Why professional photography is worth the investment

Gone are the days of dressing up the whole family and heading to a photo studio for the annual family portrait. Who remembers those trips to Olan Mills, JC Penney, or Sears? Even Wal-Mart had a photo booth set up near the front of the store at one point! And let’s not forget the era of Glamour Shots—those iconic, poofed-up hairdos and dramatic makeup that were considered “beauty shots.”

But as the retail landscape has evolved, so has the photography industry.

These days, while you might still find a few photo studios popping up during the holiday rush, most people are opting to hire a professional photographer to capture their family memories. One of the most common questions I get asked is, How much should I expect to pay for a professional photography session? The short answer: It depends. But let’s dive deeper into why professional photography today is different from what it used to be.

A New Era in Family Photography

If you’re comparing today’s photography prices to those of the 1990s high-volume studios, you might experience a bit of sticker shock. And that’s understandable. But the reality is, professional photography is an investment in both time and quality. Today’s photographers provide much more than just a session. They guide clients through every step—from planning and choosing outfits to designing beautiful, custom artwork for your home.

Remember those high-volume studios where you didn’t get much guidance on what to wear and had a limited selection of generic props that often felt impersonal? Today’s photographers are different. They’ll help you pick the perfect outfits, work with you at your favorite locations (or even your home), and design one-of-a-kind artwork that you and future generations will cherish.

The Time and Skill Behind the Lens

Another big difference today is the time photographers spend editing images after the session. In the digital age, retouching is a big part of the process. For example, as a pet photographer, I carefully remove leashes, fix stray hairs, and sometimes even create composite images if a subject’s eyes are closed at just the wrong moment. This attention to detail takes time—time that adds value to your final product.

Custom Photography vs. High-Volume Studios

One of the key things that sets professional photographers apart today is the level of customization they offer. Many photographers now provide tailored sessions, meaning each photo shoot is designed specifically for you. Gone are the days of generic, cookie-cutter family portraits where props were shuffled around to make every family photo look almost identical. Today, photographers focus on capturing your family’s unique personality and creating something truly special.

What’s the Right Investment for You?

Just like buying a car, when you invest more, you’re often getting a more luxurious product. There are photographers who offer lower prices but also provide a more limited service. If that works for you, that’s great! But if you’re looking for high-quality heirloom products and a truly personalized experience, that’s when you’re investing in a photographer who provides a premium service.

Neither choice is right or wrong—it all comes down to what’s important to you and what fits your needs. Want to learn more about working with me? Let’s chat!