[I recently posted an article entitled, 10 Reasons Professional Photographers Charge What They Do. As I was writing this article, I realized my 10 could be expanded and have even more detail. So this is the start of 10 Reasons Why Photographers Can Command Such High Fees.]
4. Have you ever visited a discount store’s photo studio, and asked if they’ll do something special, just for you? My bet is you’ll either get a blank stare or a lot of laughter.
The chains make their money because they have systems in place. Come in, stand in line, stand on the X, smile, move to sales room, buy packages, walk through store in hopes you’ll purchase more items.
Professional photographers will do it all. Want to get married at the top of a 14,000 foot high mountain, where the only way up is a 30 minute ski-lift ride? A professional photographer will be there. Want a portrait running through the waves on a Southern California beach? A professional photographer will be there.
Even if you’re staying in studio, and will be using backgrounds, its a completely different experience. Your time is your time. You can bring in your own props, ask for changes, and work exclusively with the photographer to get the exact results you’re looking for.
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I work for said “chain studio” & this is extremely offensive! I consider myself a professional photographer, I do a job 100x’s better than a majority of the crap I see on Facebook by self proclaimed professional freelance photographers. My photography is much more creative than these Facebook photographers or Pinterest copy cats. I most certainly am not rushing my clients through their sitting and each sitting is customized to them. Work in a studio before you bash them!
Stephanie
I hear what you’re saying, but you are the rarity. Most people at chain stores are there for the job – stand on the x, buy the pics, and collect the paycheck. Its just the nature of having a job over opening your own business.
Just my opinion.
Lori