I've had a lot of people wonder and ask why photography is so expensive. I have to admit that before I started this business, I wondered the same thing, too! I mean, it's simple. Buy a camera, take a lot of photos, throw them in some editing software and bam....art.
Wow. Was I wrong!
Photography is a VERY expensive hobby. The camera body alone is upwards of $1,000-$5,000 depending on the model you choose. That's just for the body. The lenses, which are probably the most important aspect of photography can be $1,000-$8,000!! Yes, you can get some cheaper, but the quality of the lenses and glass are so, very important. Not to mention the software we use in post processing. That can run us another $400-$700 depending on what we decide on. Plus the time it takes to learn how to use it.
You are paying your photographer for their time and talent. The time I take out on my clients (I love you guys!) doesn't just end at the photoshoot. Time on your shoot starts when I get that phone call or message from you. We talk about location, style, what to wear, etc. I spend hours researching ideas and honing my lighting/camera skills. I drive by the shoot (with my kiddies in the backseat) and check the lighting...sometimes twice, before our shoot. And if it's a newborn shoot, I've been sweating in my house with a small space heater to capture that precious, adorable little baby for 4 hours! Then after your shoot, I spend nearly another 4+ hours making you look gorgeous and really bringing the photo to life in post processing. All of this happens while my children are running around the living room, playing tea party in the playroom, out at the park with a babysitter, building a fort with their Dad and dreaming about their prince charming. Then my (hot) husband takes his Saturday out to babysit these precious babes, while my camera is capturing your memories all while I'm missing out on mine....
No matter the credentials or just, plain, natural talent, a professional photographer should know the in and outs of their camera. All of this takes time. Lots and lots of time. I'm still learning. It seems like there's always something new I want to try and do. Photographers should understand lighting and how to use it correctly. Not just put it in "auto" with that dreaded pop up flash and go. That's what you pay your friend for.
Photography is my business. Complete with business cards, mail order prints and CD packaging. All of that responsibility is mine. You have no idea how much I've cursed at this computer for not getting the layouts perfect. It may be a simple business card to you, but it took me nearly 2 hours to design it! ;)
My camera pays my bills. Upgrading my camera, upgrading my lenses (oh how I love my L series!) buying more business cards, CD packaging, shipping, props for your shoot, the list goes on and on. So I'm able to make a small profit and that's after the monthly bills are paid. I don't work the usual 40 hours a week job, M-F, weekends and holidays off along with a salary. I "get paid" only 4-6 hours a month for a photoshoots and that's If business is going well. The rest of my 36 hours of work is made up of post processing, running prints to clients, packaging, designing, advertising, etc.
Photography is an investment. It's not every day that you get married or have your first baby or that you live in Japan and want these precious memories made! Take the time and find a photographer, a good one, to capture these memories that could possibly never happen again.
