Photography was a passion of mine long before I started my business. My business actually started as a way to let friends/family know that I was available if they needed someone. Actually, my friends approached me before I started advertising. That is for another post :)
My sessions started out at $30 I believe. It included everything---all photos, whatever you wanted. I was using the camera equipment I already had, which was my old Canon Rebel and my kit lens.
Then I started buying more equipment, I've bought 5 or so new lenses since then, bunches memory cards, batteries and chargers, a flash, as well as 2 other cameras. There are a number of little things I've purchased too, like a hand grips, hoods, filters, gray card, on top of other business necessities like business cards, DVDs and mailing envelopes etc. There is a lot of expense that goes into photography. Not to mention a ton of time.
On average, for 1 session I spend:
On average, for 1 session I spend:
20 minutes pre-session emailing, calling, and setting up a time for the session
15 minutes packing up for the session
30 minutes min driving to and from a session
1.5 hours shooting and chatting before/after (my hour sessions usually go over)
2-4 hours editing
30 minutes burning to C.D, packaging, and going to the post office and back
These are all averages, but that means for every session, I spend an average of 5 hours on each session. Right now I charge $65 for my basic session. This isn't including other expenses like the wear and tear on my camera, car, gas, the fact that I had to get a smart phone for keeping up with my clients, props, or any of my equipment fees and replacement of equipment that I've worn out. (I missed one client session...ever. It had completely slipped my mind, and my client emailed trying to get a hold of me. That was the breaking point for getting a smartphone)
That's why in Omaha you also see photographers charge $400+ for a 1 hour session. The way I do my sessions and pricing...its not exactly lucrative :)
I do lots of things to try and keep my expenses down to pass that savings onto clients. I don't advertise, but rely entirely on word of mouth. I give my clients $10 off for every person they refer to me. I don't pay for a website, but instead use facebook and a free blog. Any logo, business card and art design for my business is done by my graphic design husband if it is something outside my range of ability. I use plain C.Ds for my clients, and often will hand deliver if I see them sometime in the week after their session. Also, I allow my clients to offer trades rather than paying session prices. For example, I've traded other photographers for sessions, I've traded session for handmade scarves, and other personal items and crafts that others can do that I can't!
Why do I do this? I honestly believe everyone should be able to afford good photos! Other local photographers have discussed with me raising prices, but that's not why I do this. Yes, I have another job so the income isn't as imperative. I keep up my reasonably prices photography business because I love it. I love meeting new people, I love holding babies and running with kids...it is fun for me! I also love the opportunity to become a better photographer, through practice. I know that the reason I've grown so much as a photographer these past few years is because of the opportunity I've had with clients to practice my craft and perfect it.
Will I raise my prices? I may need to some day. I started raising my prices when I had issues of cancellations, clients taking advantage of my lower rates, and those that treated me as "cheap" because of my cheap prices. As my equipment grows and my expenses grow, prices may go up...but unless I have photography as my sole source of income, I plan on always doing my best to be affordable to all!