This is the first post of two featuring and incredibly fun family I was blessed to photograph recently. A quick summer storm kept us inside for the evening but that was ok….we had fun and really were allowed to play all over their gorgeous summer rental. This is such a fun option for me….I get to photograph kids jumping on the beds, reading, day dreaming out the window….all kinds of “kid” things. Hope you enjoy.
I found myself speechless. In my mind, I couldn’t put together a short and sweet response. My first thought was, “Isn’t it obvious”? I don’t mean that in a vain manner though. Still, after a weeks time had passed, that answer just doesn’t really say a whole lot about what I do, how I do it and how much time, energy, thought and passion goes into what I do as well as other professional photographers. I found a better explanation while perusing a new website, Professional Child Photographer, and immediately, I knew that a more formal response to this legitimate question was needed. Please read the article below. It will help explain why professional photography prices are what they are. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Marianne Drenthe for writing this article and allowing members of the professional photography community post this on their website to help educate those looking to hire a professional photographer. More informing articles can be found on the Professional Child Photographer website as well.
Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.
Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:
“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”
The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.
COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.
Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.
APPLES to ORANGES:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ “professional” prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”.
Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.
REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:
Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..
Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.
I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.
content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography
author: Marianne Drenthe
website: www.professionalchildphotographer.com for more information
Alison will be attending the NC Debutante Ball in Raleigh, NC this coming September. It’s such a fun and exciting time for many young women across the state….all my best to Alison!
This is the second feature of this wonderful family I recently photographed in Corolla, NC. I really love having the chance to work with individual families….and to include the parents as part of the session. Many times I hear parents say, “ah…it’s more about the kids and not so much about us.” Well that’s fine…but in the end, I can’t help but wonder if the kids, as adults, are going to miss seeing their parents as part of the images when they were on vacation? I hope I’m making sense. I’m always behind the camera so I rarely have images of myself playing with my kids….but those I do have, I cherish.
The Henze family has a special bond…they mentioned being high school sweethearts!
I had a great time with the Henze family. I’ve selected a few favs to show…
Good morning everyone! Currently my blog is down and has been down for a week….I am able to write and post text but not include images. Vera with Photoidentities will be working more indepth with me today to see if we can fix the bug that has plagued my blog. She has been so helpful and I can’t say enough great things about working with her. I am anxious to make new posts….so thank you ahead of time for being patient.
If you are a bride looking for wedding vendors on the Outer Banks that will make your destination wedding complete and all that you want it to be….then I highly recommend you go to this website for local resources and ideas, www.outerbanksbeachweddings.com.
I will also be adding information on brides who can have Pilates Parties for their guests or bridesmaids during the week they are in the area. Yes…a vacation is supposed to be restful but one hasn’t experienced a morning full of energy until they have started their day with pilates in an outdoor setting that’s totally catered to the bride. I have found this to be a fantastic energizer and Patti Waller is incredible at gauging the workout to fit the group. She changes the routine to keep you interested and adds enough interest to keep you challenged but not feeling like “you just can’t go on!” It’s quite the opposite….I have more energy and enthusiasm AFTER the class then I do going into it every morning. So keep Pilates Parties in mind when you’re in the area. Patti will either come to your location or you can go to Patti!
Warm regards,
Mary Basnight
Erin and Scott decided to have their engagement session at the Whalehead Club in Corolla, NC. It’s a beautiful location and I think we could have played all day…. Eric and Scott selected images from this shoot and asked me to create a custom coffee table book that they could use at their wedding reception as a more personal Guest Book. Family and friends were delighted by the surprise! I included extra pages for the signatures and best wishes section. Some of the images that filled the book are shown here:
