The Value of Photos

I of course think photos are priceless, special moments captured in time that I can look at over and over again, but photography is my passion, so of course I think like that.  

What about people who are not passion bound and just want to hire a photographer to take their family pics?  There is a lot of variety of photographers and they all charge different rates, how would you decide? I've been trying to think of a relatable comparison, and I think it is a little bit like taking your family out to a restaurant.

I would take my family out to dine for a little bit of treat, for an eating experience I couldn't provide, or I just don't want to cook myself.  I would have family portraits done for a bit of treat, if it was an experience I couldn't provide, or I want to be in the portraits, and also I would have photographic momentos to keep.

If I want to take my family of four out to a nice dinner that is not too fancy at an affordable price, I would probably take them to a Cobb & Co type restaurant.  I would be expecting a nice meal, but not anything original or extra special.  I would probably be looking at around $150 - $200 for 2-3 courses each and drinks for my family of four.  If I wanted just some nice family portraits done, nothing fancy or original, I would think I would be happy to pay a little more that my basic dining out experience, as I would have photographs to keep afterwards.

I wouldn't expect to go to Gordon Ramsays restaurant and expect the same prices. Can you imagine his reaction if I said "Well Gordon, the Cobb & Co down the road can feed my family for this price, so I expect you to charge me the same"?   I would say it, then run away really fast and hide. :D

If I took my family out for a fine dining experience, with a chef who specialised in a particular style of cooking, who had their own special recipes and presentation, who would provide a culinary experience high above the local Cobb & Co, I would be expecting to pay a lot more.  If I was going to do this, it actually wouldn't be about the price.  It would be about the decision of choosing if I go with Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Colin Fassnidge etc.  It would be about the chef and the eating experience I want.

So if I wanted extra special family photographs done, I would be going by a photographers style, what they specialise in, what look they give in their final product. Then I would look at their prices so I knew what I needed to pay for them to do my photographs.

Sometimes it has to be about the price.  But, because my family photos have a high value in my heart, I would get the artist and style that I wanted first and foremost.

Well that's my thoughts for the day.  :D

Calico Jo