Understanding photography pricing structure
/Sometimes my clients don’t understand why I charge a separate session fee followed by a separate cost to purchasing images. I believe this two-tiered pricing model has it’s benefits for both photographers and clients.
WHY I CHARGE A SESSION FEE (OR SITTING FEE):
Investment in Time and Skill: The sitting fee is not just the photoshoot; it's an investment in the photographer's time and skill. From your initial inquiry to the actual session, photographers dedicate hours to liaising with client's, answering questions, creating and maintaining schedules, and preparing for your shoot.
Customized Experience: Many photographers strive to provide a personalized and exclusive experience for their clients. The session fee may include this by offering specialized props, and making sure that the photoshoot is tailored to the client's preferences and expectations.
Professional Editing and Post-Processing: Beyond the photoshoot, a significant portion of a photographer's time is spent perfecting the images through post-processing and editing. I spend a significant amount of time, culling, creating proofs and editing sneak peeks, and creating a customized slideshow. Additionally I spend time with you choosing your images and products that best suit your needs.
High-Quality Equipment and Gear: Photographers invest in cameras, lenses, lighting, and other tools to ensure amazing results. The session fee helps cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading this equipment.
Business Sustainability: Running a photography business involves various overhead expenses, such as marketing, insurance, studio upkeep, and more. The session fee plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the photographer's business, allowing them to continue providing quality services to their clients.
WHY DO I PAY FOR MY IMAGES SEPARATELY?
Freedom of Choice: Purchasing images separately gives clients the flexibility to choose only the photos they truly love. This model empowers clients to curate a collection of images that resonate with them, ensuring that they get the maximum value for their investment.
Budget Flexibility: Not everyone has the same budget, and separating the session fee from image purchases allows clients to manage their expenses more flexibly. Clients can opt for additional images based on their preferences and budget, creating a more tailored photography collection.
No Obligation: Clients are not committed to purchasing a set number of images upfront. They have the freedom to review the proofs and decide which images they want to buy after seeing the everything we’ve captured together.
IN SUMMARY: The combination of a session fee and separate image purchases is a strategic approach that benefits both photographers and clients. It enables photographers to sustain their businesses while offering clients a personalized experience and the freedom to choose images that hold sentimental value. Ultimately, it's a win-win formula for creating lasting memories through professional photography.
