So How Much Does Good Photography Cost?
Just because someone owns a camera doesn’t mean they know how to use it. So exactly how much does good photography cost?
In the digital age, where anyone with a cheap digital camera and a Facebook page can market himself or herself as a photographer, it is important to find a photographer that you can trust to capture your memories. After all, those precious moments disappear in a flash.
When considering a photographer, it is a good idea for you to find out about the photographer, their experience, reputation, and business policies. Photographers’ prices tend to be based on an industry standard equivalent to their skill and experience.
Photography Techniques You May Not Know.
Good Professional photographers do a lot more than point and shoot, hoping to get a great image. If you are looking for experts in the field of photography, they have the knowledge, expertise and equipment to produce high-quality images that produce creative, perfectly printed portraits.
General-use cameras continue to improve, and so does the equipment used by professionals. If you want images to frame and put on your wall, quality albums or even digital files to do it all yourself, be aware that a professional-quality printing service can provide much better prints than those you might get at your local Pharmacy chain..
Archival Photographs Or Digital Files?
Professional cameras produce images of much higher resolution than standard cameras, and professional lighting techniques, and understanding of light, can make the difference between a so-so image and an image that can “pop” off your wall.
Using more flattering angles and unique perspectives and settings, clearly separate “real” photographers apart from their amateur or just out of college time counterparts. Professional photographers use refined editing techniques to clear up imperfections and provide controlled contrast and colour balance.
Professional printing companies have the right equipment and correction services and supply a range of archival photography materials such as metallic and art papers, Italian canvas, acrylic, and more. If your prints from a part-time photographer fade over a short period of time, don’t be surprised, as only a professional photographer will supply you with your photographs on lifetime archival paper.
The Hidden Risk You Take
Good professional photographers have strong reputations, since what they do is both personal and creative, and image-based. Their work is easy to check out on their website or Facebook page, and look for a photographer that specialises in the particular genre that you want photographed.
Do your research to find a professional who works in the style you want for a price that you are willing to pay. Set up a consultation appointment with those whose work seems to be what you like and visit their studio Use this initial meeting to find out more about the photography experience, products and pricing.
When looking at the work, take note of the style and variety of images, and how that matches your personal preferences. Pay attention to poses, angles, lighting and other techniques. Check a photographer’s Facebook reviews, references, and written testimonials.
Being a member of a professional organisation shows a level of commitment to grow a photography business and keep skills current. Photographers are also bound by a set of professional rules of practice, a code of ethics, and adequate public liability insurance. These organization also certify photographers, which involves submitting photos and reaching a certain high standard.
How To Get The Best From Your Photography Session
You will find that most inexperienced photographers offer very little customer service, and so will put your images on an online gallery for you to make your selections. Obviously when they do this you will be unable to ask them any relevant questions about the images like cropping, removing unwanted facial blemishes, making the images black and white etc.
Personal “one on one” purchasing sessions at the studio with a dedicated professional photographic co-ordinator is the way that the better photographers will help, guide and advise you on getting the best from your images. Let’s face it, the only time that you can decide on what you want, is when you see the photographs that your photographer has taken.
So keep an open mind on how much you intend to spend. Most people tend to spend a lot more than they had anticipated once they see their photographs.
You Want A Guarantee Don’t You?
Most photographers charge a fee of around £35-£100 for the photography session, at their studio or at an outdoor location. Newborn sessions usually take a lot longer, so expect these fees to be higher.
Individual small print and digital file prices can vary from as little as £15 each for the hobbyist photographer to £50 and above for an experienced award winning Master Photographer.
If you are looking for a photographer to produce stunning décor photographs for your wall to add that warm personal touch to your surroundings, choose a photographer who specialises in wall art. Expect prices from £200 and upwards. It is common for some clients of the top photographers to spend upwards of £5,000 and more on photographs for their wall. Make sure that any wall products that you order come with at least a 10 year guarantee. This is normal procedure with full time photographers, but you are unlikely to get this with a hobbiest. Purchasing wall art is like buying furniture for your home. Quality always comes at a higher price.
Connecting By Phone Is The Key
You should definitely shop around and find a photographer whose work you really like, rather than simply making your decision based on the cheapest price.
If you do go with a lower rate, make sure the photographer you hire has the skills and experience you are seeking and produces a reasonable quality of work. There is a price to be paid for a good professional photographer, and as the old saying goes you almost always “get what you pay for”.
Beautiful lasting memories on your wall don’t happen by chance, they happen with an appointment.
Calling the photographer and having a 2 minute chat is the quickest way to have all of your questions answered, and to find out if they are the right “mix” to preserve your priceless memories.”
written by Bernie Griffiths .
