The True Investment Behind Your Photos - For Both the Client & the Photographer
As someone in that awkward yet exciting stage of a photography career where I’ve established a monetary value for my work, I’ve had a lot on my mind about what an investment photography truly is, for both the client and the photographer.
Before I even picked up a camera myself, my perception of photography was simple: just “point and shoot.” With my own experience behind the camera, I now see things differently. I want to shed light on what I’ve learned since beginning my photography journey to help clients understand what goes on behind the scenes, and to remind photographers of the value in their craft.
Photography is an Art Form
Before the invention of the camera, artists spent centuries mastering their ability to capture life accurately through drawing and painting. Famous portraits of kings, queens, and other notable figures we see in museums today were the original “photoshoots.” People have always valued being remembered and being seen throughout the stages of their lives, and those treasures continue to live on.
When the camera was introduced, exact moments in time were able to be captured like never before. Photography replaced art in this respect, but artists continued to discover what kept fine art alive, thus the emergence of abstract and modern/contemporary art. But one truth remains: the human desire to preserve a moment in time never faded.
This is all to say, when you begin to see your photos as works of art, you start to understand their value.
The Investment as a Photographer
For photographers, it’s just as important to recognize and value your own artistry. This craft demands true creativity and commitment. It requires continuously learning, refining, and showing up with intention.
It’s not as simple as “point and shoot,” contrary to what I once believed. Capturing a timeless photo requires awareness, technical understanding, artistic instinct, and the eye for color and tone that develops through practice and education.
Time is one of your biggest investments. You’ll spend countless hours editing, organizing, communicating, and delivering galleries. A photo session extends far beyond the time spent literally behind the camera. There are contracts to write, clients to coordinate with, travel time, location scouting, editing, exporting, and gallery delivery.
Equipment is another major investment. Cameras, lenses, editing software, storage systems, and websites cost thousands upfront, and hundreds more each year in maintenance and upgrades. These are investments in producing the best quality product for your clients. And if you’re investing in your clients, you deserve clients who invest in you and your craft.
The Investment as a Client
Clients, your investment matters too. Preparing for a session takes effort: planning outfits, coordinating schedules, getting ready, showing up. You spend your energy researching photographers, paying deposits, and trusting someone to preserve your memories with care.
But all of that effort pays off in something priceless: photos that last a lifetime.
A professional photographer doesn’t just simply take pictures; they create an atmosphere where you can be completely present. In a world of quick smartphone snapshots, professional photography slows things down. It invites you to be seen in an artistic and beautiful way.
You also receive the quality that only a trained photographer can deliver. Between high-end equipment and professional editing software, photographers work hard to bring out the most flattering colors, tones, and light.
So, when you’re deciding how much to invest in a photo session, keep this in mind: higher-priced photographers often charge what they do because of the time, training, and attention to detail behind the scenes. But pricing isn’t everything. Research portfolios, look for consistency, and find the photographer whose style speaks to you. Remember, photography is an investment.
Behind the Scenes - What Clients Often Don’t See
Even for experienced photographers, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. Here’s just a glimpse of what goes into a single session:
Professional equipment: Professional camera bodies alone can cost $1,500–$2,500, and lenses often cost the same or more. Clients benefit from these tools without shouldering the cost.
Communication: Texts, emails, and messages directly between the photographer and the client are all part of building trust and clarity.
Location scouting: Finding the perfect spot based on lighting, season, and scenery.
Culling: Sorting through hundreds of images to select the best ones - removing duplicates, closed eyes, or distracting elements.
Editing: Making adjustments through software for the best product. The most time-consuming part, often taking six to eight hours for just 100 photos.
Importing and exporting: Technology still takes time. It can take 15–20 minutes just to export a full gallery of high-resolution images.
Every detail, from start to finish, is part of the process that makes your photos what they are.
In Conclusion
Photographers, invest in your clients, your education, and your art.
Clients, invest in the people who pour themselves into preserving your memories.
When both sides understand the value behind each photograph (the time, effort, and love that goes into creating and receiving it), that’s when the real magic happens.
