Why is Photography So Expensive? | Columbia SC Photographer

Anyone on facebook local groups has seen more than one post that says, “ Looking for a great photographer to come to our house before an event and give us just 2 or 3 quick pics of our family. Looking to pay $75-$100 for just a couple minutes of work. Plus we will tell everyone at the event about you which is free promotion!”

It’s cringe.

If you have seen this once, you’ve seen this a hundred times and it’s so incredibly disrespectful and inconsiderate. I am not sure how or where the general public came to a place where they think that photography is everyone’s right and it should be free or cheap. Would any person go into their dentist office and offer them $75 to make their teeth look better or ask for free services? Of course not. How about building you a patio out back? Can anyone find someone to do that skill for $100? This is no different and if someone can’t understand, I will explain.

Photography is absolutely a luxury first and foremost. Not a need. It is a highly specialized skill. Some tend to forget this.

A professional photographer has a set of expenses preset for the year that many people are unaware of. The cost of doing business is not inexpensive by any means and this profession is a paid one just like any other profession. The thing that most don’t realize is at least half of the photographers out there are charging way too little and it’s not a living wage. Why are people undervaluing themselves? Either lack of confidence or lack of skill.

It’s important for people to remember that if clients want the best, it must be understood there is a cost that comes with receiving the luxury service of planning out every detail of your session so you don’t have to, organizing your hair and makeup artist to meet you right at the studio so you dont have to experience the frustrations that come with calling around and researching and back and forth, buying all the beautiful wardrobe so you dont need to go shopping, giving you prepping info so you have NO WORRIES for your big day, giving you a cloud 9 experience in studio, guiding your every move because we hear you when you say, “I have no idea what to do with my hands!” We HEAR you. We think of all the details and possess the knowledge and skill of offering the very best.

Additional expenses to consider:

Professional licensing- each town and city requires its very own license to legally do business. This can get quite expensive. The photographers who are trustworthy and legit will do their best to stay up to date on these licenses.

Lease/Rental is very expensive in the nicer areas of town and let's face it, no one wants to do a boudoir session in a sketchy area. And rent is not magically less expensive for photographers as it for dentists, contractors, doctors, or even retail establishments.

Insurance- we have to be covered in all areas just in case. No matter what. We have all the expenses of other businesses plus some additional.

Time spent with each client- From the first inquiry to the final delivery of your album, your photographer will have spent anywhere from 8 to 15 or sometimes more hours on your session alone. Some of the work is done crafting emails for you, researching outfits, gathering info from you to personalize your session, and making playlists, but most of that is going to be spent arranging your luxe services for clients, marketing for clients to find us, opening our studio and making it presentable with cleanings, guiding you skillfully, moving props and pieces around set, and retouching. Lots of retouching as well as designing your album which can take many hours. Depending on the genre, like boudoir or maternity photography, retouch time is doubled due to the fine full body retouching that is required to give that pristine gorgeous dewy skin that everyone craves. This is a highly specialized high-end type of photography that requires even more skill.

The purchasing of beautiful gowns and accessories to make your session extra luxurious and accommodating is an important thing that clients look for when choosing a photographer and this takes a lot of time. Sure there are photographers who do very fast sessions and do not provide these services to clients. Yes, they may offer decent photos too. There are going to be noticeable differences in your experience with them versus a professional studio including the quality you receive. The income however from the mini session types of photoshoots are not enough to sustain a business or a lifestyle that will provide for a family.

Don't forget education and experience. Years and rising costs of education can add up but it is necessary. A photographer who continues their education is going to know exactly how to work with you to give you the most successful and beautiful photo experience imaginable. It is a very quality over quantity type situation.

Finally, do not make the mistake of assuming the camera does the real work and the photographer is this lazy person with a pie job who just shows up and clicks and button and hands over these fantastic, perfectly lit photos that make you look like a million bucks. Yes, we have all heard this several times. I have heard photographer friends say that this was said directly to them and I cannot think of a much ruder thing to say. Just because some has a talent doesnt mean they are to be hated by others!

There is SO MUCH effort that goes into truly honing this craft. So much time, so much money, and so much dedication is spent to truly become a skilled photographer. Personally, I have been a professional for 15 years and I really can’t put into words the blood, sweat, and tears LITERALLY that I have poured into my work. As a perfectionist, I really overthink things if it does not meet my own standards. I have studied, overanalyzed, and worked on things until I finally came to a place where I feel like I can be confident in presenting my work and know without a doubt that it is worth every single penny that I charge. Yet, there is still new things to learn, update and grow.

Do not underestimate the irreplaceable value of a professional photographer with years of experience and a breath-taking portfolio. If they are priced a certain way, it is for a very good reason. People are drawn to their work because it sets itself far apart from the rest. Their salary is hard-earned. You get what you pay for.

Fine art maternity portrait photography in Columbia, SC