Why is photography so expensive? (And other stuff I hear)
Spoiler alert: No, it’s not just a case of turning up with a camera ‘that takes good pictures’…honest!
As I’ve said before, being a pro photographer in 2024 is a tricky business, and never more than when a potential client asks why (in a very saturated industry) can’t you charge less? You might look at a quote for a photoshoot and feel bit disgruntled that half a day is going to cost your business £300, or that a family photoshoot will require a payment of £175 (and after all, your camera has a really good phone, so why is it worth it?)
If you can say that yes, this has crossed your mind, then I hope the following is a useful guide to the value that hiring a professional photographer will bring to your project (and yes, you get what you pay for, so that other photographer offering to do it for £50? They’re probably not going to give you the results you’re after and may not even be insured).
As a jobbing photographer, here are some of the elements of what I do, why I charge my worth, and why it’s worth hiring a safe pair of hands 🙌🏼
The photography life:
Equipment Costs: High-quality cameras and lenses can be pricey, and rightly so. They have to be reliable, often shooting thousands of images per job. Additionally, camera technology advances rapidly, meaning keeping kit up to date (not to mention servicing it) is costly. But knowing how to use kit like this produces professional results and allows us photographers to capture images in challenging lighting conditions (ie parties and events!) And its not just camera kit - the editing software, the additional storage and hard drives, the computers, lighting kit…just like a good tradesman needs decent tools, we do too.
Time and Expertise: Photography isn't just about pressing a button; it's about skill, creativity, and often, extensive post-processing work. Clients don’t always realise the time and effort that goes into producing a single image - and I totally get that. When you get a quote for joinery, you may get a breakdown of materials and labour, which make it easier to absorb, and this isn’t the case with photography. But trust mw, from planning the shoot to editing the final photos, a significant amount of time and expertise is involved. And rather than overcharging, I can guarantee that most hardworking togs are just looking to get paid their worth - honest.
Business Expenses: Running a photography business entails various costs beyond just equipment. These can include studio rental fees, insurance, marketing, website hosting, software subscriptions, and taxes, plus regular servicing, as mentioned above. Photographers need to cover these expenses while also making a profit, just like everyone else.
Education and Skill Development: As someone who loves to learn, I typically invest a lot of time and money in honing my skills. I attend workshops, take courses, or pay online subscriptions to improve my abilities and stay updated with industry trends. The cost of education and skill development is often overlooked but can quickly contributes to expenses.
Quality Assurance: Clients sometimes assume that anyone with a camera can produce similar results, leading to the misconception that photography services are overpriced. But this really isn’t the case. As a photographer I offer quality assurance and consistency in my work. I know how to handle various lighting conditions, compose shots effectively, and deliver images that meet or exceed client expectations.
Client Expectations: Meeting client expectations often requires photographers to go above and beyond simply taking pictures. This might involve pre-shoot consultations, scouting locations, arranging props, directing subjects during the shoot, and providing post-shoot support. All these factors contribute to the overall cost but ensure a positive client experience. It’s not just a case of turn up and shoot :)
Why this might all sound very serious (and I do take it seriously) it’s also completely worth it when a customer comes back to me and tells me they love their images, that they’ve been able to use them so many times that it has paid for itself, or when a family tell me their gallery has brought them to tears, or surprised their mum/dad/grandparents with something really special.
So there you have it. A quick insight to tog life, and an answer to the question about why we charge what we do! 📸
