But this photographer will give me that! A breakdown of different business models. {Delaware and Beyond Lifestyle Photographer}

One of the reasons why I decided to pursue photography as my career is because there are not a lot of photos from my childhood.  There is one blue book (in which no one can find) that has most of my toddler photos, some photos floating around in a bin at my mothers house, and the dreaded school portraits (which I hate with a passion).  Other than that, nada. Nothing really to show me as a laughing, goofy, clumsy kid. So that's why I not only decided to pursue photography, but after having my daughter is when I made the switch to focus primarily on families, babies, and kids.  Because I love being able to freeze the moments of childhood, and all of the love that a family has.

Now there are many photographers out there, many with different business models, and I understand it can be confusing to potential clients why photographer a does not offer the same as photographer b.  So I wanted to take some time to break down how and why I run my business and offer the products that I do.

First, let me say that I believe memories are priceless. And I do believe that there is a photographer for every budget. There are also different skill levels to go with those budgets.  Not everyone places photography high on their values list, and that is okay. But for those who do, I love them even more.  I get asked why do I charge so much?  To be honest, there are photographers who charge way more than me, and way less than me!  I charge for my experience and time, cost of doing business, and what I need to maintain a living for my family and I. There are some businesses who have supplemental income to photography, and sometimes they don't charge as much. There are some business in which photography is their only income, so besides having to be able to pay their own family bills, there is also the cost of running a business too. Which involves equipment, taxes, fees and subscriptions and more.

Still with me? Good!

The next big thing I get asked is why I don't offer all of the digital files, or just images in general with my sessions.  Well, I will admit something. I used to. I used to give away everything plus the kitchen sink, the dog, and the deed to the house when I first started! But with years of doing this, having my skill grow, and learning more, I decided that is not the business model for me. I don't include any digital images because I know, from experience, that most times they sit on your computer or the disc, rarely to be seen again. I want the images from your session to be displayed proudly on your walls so that everyone can see! And if you want to purchase the digital files, that is ok too!

For me, I like my business model to be simple. I have a session fee, which includes pre-session consultations, your actual session, and editing. From there, we have an in person ordering session which you get to see your images for the first time, and you can order prints and products a la carte. Unless of course, circumstances lead differently, then you will be sent a gallery.

It works for me, and I am happy with that!

So thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, and appreciated all that I put into my business and into my clients. You are amazing!

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