Why are professional photographers so expensive ?

In the times of $0.29 prints at Big W some people may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $20 for a custom photography print.

Simply put, you're not just paying for the actual piece of paper; you're paying for time and expertise.

First, let's look at the actual time involved. Here is a breakdown of a standard portrait photography session, not taking into account weddings which will triple or quadruple the amount of hours involved.

A TWO HOUR PHOTO SESSION IN YOUR HOME
* 30 mins - 1 hour for session prep time, includes packing equipment, battery charging, cleaning lenses, fuelling vehicle)
* Up to one hour travel time TO session
* 15-20 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 1-2 hours with client photographing subject
* Up to one hour travel time FROM session
* 30 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer.
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images, making duplicate copies to store offsite.
* 2-3 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images.
* 30 mins prep time getting ready for viewing/ purchasing session.
* 1-2 hours time with client for ordering images.
* 1 hour to create website galleries, and upload files.
* 1 hour checking order, preparing files to send to printer.
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for packaging, posting or delivery.

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 10 hours up to 13 hours. This is time dedicated only to your session. When charging $150 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying for 10-13 hours in related time for your session. Which using this example equates to roughly $14 per hour.

There is of course much more: Cameras, computers, software, insurances, website costs, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample prints, albums etc. Which run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Now for the expertise.

Shooting professional photography is a skill, Acquired after years of study, and practice. Even though a quality camera now costs under $2,000 taking professional portraits involves much more than a nice camera.

Think of it this way - the next time you pay $X to have your nails done, those nails may only cost $1.50, But you gladly pay a lot more to hire a Professional to apply them.

I hope that those who have taken the time to read this page will have a better understanding of why professional photographs cost so much more than the photos you can do or print yourself at a local chain store.

Thank you for reading.

Exerpts used with permission from http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com