12/05/2023
Here is a gentle psa to people looking for photographers đź“Ł
Please stop asking for “reasonably priced” “affordable” or a photographer that “wont break the bank”
1. Its extremely vague. What you may find to be expensive may be considered cheap to someone else or vice versa
2. It’s actually hurtful to assume that a photographer is unreasonable in their pricing when we lose approximately 30% of our income to taxes and more to gear, websites, customer management programs (yes it costs us money to just send you contracts, collect payments, and deliver your photos) this doesn’t even touch on stocking our client closets, purchasing props, paying thousands in continuing education, workshops, and safety courses- if you’ve ever received newborn photos hopefully your photographer has been certified in newborn photography so they know how to pose your baby safely and avoid poses that avoid cutting off circulation, their airway, or even what paints should be avoided in the studio. Running a business isn’t cheap or easy. Our prices reflect what goes into it, our level of expertise, and more.
3. Photography is a luxury service, I would love it if everyone was able to afford a great photographer that captured beautiful timeless photos for their family. However, our cost of doing business and the basic human right to have a living wage isn’t dependent upon what you think we are worth or the value you place on photography.
When searching for a photographer it’s helpful to post your budget. This way photographers that are in your budget can comment or reach out to you and you don’t have to sift through a ton of comments of photographers beyond your price range. Everyone’s budget and the value they place on portraits are different, it’s okay if you only want $200 photos. It’s okay if you want $2000 photos. It’s not okay to disparage someone based on your personal pocketbook.
Signed,
A Tired Photographer
