Why do photographers charge so much?

Photo session prices that are hundreds of dollars might seem like a lot when phones take good photos, right? Well, photographers have justified reasons for their pricing.

Some see photography as just clicking a button, but what people don’t consider is how much photographers put into photoshoots outside of the time photographing the client. Professional photographers spend thousands of dollars on equipment alone plus the years of developing their craft and learning all the best techniques that go into their style of work. 

If you think that a photographer is overpriced, consider how much you would have to invest to get professional gear and the experience to use that gear to create high quality images. The average professional camera ranges from $700-3500 for just the body and then $300-2000 for each lens. Photographers invest in editing software subscriptions, educational courses, any camera repairs, memory cards, hard drives or storage services, computers with upgraded specs, lighting, and many other devices to be able to provide their service. 

I think that if you don’t see that value translated — that is fine —just like it’s fine that some don’t think a Gucci belt is worth the $500 price tag. We all try to invest in what we think is worth it. If the cost of the photo session outweighs the cost of them not having updated professional photos, that is a valid conclusion. I don’t think you should spend money on anything you won’t get a worthwhile benefit from, so if you are weighing pros and cons, consider what lacking professional photos means to you and what that dollar amount means to you.

I am admittedly very biased, but having photos that capture big moments in life or images that represent the best version of yourself are valuable if not priceless. You aren’t just buying photos, you are investing in a way to remember and celebrate graduating, getting married, having a baby, getting a new job, or how amazing you feel when taking time to dress up for yourself.