As a parent and an individual with limited funds, I understand the struggle of wanting things that don’t always fit within our budget constraints. We all face this common dilemma, and you’re not alone.
I am never upset or offended if the prices on my website don’t align with everyone’s budget. Photographers will all have different prices; some are more expensive than others, and for good reason.
Photographers charge different levels of cost for their service, time, and investment in everything that goes into photography. This is not just a reflection of the value they bring to your special moments but also an investment in preserving your memories in the best possible way. This investment ensures that your memories are not just captured, but preserved in a way that you can cherish for a lifetime.
That said, I understand the common misconceptions that come up with customers, which can be very frustrating for customers and photographers who, like me, have the very best customer service and have been educated at the cost of thousands and over 35k in gear and props, insurances and subscriptions.
I often see this kind of message on Reddit or other forums, which spurred me to write this post.
“I only want a few images of my wedding, newborn, engagement, etc., and I don’t want to pay more than £xxx. Where can I go?”
Someone also once told me that they didn’t need to hire a photographer because their Dad knew someone with a camera, but that’s not comparable.
When it comes to newborn photography, safety and professionalism are paramount. Do you really want to risk your precious newborn with someone who just has a real camera?
Professional photographers, like myself, have the necessary training and experience to handle such delicate situations, ensuring the safety and comfort of your newborn throughout the session.
They must learn about light, pose, and quickly connect with people. The Latin word Photography means “painting with light,” and this is what a photographer does. They see light and composition in a way the average person can’t and know how to use this to make beautiful images. Then, there is all the time taken post-processing, which can be hours, depending on the number of images.
We have mobile phones that snap pictures of babies, events, etc., that we can edit or delete on our phones. These images can, at best, be printed no bigger than a credit card before losing quality. They sit on hard drives or are posted on social media, at best. This can devalue the idea of photographs that take time and hard work to create because we are so used to this AI and filtered instant gratification that mostly doesn’t even look like us.
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So why is it that some photographers charge so little?
The answer is simple—they are not professionals yet. They fake it till they make it and are usually amateurs or photography students hoping to make a portfolio of work. They charge less when they have not practised enough and need to improve; you are a guinea pig. They often charge reduced rates or work for free. I practised for years on my children and family for free and only charged once I won awards for my work and knew I could provide a consistently good product and service. Some photographs have less overhead than others, like studios and props, which are unnecessary for certain photography work.
The problem with “hiring” a cheap or non-professional photographer.
Opting for a low-cost photographer can lead to disappointing outcomes, including poor-quality images, delayed or non-delivery of the product, and even cancellations due to the photographer’s lack of experience and commitment. They may also use unprofessional excuses like double booking, which can frustrate clients.
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The problem with hiring a professional!
You have to pay and book ahead, and it won’t be cheap if it is good. Just like a plumber charges a call-out fee and then additional fees for the work, a professional photographer’s pricing reflects the thousands of hours they’ve invested in developing their skills and knowledge. You’re not just paying for the hours they’re physically present, but for the expertise and experience they bring to your project.
As a professional, I cannot block out a full day’s shooting to provide “a few pics” for someone.
I will charge the same flat “call out” fee of £150 per session, and then whatever number of images a customer wants will be charged separately.
This allows me to offer smaller packages for customers on a smaller budget or those who prefer fewer images. My discerning customers prefer a few quality images over more images from an amateur.
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So, frustration often arises when a customer expects professional-level work but is only prepared to pay for amateur prices. The difference lies in the quality, consistency, and expertise. While amateurs may offer lower prices, they often lack the experience, training, and equipment that professionals have, resulting in a less satisfying experience for the customer. This situation also harms professional photographers because bad experiences can put people off from future bookings.
When there is no exchange of money, there is no commitment.
Lorna Knightingale
Then, both parties risk being let down by each other.
I educate people about why we charge for a professional service to combat this issue. A short shoot is not thirty minutes of click-and-done. This is capturing memories and stories of your life. I know that not everyone can afford a professional. If you are happy working with someone new to photography because you trust them, it could be a family member. By all means, work with them knowing that the results may vary, be realistic and understand that if you want something consistently good that will stand the test of time, it must be beautifully lit, posed, photographed and edited to perfection. Then it’s wise to book your photographer with a speciality in the field and a gallery of consistent work that matches your taste.
Find out if the photographer you hired is a professional and if they’re a good fit.
• Read reviews
• Find out how long a photographer has been working in the business.
• Learn what your taste is. Do you prefer colourful, moody, light, bright, black-and-white, posed, or unposed photos?
• Check the photographer’s website and galleries for the work you are interested in.
• Talk to the photographer before you book to see if you complement each other.
• Plan, put money aside, ask family to contribute to this gift at a baby shower, and book in advance to get your spot on the calendar.
• Read any literature your photographer sends you.
