It is industry standard that photographers charge a "session fee" or a "sitting fee". The amount of these fees vary from one photographer to another. I know a photographer that has a session fee of $1000. Yep, that's right, $1000. I don't judge that, it simply is not my style really. I DO charge a session fee. I charge $150 ....basically to show up and take your picture and make them all look amazing. So often people think (and some even ask) "What the heck to I GET for that $150?" That is actually a very reasonable question. Truth is, most folks think that we simply show up...take a few snapshots and are on our way. That could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, if a client asks (and I do hear this often) "We just want a couple of "snapshots" of our family. What would you charge for THAT?" They think that #1 I would charge less for my time since that is "all they want" and 2. that I actually take "snapshots". I don't take snapshots. I am an artist and if you want snapshots, hand your personal camera to your neighbor and ask them to shoot away. If you want your family image to be artwork in your home, exclusive, personal, and intimate, then you will need to pay my session fee.
Allow me to clear things up a bit. Here is what your "session fee" gets you with Phileo Photography.
1. You get TWO professional photographers at your shoot
2. You get more than a photo session, you get a fun and memorable experience
3 You get up to an hour of our time, expertise, and creativity on that shoot
4. You are having your images taken with high quality, professional camera equiptment
5. You receive at least another 3-4 hours of our time AFTER the shoot as we look through ALL the images we took, choose the best of the best and edit Each and every one of those final images to create artwork for you.
6. You receive a proofing experience (another 1-2 hours of our time) that will touch you and give you one on one assistance in creating the package that is right for you and your budget.
There ya have it. Yes, we charge a session fee. And you DO in fact receive a great deal for that money. We hope you can see more clearly that although many can take a decent picture with a pretty great camera, Few can give the heartfelt attention to making those images unforgettable.