About cost of professional, custom photography

A cost of a quality handbag that will last you a season (okay, maybe two). A price you pay for a latest trendy coat. A couple of cashmere cardigans. A last-minute return to Edinburgh.
…
Or a forever record of your family as it is in this moment in time. Your 3-month old’s first glimpse of a smile. Your 6-month old’s first attempt to sit by himself. The first, wobbly steps of your one-year old. The laughter as the dad tickles his daughter. An intimate moment between the a new mom and her newborn baby. Your beautiful pregnant belly. A sun-kissed smile as you feel you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. A stolen kiss between a husband and a wife.

The price of custom photography has taken a right beating lately, with everyone owning a digital camera, the recession, and everything, including art, becoming a commodity.

This post was inspired by a couple of discussions I overheard and lurked at on an online forum. Why do the photographers charge so much? Why does a single print cost 10 or 20 times more than what I will pay for it at Snappy Snaps or Boots? Why do they charge hundreds of pounds for what is surely just a couple of hours of work? My uncle can do what they do, and for free.

I used to think exactly the same things before got I started in photography. And I know there has been a lack of clarity on professional photographic services. The way we, photographers, operate our different businesses, doesn’t help, either. Some of us don’t have a session fee, and some do. Some have a minimum order requirement, and some don’t. Some charge a £50 for a disk with images, and some charge £1000. Some won’t even sell you digital files, period.

I know how confusing it can get. You just want to get great photographs of your family, right?

But to get the best possible photos that you will treasure for the next 50 years you need to choose the right photographer. The right photographer for you. And to make the right choice it helps to understand how photographers work, and what to look for before you book.

So I would like to invite your questions. If you’re looking at this post right now, and have a question about professional photography in general, or my services and my charges in particular, please comment (or email through a contact form) with your question. Why photographers charge what they charge, why prints are so expensive, how to decide what photographer is right for you, or why even bother with professional photography if you got a DSLR for Christmas – all questions are welcome.

I will answer all questions in a separate blog post, talking about prices, services, and the rest of it. And I will talk about all these things simply and honestly, how it is, without trying to big it up or sell myself to you. I really want you to be able to make the best choice for you, your family, and the fleeting moments of you life you want to preserve.

So go ahead, ask!

And to encourage questions, I’m giving away a $25 The Vintage Pearl gift voucher (they ship to UK, and they are SO lovely). Yes, just like that (it’s also my birthday soon, so the best way to celebrate is to give presents!). The best question (I decide!) wins. You have two weeks to come up with one.

P.S. And if you’re a photography enthusiast, thinking about starting a business, you’re welcome to submit your questions too.