How Do Professional Photographers Determine Their Fees?
As a professional photographer, I am often asked, how do I determine my fees? The industry standard for quality wedding packages can range from $2,000 – $3,000. Family portraits generally require less time, and can range from $900 - $1800. Some people may believe the cost is too high and ask, “why do I have to pay so much for photos?" Some have even said, "my cousin just got a new DSLR camera and he can do it for a lot less or even for free." When I hear comments like this, my response is simple -- hire your cousin, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. How do professional photographers determine their fees?
Always ask yourself these questions when considering a professional photographer: What is the price you are willing to pay for quality? What is the price you are willing to pay for exceptional service? Generally speaking, photos are supposed to preserve personal memories. Don't miss a special moment by enlisting an amateur. Hire an experienced, professional photographer.
Portrait and Wedding Photographer
When you hire an experienced portrait and wedding photographer, service matters. Many people believe that a photographer's job begins and ends at the camera lens. Not true, most of our time related to a job is spent preparing and planning for the photo shoot. For example, when shooting a wedding, I often spend time "scouting" the perfect location, taking preliminary photos on-site , or even coaching my clients through the process. Planning is a requirement for any successful portrait or wedding photo session.
Once the initial planning is complete, "phase two" begins -- hiring a makeup artist and hair stylist for the shoot. If your photographer has to wait for hair & make-up, valuable time is added to the shoot. For larger weddings, your photographer may need to hire a second shooter. Yes, hiring a second photographer is optional, but your choice could be the difference between enjoying great photo coverage or not.
After every photo session, photographers go through the 100's of images and select the best photos and edit them. Editing doesn’t always consist of spot-removing blemishes, often times it is more about alterations in color and photo exposure. Photo editing is where the most time is spent. There is an entire workflow related to each image so that it can be prepared for delivery to the client. This could be for prints or even designing a wedding album.
Now it’s time to consider other costs that determine how a photographer sets his/her fees. The greatest expense that most photographers incur are rent for his/her studio space and utilities, especially electricity. There is still self-employment tax, health insurance, liability insurance, and equipment insurance.
I didn’t want break everything down by cost examples but there is one that should get the point across. Say you are looking for a job and you have a good idea of what your expenses are, and how much you need to live comfortably. Based upon that "magic" number, you would interview for jobs that pay the salary you need. The same goes for a photographer who wants to make a living taking photos. Photographers must figure out how many portrait sessions, weddings or any other types of shoots related to the business are required to reach their desired income.
The Bottom Line
Photographers are in business. Yes, we have set fair prices while considering all that is needed to keep our business functioning. When looking for a Portrait and/or Wedding photographer, consider the price, but more so consider the services that are being offered.
