05/13/2026
A lot of people see a $550 photoshoot and assume photographers are making $550 in profit. Truthfully… that number disappears fast. 😅📷
Here’s a little peek behind the scenes 👇
Session total: $550
• Taxes set aside immediately25% gone right off the top$550 → $412.50
• Payment processing fees$412.50 → around $395
• SD cards + storage backupBecause your memories matter and need multiple backups$395 → around $265–$330
• Business subscriptions + monthly costsGallery delivery, website, editing programs, cloud storage, scheduling systems, etc.$265–$330 → around $215–$280
• Studio expensesRent, electricity, internet, props, furniture, client closet, cleaning supplies, upkeep$215–$280 → around $65–$230
• Gas + travelEspecially for on-location sessionsAnd now we’re even lower.
And none of that includes:
✨ camera gear upgrades✨ lens repairs/replacements✨ insurance✨ continuing education✨ advertising✨ computers + hard drives✨ hours of editing✨ client communication✨ planning sessions✨ culling galleries✨ social media/content creation✨ bookkeeping✨ late nights + early mornings
Photography is so much more than snapping a few pictures. Behind every gallery is a small business owner investing countless hours, money, creativity, and heart into preserving memories that families will hold onto forever. ❤️
