Why Is Photography So Expensive? | Terialina Photography

As a photographer, I hear this question a lot — and I totally get it.

On the surface, it can seem like you’re just paying for a quick hour of picture-taking, and you find yourself wondering, why in the world does it cost so much!?!

But there’s so much more that goes into what you’re really investing in when you book a session.

So, let’s break it down — simply, honestly, and from the heart.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering why photography is so expensive, I hope this post offers some insight and clarity.

1. You’re not just paying for photos — you’re paying for experience.

Behind every beautiful image is years of learning, practicing, and refining my craft. From studying light and composition to mastering editing and posing — it’s taken time (and lots of money) to get here. When you hire me, you’re getting all of that experience poured into your session.

2. Time adds up — a lot more than just your session.

A one-hour session often means 10–15+ hours behind the scenes.

That includes:

Planning and Prepping (making phone calls, sending text & emails, creating welcome & style guides, sending agreements & invoices, location scouting, permits etc.)

Driving to the location

Photographing with intention – getting to know you beforehand with the questionnaires and being sure to capture the photos that you are desiring.

Culling hundreds of images (deleting closed eyes, duplicates, distractions, clothes malfunctions ..)

Editing each photo individually (each photo is looked at individually and edited accordingly to its particular lighting, erasing background people and distractions)

Creating online galleries – (uploading the images, choosing the playlist, sending the emails …)

Designing Albums for your home and Artwork for your walls (I love designing albums and artwork to fill your home with – this tends to be very time consuming as there is a lot that goes into the creative process)

Product Orders, shipping and deliveries –

Every step is done thoughtfully and with your unique story in mind.

3. There are real business costs (lots of them!).

Running a photography business means:

Paying for professional gear and backups (Camera, lens, memory cards, computer, hard drives etc.)

Insurance and legal coverage (In order to request permits for Orange County Parks, you must have and maintain current business insurance)

Editing software (This is a subscription-based service, due monthly in order to get all of the latest updates available for editing)

Gallery hosting and client communication tools (Booking and gallery delivery websites are separate websites and they are due on a monthly basis)

Email and website platforms (Website, domain, maintenance and updates – all due annually)

Permits, taxes, and business licenses (30% at minimum each year)

All of these are monthly or yearly investments that allow me to provide a smooth, beautiful experience from start to finish.

4. I care about what you take home.

I believe your photos should live beyond your phone. That’s why I’ve chosen a photo lab that only produces high-quality prints and heirloom albums that are made to last for generations. These are pieces of art that your children (and their children) will hold one day. Not mass-produced — but carefully crafted and made to last.

5. This is my job — not just a hobby.

Just like any other profession, photography is how I support my family. Every session you book with me allows me to continue doing what I love — serving families like yours with care, creativity, and heart while also helping me support my own family along the way.

Final Thoughts:

I know photography can be a big investment. But it’s one that becomes more valuable with time, not less. These are the moments that tell your story — the ones that are worth remembering forever.

If this has been on your heart for a while, I hope this helps you see a little more of what goes on behind the scenes — and why I put so much love into every part of it.

If you are curious about what I offer, you can view my Portrait Collections here and if you’re ready to chat or have questions, feel free to get in touch here.

So, the next time someone asks, “Why is photography so expensive?” – I hope this helps you see what’s really behind the price: care, craft and a whole lot of heart.

Thanks for being here. It means the world. 

– Terial

If you are interested in booking a session this year – I have a few summer spots left, and my fall calendar will be opening soon. These months tend to fill quickly, so if capturing your moments has been on your heart, don’t wait too long. I’d be honored to plan something beautiful with you. Click here to get in touch – I can’t wait to hear from you.