Before becoming a photographer, I’ll admit I used to think professional photography was unnecessarily expensive. When I fell pregnant with my first and started looking for a maternity and newborn photographer, I searched for the best value within my budget. I chose a mid-range package that included both maternity and newborn sessions. I adored my maternity photos but later realized I wanted a studio feel for my newborn photos, which my chosen photographer didn’t offer. While the newborn photos were lovely, they didn’t match the vision I had in mind, and I regretted not investing in a photographer who could provide studio options.

This experience taught me that professional photography pricing often reflects the demand, expertise, and offerings of the photographer. Let’s break it down so you can better understand where those costs come from.


Understanding Photography Pricing

Professional photography typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 or more. Factors like the photographer’s experience, demand, and level of education drive pricing. While it might seem expensive at first glance, the time, skill, and resources required to deliver professional-quality work justify the cost.


What Goes Into a Photography Session

Session Time

The length of a session varies depending on the type. Maternity and family sessions usually last 1-2 hours, while newborn sessions often take 2-3 hours due to the baby’s needs. If travel for an in-home newborn session is required, that’s an additional 1-2 hours.


Image Transfer and Culling

  • After the session, transferring and culling images can take up to 2 hours. A typical session generates 500-1,000 images, which are narrowed down to 100-250 images through multiple rounds of culling.


Editing

  • Editing is where the magic happens. From the culled images, I edit 10-20 photos to show as examples. For newborn sessions, editing can be especially time-intensive due to blemishes, flaky skin, and tone corrections. Each image can take up to 30 minutes to perfect, with additional time required for skin smoothing and color adjustments.


Gallery Upload

  • Once the edits are complete, I upload the gallery to Pixieset, a process that can take an hour or more for large galleries. Afterward, I review the gallery to ensure everything is perfect, sometimes requiring minor re-edits and re-uploads.


Behind the scenes

  • Beyond the visible work, there’s a host of behind-the-scenes tasks:
  • Responding to inquiries, managing contracts and invoices, and handling client questionnaires.
  • Investing in monthly subscriptions for tools like a website, Pixieset, Unscripted , Adobe editing software, and Instagram & Google ads.


Equipment Costs

Professional gear is a significant investment:

  • MacBook Pro laptop: $5,000
  • 2 x Camera: $10,000
  • Lenses: $6,000
  • Accessories (batteries, SD cards, bag): $2,500


Continuing Education and Development

Ongoing education is essential for growth. In 2024 alone, I’ve invested $4,690 in:

  • A photography retreat: $2,500 (interstate and travel no included in this cost)
  • One-on-one mentoring: $3,000
  • Workshops and online courses: $1,750


Client Wardrobe

  • I provide a client wardrobe with about 20 pieces, mostly from sustainable brands. Gowns average $300 each, with some priced at $500. This ensures clients have access to high-quality, beautiful outfits without needing to purchase their own.


Why professional photoghsphy is worth it

  • A lot more goes into photography than meets the eye. From the session itself to the hours spent editing and the investments in equipment and education, every aspect contributes to the final product. While photography is a luxury, it’s one that captures life’s most important moments.
  • Pricing varies among photographers based on their offerings and experience. Ultimately, choose someone whose style, pricing, and personality align with your vision. After all, they’re not just taking photos; they’re preserving memories you’ll cherish forever.