Why professional photographers charge what they do?

Photography clients probably wonder: why do professional photographers charge what they do? Why is it so expensive? It’s a question that’s not asked often but I’m sure people searching for a photographer are wondering.

Take a wedding photographer, for example. A couple getting married may not like that the photographers they are looking at are charging at least $2,000. They may wonder why a photographer charges $2,000 for one day of work.

My aim with this article is to explain why they charge $2,000, and dispel the misconception that photographers are just working one day on your project.

First reason photographers charge what they do

The cost of professional camera equipment is high. In order to do a good job, a photographer needs professional equipment. Some people may not realize, but a photographer should spend at least $2,000 on a camera body – that’s a camera without any lenses. A good photographer will have at least two camera bodies.

Then a photographer needs a series of lenses – and many quality lenses start at about $1,000. For myself, I have five or six lenses in my bag.

Then there is the lighting equipment and the other accessories needed to run a professional photography business.

It can cost tens of thousand dollars to get the equipment needed to be a professional photographer.

Second reason photographers charge what they do

Photographers work more than you think

The time the photographer spends with you is the least amount of time they spend on your project. Back to the wedding photographer example. Your wedding photographer may spend eight hours with you on the wedding day. Many more hours will be spent going through all the photos shot and editing them. Editing a single photo can be very time-consuming. This is a true case where the bulk of the work is behind the scenes.

Third reason photographers charge what they do

Prep work

A good professional photographer should spend time ahead of the actual shoot day to prepare. That includes time preparing and packing equipment. It include time selecting a venue for a portrait session, or becoming acquainted with the venue for a wedding. It may include an engagement session. It may include time meeting or visiting with the client ahead of the shoot. It includes time preparing and sending contract.

The next time you wonder why photographers charge what they do, I hope you consider these factors.