Potential Customers, have you ever wondered why a photographer charges what they do?
Photographers, do you get this question a lot?
Photographers, do you get this question a lot?
I know there have been blogs and posts making their way around social media explaining why they charge what they do, but I guess I wanted to create my own as well.
When I first started out I was one of those amateur photographers who said "I'll never charge what all those other photographers charge, it's a hobby, I love it too much". Well, I still do LOVE it as much as I did when I started out but I quickly came to realize that the money I get paid by customers is not, and will never be, "Milk Money" or "Pocket Money".
Each session I do is unique to my client, and to my portfolio. I want my client to view their gallery and know that it is custom to their needs. So in order to do this, some time is spent online researching and getting inspiration in order to create something specifically for them.
So, let's start from the beginning to see what needs to be done and paid for in order to execute some awesome newborn sessions:
1) Research . (TIME)
(1/2 hour to 1 hour worth of time)
This requires some imaginative thought and visual inspiration.
2) Props. (MONEY or TIME if you make your own)
(headbands $12, hats $30, sets $65, material and vinyl backdrops $100, plus all other accessories $$$)
A newborn session just wouldn't be possible without all those adorable newborn props!
3) All necessities needed for baby's session (MONEY)
(wipes, heater, white noise, diapers, pacifiers etc)
4) Posers for Baby (MONEY)
(Large pillow and all necessary posers to help position baby)
5) Equipment (MONEY)
Camera, lenses, SD cards, Battery, Lighting, backdrop stands etc)
6) Heat (MONEY)
The room must be cozy & warm for baby in order for him/her to sleep
7) Laundry (TIME & MONEY)
It's inevitable that all babies will pee & poo, so all soiled blankets and props need to be washed
and sanitized.
8) Computer (MONEY)
Photoshop, Lightroom and most photography software costs money
9) Culling and Editing (TIME)
Each image is looked at closely to see if it is "edit worthy" and once all winning images are selected, the images will then be edited.
10) Facebook (TIME & MONEY)
In order to keep my fans active and interested in my posts and images I purchase BOOST, to get my work out there for all to see.
11) Client Galleries (TIME & MONEY)
A custom online gallery of all client images are sent to them in an easy and useful email and mobile app. In order to keep this useful tool, it is required to pay annual fees.
12) Setup & Take down (TIME)
I am not lucky enough as of yet to have my own studio, so I use my home (dining room) to do each newborn session.
I am sure I missed so much more. So Photographers! Please feel free to add any add-ons in the comments below.....
I ended with the Setup & Take down because I wanted to create a visual for all those that don't know how much time & work is put into setting up and taking down. It takes me me a total of and hour to get the studio ready and to put my dining room back together after a session hours later. So, it makes perfect sense why a deposit is required. If you are a no show or call last minute to cancel, at least the deposit pays for some of the time spent preparing etc.
I took this video with my GoPro3. I couldn't get the camera to work fully for me for take down, but at least you get an idea of what it takes to set up.
