How Much Should a High Quality Photographer Cost?

This is a question that needs to be broken down. Photographers are not one and the same. It’s like going into a luxury car dealership and asking how much the Tesla should cost. Tell us what you want in the package and what model you are looking for.

With all the different styles of photography out there, you need to be sure exactly what you are most drawn to. Do a search in your area and if you really love a particular photographer’s style, be willing to pay the price to hire them.

If there is something in their work that you are drawn to and it is set apart from the rest, there is a very good reason why. Their experience first and foremost is a great dictator of cost. This includes their skill, time they have invested, money invested, equipment quality, their cost of doing business are all things that must be factored in. Each photographer has invested in their career in different ways and they should be well compensated for that. There are lots of hidden costs that photographers have to pay as well. We all have costs of doing business, expenses that the clients never see.

If you desire elegance, fine art, and luxury goods then the price you should expect to pay will likely start around $900 ( the low end) and go up from there. If that is not in your budget then most likely you are going to need to locate a photography student, hobbyist, or someone who is new to the industry.

Pricing varies by hours, locations, wardrobe offerings, professional services, accessories, studio vs outdoor, and type of printed works you desire. Quality will vary greatly from photography studio to photographer and so will the service you receive.

Also be aware of the location of the studio. If a studio is located in a paid commercial space, their prices will be higher to cover that luxury amenity. Studio photographers who have dedicated spaces at their residence are an example of a professional studio that can also be higher end but they do not always have as many of the overhead costs of doing business as that of a photographer in a commercial space. Both are perfectly good options.

Another incorrect assumption about portrait photographers is that they all give digital images. It is quite the opposite. Most of the time, a luxury boutique studio is not going to give digitals as part of a session fee. Many high-end studios do a two part payment where the session or creative fee is separate from the purchase of images, albums or prints. This is to cover the studio time of the artist, makeup, gowns etc. So do not be surprised if there is a two part fee. Especially in photoshoots where women are dressing up, getting makeovers, or doing boudoir photoshoots.

Hidden costs. This is a big one. The studios that provide great service have to be compensated for all those wonderful things they have to offer. Whether they have the latest technology and lighting, or they have gorgeous gowns, or high-end products like hand bound leather albums or velvet, expect all of those things to cost money. Retouching. This is something that photographers spend countless hours doing for their clients so that your art becomes that fantastic beautiful piece that you have dreamed of. It doesn’t just magically happen with a click of a shutter. We purchase and set up backgrounds to match outfits, coordinate designs for your aesthetic, and make sure every crease, pimple, blemish is removed from your skin after the shoot. This can take more time than the general public realizes.

In general, expect to spend anywhere from $100 per hour to $350 per hour for an experienced photographer depending on what your ideal photoshoot requires. Per hour includes everything from planning, communicating with the photographer, to hair and makeup, the session, retouching, ordering supplies and products, you are looking at about 8 to 10 hours of time and experience you are buying from your photographer. Good news is that does include incredible service, special attention and focus on you, and high-end timeless photographs that will last more than your lifetime.

If bespoke products are not something you value, then possibly a different type photographer or photoshoot would be the route to go. There are lifestyle photographers and mini session photographers that could also suit your needs.

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