11/22/2024
Well said ♥️ please read it
I’ve been wanting to get this off my chest. I see photographers giving away their work for dirt cheap, and it honestly messes with the standard for everyone in the industry.
Just last night, I saw someone (again) looking for a photographer for $50, and then a bunch of photographers lined up to offer their services for $20 or even $15.
I get it—everyone’s got a budget, and not everyone can afford a photographer. But let’s be real for a second: I wish I could walk into a store and say, “I want a pool in my yard, but my budget is $50.” Can you imagine? It’s just not how things work!
I want YOU to understand - you as my Client or maybe my future client - why I charge what I do: my business is legal, which means I’m paying taxes, insurance, and constantly having to upgrade and maintain my equipment to make sure you get the best photos. A few weeks ago, I had to replace the shutter on just one of my cameras—that was a $600 bill. Plus, I need all sorts of lenses for different types of shoots. For one of the new shows I’m covering, I added a new lens that cost over $3,000, but I do it because I want to give you the best.
I have two body's - in case one gets bad - you just never know. I have 2 places where I have to storage your photos - in case one breaks down. It's investments nobody thinks about it but they are there.
When I go to shows, the expenses add up quickly ( gas, maybe hotel, food ....) . Sometimes I need to hire a second shooter, and I’m covering their expenses too. I never know what I’m going to make at a show—it all depends on bookings. It’s a gamble, but I love what I do, and I want to be there to cheer for you and take these Photos, I know how hard you work with your horse to even get into the showring.
And don’t even get me started on stolen photos or hobby photographers showing up at shows, snapping pics for free, and posting them all over social media. It hurts everyone who’s working hard to provide quality, professional photos.
Every small business owner—from horse trainers to local shops—deals with way way way more expenses than you and me probably realize. We can’t buy in bulk to save money, and we’re putting everything we have into keeping our businesses running and offering the best experience we can.
I’m always working to give my clients an amazing experience. I’ve picked a high-quality print lab (not the cheapest), and there are also things like my website, gallery platform, advertising, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that adds up.
A lot of people think photography is just about having a camera and a lens, but there’s so much more that goes into it—time, energy, learning, and love for what I do. I love my job. I love my business, and I’ve spent countless hours working on it because honestly, I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
And here’s something else to think about: The average adult spends $109.66 every month on Starbucks coffee. But I don’t see anyone walking in there, ordering a coffee, and then telling them they don’t want to pay “an arm or a leg” for it. The point is, when you value something, you’re willing to pay for it. Photography is the same thing—you're paying for my time, experience, equipment, and the passion I put into every shot.
I also want to say this to fellow photographers: Your time is WORTH it, your Quality is WORTH it! I know sometimes we feel guilty about pricing ourselves, I’ve been there too.
Yes, I’ve done free sessions. I do it for people I know are struggling, people who might be going through something tough—whether they’ve been really sick, lost someone, or are just having a hard time. I choose to give back to the community in those moments, but I don’t brag about it on Facebook. I feel like it takes away from the good deed itself. But let’s be honest, I can’t do it all the time. I still have to run a business, and sadly there are bills to pay.
So, when you invest in me as your photographer, know that you’re getting so much more than just photos—you’re getting my heart, my dedication, and everything I’ve got.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me on this journey. I’m just starting my second year, and I truly love every second of it.
I’ve met so many amazing people and made tons of new friends all over the country.
Thank you to every client who’s booked with me and every photographer who’s shared tips to help me get better. You’ve helped me grow, and because of that, I’m able to offer even better experiences and quality to my clients.
Thank you all for supporting me and the creatives who pour their hearts into their work. ❤️
