What Is The Cost Of A Family Photo Session?
It’s been awhile since you’ve invested in professional photos of your family! So, maybe you jumped on google and looked up the average cost of a family photography session. The answers are all over the place, what does this mean?
How do I know I how much to invest? How do I know the difference in the end product? Or maybe you emailed multiple photographers for pricing and availability, only to end up more confused when the pricing and structures all looked very different. All photographers offer different levels of service, this will result in a different experience and price.
Hi, I’m Mary Lauren with M. Lauren Photography, a photographer for over a decade now, and I’m here to answer some common questions and share the different price tiers of photography.
Let’s start by talking about what the different price ranges look like, and what is typically included with those.
3 Main Pricing Structures
Beginner/Shoot and Burn Photographers
Beginner Photographers are usually just getting started or do this as a hobby, they may have some pretty good skill, but not as much experience to make you feel as comfortable as possible. This would be a really great fit for you if you are really trying to save money, and only care about having some nice photos, better than your cell phone.
These clients are willing to forego the security of a seamless experience with a professional, and may not be as interested in a specific editing style, or the overall quality of photos. The average price range for a good beginning photographer is around $400.
Seasoned Photographers
These photographers tend to have more of a collection or package style pricing. X amount of images for X price range that fits your needs, for the purpose of the images. These clients typically choose a package based on their needs. One might choose a low image collection if they only want updated wall art. However, if they like to make albums, this client may want a collection that includes all digital images.
This photographer will be highly skilled, and provide a seamless experience, delivering exceptional photographs. You may be a great fit if you really value the art of photography, guidance, and assistance throughout the whole process. This level of experience will average around $1000.
IPS (In- Person Sales)
This is going to be your full luxury experience. These photographers sit down and do a pre-planning session with their clients. This is a very in-depth process. After the session, clients sit down with the photographer in person, and purchase their high quality products. Sometimes the digital is included with the purchase of a print product, but these photographers are mainly selling products.
This is a good choice if you want the most seamless, and luxury experience possible. This requires the least amount of work from you as the client, and even sometimes includes hair and makeup. Depending on what products are purchased these clients are spending anywhere from $2000-$7000.
Common Questions/Concerns
I wanted to share a few things to think about when hiring a professional photographer!
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they understand light?
- Are they easy going?
- Is their work consistent?
- Do they have fast and professional communication?
- Do they help with styling?
Fun Fact:
I am going to use the middle example to make this simple. If you did one session a year, valued at $1000, it would only cost you $2.74 per day. That is cheaper than your morning cup of coffee!
Looking for a portrait photographer with an authentic, timeless style you will love forever? I would love to be your family photographer! Take a peek at the website and send me a message!
