These are not my words as I’m re-posting this from Two Blooms Photography, but they are my stance, my beliefs if you will. I don’t think it is the intention of Two Blooms Photography, nor mine, to point a figure at or chastise anyone. Rather, as professional photographers we have done a poor job of educating out clients. So, here you go – appreciate the value of photography.
– Joe Randeen | 3 Penguins Photography
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I can’t tell you how many times…
I have gotten a phone call, email, or Facebook message from someone saying how much they love my work and want to book a session with me. I then proceed to give them all of the information and pricing, and there’s a moment of silence.
HOW MUCH???
I have experienced a lot of sticker shock over the past year from many people and I completely understand why. At first glance, my pricing might seem a little alarming. I mean, you have a nice DSLR, right? Or know someone who has one that could do the same work for you for free? Yes, and a BIG. FAT. NO.
(can you tell the difference? Same kid….same photographer…both taken with a “nice camera”….2.5 years apart. There IS a difference between the relative with the camera and an experienced professional)
When you hire a professional photographer, you aren’t just getting pretty pictures.
You are receiving a customized session with professional (and dare I say EXPENSIVE) equipment and props. Professionals also have to invest in computers and editing software to make the photos look, well, professional. But my point today is NOT about how much the photographer has to invest in their business, but as the client who chooses to invest in custom photography.
Custom photography is not a necessity, it’s a LUXURY.
Just like that $5 latte you get before work every morning. Or that $900 flat screen TV you just got for Christmas. Or those $100 skinny jeans that you can’t imagine living without. I could go on all day about the luxuries we indulge ourselves in everyday.
But when it comes to a $350 photography session…GASP….you suddenly cannot breathe.
I don’t blame you; I honestly don’t. When everyone has an uncle Bob to take their picture for free (or right next to it) or a Walmart/Picture People/Portrait Innovations, then the $350 might seem a little steep.
But, if you truly admire good photography, then treat it as a luxury.
Luxuries are not an everyday occurrence. Luxuries may only come but once a year (or every 5 years, and that’s okay!). But if you treat it as a luxury, you will value it MORE.
If you are one that really values photography and wants so badly to have precious memories of your loved ones created, then I challenge you to make a fund.
Instead of that $5 latte, why not put that into a jar to invest towards your photography session? Maybe you can afford to skip that pedicure you had scheduled for this month and put that into the jar too. Just like saving and planning for any luxury, photography isn’t any different.
I know that custom photography isn’t for everyone and I respect that. But if you can see good photography for what it’s worth, then uncle Bob’s photos might not be enough for you.
