When hiring a photographer, the cost often comes down to one thing: experience. But what exactly are you paying for, and why does it matter?
Money!
Experience is built over years of practice, study, and problem-solving. A seasoned professional doesn’t just know how to make great images, they know how to do it quickly and efficiently.
Less experienced photographers often charge lower rates. However, because they may take longer, or run into unexpected challenges, the overall cost can potentially end up higher. In contrast, an experienced professional can anticipate what’s needed, work faster, and deliver a more polished result. Both are viable options; the client can decide where the value is for their job.
Time is money
Photography isn’t only about pressing the shutter. Time goes into preparation, travel, shooting, editing, and delivery. Experienced photographers understand exactly how long each stage takes and build that into their pricing.
Most invest years in study, training, and assisting others. Like the board game The Game of Life, they’ve paid the upfront cost of education and practice so they can deliver confidently when it matters. Or they can begin earning straight away and build wealth. There’s no guaranteed path to win, much as in the real game of life.
Experience adds value
An experienced photographer brings more than technical skill:
- Planning: They know what permits, insurance, equipment, and people are required.
- Problem solving: They’ve faced weather changes, gear failures, or last-minute challenges before, and know how to handle them without stress.
- Risk management: They avoid costly mistakes, like using equipment illegally, ignoring insurance or permits requirements.
Often, clients never see the problems that occur because an experienced professional prevents or solves them quietly. That peace of mind is part of what you’re paying for.
The right photographer for you
Not every job requires the most experienced (and expensive) photographer. If you’re flexible with time, budget and deadline, a beginner can be a good option. We’ve all had to start somewhere. But for high stakes projects, investing in experience means investing in reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind.