How much do family photos cost?

How much does it cost, you are wondering?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, when it comes to family photography. Let's face it, when you're booking any service – be it photography or something else – you want to know what it's going to cost you upfront. Nobody likes those surprise price tags at the end, you feel cheated and upset.

In this post, I will explain how family photographers charge for their services, what kind of service you can get, why the prices can be all over the place and what kind of prices you may expect to pay for your family photos.



How photographers charge for their services

First, let's take a look at this. You’ll come across two main models - a fixed price deal where everything is included, you pay one fee for the shoot itself and all digital images on USB or as download. Alternative is session fee and products model. At first you only pay for the session and preparation of your images. After the shoot, when your photographs are ready, you view them and decide what to purchase. Most photographers offer collections of products, digital and printed, or let you order individual items. You can see your photos online via a private gallery, or during a meeting with your photographer.



So, how much does a family shoot cost? 

There's no one-fits-all answer, because it depends on a lot of things.

  • what kind of photo shoot you are getting, 
  • what is included, 
  • style of photography, 
  • experience and skills of your photographer, 
  • professional gear, 
  • how much time the photographer spends on your shoot, 
  • how long you need to wait till your photos are ready, 
  • what kind of products your photographer is offering and quality of these products.

Every photographer does things a bit differently, so it's understandable that the prices can be all over the place. It's a bit like buying a slice of ready pizza at the corner and going to a fancy award winning pizzeria with artisanal ingredients for dinner. Both times you still get pizza, but!



A few things to consider:

Are you hiring a specialist photographer who only does family photo sessions, or a general photographer who does weddings, commercial, events, families, pets and newborn and you name it. Specialist photographers usually cost more, because they are experts in their field.

In the current world when everyone is a bit of a photographer with our smartphones, the question of professional training may seem trivial. Way more goes into taking a beautiful photograph than just grabbing a camera, pointing and clicking the button. There's understanding and use of light, capturing the right moments, expressions and emotions, composition, colors, artistic vision, making everyone feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and the editing process. Plus it takes hours and hours of work and practice to hone these skills so that you get those special images that really touch your heart.


What kind of service would you like to get? 

Are you ok with a quick photo shoot and a selection of digital images after?

Or are you looking for a full-service treatment, complete with preparation consultation, wardrobe and props assistance (or have them provided), sufficient time during the shoot to realize all your ideas, a meeting after to view your photos and help you to decide on the best ways to use and display them, and personal delivery of products? 

Are you looking for typical family photos, when everyone is sitting or standing and looking at the camera, nicely dressed and smiling? Or are you looking for something outstanding and different, that shows your kids and your family in a beautiful and unique way?



The cost of family photography

Now that you know what factors influence the price of the photo session, how much does it actually cost? I've spent time looking at prices, and you can find family photo deals already for around €200, with the average falling somewhere between €300-1000. My own prices start at €450 (photo session fee and petite collection). On average, my clients spend €800 Euros and up on their photo session and images. If you'd like to see full pricing, just click here. I like things to be transparent, so that you can feel comfortable with how much you spend on your family photos. Remember, it's an investment in your future and your memories - your kids will grow up, clothes will become too small, toys come and go, but the photos? They will stay with you forever. 

Like what I do? While you are here, get in touch, let's chat about photos of your family!

Get in touch!

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