08/06/2026
One thing I've learned as a small business owner is that it's easy to see the finished product, but not always the work that made it possible.
When someone invests in a photography session, they're not just paying for the time spent behind the camera. They're investing in the years it took to learn this craft, the countless hours spent editing, the planning before your session, the equipment that makes beautiful images possible, and the heart that's poured into every gallery.
People often ask why professional photography costs what it does, so here's a little perspective.
A session doesn't end when I put my camera away. There's communication before we ever meet, preparing props and setups, photographing your session, sorting through hundreds of images, carefully editing each one, delivering your gallery, and continuing to invest in the tools and education that help me give every family my best.
Then there are the business expenses that most people never think about. Taxes, insurance, software subscriptions, website fees, client galleries, equipment maintenance, backdrops, props, and everything else it takes to keep a business running well.
Let me use my $220 session as an example.
A family session can easily take 9 hours from inquiry to final schedule date. After setting aside roughly some for taxes, that $220 session leaves about $145....which is only around $19–22/hour before paying for any props, materials, equipment, software, insurance, marketing, website fees, storage, and all the other costs of running a business monthly.
And equipment? Cameras, lenses, computers, lighting, and hard drives don’t last forever. Repairs, replacements, and backups cost several thousands over time. Thankfully I have yet to have to replace anything, but I just upgraded my camera and lens so I could have my own equipment. Photography pricing isn’t just about “10 images.” It’s about the experience, creativity, preparation, years of learning, and everything that happens behind the scenes to create those images. It's not a quick way to make money.
Could I charge less? Maybe. But doing that wouldn't allow me to continue serving families with the quality and care they've come to expect.
I also understand that professional photography isn't in everyone's budget, and there's nothing wrong with that. We all have different priorities and seasons of life. My hope is simply that people recognize there's much more behind the price than a certain number of photos.
I've always believed that if you're going to do something, you should do it with excellence. That's the standard I hold myself to, and it's reflected in every session I take on.
The moments I photograph won't stay little forever. The cake gets eaten, the tiny outfits are packed away, and before you know it, they're asking for the car keys. Photos become one of the few things that grow more valuable with time.
To every family who has chosen me to tell a small part of your story, thank you. Supporting a small business means more than you'll ever know, and I'm grateful every day that I get to do work that I truly love. 🤍
