$Money Money$- An answer to the age old question.

"WHY do Photographers Charge 'so much'?!" Ha. Let me give you the run down. And before I begin, I would like to point out that FOR THE QUALITY, my prices are extremely fair in my area- and I could be charging a lot more. But- I want people to comfortably be able to afford my work- and you all know, if you are one of my repeat clients, you get good deals ;) So. We start with the Photographer (go way back to education and start with that number) (We'll use me), and your session. Up to date cameras are a must, and now we need to add on lenses,that give you different results in images- flashes, to control your light- diffusers to adjust it. Then we have tripods, filters, bags. And then you can double that up for back up equipment. Lets chalk that up to...oh we'll low end it for a start- $3,000 (I wish)- right on up to $20,000+ in some cases-worth of equipment to make your photos.- Backdrop stands, backdrops,accessories,props that I hand pick at antique stores, tag sales, etc. BUT- it doesnt stop at your session, does it? Nope. Then I go home to carefully cull through, and process your images. On my computer (add price here) with photo shop (CS6)(retails for what? $1600.00?) And then I spend hours upon hours on your images, going through them, editing out any un wanted details, touch ups, color changes, ect. So next, we move on to packaging. There are the discs that you preview your images on, the packaging that I hand assemble to give that extra special touch. The business cards, and the cost to mail your package to you if need be. We can add contracts in here, the paper and ink that is used to print your session, and my wedding contracts. The cost of legalities and other buisness related issues. Marketing. Networking. Emails. Website Maintenance. Workshops. It all takes time, and costs money. Not to mention gas, mileage, and time away from our families, (And I have a 2 year old) even when we are at home. BUT I love it. You have to if you want to succeed. So I do it, happily. But it has to be worth my time as well. It is my JOB. Just like any other person. So when we get questions, or remarks like "Well, can I have the unedited images too?" or "I dont need them edited, can I have a discount for that?" It is A-insulting, and B- we are artists, editing is part of our process, and helps us to enhance features that we can't inside of the camera. Or "Can you give me a break on that price?" do you go to the gas station and ask for a break on gas? It's no different. Or The very common, wanting to have your wedding photographed for $1,000.00 or less (a solid $1500.00 LESS than the average price for wedding photography in my area) Let's break that down by the hour, to pay myself, and my second shooter. For the DAY, and for the weeks of editing that come after the wedding day. DON'T GET ME WRONG! I have given some awesome deals on weddings because I CHOSE TO- but when it is expected, and argued upon, it's not fair, and not right. And Dare I even mention the ever so popular "It must be so fun to get paid for taking pictures every day." (Please don't ever say that to me, or to any photographer) Now, with all that being said. I love what I do, and I love working with everyones budgets, to make sure that it is possible for you to come to me for your photos. And not have to waste your money at a chain studio, where you KNOW you won't be as happy with your images, because they wont work to capture the real "you". It is really hard for me when someone argues my price. It makes me feel like an awful person, and puts me in a really hard spot. I dont just take your money and run after your hour long session. I might even work longer hours than you do. (in most cases) I work a good, 60 hour week. So the next time you have an issue with an independant Photographer's prices. Save your self the grief, and go to JC Penney's or Picture People. And let me know how that works out for you ;) And to all of my WONDERFUL CLIENTS, I love you all, and I wouldn't be where I am without every single one of you. None of this is directed toward any of you, because you have never done it! And I am so thankful for that :) xoxoxox