Why Does Professional Photography Cost What It Does? | Deborah Longmore Photography
When you’re searching for a newborn photographer in Tamworth or comparing family and wedding photography prices in the UK, it’s natural to wonder: “Why does it cost this much?”
At first glance, it may seem like you’re simply paying for a few hours of taking photos. In reality, a professional photoshoot involves much more behind the scenes. At Deborah Longmore Photography, I believe in pricing transparency—so let’s explore exactly where your investment goes.
1. Professional Equipment
High-quality cameras, specialist lenses, lighting, editing software, and data storage all ensure your photos are crisp, safe, and timeless. These tools require ongoing upgrades and maintenance—investments that allow me to deliver consistent, reliable results for every session.
2. Training, Experience & Safety
Especially with newborn photography, safety is everything. I have undergone specialist newborn safety training and continue to invest in workshops, editing courses, and ongoing professional development. Years of experience mean I can anticipate moments, guide families naturally, and create images you’ll love.
3. Time Commitment (It’s More Than the Session)
A typical photoshoot might last a few hours, but the full process includes:
✨ Studio set-up and styling
📸 The photography session itself
💻 Hours of professional editing and retouching
📖 Curating galleries, designing albums, and preparing artwork
In total, a single newborn, family, or wedding photography booking often represents 15–40 hours of work.
4. Props, Styling & Studio Care
From soft newborn wraps to seasonal backdrops and family portrait props, everything in the studio is carefully sourced and refreshed. These details create a polished look and memorable experience.
5. Insurance, Overheads & Taxes
Running a professional photography business involves more than creativity—it includes responsibility. Costs cover:
🌐 Website hosting, gallery software, and marketing
🏆 Professional memberships and certifications
💰 Taxes – like every business, I pay income tax and national insurance on earnings, meaning not every pound you spend is profit
📅 Bank holidays and weekends – weddings and family shoots often happen when others are off work. While it’s a joy to capture these moments, it means working unsociable hours.
These overheads ensure reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability.
6. Printing & Professional Products
Unlike quick high-street prints, I use professional labs that provide archival papers, inks, and albums. These are designed to last for generations, ensuring your photos remain as vibrant in 50 years as they are today.
Why Not Just Choose a Cheaper Option?
It’s tempting to save money with a cheaper photographer or a friend with a camera, but here’s the difference:
🎯 Consistency: Reliable results in any light or situation
🛡️ Safety: Essential for newborn and family sessions
🌟 Experience: Confidence guiding families and wedding parties
⏳ Longevity: Professional products built to last
Your investment is about peace of mind, artistry, and creating heirlooms—not just files on a USB.
A Real Example: Where Your Money Goes
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a real breakdown of what happens behind the scenes when you book a session with Deborah Longmore Photography.
Income from the session
💵 Session fee: £100
🖼️ Minimum image package: £149
💰 Total income: £249
Time spent per client
⏱️ 1 hour: Preparing and setting up the studio
📸 3–4 hours: The photography session itself (average 3.5)
🧹 1 hour: Tidying and resetting the studio afterwards
🧺 0.5 hour: Washing and caring for wraps, fabrics, and props
💻 6–8 hours: Editing and carefully perfecting your images (average 7)
➡️ Total working time: around 13 hours per client
Business costs per session (averaged)
When you spread out monthly costs like rent, insurance, electricity, website hosting, gallery software, and admin across an average of 12 sessions a month:
➡️ Overheads per session: about £83
What’s left after overheads & tax
💰 £249 total income
➖ Minus £83 overheads
= £166 before tax
💸 After 20% tax: about £133 net income
Effective hourly wage
£133 ÷ 13 hours = just over £10 per hour
This does not take into account my annual holidays or festive holiday periods
✨ So while a client sees £249 on the price list, the actual take-home for the photographer is around £10 an hour once time, business expenses, and tax are accounted for.
This is why investing in professional photography isn’t just about the pictures—it’s about supporting a safe, sustainable, and skilled service that gives your family memories to last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
When you book with Deborah Longmore Photography, you’re not just paying for photos—you’re investing in professional expertise, safety, equipment, time, and the reassurance that your memories are captured with care.
Whether you’re planning a newborn session, family portraits, or your wedding day, your photographs will become part of your family’s history. And that is truly priceless.
👉 Get in touch today to find out more about pricing, packages, and how we can create memories together.
📌 Call to Action
👉 Wondering if your baby is too old for newborn photos? The answer is no—it’s never too late.
📅 Ready to Book a Safe, Professional Newborn Session?
Let’s chat about how I can help create a peaceful, safe, and unforgettable newborn photography experience for your family.
📩 Message me to chat about your session. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!
Ready to Book Your newborn photography Midlands?
I’d love to capture these precious moments for your family.
Book your newborn session in Tamworth or Birmingham today to enjoy these benefits firsthand
👉 Contact Deborah Longmore Photography or book via the online calender today to check availability and reserve your due date.
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