Why are Professional Photographers So Expensive???

[bullychk04]

As I am sloooowly gaining experience and building a portfolio, I've run across people who ask "Why do professional photographers charge so much???" I've even come across people who say it's highway robbery. Sigh.

Anyway, if any of you haven't seen this, I thought this was a great explanation and lay out of the expenses and hard work when working in the photog biz.

Why are Professional Photographers so expensive?

Happy snapping!

[jdepould]

Because you aren't paying for pictures, you're paying for a professional with experience and possibly schooling (and the loans that go with it). They're also paying for the time spent behind the mouse, which is (at a minimum) equal to the amount of time spent behind the camera.

Also, marketing.

[SusanH1970]

I've linked to that blog post before. Great information!

Here's another really good one: If I were you.. Claire Alyse Photography | Los Angeles Child & Family Photographer

[kingpatzer]

NPPA: Cost of Doing Business Calculator

Forget the time component. The photographer's time is one of the least expensive things involved. Indeed, where most people starting out go wrong is to think in terms of hours of labor and what they want to make per hour. But salary is only one part of the picture, and it is often not the most important part.

[bullychk04]

Susan, that is awesome! Thanks for sharing

[MichleJohn]

off course professional photographer are very expensive.... but the simple reason they are expensive because they are professional....they charge you by professionalism

[Jim Bryant]

They are paying for my creativity, 40 plus years of experience, the wear & tear on my cameras & computers, software to do the job, expenses and quality.......period!