Why is photography so expensive?

OK, so here's the thing, this is really uncomfortable to talk about but I am going to anyways because I think these days transparency is everything.  So here we go, let’s get right into it. Why is professional photography 'expensive'? 

1. First of all, because running a photography business is expensive!! By now you have probably noticed ALOT of different people who start a photography business only to close it within a year or two because they are losing so much valuable time and resources. You see, what many people don't realize is that Photographers are paying bills just like your local salon or accountant. Unfortunately being a professional photographer isn't just buying a nice camera and booking clients. There are website fees, taxes, insurance, overhead costs, thousands of dollars worth of equipment to maintain and upgrade, there is editing software, emailing software, studio management software (ugh, so much software) and accountants and contractors and lab fees, etc. Let me tell ya, some days the expenses feel endless!!

2. Photography is filled with hidden hours. When you pay your photographer $300 for an hour long session, you are not paying them $300 an hour. Many hours are spent communicating, planning, driving, culling, editing, downloading and uploading. That one hour session can easily take up 8 hours of the photographers time. In fact, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most photographers earn between $31,710 and $40,280 annually, or $15.24 to $19.37 an hour (pixsy.com).

3. Cost of education. True not all photographers go to post-secondary for photography. But I did! And on top of earning a degree, techniques and technology are always changing so it is important to keep learning and improving! Last year I invested over $3000 into education, and this year I have already spent $2000 so that I can serve my clients better and keep my business thriving!!

4. When you hire a professional photographer you are hiring an experienced artist. You are hiring someone with a unique eye and set of skills. You are hiring someone who knows how to make you feel incredible and confident and at ease. If you are brand, you are hiring someone who is able to translate your company’s story into a beautiful visual. Photography is unique in that it is equal parts technical skill, creativity and connection, and many photographers, myself included, have spent years honing their craft!

5. Photographs are invaluable and irreplaceable. Photography is one of those things that actually gets better with age. When cared for properly it will last for generations. And in my opinion, it is one of the few things we buy that doesn't have a shelf life. It doesn't become less important when trends shift. It possesses a truly unique emotional value.

So there you have it friends. I hope this adds a little context and insight into why photography costs what it does. I realize for some it’s just not worth it, and that is OK!! Phones have wonderful cameras now and we are all free to document our lives and businesses in that way if we so choose. But if you do value photography, know that by paying proper rates that you are supporting a working artist. An artist who is creating one-of-kind art just for you! Take so much pride in knowing that you are supporting a sustainable, local business!

And if you are feeling especially bold, when you see a photographer selling sessions and all the files for an incredibly low price like $150, take a minute to send her some love and encouragement. Let her know that she is incredibly talented and worth so much more. Because chances are, she is giving up valuable time with her family, she is exhausted, she isn’t making a living and her business may even be on the verge of burning out. (of course this applies to men as well, but in my experience women have a much harder time charging their worth!)

I would love to hear from you! Does this add some clarity and transparency to the price of photography? Have you also noticed the incredibly high turnover amongst local photographers?

And lastly, to my fellow photographers. How many of you struggle immensely with knowing your worth and pricing sustainably? I so get it, and want you to know that you are not alone. If you ever need help please don’t hesitate to reach out!

XO,

Karmen

photocredit: Marielle Elizabeth

The Story Behind the Photos // The Mojave Collection

Travel Inspired Art in the Mojave Desert by Karmen Meyer Photography

Travel Inspired Art - the Mojave Desert by Karmen Meyer Photography - Roy's Motel and Cafe -Amboy- Route 66 - California Road Trip

Lifestyle Portrait Marathon // May 18 and June 22

  So excited to be hosting a Portrait Marathon at Meridian Beach and my home studio on May 18 and June 22nd.  These sessions are perfect for boudoir, couples, families, bloggers, business owners and brands!  Please shoot me an email HERE to book.UPDATE** Only two sessions available on May 18 and a handful on June 22d

Donna Abma | Women Of Excellence

 Another shoutout for an amazing woman! Donna is the director of Stepping Stones, a program that supports pregnant or parenting young women and their families, through the Central Alberta Youth Unlimited in Lacombe. She provides them with connections to social support, domestic abuse support, career advice, mental and physical health care, and even spiritual well-being. She has also organized many sessions on basic living skills such as budgeting and parenting. She provides this without judgment or hesitation and always goes above and beyond. She is very compassionate, loving and always encouraging. Donna is living and breathing definition of girl power and believes in women helping women. Donna works hard to elevate a generation of younger women who need the guidance of their elders.

Debbie Coleman and Nicole Lorrain | 2018 Women of Excellence Nominees

Wow, I cannot believe another week has flown by!!  This Wednesday I would to introduce you to two wonderful women: Debbie Coleman, Deb is a registered nurse in emergency and endoscopy at the Red Deer Regional hospital. She is an incredible leader; her spirit, engagement and dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring. Deb has been a volunteer with the Red Deer festival of trees for over 20 years. She has been involved in various capacities throughout the years; most recently, as a member of the board of directors, the co-chair of the facilities committee and Chairperson of the Decorating and Trees committee. Deb is always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the event, and believes that seeing the patients and communities benefit from the donations raised is priceless. She believes wonderful things comes from volunteering, and that there is something in it for everyone. 

AND Nicole Lorrain!  A graduate of Red Deer College, Nicole started her professional career as a nurse, focusing on providing support for the elderly. Nicole has lived and worked in Red Deer for more than 20 years, while raising three boys with her husband. With over 16 years in leadership roles, with the Government of Alberta, Nicole is experienced in all areas of human resources and people management. Nicole is currently a board member for the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society and has a lengthy history of volunteering across Alberta. Nicole has also served as an elected School Board Trustee, Greater North Central School Division and as president of l'Association Canadienne Francaise de l'Alberta Regional de Red Deer.

Every Body Is Beautiful for DOTE Magazine

It all started at the beach. Young, modest and insecure; I found myself wading in the water wearing a one-piece Speedo covered with a t-shirt and board shorts. I’m not sure why I felt my thighs were embarrassing or that my body was something to be covered and unseen, I just know that by being covered up I was hiding. I was afraid.

It was at the beach that I saw mothers, women confidently in bikinis. I watched them in awe, and disbelief. How did they not feel concerned with all the people around them seeing their imperfect bodies? How did they get the confidence to so nonchalantly show themselves to the world?

Years have passed and I am now a mother myself. I think back to these moments I had when I was young, so insecure, yet, so amazed by the confidence these women exuded. Their freedom and confidence gave me permission to be OK with myself. I could dress like myself. I could be myself. I could breathe.

It’s been a process, and I’d be lying if I said that I figured everything out. The whole journey has left a lasting impression on me and it is the reason why I photograph women in a way that claims back our womanliness and celebrates the female body for all of its strength and loveliness. This shoot is a culmination of these things as well as so much more. Each woman pictured has been on her own unique journey, and I couldn’t be happier that we all ended up spending a chilly evening standing together in Mill Creek, Edmonton.

My hope is that others will see these incredible, strong, smart, beautiful women as a source of encouragement and strength. That perhaps for a few, it might just be the first step on a road to self-discovery and self-love. Let’s look out for each other, friends. Let’s take every possible opportunity to build each other up. You don’t know when a young girl, covered up in a speedo, will be watching.  

Publication: DOTE Magazine 

Models: Marielle Elizabeth, Hannah Hamilton, Osase, Kendra Allen, Sharon Litchfield, Justine Ma, Anna Stein

Floral Crowns: Lacombe Florists

Hair: Jill Keech

Make-Up: Shake-up That Make-up Tiiu Antrea

Clothing: Red Ribbon  

#WCW Breanna Fitzpatrick + Lisa Nicholson

It's #WCW!! And I'm very excited to introduce you to Breanna Fitzpatrick. Bre is a leader and creator in the nonprofit community. She is constantly pushing for the small initiatives to grow with her involvement. She is a very busy woman who outside of her full-time schedule at Red Deer College has the alumni development coordinator, volunteers on numerous boards and committees. Her active life doesn't stop her from taking on new projects, or sway her from supporting local businesses. You will find her at the local coffee shop mentoring others or paying it forward by buying strangers coffee. She believes women should help one another out and not be competitive with each other she is here to make red deer a better place by creating a movement in the nonprofit community. AND Lisa Nicholson. Lisa founded Hope4MVCKids Society in 2013, out of a need for children with medical needs support, financially and emotionally. Her own children, biological and adopted, have special medical needs that were not easily met. She knew things had to change. The 'Pay It Forward' attitude that she possesses spread quickly and soon and an entire Society was created. She stepped up to challenges and overcame unfair regulations and laws. Lisa has become highly involved in the Alberta Provincial Parent Advisory Committee to the Alberta Ministry of Health and continues to give to the community by being an advocate for those without a voice. Her empathy and understanding is without comparison. Accomplishments aside, her biggest success is enriching the lives of everyone around her.