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Please contact me at the following email address amourlaviephotography@yahoo.com

Why is Custom Photography so Expensive

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, and the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

• session prep time (45 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• one hour travel time TO session
• 35-45 minutes prep time at client’s home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subjects
• one hour travel time FROM session
• 45-1 hour uploading time from camera to computer
• 45-1 hour time spent backing up the original images
• 5-10 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, etc.

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 16 hours to 24 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for the 16-24 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality SLR for about $2400 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussing other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes,props, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized one on one service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ so called "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much, much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered a "LOSS".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of "one on one" attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography and Marianne Drenthe for her great articles dedicated to photography.

Investment

Creation Fee

The $175.00 creation fee is non-refundable. The creation fee secures your session date and covers the time and talent of the photographer. The fee includes your on location 1 to 2 hour session for 2 people and a online gallery of your images of which to select your favorites to order. There will be a $25.00 per person charge for additional people. Additional session hours that exceed the typical 2 hour session are $50.00 per hour. You are responsible for any fees associated with the location of your choice (entry fees, etc.) if applicable.

Portrait Print and Product Pricing

$15 (8) wallet of one pose

$15 5x7

$20 8x10

$45 10x13

$55 11x14

$95 16x20

$150 20x24



Story Boards and Collages:

$45 8x10

$100 10x20 (mounted)

Additional sizes and products upon request.



Cards and Announcements

Custom Birth Announcements and Holiday cards are a great way to announce the arrival of your new bundle of joy, a birthday celebration, or spread holiday cheer! Be sure to use your favorite images from your session.

Cards are printed on fine art paper
Price includes envelopes
Boxed set of (25) $55
3 or more sets-$45 each

Custom Brag Book (containing images from your session)

This comes as a bonus to clients with a minimum additional purchase order of $375 and up.

A CD can also be created with low-resolution watermarked images to use and share on your MySpace, blog, or online galleries once order is made. These images are watermarked, low-resolution, and not intended for printing. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

A complete pricing list is available upon request.

Session Details

For outdoor sessions, shade is very important as you don't want harsh shadows and squinted eyes. Please remember when planning a session outdoors, early mornings or late evenings are the best time for lighting.

With newborn sessions, please call me before the birth of your child so I can plan my schedule accordingly. Then be sure to notify me once your bundle of joy arrives so I can insure to reserve a date for you. The best time to photograph newborns is within the first 2 weeks of life. Newborns tend to sleep more then and are easier to pose within this time frame.

What To Wear

Simple clothing is an excellent choice. Choosing something simple ensures that the clothing doesn't overpower the person being photographed. Clothing choices are very important to getting the portraits you love. Avoid large logos, cartoon characters and busy prints. Dark jeans for the entire family is a favorite. I absolutely LOVE bare feet. Newborns and babies are photographed best in the buff, or with a simple diaper cover. I have beautiful blankets and props for your little one. I sometimes even bring along chairs, blazers, pettiskirts, hats and tea sets! If more than one subject is being photographed, dress them in coordinating outfits. If you are having a difficult time choosing to what to wear, you can always email or call me for advice. Bring several different outfits to the session so I can help you choose which ones would work best. I look forward to photographing your family!