South Jersey Family Photography | Experienced vs. New Photographers: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Hiring a High-End Professional

Did you have a little sticker shock the first time you got a quote from a photographer?

You’re not alone!

Listen, I’m a photographer and I remember saying, “I’m sorry – how much?” the first time I wanted to book a custom photography experience.

If you’re anything like me, you like to pay a little extra for the finer things in life – but it’s important to understand what and why you’re paying for those things.

It’s like when you go to buy a handbag.

There is a wide range of prices, quality levels, and attention to detail depending on your budget and the experience you want.

It’s the same with photography! Let me share some things to consider before you hire a photographer.

Family portrait of a man and woman sitting on bed photography prop with their two kids wearing black and denim for their lifestyle in-studio session in Lumberton, New Jersey. South Jersey Family Photography

South Jersey Family Photography

1. Experienced professional or newbie?

There’s nothing wrong with hiring a new photographer – but it’s important to understand that oftentimes lower prices are a result of the photographer being inexperienced or very high volume.

When it comes to hiring an experienced photographer – consider the time they’ve invested in mastering their craft. This doesn’t mean just clicking the shutter. It involves understanding lighting, posing, editing, and even human psychology to coax out those natural smiles or intimate moments.

With an experienced photographer, you’re usually paying more to get their expertise in posing, lighting, and making you feel comfortable and feel good about your experience.

In addition to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for families, Jackie is a true expert at handling newborns and capturing genuine smiles from toddlers. As an experienced mom of three boys, she knows all the tricks to coax authentic expressions from the little ones. Jackie is also skilled at swaddling babies and helping them settle back to sleep effortlessly. Rest assured, your family will be well cared for and safe in our studio, making your photography experience both enjoyable and stress-free.

2. How long it’ll take to get your photos

As I’m sure you know – most of the magic happens behind the scenes!

For every hour a photographer spends with you, they often spend multiple hours editing, selecting the best shots, retouching, and ensuring consistency.

Turnaround times vary depending on the time of year, and Jackie will discuss the details during your design consultation. Typically, we deliver images within 2 to 4 weeks, and albums are ready in approximately 6 weeks. We appreciate your patience as we work to create beautiful, high-quality products for your family.

3. The type of gear a professional uses

Quality photography requires quality gear. Cameras, lenses, lights, props, and backup equipment are all significant investments. Moreover, regular maintenance and updates are crucial to ensure they function perfectly during a shoot.

4. Business Expenses and Insurance

Just like any other professional service provider, photographers have overhead costs: studio rent, website maintenance, marketing, insurance, and more.

Insurance especially is vital, covering gear or any unforeseen incidents during a session.

5. The Personalized Experience

Custom photography isn’t just about taking photos. It’s about creating a personalized experience for each client, understanding their vision, and bringing it to life. This requires pre-session consultations, scouting locations, and even wardrobe advice in some cases.

For example, we offer over 30 different dresses to choose from, and Jackie will review these with you during your design consultation so everything is ready for your session day. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop photography studio—you don’t need to buy a dress specifically for this occasion. Many families purchase outfits they only wear once. If you book a maternity or newborn session with us, one of our available plans includes the option to use a beautiful dress from our boutique for your special day.

6. Licensing and Continuing Education

To maintain professionalism and stay updated with the latest techniques, photographers often take workshops, online courses, and attend seminars. This continuous learning ensures clients receive top-notch service.

Insert a recent course or workshop you attended and a key takeaway you got from it. Share photos if you have them – even behind the scenes images taken with your phone.

7. The Value of Timeless Memories

As you know, photos aren’t just pieces of paper or digital files. They are memories, frozen moments in time. And the value of capturing a fleeting moment, whether it’s the joy of a wedding or the innocence of a newborn, is truly priceless.

8. Tailored Products and Presentation

Lastly, a significant part of the cost goes into producing quality prints, albums, and framed images. These aren’t your typical drugstore prints; they’re meant to last for generations without fading.

At the end of the day, when you’re hiring a custom photographer, you’re not just paying for images. You’re investing in expertise, experience, and the peace of mind that your memories are in the best hands.

Just like that handbag, quality matters. And trust me, years down the line when you’re flipping through your album or looking at that framed photo on the wall, you’ll be reminded of the worth of that investment!