How much should you pay a photographer?
Answers from a Professional Photographer
That’s one of the first questions Google returns when searching for professional photography services. According to Google, the answer varies by location: “The average cost to hire a photographer is $100 to $250 per hour depending on their skill level.”
But does that really answer the question? Not completely. The cost of photography services also depends on several factors such as number of people being photographed, type of event, location and any other specific needs. All those details will determine how much time has to be spent on the project, therefore, influencing the final cost.
That’s why it’s always important to discuss your project with the photographer before the shoot so they can understand your needs and provide an accurate quote.
So, if you’re curious about pricing, don’t hesitate to ask and share more about your project. That’s the best way to ensure your time and money are well spent, and to maximize the quality of the results.
Why do photographers charge so much?
Most questions people ask Google about photography services revolve around price. While Google provides answers based on your location, often through photographers’ blog posts or Reddit discussions, I’d like to share my perspective on one of the most frequently asked questions: ‘Why do photographers charge so much?’
In my view, photographers don’t charge too much, but I do agree that the service can be expensive.
How so?
Let’s consider a 1-hour mini photoshoot for one person outdoors, priced at $200.
For the same amount, you might purchase an Apple Pencil Pro and still have some money left over.
But what does the photographer provide for those 200 CAD? The photographer:
• Prepare all the necessary gear to photograph you.
• Talk with you about your needs, guide you on how to dress.
• Plan the location and consider the weather.
• Take the photos.
• Back up the photos, edit and deliver the images.
When people are relaxed enough to ask me these questions, they tend to think that all I do is press a button on a camera, which will last a lifetime. However, taking a good photo is not just about clicking a button; it requires experience, planning, and practice. Moreover, cameras don’t last forever—the sensor in a camera degrades over time, and the quality of the images diminish, making them appear dull.
Additionally, correcting the color of an image straight out of the camera takes time, experience, and good software. I know it’s easy to think of it as magic, but behind every magic trick, there’s a lot of science, training, and experience. It may look like magic, but it’s actually hard work.
Is it worth it to hire a professional photographer?
Obviously, the answer depends on your values, finances, and stage in life.
However, I can assure you that anyone who undergoes a photoshoot and receives high-quality professional photos back never regrets it.
It’s true that phones can take nice photos; however, they will never match what a professional photographer can deliver for several reasons:
• Experience: Photographers repeatedly handle various challenges that a regular person with a phone might not be accustomed to, such as weather, lighting conditions, people having difficulty looking at the lens, wind, coordinating outfits, background quality, and more.
• Sensor Size: Professional cameras have larger sensors than phones, and this difference is significant. It affects the final image quality, and this becomes even more evident in printed images.
• Sensor Age: Each time you use your phone or camera, the sensor ages, and the photos become less sharp and bright. Frequent use of phone cameras causes sensors to degrade faster than you might expect.
• Less Stressful: Taking photos of yourself or your family is often more challenging than it seems. You would need to set up the camera, use a timer, and manage the stress of multiple attempts, which can be tiring. A professional photographer handles this, reducing stress and allowing you to enjoy the experience.
• Professional Editing: Professional photographers spend considerable time adjusting colours and making other edits. This process is more complex than it appears and significantly enhances the final result.
Even though the instrument Photographers use is a camera and the process of doing their craft is not as visual evident as a painter, we are artists. We work a lot on our craft and the results are not only because of the gear, but due to all the steps involved in the process, experience, refined taste, talent and etc.
How do I choose a professional photographer?
The best way to choose the right photographer for you is by answering this question: Do you like their photos on their website/Instagram, and the images they’ve been tagged in on Instagram? If your answer is “No,” do not proceed.
However, I understand that in reality, other factors may complicate your decision, such as:
- Location: Maybe you fell in love with the work of a photographer who lives too far from you.
- Cost: You either think this photographer might not fit your budget or you’ve already received a quote that is above your budget.
- The Photographer is a Friend: Maybe you want to support a friend and prefer to work with someone you already know.
- Trust: You don’t feel confident that the business is legitimate.
All these factors are important, but they can distract from the most crucial question you need to ask yourself: Do you like the photos this person has been posting?
I’m persistent about this because if you don’t like the photographer’s style, no matter how much you explain the style you want, you might end up with images that look just like the ones on their website and Instagram. Photography, while it may seem objective and straightforward to some, is actually quite subjective. It’s an art, and photographers are at different stages of complexity and have varying visions and styles. Asking a photographer to work completely outside their style could lead to disappointment. In an exaggerated example, it’s like asking Picasso to paint like Rembrandt.
I would advise you to look at as many photographers in your area as possible and request quotes. Even if you think they’re expensive, if you like what you see, go for it. And if you have a budget in mind, be upfront with the photographer. “I want X, and I have a budget of XX.” The photographer might be able to tell you what can be done within that budget or inform you that they can’t take on the job. Prioritize images you like above all else. If you settle for someone just because they’re cheap, you might end up wasting your money, and more importantly, your time and the quality of the experience. Can you imagine getting yourself ready, doing professional makeup, convincing your husband to take the shots, and everyone ends up unhappy with the final result? Prioritize images you like above all.
However, be mindful that photography takes time, talent, and work, so don’t try to push the photographer’s price down by being overly persistent. What you can do, however, is negotiate for fewer photos, a shorter photoshoot, a different location, etc. If it’s still not within your budget, be honest, explain why you can’t proceed, thank the professional for their time, and move on politely.
What about your photographer friend?
I’m all about supporting friends—this is rare, as we often don’t notice when someone close to us is becoming an artist. But again, do you like their photos? If not, you might want to purchase a mini photoshoot to test the waters if your budget allows, but be mindful that you’ll likely receive the same quality of images the photographer is already posting.
And finally, trust. This is important. Obviously, you don’t want to e-transfer money and then be ghosted. Check when the photographer joined Instagram, if their clients seem legitimate, if the professional has a website, if they’re active on Facebook and have friends, etc. However, I do agree this is something you should be cautious about.