Contrary to what some may think, professional photography is not a commodity business. Looking for the right photographer is not like shopping for a TV set where you decide on the make and model of TV and then search around to find the lowest price.
When a company is looking to hire a commercial photographer, it can expect to get a variety of photo quotes. For a common assignment like a business portrait, the prices may vary by a few hundred dollars. For a large project, photography quotes can vary by many thousands of dollars.
The difference in pricing reflects the photographers’ different experience, talents, production methods and overhead expenses.
An experienced photographer may cost more but they may have the know-how and equipment to do the job right. A new photographer may be cheaper because they have a lower overhead but they also have less experience. A company must decide what’s important for them. But here’s a well-known secret: choosing only the lowest price for business photography is always the foolish choice.
If a client chooses a photographer but then feels the price is too high, (is the price ever too low?), the client can discuss with the photographer how costs might be lowered. Shorter assignment? Fewer portraits? Less usage rights? Shorter licence?
It’s like being at a restaurant: if you have $80 to spend, the waiter will recommend a very nice $80 dinner. But if you have only $25, the waiter will suggest the $25 meal. You’ll never get the $80 dinner for $25. It can’t be done.
Find a photographer who suits your photo needs and whose photography reflects the creativity you want. Tell the photographer about both your project and your budget. The photographer will then try to recommend the best photography service for your budget.
