Capturing Your Family’s Story: Understanding Photography Pricing (And Why It’s Worth It, Mom!)

By Kim VanOs Photography

Hey there, amazing mamas! We’re all juggling a million things, right? Between school runs, soccer practice, and trying to find a moment for ourselves, time just slips through our fingers. And before we know it, our little ones are growing up way too fast. That’s why capturing those precious moments with professional photos is so important.

But let’s be real – photography pricing can feel a bit daunting. You see those beautiful images and wonder, “What am I really paying for?” As a photographer (and a fellow mom!), I want to demystify that for you and show you the true value behind those numbers.

It’s an Investment in Memories, Not Just a Click!

Think of your photography session as an investment in a family heirloom, a treasure you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s so much more than just someone pressing a button. It’s about capturing the essence of your family, the sparkle in your kids’ eyes, and those fleeting moments that will only grow more precious with time.

Behind the Scenes: What Really Goes into Your Photography Package

• Education: The Foundation of Artistry:
  • Just like any professional, photographers invest heavily in education. It’s years of dedication to learn posing, evoke genuine emotions, master lighting, and understand the technical side of the camera. Plus, there’s always something new to learn – editing software updates, location permits, and the ever-evolving business side of things!
• Investing in the Right Tools:
  • My camera and lenses? They’re professional-grade tools, and they come with a significant price tag. And that’s just the start! There’s insurance, memory cards, computers, hard drives, and all the little extras that ensure your photos are top-notch.
• Crafting a Seamless Client Experience:
  • From the moment you inquire, I’m working to make your experience smooth and stress-free. That means prompt responses, detailed welcome guides, personalized contracts, and clear communication.
• Location Scouting: Finding the Perfect Backdrop:
  • Finding the right location is crucial! I scout spots, consider lighting changes, and ensure everything is perfect before your session. This can take hours, and that’s before we even start shooting! Even if you have a location in mind I still go out and scout it to make sure it has the right things to make your photos amazing.
• The Session Itself: Capturing the Magic:
  • The actual photoshoot is just one part of the process. I arrive early to prepare, and the session itself can last 1-2 hours, depending on your needs.
• The Post-Session Magic: Editing and Refining:
  • This is where the real magic happens! I download, back up, and cull hundreds of images to select the best ones. Then comes the editing: applying presets, making individual adjustments, and ensuring every photo is perfect. This can take many hours.
  • Then I upload the proofing gallery, and after your selections, I do a final edit where I make sure every detail is perfect.
• The Final Touches: Delivering Your Memories:
  • I then redownload, back up, reupload, and send the final gallery. I also make sure you have opened it and send a handmade thank you card.

Breaking Down the Numbers (In a Mom-Friendly Way!)

Here’s a general breakdown of how pricing can work:

• Before the Session:  This involves everything prior to getting to the location to actually shoot your photos with you and your family. 
• The Actual Session: This covers the time during the photoshoot. 
• After the Session: This is where the magic happens! I carefully edit each image to enhance its beauty, remove distractions, and ensure you look your best. Extra retouching requests, like extensive blemish removal, will have an extra per photo charge.

Why It’s Worth It

I know budgeting is important, especially when you have kids. But think of these photos as a gift to yourself and your family. They’re the moments you’ll look back on and smile, remembering those precious times.

Let’s Chat!

Don’t hesitate to reach out (Contact – Kim VanOs Photography), and let’s create some beautiful memories together!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim