Why 80% of Photographers Don't Make It

Speaking frankly, there are plenty of cheaper session options out there these days, but keep in mind 80% of photographers don't make it due to over working and under pricing themselves. The days we live in is why they continue to underprice themselves, as their experience is constantly being compared to a new photographer's (mostly hobbyist) offerings. Experience and skillset should count for something! Being able to provide 20 quality emotion provoking photos where narrowing it down to 5 seems like an impossible task, compared to getting back a full gallery of 100 photos that lack emotion, variety, clarity, and basic photography do's and don't should NEVER be compared. Yet it is...and really good photographers who weren't charging enough to cover their time and cost to start with are going out of business because of it.

I understand if you do not need the level of skill or quality offered at Jennifer Lynn Pictures or many other viable photography studio options, but please be understanding in why the pricing is where it is to help keep my studio doors open, still be able to pay myself, and have a schedule that allows me to have a life with my family. Cost of doing business can vary greatly from photographer to photographer so comparing pricing needs to account for that. I offer custom options to help carry most of this weight so I can offer these discount options as well. They are a bit more

cookie cutter" but they are in place to get "a few good photos" when those needs arise.

This may seem like too much information but many of my highly talented photographer friends have had to go out of business this last year due to a rise in hobbyist with other jobs offering mediocre photography for next to nothing. In turn, creating an issue with society under valuing the service full-time photographers provide and the expenses it takes to provide that service. Most photographers start off as hobbyist with an entry level camera, no website, no insurance, no editing software, no investment in quality education, and minimal cost of doing business. This problem isn't new. However, with advancements in cell phone cameras we have also seen advancements in the growth of this issue making it much worse than ever before. It is NOT just our time it takes to take your photos. It has become substantially more expensive over the last few years with the wildly evolving technology upgrades to cameras and software, not to mention the regular cost of doing business inflation on everything. It has been heartbreaking to watch my friends who are the best at what they do, leave the industry. I feel like I need to become part of the solution by educating others on things they have no way of knowing. It can be frustrating to watch from my perspective at times but I also completely get that it really just stems from lack of being informed. Here I am...informing. lol

I only hope to change the course of what has been happening in this industry. I predict if things keep going the way they have been you will see a very defining difference in imagery released. It will either be REALLY BAD (because they are new) or REALLY GOOD (because they charge enough to make an actual living in this industry while making enough to continue investing in their craft) and it will cost a whole lot more to hire the good ones. Likely because they will be in high demand with so few good ones left. Do not weed out all the amazing ones who are still affordable just because there is a new cheaper option offering sessions to build their portfolio. Hold onto your favorite photographers to help support their small business during trying times.