Why are photographers so expensive?

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Do you often ask yourself why photographers are so expensive? As a customer, one often has the feeling that the photographer "only" presses the shutter release and receives a lot of money for it.

Of course, a photographer's job is not just about pushing a button. There are many sub-steps that make up a photographer's service. Knowing these, it's understandable that photographers can't be cheap.

Are Photographers Really That Expensive?

Considering the whole process, photographers don't seem nearly as expensive anymore. First of all, a photographer needs a whole range of equipment. That would be at least a suitable camera including lenses and possibly a tripod. In addition, there are technical aids, possibly an assistant, as well as a computer and processing programs. All in all, these are expensive purchases, for which wear and tear must also be taken into account. There are other elements that come into play:

  • In order to be able to take the photo, a photographer needs the right location. Some choose a photo studio, which in turn means renting or renting. It costs money to maintain.
  • If the photographer takes the photo elsewhere, there are costs for the journey. Depending on the route, money is collected here for the wear and tear of the car and, above all, for gasoline. You also have to keep in mind that the photographer cannot work during a long journey and therefore cannot earn any money.
  • More specific shooting locations are often chargeable.
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The photos need to be edited

A photo shoot is tedious. For example, if it is a wedding, the photographer should be present at all times. He accompanies the bride and groom all day. As a result, the hourly wage pretty much adds up in the end. Once all the photos have been taken, the photographer makes an initial selection. Usually he has to choose the best from several hundred photos.

  • Then the photographer has to do some basic editing. It also adjusts the size of the photos so that they can be uploaded to the Internet and presented to you.
  • You then select the most beautiful photos. Only then does the real work begin. The images now have to be post-processed in detail on the computer. This again takes several hours, depending on the amount of photos.
  • When all photos have been processed, you will receive them again for review. You can now give your okay or include further wishes. If the latter is the case, it costs the photographer time again.

The work is not over yet

If all of these steps are done, the job doesn't end there. The photographer still has to print the photos, which in turn costs time.

  • Then the pictures are packed. Depending on the situation, the photographer has to select and create the cover and sleeve.
  • If you also want to have the photos digitally, the photographer must burn a CD with the photos.
  • If you do not collect the photos personally from the photographer, they have to be packed and mailed.

Independent work

A photographer is self-employed. He has no employer and therefore has to take responsibility for himself. This entails a high risk and plays a role in the calculation of the hourly rate.

  • Photographers have to take out health, long-term care and pension insurance independently. All other safeguards, such as occupational disability insurance and unemployment insurance, are particularly important for self-employed activities and must be paid for. The expensive equipment should also be well insured.
  • To be added steer as well as running costs for rent for the photo studio, ancillary costs, maintenance work and repairs for the cameras and the rest of the equipment.

As you can see, the work of a photographer is extensive and by no means ends with the last actuation of the shutter button. There are many tasks to be done beforehand and afterwards, in which the photographer invests a lot of time if the result is good. Keep this in mind next time you think a photographer is too expensive.

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