Why My Pricing Reflects the Value of Your Experience
Photography has been my full-time profession since 2009. For more than fifteen years, I’ve built a business rooted in quality, consistency, and care. I haven’t raised my prices in over five years, even as the cost of living, equipment, software, and operations have increased—because I want my work to remain accessible while still honoring the value I bring to every session.
My rates are based on experience, artistry, and the level of service my clients receive. They include far more than the time we spend together: professional equipment, editing and retouching, creative direction, backup systems, software, insurance, and the behind-the-scenes work required to deliver images that feel timeless and true to you.
I often hear from price-focused shoppers—people who reach out asking only for the cost without looking at the work. And I understand that everyone has different budgets. But my brand aligns best with clients who value quality, a smooth and thoughtful experience, and photographs that will be treasured for decades.
Some of my peers charge $450 just to show up and take the photos; others were charging $750+ for lifestyle sessions ten years ago. My pricing remains intentionally fair and positioned for the level of work I deliver.
What Really Goes Into a Photography Session
In today’s world, anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer. People building their portfolio often offer heavily discounted rates. And those who don’t depend on photography as their primary income can afford to charge very little.
But professional photography—full-time, insured, legally operated, consistent, high-quality photography—is different.
A “1-hour session” is never just one hour.
A $350 session often includes 5–8 hours of actual work:
Travel time
Pre-shoot planning and communication
The session itself
Uploading, backing up, and culling hundreds of images
Retouching and enhancement of client-selected images
Final delivery and revisions
Then there is the cost of doing business, which includes:
professional equipment, computers, editing software, insurance (health, auto, liability, equipment), marketing, website hosting, utilities, taxes, backup systems, and the ongoing expenses required to operate a legitimate photography business.
After taxes and overhead, a $350 session results in approximately $115–$170 in actual take-home pay—about $19–$28 per hour.
This is why sustainable, professional photography is priced the way it is.
It ensures that I can continue offering you high-quality work, reliable service, and the level of care my clients expect and deserve.
Creating Something Meant to Last
I stand behind every session I deliver. If something needs adjusting—editing, retouching, or even a reshoot—I always provide solutions. Your comfort, your confidence, and your satisfaction matter to me.
Think of it this way:
When you want to feel truly taken care of on your birthday, you don’t choose the cheapest spa—you choose the one that makes you feel special.
When celebrating an anniversary, you don’t book the $99 hotel—you choose the $499-$899/night memorable, luxurious stay that becomes part of the story.
Your photos deserve that same intention.
I’m not the cheapest photographer—and I never aim to be.
My goal is to give you an experience and a final result that makes you say,
“I’m so glad I invested in this.”