It’s something I’ve heard a lot, especially making the transition from freebies to paid shoots. The price of cameras are down and the ease of use is up. So how can a photographer justify charging $1,000+ for a session?
The rise of websites like pornhub, manyvids, and OnlyFans has caused a meteoric rise of amateur content. It’s blatantly clear people prefer simulated gf content rather than professional photos and video. Even social media, the new advertising spaces, prefer iPhoneography over pro shots.
The music industry is having the same issue. Anyone can be on Spotify or iTunes. Musicians are giving their music away! So why pay for it?
My intent would this isn’t to be a whiney bitch. But the point needs to be stated momentarily… if you can’t place a value on art it’s going to go away. Art is not something we should be haggling. There should be no discount art. My music, my photography (whether you think it good or bad…) has taken me 34 years to create.
Any way, to the point. The reason I charge $1,000 for my photography is because it’s what I spend every minute of every hour thinking about. As I’ve done for the past 9 years. My recommendations, my edits, my chosen framing is what it is because of those years of study. A doctor may save a life, and a lawyer may fight for your justice in the court of law but a photographer captures your NOW and bottles it forever. In 200 years, hopefully someone will look at one of my pieces and say, “wow! That’s what beauty looked like in his time!”
BUT. I also agree. Some camera-people should be ashamed of calling themselves photographers. We need to step up the game and be MORE USEFUL to our consumers. Instead of asking how I can perfectly light this gorgeous booty, I can find out HOW my photography can best help the incredible owner of that booty in a business partnership or as a service.
If you know/love a photographer… give them some love and appreciation. Most of us don’t hear any of the complements our models do.
I love you all!! Thanks for being here and being awesome!
