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WHY DO YOU CHARGE SO MUCH?
Blogging with Brianna • June 14, 2021
WHY DO YOU CHARGE SO MUCH?
Blogging with Brianna
June 14, 2021
This is a super insulting question to ask anyone in the creative field. So just …. don’t. Instead – read this blog and share it with those who would like a better understanding of what goes into pricing with things like wedding photography or family photography.
This blog post topic is brought to you by way of inspiration from my cousin 🙂 I was not at all offended when he asked me about photography pricing and why it’s so high, because he’s family and I know his question came out of a real desire to understand. But this immediately made me thing that I should talk about it. So here we are!
What goes into pricing for photography? No. Despite what you might think, it is not just an arbitrary number we come up with. It’s not ego… well maybe a little bit is ego, but well deserved ego 😀
Here is how professional photographers build their pricing and decide what they NEED to charge in order for a session to be worth their time, effort and talent:
Factor 1: The basics.
Education. Not everyone can check this box with an actual degree, but most photographers can check this box with time and effort they have put in, and money they have spent educating themselves. Conventions, online courses, in person classes, etc. You might have a natural eye for beauty, but that doesn’t mean s-h-i-t if you don’t know how to apply it, or how to use your gear. I personally have a Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography – so for me, the education part is all encompassing. I have a degree in my field, and I continue to spend money and time furthering my education and constantly am learning new techniques, equipment, and also – what they don’t teach you in art school… HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS.
Factor 2: Overhead.
What does it cost to run a photography business? This might shock you. I don’t often share these numbers but I think it’s important. Every photographer’s overhead varies. But there are things that across the board, every professional photographer HAS to spend money on. These things include, but are not limited to: cost of equipment, cleaning/maintenance of equipment, insurance of equipment, liability insurance, contract/booking programs, editing & culling subscriptions, computer equipment, editors, back up systems, studio space, ADVERTISING, website building/design/upkeep,…. the list goes on and on. If you are a full time photographer – guess what… none of these bills stopped during Covid. So keep that in mind. With little to nothing coming in, all of these bills still had to get paid. Overhead for a full time photography business can be upwards of $50,000.00 per year…
Factor 3: Experience / Talent…. TIME.
YES – these are extremely valuable. When you hire a professional, they know exactly what they are doing. They know what lighting, timing, posing, etc. to use at the drop of a hat. I am of the belief that our time is the most valuable thing we have to give to another person… because it’s the one thing we can’t get back. Let that sink in.
Factor 4: Value.
This is probably the most important thing that people miss when trying to understand what they are getting when they hire a professional photographer. The best way I can express it is with this scenario: Your house is on fire. All people and pets are safe. What is the first thing you grab to take with you after your loved ones are safe? MOST people would say, photographs, albums, or hard drives that hold their photos. Why is that? Because those images are your legacy. They’re your life story. They are your most prized possessions because they are all you have left after the moment is gone. One day the memories will fade, but the photos help reignite them. One day your kids will look at your wedding photos and probably have them in their own home… One day your kids will be graduating high school, college… in the blink of an eye, your babies will be grown up… and all you’ll have to remember the early days, are your photos. If THAT is not value to you…. then clearly you’re not a fan of photography 😉 To me, these times, these days, these memories – are all priceless. I should charge more 😉
These four things are the majority of what goes into how we determine what we will charge. The question you have to ask yourself when making a decision to hire a professional photographer is, what will these images be worth to me 10 years from now? 20 years? What value will my children and grandchildren find in these? Divide the cost up by how many years you think you’ll cherish those images for. If it’s a lifetime… or two lifetimes… then it should be worth every penny. How many other things do you spend money on that last that long?
Here’s a look at a repeat wedding share This gorgeous wedding at SaddleRock Ranch in Malibu is still one of my favorites.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Josh & Jaz! Two years and two babies for this power couple.
For more information on booking wedding photography, OR getting your family portraits on the calendar – visit http://www.briannacaster.com and send us a message.
Book Early to secure your spot! Family photographers are usually booked out months before the holidays, so you can't expect to book your session last minute. If you wait until November or December to schedule, you might find yourself scrambling for availability. Consider planning ahead, think early fall or even august. That way you’ll not only secure a spot on your photographer’s calendar but also have plenty of time to prepare outfits, discuss location options, and finalize all the details. Put down the Santa hats I know, it’s very tempting to get those shots of your little ones in a Santa hat, but going all out with holiday-themed props and outfits means those photos look like they only belong on the wall for about a month. Of course Santa hats and holiday lights are fun, but they can make your photos feel dated once the season passes. Instead, go for a timeless approach by choosing outfits and settings that look classic and elegant, so your family portraits can be displayed year-round without looking like you forgot to put away the holiday decor. Think neutrals, earthy tones, and classic clothes that never go out of style. Pick a Location that your family holds close to their hearts If you're planning ahead (which you should be) you get the advantage of some extra time to pick a beautiful location that holds meaning to your family. Whether it’s a cozy home session, a beautiful park, or a location that holds sentimental value, taking the time to select the right spot will ensure your photos encapsulate the essence of your unique family. Think about the place that brings you comfort and peace. We all feel our best when there's familiarity. Plus it helps the kids feel a little more at ease! Coordinate, Don’t Match Out are the days of the classic red flannel pj sets. Family photos should feel cohesive, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to wear identical outfits. opt for coordinated colors and styles that reflect each family member’s personality instead of matching. This will ensure that you'll all have your own sense of style while still looking polished together. Planning this in advance allows you to curate looks that feel authentic without the pressure of shopping for last minute outfits Incorporate Personal Touches Timeless doesn’t have to mean boring! You're more than welcome to add personal touches,like a favorite blanket, family heirloom, or even your pet— it will make your photos feel more intimate and uniquely you. The key is to ensure that these elements compliment the session, without taking the attention away from your family Plan for the Unexpected Planning early is the best thing you can do, especially if you're someone who tends to be a little indecisive or pay too much attention to detail. It gives you a buffer so you have some time to focus on all the little details in between, or maybe even explore some shoot locations beforehand. It also allows for rescheduling due to weather, someone falling ill, or anything else that might poop up. Enjoy the Process Perhaps the best part of planning ahead for your family photo session is that you can actually enjoy the overall process. There’s no last-minute scrambling for outfits, rushing to find the perfect photographer, or stress about timing. Instead, you can relax, knowing that everything is organized and ready to go. In fact, I encourage my clients to make a family day of your session, maybe stop at a cute cafe on the way there. It's your time to make everything a little special and make some memories. Timeless Photos for Every Season By incorporating these tips and focusing on creating timeless family portraits rather than seasonal holiday shots, you’ll have photos that stand the test of time and can be displayed proudly in your home all year long. So, don’t wait until the last minute—start planning your session today to ensure it’s everything you want and more, without the added stress. Happy planning! Let Us Handle the Details! Deciding on the optimal spots and styles for your photo displays can easily become overwhelming. You might be wondering where the best place is to display artwork in your home weather you want them as a statement piece or hallway decor. But don't worry,when you book with a full service photography studio like ours, we make the entire process seamless and enjoyable. We handle everything, from prepping your kids for a fun photo session, helping you select outfits that align with your artistic vision,and we take the reins when designing your final artwork. So while planning everything might seem daunting, partnering with us means you can relax and enjoy the moment!
Planning a summer wedding?
Lindsay & Jesse at The University Club
New Paragraph
New Paragraph
I can’t believe we launched Shy Heart Studios just over six years ago now. I’ve never focused on our anniversary until this year…. year six. That was not intentional, I just didn’t think much of it and was always too busy in January every year to give it any thought.
After a year like 2020 I’ve decided there’s only one way to go… and that way is up. Bigger. Better. More successful. There are no other options.
Prior to 2020 had you ever heard the words “Micro Wedding” ? No? that’s because 2020, and the global pandemic invented them!
TA couple of weeks ago I was stumped on what to blog about, so I put a poll out on Instagram to see if anyone would share some things they’d like to have me touch on in my Blog. I got some really great suggestions! I still ran out of time to blog that day… and the next… and the next… but here we are. I finally have found some time!