Why Does Custom Photography Cost So Much?

Many of you have probably seen these posts floating around, but I thought I would do one of my own with some of my own costs/opinions thrown in. :) This will cover a little bit about why custom photography is "so expensive", as well as some other FAQs.

Why is custom photography so expensive?? ~ Well, it's not! Of course "expensive" is a relative term -- what I would spend on something you may not spend, or vice-versa. We all put our values on different items. It's not important to me to have a brand-name shoe. I'm okay with cheap knock-offs. You, on the other hand, may *LOVE* your Sperry's and feel as if knock-offs aren't as great. That's fine!! There's nothing wrong with that. Speaking in photography terms, the custom photographer IS the Sperry. We are custom, high-quality, and comfort. The knock-offs are amateurs and chain studios.

What is an amateur photographer? ~ An AP is someone who is just starting out and/or who does not know much about photography. Amateurs do not have much experience or knowledge. (Stop here -- I am NOT saying anything negative about amateurs! We were ALL amateurs once!!!) If you desire a custom photographer but do not have the budget for one, an amateur may be the way to go. However, please realize that you will not get miraculous, gorgeous results with someone who does not know how to work his or her equipment. You will, however, get an inexpensive session with your family for a quick, easy way to document a milestone or memory.

What is a chain studio? ~ Think Picture Me!, Sears, Olan Mills, JC Penney, or any other chain store that happens to have a studio inside. These studios typically do not hire photographers. They hire high school or college students. The manager or someone in charge sets up the camera for the day and the "photographer" literally does nothing except pull the trigger. They pull poses from a sheet of "approved posing" that the studio uses on everyone that walks through their doors. The result? A photo that looks just like everyone else's, but with your face in it. These photographers are not trained on the best angles to bring out your favorite features and can often use such horrid angles that everyone in your family ends up showcasing added chins that you know you don't have. Chain studios are also good for a cheap, quick fix. However, they aren't as "cheap" as they appear, as the "photographer" is very well trained in sales and can talk you into spending hundreds upon hundreds on those 10 chins.

Why do some photographers just shoot & burn? ~ "Shoot & Burn" is a term many of us use to describe a photographer who shoots a session and then runs home and burns the images to a CD to pass back along to you. They do this because (I think) they think it is easier and cheaper for them to burn to a CD. They could not be more wrong about this!! When they hand out a CD, they are giving their work away. That knowledge, expertise, and style are thrown out the window the second those photos hit the CD and become printed at Walgreens or Snapfish (I won't even mention Wal-Mart -- yikes). Also, while we're on the topic, let's discuss copyright. Many amateurs give "good deals" -- $50 sessions with CD that includes "all copyrights". This is a ridiculous notion. Copyright should never, ever be given away. I will sell my copyrights gladly, but I highly doubt any of you would want to pay the price that I would ask for selling it!! A copyright belongs to the person who took the photo. If your photographer tells you that he/she is giving you "all copyrights", he/she is essentially telling you that you LEGALLY own the photos. This goes beyond being able to print them. This means that if your photographer uses the images on his/her website, you can sue him/her for copyright infringement. If he/she uses them in any samples, you can sue. This is why I never, ever give my copyright away. I took my images, I'm proud of my images, and I want to be able to use my images on my website, in samples, and in professional photography competitions. Now, a print release is all you need with a CD. This gives you the right to print the images, but the copyright remains with the photographer so you may not edit, alter, or otherwise use the images for contests or otherwise.

Why don't you like burning CDs? ~ I do appreciate the ease of CDs. I appreciate that CDs give my clients a chance to archive their own images for future purposes when I may have already archived their photos or no longer have them on down the road. I do not, however, appreciate the quality (or lack there-of!) of images that are printed at consumer labs. Consumer labs include Snapfish, ArtsCow, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid... anywhere that does not ask if you are a professional photographer before they print your images is a consumer lab. My computer monitor is calibrated with my professional lab's printer. This means that when I process my photos, they will print EXACTLY as I see them on my computer screen. My vision for that image is complete and perfect for how I wanted it to be. When printed at a consumer lab where the printers aren't calibrated as often and their "techs" are similar to those chain studio "photographers", there's no telling what you will get. You may wind up with a green wedding dress in your photos. I would much, much rather your most important memories be preserved with professional prints. CDs are great for archival, but horrible for printing. Professional papers, inks, calibration, and printer techs make a world of difference for your final print.

So... why exactly is custom photography so expensive? ~ Simply put, this is my job! I have to pay for my camera, lenses, lighting, computer, back-ups, website, office supplies, daycare/babysitters, samples, displays, flyers, business cards, and time. This is all just to break even!! After I break even, I like to also be able to support my family (don't you, with your job?).

To break it down, here's a rough idea of what I do for your one session:
~ gas to and from session
~ babysitter during session
~ time e-mailing/calling you to talk about your session
~ time during the session
~ expertise (you don't want all of those chins!)
~ style (every photographer has his or her own style... they are as unique as fingerprints!)
~ processing photos (could take days)

All in all, I will easily spend over 24 hours on your one- or two-hour session. Take out all of my expenses as listed above and then figure up what you would make at your paying job for 24hrs of work.

Now... is custom photography expensive? :)

Many photographers realize and acknowledge that custom photography is not for everyone. However, if you value and appreciate the luxury of having a custom photographer come to your home so that you don't have to get your newborn out in the cold... if you appreciate a custom photographer listening to your ideas and implementing them during your session so that you have a totally unique and "so YOU!" result... if you realize that the custom photographer's style is one that just cannot be matched by an amateur or chain studio... then custom portraiture is definitely for you. This is an investment that will last a lifetime!