I just learned about a wonderful, in-depth article written by Marianne Drenthe on Custom Photography. What is custom photography, and how should you choose a professional photographer? Why does custom photography cost so much more than the chain studios? What exactly is Lifestyle Photography or Photojournalism? This fantastic article addresses all these questions and more.
I especially like her breakdown of the time involved in just one portrait session. Many people might not realize just how much time goes into a single portrait session. For instance, did you know that I rarely photograph more than 3-4 clients in one week? I estimate my time per session to average about 12 hours. If I photograph 4 clients, that makes a 48 hour work week. This summer, I have only reserved a maximum of 3 clients per week, sometimes only 2, because I want to spend some time with my children while they are out of school. During the holiday portrait months of September and October, with the loving support of my husband and family, I accept 5-6 sessions per week to meet demand. That means I often work about 60-72 hours per week in those months! So now you know why I take December off! 
How does one session require so much time? Here is an excerpt from Marianne’s article with a breakdown [with my personal averages added in brackets]:
- session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
- [up to] one hour travel time TO session
- 15 minutes prep time at client’s home
- [1 to 2 hours] with client photographing subject
- [up to] one hour travel time FROM session
- 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
- 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
- 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
- 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
- 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images [my average is less than 1 hour since I do not usually meet with clients in person for ordering]
- 1 hour sorting through and checking order
- 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
- 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
- any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, [questions regarding images, changes in finishes, etc.]
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.
This list does not include some of the time requirements for running a business in general, such as bookkeeping, phone calls and session planning with prospective clients, time spent on the phone or in person with my accountant, lawyer, or insurance agent, market research, website and blog maintenance, and ongoing photographic study and artistic development. It really adds up!
Take a peek if you’d like to read more … http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com
