We all know that photography isn't cheap. Well good photography isn't cheap that is but there is many a new photographer out there willing to travel, shoot, and produce images digitally with a release for just $25 or even dare I utter it 'exposure'. 

Could those incredibly cheap photographers be worth it? Sure there is a possibility one of a handful has some hidden talent and can produce a gem of an image making it worth it. But what about the tried and true, the experienced and the proven? Yeah, they cost but let’s break down the cost.

This photograph cost a whooping $ 2405 to make.

Back in 2011 when I started this was my basic kit, but doesn’t include the time spent shooting and editing.

$20 In Gas

$850 Camera

$500 Lens

$25 Lens Fliter

$500 Computer

$500 Photoshop

$10 disc 

20+850+500+25+500+500+10= $2405

This photograph cost a whooping $ 8060 to make.

Now in 2016-17 my costs to make a single image look a lot different and still without considering time spent shooting and editing factored in.

$60 In Gas

$1500 Camera

$2500 Lens

$50 Filter

$3000 Computer

$500 Photoshop

$50 Affinity Photo

$500 Ice lights

$50 Batteries

$400 General Business Fees (I.E. Proofing websites, websites, etc.)

60+1500+2500+50+3000+500+50+500+50+400= $8060

This photograph cost a whooping $11,000 to make.

Now in 2019-20 my costs to make a single image are different yet this price still doesn’t factor in time spent shooting and editing.

$100 In Gas

$2500 Camera

$2500 Lens

$1000 iPhone X

$50 Filter

$3000 Computer

$500 Photoshop

$50 Affinity Photo

$50 Portrait Pro

$500 Strobe lights

$200 Backdrop/ Backdrop Stand Portable

$50 Batteries

$500 General Business Fees (I.E. Proofing websites, websites, etc.)

100+2500+2500+1000+50+3000+500+50+50+500+200+50+500 = $11,000

These photograph’s cost a whooping $15,870 to make.

Now in 2023 my costs to make a single image are different yet this price still doesn’t factor in time spent shooting and editing.

$150 In Gas

$2500 Camera

$3700 Lens

$1100 iPhone 14 pro

$100 Filter

$150 prograde xd card

$6000 Computer

$120 Photoshop CC Subscription

$50 Affinity Photo

$50 Portrait Pro

$750 Strobe lights

$400 Backdrop/ Backdrop Stand Portable

$100 Batteries

$700 General Business Fees (I.E. Proofing websites, websites, etc.)

150+2500+3700+1100+100+150+6000+120+50+50+750+400+100+700 = $15,870

There is a lot more; this covers very minimal equipment- not even half that a photographer (well this photographer) has. Let alone props I have collected, as well as the work shops or classes I have attended to keep building my skills. 

Among cost for photographers is travel, licensing and expenses for marketing. The more the photographer grows, the more the cost associated with photography grows with them. This accounts for the numerous reasons photographers often raise their prices. Equipment has gotten better and more affordable yet it is still a significant portion of a photographers expenses for shooting.

So why does a photographer charge so much? Because they have a lot invested in their craft, they are continuing to learn, grow, develop, and they really are giving you a fabulous deal! We do not reasonably expect anyone to pay almost ten grand an image, that is just far fetched but we do strive for compensation that allows us to continue doing what we love, pay the bills, and put food on the table.