Why are you charging so much?

Before I started shooting (3+ years ago), I wanted a deal on my family photography. I thought paying more than $50 a session was way over priced. I feel bad now that I was so naive and ignorant to the work of the photographer. I now realize that the photographer is not just spending 1 hour of their time with me and my family.  It is much more involved than that.

Here is a breakdown on the time I spend for each session:

booking time: 45 minutes (client contact time, location scouting + any paperwork)
prep & travel time: approx 45 minutes
actual sooting time: 90 minutes-2 hours
uploading, editing and preparing CD: 5-8 hours

This is a very conservative estimate. It is time that I could be spending with my family or on other responsibilities. But just considering the time involved in a session is not enough. I have spent thousands of dollars (scarey, huh) on equipment including camera, lens, lighting, computer, software editing programs, color calibration system, props etc. Not only that, I am afraid to estimate the amount of time I have spent over the last 3 years learning the art. I read, research, take classes, contribute to on-line forums, participate in webinars, mentor other aspiring photogrpahers and am mentored. Not to mention the couple of college courses I took.

Let's just say that I think that my current rate of $150 IS a bargain. We all want a deal and you are getting one if you scheduled a session with me this year!!

For more information please review the Professional Children's Photographers' website.