Why is Custom Photography SO Expensive?!

For starters - if you think my prices are expensive, then we are starting off on the completely wrong foot! Why? Because I am probably one of the most inexpensive you can find for the quality produced. Why am I cheaper than the others? Because as a single mom on a budget, I completely understand the desire for great family photos at an affordable rate!

That being said, you are probably still wondering why custom photography costs more than the average chain store. You are not wrong to ponder these things, it is your wallet after all! So let me break it down for you! ;)

Custom Photography vs The Chain Studio
Photo Discount Chain Stores make their money on volume rather than customized one on one service. Sure, you can go in and get some pretty good photos depending upon the studio and the employee - but you get what you pay for. You will not get the natural surroundings, the lush or rustic backdrops, the depth or any of the art that goes into creating a custom portrait. You definitely will not get two hour session time nor the variety of poses that custom photography allots for. With the chain stores you are in and out so they can make their volume for the day with little to no regard of trying to capture a stunning portrait of you or your little one. Trust me, I've worked at a chain photography store before.

Ultimately it is all about choice and experience. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted one on one attention without the worry of who is next ‘in line'.

I've Seen Other Custom Photographers Charge Less...
This is where we can get into some murky waters. Let's just keep it at if you prefer their quality of work to mine - by all means, please use them! If you are more worried about the price than the quality - by all means, PLEASE use them! I literally beat myself up (it's the perfectionist in me) to create beautiful images for my clients, if you can appreciate that and you like what I do and you see the value in what I do - PLEASE USE ME! ;)


"Straight Out Of Camera" VS Final Edit

This business is a ONE WOMAN show. I am responsible for everything from marketing to props. Fees from sessions also go into maintaining and building my business. There are SO many expenses that go into running this business including but not limited to: equipment (which is vast and expensive), searching for/acquiring new props, taxes and other fees, workshops/seminars/learning materials, prints (obviously), design elements, marketing materials, computer/printer/ink/paper, software, external data storage, product samples, accounting expenses… just to name a few. It's insane and like I said, I am not breaking even. Very deeply in the hole to tell you the truth.

Why do I continue to do it? For the love of photography. The love of creating that beautiful image that you will cherish forever. I am a sucker, but I am hopeful that one day I will break even and somewhere down the line start to make a profit.

At the end of the day, if you choose Walmart over me-I will not be heartbroken. Custom photography is not for everyone, it requires investment in time and money and forethought and planning on the part of the subject/client. If you want some amazing art featuring yourself and your family to display in your home (and elsewhere) I am your gal!