06/11/2026
A reminder for fellow photographers:
1) Your time is valuable. I’ve heard from so many clients, “oh wow - you charge xyz for just an hour?” and so often that’s how we look at it too but there’s so much more that goes into it - client communications, travel expenses, culling, editing, gallery creating and delivering, administrative work… when I stopped and really looked at my prices I realized I wasn’t even making minimum wage! 😳 Your time is valuable and worth more than the session itself.
2)Your skill set has grown! The photographer you are today isn’t the one you were a year ago. You’ve probably invested in education, mentorships, refining your artistic style, new equipment… as your expertise grows your pricing should reflect that!
3) Your business expenses have DEFINITELY increased. Running a business isn’t cheap - from software subscriptions and gallery platforms to insurance, equipment management, taxes, education… the cost adds up quickly! If your prices haven’t changed in years (like mine - whoops!) there’s a good chance your profit margins have shrunk.
4) Higher prices = better client experience! Shocker, right?! But when you’re constantly overbooked and underpaid, you can’t provide the experience you want to your clients. Appropriate pricing allows you to give each client more attention, improve communication, and maintain quality over quantity.
5) Burnout helps no one! You didn’t start your business to be exhausted all the time. When you charge too little, the only way to make up the difference is by taking on more sessions - and idk about you, but I’m TIRED 😅 A sustainable photographer is a better photographer.
Remember, raising your prices isn’t greedy. We need to normalize photographers charging what they need in order to run sustainable businesses. For so many of us, pricing isn’t just about making more money - it’s about creating room to serve clients well, continue growing in our craft and avoid burnout.
If your skills have improved and your expenses have increased, your pricing should evolve too.
What’s one thing you’ve invested in this year that has made you a better photographer? 📸✨