If you’ve ever booked a family photography session, you might have wondered, “Why does this cost so much for just an hour or two of taking photos?” It’s a totally fair question, and as someone who absolutely loves what I do, I wanted to pull back the curtain and give you a peek into what goes on behind the scenes. Let’s start with the more obvious parts.
Photo gear and Maintenance
Professional cameras, lenses, flashes, and tripods are not cheap! A good camera body alone can cost several thousand dollars. Add in lenses for different types of shots, extra flashes and batteries as backup equipment (because technology can fail), and regular maintenance, and it’s a significant investment. Replacing a camera body is a real thing. The shutter button on a camera can only be pressed down so many times. I remember the time I was shooting and all of a sudden my camera stopped working. It was just done. That’s it. Time to buy a new camera! Ouch.
Editing Software and Computers
After your session, I spend hours editing your photos to make sure they look just right. That means I need powerful editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop (both come with fees) and a reliable computer capable of handling those hefty files. Storing client’s images is another subject we take seriously. There should always be back-up. I use a LaCie hard drive for storage and also pay for storage somewhere ‘up there in the cloud’.
Education and Training
Photography trends and technology are always evolving, so I’m constantly learning to stay on top of my game. That means taking some online courses or maybe attending a workshop. This goes for posing, lighting, editing, Search Engine Optimazation (SEO) and many other things. All these things are connected to photography and running a business.
Business Expenses
Just like any other business, I have to cover the basics: website hosting (domain name and website provider, plug ins), gallery delivery software, marketing, accounting tools, insurance, and business licenses. All these things keep my business running smoothly so I can focus on giving you the best experience possible.
Studio Costs
Recently I’ve found a studio space I can use for headshots and smaller photo sessions. It is great for those yucky wet and cold days. We do live in New England after all! Having this space adds to my business insurance fees. Obviously there’s also rent and utilities to pay. To get the studio ready, purchases like chairs,rugs and lamps were made to make it comfortable to hang out and photograph in that space. Some studio lighting, a reflector, backdrops, a stool, power cords and a mirror made the set-up complete.
The Time Beyond the Session
Now, let’s talk about time. While your session might only take between an hour and two, there’s so much more happening.
Pre-Session Prep
Before we even meet, I spend time planning for your session—scouting locations, communicating with you about outfits and ideas and checking the weather. I think about back-up days and places, getting snacks, small waters, bubble blowing liquids, lint rollers, blankets and wipes and dog squeakers ready. I have to check and prepare my gear, charge all batteries, pack everything up and get memory cards ready.
Editing and Retouching
This is where the magic happens! Every image is carefully reviewed and edited to bring out the best colors, lighting, and details. On average, editing can take several hours per session.
Communication and Delivery
From the first inquiry email to delivering your final gallery, there’s a lot of back-and-forth to make sure everything goes smoothly and you’re thrilled with the results. I pour my heart into this work because I know how important these memories are. Capturing your family’s connection, joy, and love is something I don’t take lightly. Whether it’s your first family photo session, a crazy and fun multi-generational family shoot, a senior portrait or a lovely session with your dog, I’m here to make sure you’ll have images you treasure forever.
