Im often asked Why are you so expensive? and it puzzles me as to why people believe this. When you buy a loaf of bread for £1.10, do you believe the bread cost that much to make or do you accept it? When you purchase the latest fashionable trainers, do you question the maker over their prices or do you accept it? I currently charge (Until Feb 1st) £20 for a 1 hour studio session. Now this doesnt mean that I am earning £20 per hour. That £20 pays for my time in the studio, my talent, my electric, my heating, my studio rent, my travel to the studio to take your pictures...If youve brought your baby in, it will also cover the electric in my home, the use of my washing machine, the fabric detergent (We all know babies go potty whenever they like :P )... thats just the basics. Then my packages start from £80 (currently) That £80 pays for my editing time (about 10 hours per studio session) The time it takes me to talk to you before and after your session. The time it takes me to upload your gallery and then consult with you about your order. It then costs me money to place your order with a pro lab. I also have to pay for postage from them. Then, when they arrive, I have to check that theyre ok and consult with you again. Besides the basics, I am registered with the tax man so I pay him. I am fully insured for public liability and professional indemnity - it costs money to insure your safety. Then I have studio rent to cover monthly, monthly payments to the guild of photographers who ensure that Im the best that i can be. the cost of my kit (Camera body x2, 11 lenses, 3 softboxes, and a vast array of other things) Then I have my backdrops.... 3 vinyl, about 12 themed. Those that have been to my studio will have also seen the HUGE amount of props i have to offer for your personal use during your session. I didnt get them free. Then, all of that aside, I have to live. I have the same household bills as everyone else. To finalise, I am not earning £100 per session, I am TAKING roughly £100 per session. Whats left? A tenner if Im lucky. Which is why on the 1st of February my prices will increase. I will not be discounting. I will not be bartering. I will be charging my worth. There are other photographers in Cardiff that charge more than me but dont offer the same quality. Its time I caught up. Am I really expensive when you look at the bigger picture? Phew. Now onto finishing another gallery :) Are we all watching the NTAs?
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:16:11 +0000
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