11/06/2026
“That much for just 30 minutes of pictures?!”
Let’s talk about it!
One thing I wish more people understood about professional photography is that you’re not just paying for the 20 or 30 minutes we spend together taking pictures.
There’s so much more that goes into every session, and a lot of it happens long before you ever step in front of my camera.
I started working in professional photography when I was just 17 years old. I’m now 36. That’s nearly 19 years of learning, growing, investing in equipment, and gaining experience in an industry that is constantly changing.
And even after all these years, I’m still learning!
Equipment: Professional cameras, lenses, memory cards, computers, and everything else needed to do my job aren’t cheap. And unfortunately, none of it lasts forever! Equipment has to be maintained, repaired, and eventually replaced.
Editing: This is probably one of the biggest things people don’t realize. Just because your session only lasts 20 minutes doesn’t mean I only spend 20 minutes working on your photos. I spend hours going through images, making selections, correcting lighting and colors, and editing each photo. Some galleries take considerably longer than others!
Software: Lightroom, Photoshop, editing programs, online galleries, website fees, and storage are all ongoing expenses that add up quickly.
Locations & Travel: Many of the beautiful locations I photograph at charge fees. There’s also the time spent driving, scouting locations, and making sure everything is ready before you arrive.
Experience: This is something you really can’t put a price on. After nearly 19 years, I’ve photographed in just about every lighting situation imaginable. I’ve worked with shy children, energetic toddlers, large families, and plenty of little ones who wanted absolutely nothing to do with having their picture taken! Knowing how to work through those situations comes with experience.
Running a Business: Insurance, taxes, equipment maintenance, communication, scheduling, and all the little things that happen behind the scenes are part of it, too.
And then there’s my time.
I’m a wife and a mama of four. A lot of my sessions take place during evenings and weekends, which means time away from my own family. I love photography, and I’m incredibly thankful that I get to do something I enjoy, but that time matters, too.
I completely understand that everyone has a budget. I have one myself! I also understand that my pricing won’t be the right fit for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.
But I do hope this helps people understand why professional photography costs what it does.
When you book a session with me, you’re not just paying someone to show up with a camera for a few minutes. You’re paying for the years of experience, the time spent preparing, the hours of editing afterward, and everything that goes into delivering a gallery I’m proud to put my name on.
And at the end of the day, you’re getting something you can never go back and recreate.
When I started photography at 17, I never could have imagined how much this career would mean to me. Now, at 36 and a mama of four myself, I understand even more just how quickly these moments pass.
Those tiny fingers and toes won’t stay little forever. The newborn days that feel so long when you’re in the middle of them somehow become a blur. Before you know it, those babies are walking, starting school, and growing into their own little people.
And one day, these photographs will mean even more than they did the day they were taken.
That’s why I put so much time and care into what I do.
To everyone who has booked with me, shared my work, recommended me to a friend, or continued coming back year after year, thank you! I truly appreciate every single one of you and the trust you place in me to capture your families. 🤍
