There are two types of photographers that photograph senior portraits. A “shoot n burn” photographer and a full service photographer. A shoot and burn photographer will charge a fee (somewhere in the $500 range) to do the photography session and give you an overwhelming amount of digital files and then send you on your own to figure out what to do with the digitals. Studies show that 95 percent of those clients do not know what to do their digitals and therefore do NOTHING with them. The few that do anything usually end up purchasing cheap “Walmart/Shutterfly” type products with the photographers name all over it (ugh) The average amount spent with this model (assuming you DO purchase products somewhere) is around $800, with only $500 going to the photographer.
A full service photographer/studio will charge a smaller amount for the photography session (somewhere around $200) which is for the photoshoot, travel, park fees and the ordering session. After the photographer has carefully edited the images of the senior, the client will meet the photographer for a sales session. This is where the client can order gorgeous senior books, archival wall art or high quality prints. The photographer will then do any final photo touch ups or album design before placing the order. The photographer will then arrange a time for the client to pick up the product(s). This full service model is a lot more work for the photographer but it creates a great full service experience for the client. This ensures that the client not only has a great experience but also goes home with stunning, tangible products that will look nice in their home. This model usually results in the client spending more but it’s worth it. With the full service models, the average spent in Maine on Senior Portraits is $1400.
With the expenses of the prom (which can easily exceed $1000), possibly a senior trip and travel sports I(also well above $1000), it can definitely add up. It just depends on what you value. People value different things and that’s ok. If you’ve hired a good professional photographer for your senior portraits chances are you do value your senior’s portraits. It will not be cheap….which brings us back to the old saying “you get what you pay for”
– Kim Chapman Dionne , Kim Chapman Photography
NOTE :from Kim Chapman: Just 2 years ago, I was a shoot n burn photographer. 95 percent of my clients did nothing with their digitals…NO MORE. I am now a full service portrait photographer
