a piece of art. When you compensate a photographer fairly, you’re not just paying for an image; you’re paying for a lifetime of experience, dedication, and love for the craft.
Thank you to all our clients for valuing what we do! Your support and understanding mean the world. Photographers are here to make your memories unforgettable, and with every session, we give it our all—from start to finish. ❤️
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk! ✌🏼 Happy Sunday, loves! Feel free to share!
