Why is my photographer charging like they do???

Ever wondered why a good photographer is expensive (figuratively)??? You may think it takes a 60th of a second to “click” capture the perfect photo, and it does, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This infographic from Digital Camera Info captures perfectly what we’re up against and this is just from our software suppliers! Apart from the software cost crisis we’re facing, keep in mind that a truly professional, FULL TIME photographer worth her salt has already forked out for:

– Professional grade cameras, lenses & studio lighting equipment which have to be upgraded regularly.
– Computer hardwear that has to be updated/replaced with the file sizes generated by newer cameras getting larger.
– Digital Storage Devices to store the ever increasing files and file sizes.
– $10,000’s in University fees to learn a hell of a lot more skills than a “buy a camera and bingo I’m a photographer” style shooter.
– $1000’s every year in web, print advertising & bridal expos
– $1000’s of unpaid hours every year for social media, writing blogs, emailing, client meetings (which I love BTW), building supplier relationships, self directed photo shoots, workshops and further training
– Time away from my kids, husband & dogs (yes, in that order)
– rent, phones, cars and all that other fun stuff
– MOST IMPORTANTLY, a priceless amount of knowledge that only comes with +15yrs photography experience.

So next time you engage a photographer that is prepared to “give away” their hard earned hi-res files for free, just ask yourself how “hard earned” are they really??? How invested in my wedding/family portrait/event are they if they put a $0 value on their own work?