Why does Custom Photography cost so much more??
Why choose Custom Photography? And why does it cost that much?
Why does custom Photography cost more?
Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the amateur and the professional. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in it’s lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.
Even though you pay $4.99 for a print at your local drugstore, you may be wondering why you pay upwards of$40, $50, $60 for a custom photography print.
I would like to brake it down for you to give you an idea of where the time goes....
TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time stand point,for instance; let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is traveling for an hour or more to your on location sessions. Time break down as follows:
* session pep time (30 mins – 1hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks.
* one hour travel time to session (or more)
* 15-30 minutes prep time at clients home
* 90 min- 2hrs with client photographing subject
* 30-45 min uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 min time spent backing up the original images
* 1 hr prep time getting ready for ordering
* 1 hours sorting through and checking order
* 30 min – 1 hr prep time for delivery
* 30 min- 1 hr getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues.
As you can see, average client time for a family, pregnancy & baby session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service.This is time dedicated to only your session. Weddings can range from 30 - 50 hours. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photoshoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying for 12-19 hours complete time for your session. (Again weddings are considerably more).
COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer setup can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up to $900 to $2000, wide angle lens up to $3000, zoom and fixed focal length up to $5000. A photographer that wants to expand their ability and talent will have atleast 2 if not 3 of these lens's at all times. There is the cost of a dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usagecan which can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you.
LET'S COMPARE:
Anyone can take their child into a mall and have their photo taken and sometimes in the end your left with photos that cost you a fortune and maybe one or two poses that are worth keeping. What you most likely experienced was a photoshoot that lasted 10-20 min, you had am outdated backdrop and flat lighting. Custom photography and Department store photography are like comparing apples to oranges.
Going to a chain studio, as a consumer,you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at yourhome where your child is allowed to explore and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many customer photographers are known for or the lovely captures ofnatural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE”experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.
REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:
Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..
Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as the best knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.
I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.
Simple Elegance Photography – 100 Mile House and area Photographer – Specializing in Wedding, Engagement, Pregnancy, Children, Boudoir & Family photography.
