How Much Does Photography Cost?
- Amanda Inge Photography
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
A Real, Honest Breakdown From a Full-Service Family Photographer
One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How much does photography cost?”
And honestly… it's a fair question.
In a world where you can book a 10-minute mini session at the park or have a friend “with a nice camera” snap a few photos, it can be hard to understand why a professional, full-service photographer charges what they do — or why the experience is so different.
After 10 years of photographing families, children, milestones, and magical couture dress sessions, I’ve learned that the real answer is more layered than a simple price tag.
So today, I want to answer this question completely — using real examples, real stories, and real expertise.
What You’re Really Paying For in Photography
When most people think about the cost of photography, they imagine:
Someone showing up
Snapping photos
Sending digital files
But that’s not what I do — and it’s not what true boutique photography is.
My process is intentionally full-service, stress-free, and designed to give families not only beautiful images but printed artwork that will last for generations.
Here’s what goes into everything I deliver:
A planning process that makes your session effortless
We handle wardrobe guidance, locations, themes, props, hair accessories, and even couture dresses from my client closet.
Your only job? Show up.
In-home consultations so everything fits your style and your space
Before the session, I come to your home.We look at your walls.We talk about where artwork could go.We choose the colors, mood, and vision that matches your home and your child’s personality.
Every session is based on your child and your family, not a template.
A relaxed, joyful, playful environment
Music, bubbles, imagination, and connection — especially with kids.No stiff poses. Just real moments.
Editing, artwork design, and professional printing
Everything is handled for you.No guessing on sizes, no mismatched frames.Nothing left sitting on a hard drive.
Delivery right to your home
When your artwork arrives, I bring it directly to you — ready to hang.
This is the level of care I never received as a child.
Growing up in a blended family of seven, my parents never had a full family portrait taken. Now that both of them have passed, I will never have that photograph.That experience shaped everything about the work I do today.It’s why I believe so strongly in printed images — because one day, those photos will be all that remain.
What My Pricing Includes (And What It Doesn’t)
I keep pricing simple:
A Session Fee
This covers all the planning, consultation, wardrobe assistance, session time, and editing.
Custom Artwork Purchases
Clients choose the artwork they want for their home — albums, framed prints, wall art, or custom designed pieces.
And here’s an important note:
Every piece of artwork you purchase comes with the matching digital file.
You get both — the artwork and the digital — but I do not include all the digitals.
Why?
Because digital files get lost, deleted, or forgotten.Printed artwork becomes part of your home, your child’s story, your family legacy.
That’s the heart of my work.
A Real Case Study: The Unicorn Birthday Session
To give you a true picture of what my process looks like — and what goes into the experience — here is one of my favorite recent sessions.
The First Phone Call
A parent reached out wanting birthday portraits of their daughter.We talked about whether I was the right fit and whether my starting price points were within their budget.
In-Home Consultation
I went to their home to talk through where they imagined artwork hanging.We designed the session around their daughter’s personality.She loves unicorns, so we planned to create a custom unicorn composite for her bedroom.
The Session
It was magical —Music playing.Bubbles floating.A birthday surprise for the birthday girl.Lots of laughter and imagination.
Editing & Ordering Appointment
Once the images were ready, I returned to their home.I created a custom slideshow so they could see their session come alive.We narrowed down the images that fit their space and their vision.We chose artwork they will love for years.
Printing & Delivery
Everything was sent to a professional print lab.Once the artwork arrived, I personally delivered it to their home.
This is what boutique photography looks like:personal, intentional, meaningful, and guided every step of the way.
It’s not “just photos.”It’s a full-service experience centered around your family and your home.
So… How Much Does Photography Cost?
Here’s the honest answer:
Photography costs what it does because you’re not just paying for pictures —you’re investing in artwork, service, expertise, and legacy.
You’re paying for:
•Customized planning
• A photographer who actually knows your child’s personality
•Creative direction
•Artwork design
•High-end professional printing
•Delivery
•And the digital files for everything you purchase
You’re investing in a finished product, not a DIY project.
You’re investing in memories your children will thank you for someday.
And you’re investing in not having regrets later — like I do.
Why You Don’t Get All the Digitals for a Cheap Price
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.
People assume digital files are inexpensive because you can’t touch them.
But professional digital files are not just “pictures.”
They are:
• Time
• Expertise
• Creativity
• Custom editing
• The entire session brought to life
• And the blueprint for every piece of artwork you’ll own
Giving away every digital is the same as giving away all the artwork — without the heirlooms your family deserves.
My goal is not to give you a hard drive full of images you’ll never print.My goal is to fill your home with love, identity, and legacy.
Boutique Photography vs Budget Photography
(Why Costs Can Vary So Much)
Budget studios and mini-session photographers focus on:
• High volume
• Quick turnaround
• Digitals only
• Little to no customization
• No guidance on printing
• No artwork design
And that’s okay — everyone has different needs and budgets.
But boutique photography is different.
Boutique photography is: • Relationship-driven • Time-intensive • Fully customized • Artwork-centered • In-home guided • Intentional • Personal • Professional • And made to last
It’s the difference between buying a poster and commissioning a painting.
Both have value — they’re just not the same.
Is Boutique Photography Right for You?
If you want:
• Someone to help you plan everything
• Artwork that is ready to hang
• Custom-designed images that fit your home
• A calm, beautiful session experience
• Memories that last decades
• And a photographer who cares deeply about your family…
…then yes.
Next Step: Schedule a Consultation
If you’re wondering whether boutique photography is a good fit — or what a session could look like for your family — the best next step is simple:
Schedule a consultation.
We’ll talk about your goals, your home, your child’s personality, and whether I’m the right photographer for you.
No pressure.Just connection, clarity, and the beginning of something beautiful.
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