Why is custom photography so expensive?

Why is custom photography an investment?

 That's actually a loaded question with many parts to it. First you should also be asking, why do photographers charge $24 for an 8x10, when clearly the local drug store sells them for $3.99? And why do photographers want $350 for a disc with images?

When you go to a small business photographer you are paying for their time, expertise, experience, education, equipment and yes, you are purchasing his/her artwork. 

Here is what is involved in one of our 2-hour Family Session:

-Initial contact (whether email or phone) usually 10-15 minutes if on phone.

-Preparation of contract (minimum of 10 minutes), then mailing or emailing contract to client(s). 

-3-5 days before session client will receive a survey and questionaire to help photographer know what to expect and what the expectations of the client is. 

-Day before session, photographer will contact client to confirm everything is still a go! 

-travel to and from each session (in my situation usually a minimum of 20 minutes each way)

-meet and greet with Client(s)

-2 hour session (not including any set up time or change of clothing)

-Uploading of the session to computer and back-up drive (30-45 minutes)

-Culling of images (30 minutes)

-Editing of images (3-6 hours, depending on the type of session, if wedding it can take up to 30 hours of edit time)

-An additional 2-3 hours of communication on images, edits, and ordering

and so much more goes into just one session! 

Yes! Anyone can purchase a Digital Camera. However even a lower end professional camera and excellent glass (lens) is going to cost even at start up a minimum of $2,000. There is also education. While yes, you can learn to take images by practicing and reading, you also need to attend classes. I take 3-4 workshops each year which typically cost a minimum of $500 each. 

Now to answer why we charge so much for prints/digital files

Prints: 

Well first off I am not purchasing the print you buy from me, from Wal-Mart or CVS! I am purchasing them from a print studio that is of top quality. The labs I use are professional, they've been in business for years and they provide quality products. I pay more, so that my customers get the products they deserve. 

And finally why do you charge so much for a disc?
Honestly, the images I take of your family is art. You are paying for an disc of art, precious moments and memories that will last a life time. While I have seen several photographers that charge $350 for a disc with 20-25 images, here is how it works at Bobbi Janell Photography;

Each session comes with a certain number of digital files, for example:  

Our Family Ties Collection: $125
includes 60 minutes of shoot time, up to 50 miles of travel (there after it is $0.35 per mile), 1 location of your choice, 1 outfit change, preview disc (includes low-res color edits with watermark. this disc is for previewing purposes only) and 5 digital files of your choice (typically from about 30-50 images per gallery/session, unless it is a mini session and then there are usually about between 15-20 images to choose from and the disc is also discounted)!

Here is the deal with our Digital Files, & Print Release:
We do offer a minimum # of digital files via digital download per each session. You get to choose your favorite files from your online preview/ordering gallery. We also offer professional printing with a $150 print minimum. While our full disc does cost $250 we will discount it $3 per images that has been purchased in a print. So if you order 10 poses you will save $30 off your disc. 

Last but not least I get asked all the time why I do not give out copyright releases?
It is true, I do not give out a copyright release. To do so I would be giving up my right to my work. However I do give each client a limited personal print release. A print release allows you to print the images for personal use, whether it is as a gift or for your home. 

I hope that you found this information helpful. 

~BJ