FAQ: Why Do You Charge So Much for Photography?
As boudoir photographers, we often get asked — sometimes not so kindly but mostly out of curiosity — “Hey! Why the heck do you charge so much for taking pictures?” It’s a fair question, really, and we all have similar thoughts any time we’re about to spend a decent chunk of change on anything. I figured I’d take the time to explain why we charge what we do and what goes into the total cost.
1. The images taken are sensitive. You want to entrust someone who is not only completely professional and makes you feel 100% comfortable in this intimate setting, but who you know will handle your images with utmost care during the editing and storing process.
2. It took time to learn this art and to learn how to run a business. The cost of our sessions isn’t just for the time we’re spending together; you’re paying for all the time and education that got us to where we are today. You’re getting images that reflect our experience, time, and effort.
3. We provide the highest heirloom quality products we can find. We only work with the best. Our products are meant to preserve your image and last a lifetime or two.
4. There are LOTS of expenses associated with running a boudoir photography business including our studio, photograpy equiptment, software, lingerie, accessories, props, continuing education, and a small team of people who help make you look and feel beautiful the day of the shoot, as well as help us run the business behind the scenes.
5. There’s a lot of behind the scenes work you may not realize is happening. We’re always researching the latest photography techniques and taking classes, practicing new techniques, making new sets, looking through images from your shoot to select the best ones, and editing each one. The time we spend doing these things far surpasses our time at the actual shoot, but it ensures an excellent finished product.
6. We run a profitable and sustainable business. This is not a hobby, but how we pay our rent, put food on the table, save for retirement, etc.
