Why Does a Professional Photographer Cost So Much?

It is no secret that hiring the use of a professional photographer is not a cheap thing to do. Many a time I have been asked why a shoot can’t be cheaper, surely taking photos isn’t that expensive? So I have put together a little outline of what you get for your money when booking a photographer to capture your family memories.

• Training and experience; any photographer worth their salt has received ongoing extensive training into being the best they can be in their field. I have attended several residential courses and refresh my training every year. I also work with a mentor to ensure I continue to progress and do the absolute best work I can.
• Equipment; professional-grade photography equipment, such as cameras, lenses, lighting equipment and tripods come at a high price. Photographers invest in high-quality gear to ensure they give the best possible images. All equipment needs to be maintained to keep it in good working order, and this contributes to the costs.
• Session planning; a successful photoshoot requires careful planning and coordination. The photographer needs to understand the client’s requirements for the photo shoot, and then act accordingly. When I do bluebell mini shoots I monitor the bluebells every day to make sure the families I photograph get them at their best and not as they’re going past their best. Sometimes I’m asked to use a certain prop or background, and that all takes organising.
• Post-production and editing; there is a saying amongst photographers that every hour spent taking photographs is equivalent to 3 hours in post-production. Images need to be processed, which involves careful editing and retouching to enhance lighting and correct colours. This requires specialised software and skills to bring out the best in each photograph.
• Overhead expenses; like any business, photographers have overheads that bump up their cost of doing business. This includes things like studio rent, insurance, website maintenance, and marketing to name but a few. These expenses are factored into the overall price structure.

In summary, once it’s all broken down you can see why hiring the skills of a professional photographer may stretch the budget a bit, but when entrusting your precious family in someone else’s hands, it’s fair to say you want the most trained person for the job. Never scrimp onprice when looking for a newborn photographer; you need someone who is well trained and also trained in safety rather than someone who is cheap. I always try to keep my prices as low as possible because I want photography to be accessible to everyone. If you have any questions regarding pricing, drop me a message and we can have a chat.