As artists, our greatest joy comes from seeing our work bring beauty, connection, and meaning to your lives. Whether it’s a stunning portrait hanging on your wall, a photo that perfectly captures your unique personality, or an image that boosts your confidence and tells your story, our mission is to create something truly special for you. We don’t enter this field for wealth; we do it out of love for our craft and for the joy of sharing it with others.
But there’s a side to art that isn’t always visible—the behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to keep creating and stay in business. And today, I’d like to share a bit about why pricing for artistic services, including photography, sometimes has to change.
Art is how we make a living. It’s what keeps the lights on, the cameras clicking, and our families fed. Like everyone else, we face rising costs in every aspect of life and work. For example, my studio rent doubled this year. That’s a significant increase in overhead that directly impacts my ability to offer the same prices as before.
Beyond rent, there are countless other expenses: professional equipment, editing software, training to stay at the top of our game, utilities, insurance, marketing, and the list goes on. Not to mention, the time spent editing, retouching, and perfecting your images often far exceeds the time spent on the actual photoshoot. Every element is carefully crafted to ensure you get the highest quality results.
This year alone, I’ve faced unique challenges that pushed me to my limits. Shooting in extreme temperatures almost caused me to pass out, and my camera—a vital tool—became unglued and lost all its gripping. It’s also important to remember that cameras have a limited lifespan, with only so many clicks before they expire. Professional photographers typically need 2-3 cameras as backups to ensure nothing disrupts your session. Add to that car repairs, and the ever-rising costs of equipment, insurance, gas, groceries, and other necessities, and the financial strain becomes clear. Due to a slipped disk in my back, I often need an assistant to carry my heavy equipment, but hiring one is cost prohibitive. Many photographers have been forced to close their studios, unable to keep them going in this challenging economy, while many keep their other full time jobs (that provide a more stable income and security) and then spend the time reserved for relaxation to photograph you, because they want to see their art bringing you the joy you so deserve to have!
And unlike traditional jobs, being a photographer means there are no paid sick days or paid time off. When we get sick or need a little vacation, it’s entirely on us to absorb the loss of income and time away from our business.
Raising prices is never an easy decision. As someone who deeply values my clients, I understand the financial challenges many are facing right now. The last thing I want is for my work to feel out of reach for the people I love creating for.
But to continue doing what I do—to keep my doors open and deliver the level of quality you deserve—adjusting prices is a necessity. It’s not about greed; it’s about sustainability. Every big company does that. It’s about ensuring I can keep offering the art and experiences that mean so much to you while also taking care of my family and my future.
I want you to know that even with price adjustments, my commitment to you remains the same. I’m here to provide exceptional value and service, ensuring every dollar you invest results in something timeless and meaningful. I will always strive to be transparent and to offer options that work within your budget, whether through flexible payment plans or carefully curated packages.
Thank you for supporting not just my work but the dream and passion behind it. Every booking, every referral, and every kind word you share keeps this dream alive. Your support allows me to create, to grow, and to continue sharing my art with the world.
I hope this glimpse into the challenges we face as artists helps you understand how much thought and care goes into every decision we make. Thank you for your trust, your understanding, and for letting me be a part of your story. Together, we create something truly priceless.