The Million Dollar Question

One of the biggest dilemmas I've had since starting the photography business has been pricing. It was so much easier in the beginning, when it was just something I did for fun. But now that this is my occupation, now that this is what I do, it's become so much more complicated.

I've joined forums, canvassed opinions of friends, peers, brides, but the answer is never simple; and everyone has a valid opinion.  Kat and Julia Boggio wrote an excellent article asking the question: what is a good photographer worth, and I often think about that.  After all, I value my work.  I put a great deal of effort into it, so why is it so hard to put a monetary value against that?  This is made all the more difficult knowing the price I charge is also being judged by some as my worth.

Yet something I've said from the outset, is that I want to be affordable.  I want to ensure that good people get good photographs, and I know I for one would find it difficult to stretch to some of the prices out there.   Funnily enough I have been on the consumer end recently, as I am looking for a photographer to document Cam and my 10th anniversary celebrations next year; so I appreciate the fine line between wanting the best for an important occasion, and what I can realistically save up and afford.

This has been on my mind all the more recently, because we've just raised our prices.  This was as a result of an increased number of enquiries, particularly for 2012, and we felt our introductory package needed to expand to illustrate the growth we have achieved.  However ever since doing so, I've been feeling a little uncomfortable.  Some of the most exciting sounding weddings we have booked for 2011 are based on our earlier prices, and the thought we might have missed out on these brides make me sad. 

At the same time, as the business grows, so does our investment in it.  How do I find a happy medium?

I've decided tonight to revise the packages we have on offer, so as to give a wider choice, and ensure the DIY bride's beautiful efforts do not have to go to waste.   I've found that the people who fall in these brackets often have some of the most unique, imaginative and original weddings, and these are some of the weddings we really want to photograph.   

I realised tonight, my ultimate worth is determined by how I capture the spirit of a wedding, and there can never be a definitive price tag on that.