Fellow photographers, let’s be real: we’ve all been there. You’re in the midst of a private photography ordering session, showing your client the beautiful, timeless moments you’ve captured. You’ve dedicated countless hours to perfecting these images, pouring your heart and soul into making them everything they dreamed of. And then… it happens. You see that look of shock on their face as they glance at the price list, followed by a comment that’s not just disappointing—it’s deeply personal and insulting.
These are a few comments I’ve heard over the decade, and these weren’t all from recent times, some from times when my prices were very much on the lower side. But one thing to note, all of them came from partners of women who just had a new baby, and they weren’t shared the pricing info so had no idea what to expect. Also to note, I request that all partners are shown the info before the session. So there is a notable problem with communication between couples.
“Wow, that’s just for photos? You must be making a fortune off this.”
“Nah, that can’t be right, I’m not paying that much!”
“Delete that one I’ll take a photo of baby’s foot with my phone for free.”
“I didn’t realise we were paying this much for a few pictures.”
“For that price, I’d expect a new camera to come with the package.”
“Do people actually pay these prices?”
“This is more than we paid for the last photos in Sydney. It’s ridiculous!.”
“I think I’m in the wrong business. Maybe I should start taking photos too.”
“I thought this was supposed to be a deal. This is just too much.”
“Did I miss a zero somewhere, or is this the actual price?”
“You must be laughing all the way to the bank.”
“Is this a joke, or are you really expecting us to pay that much?”
First things first: let’s recognise this for what it is—bad manners on your clients part and a hurtful moment. You’ve invested years in this craft, endured sleepless nights editing, and missed precious moments with your own family to bring someone else’s memories to life. So, when someone tries to cut down your pricing, it feels like a stab to the dreams of that young, hopeful artist you once were, just wanting to make a difference with your work. It’s okay to feel that sting. It’s okay to be momentarily shaken by the audacity of it all. Some people don’t have manners, even though you just gave them your entire heart during their session, made sure their kids felt safe and heard, and loved on their babies like they were your own, some people just don’t care about your feelings. It’s also okay to stand your ground. In fact, it’s necessary.
You need to know how to respond to these situations in a way that’s assertive yet composed. It’s not just about defending your work—it’s about maintaining your dignity, protecting your value, and showing clients the importance of respecting your craft. Here’s a script that you can use when faced with these moments:
“You know.. my prices aren’t a number I made up from thin air.. they’ve been calculated so I can pay all the invoices that it takes to do this.
Tell me though… Are you trying to get a bargain? Did you skip reading the pricing, because I did send it to you 5 times and I requested it be shown to all financial decision makers, and also the only way you were able to book in was to read through the pricing page to get to my book now button on my website. None of this should be a surprise. Or did you forget your manners today? Because just so you know I made sure you were sent the information about my worth and the required investment to book time with me. You made the choice to book a luxury service and here we are.
This isn’t just a job. It’s years of dedication, late nights, sacrifices, and passion. So, if this feels too much for you we can end here. You need to know that this work is for those who value it as much as I do. And it’s for families who see that preserving these memories is worth every cent. I’m not angry but I am insulted… I have pride in my work. I believe in what I do, and I won’t let that belief be diminished. Would you like to continue?
This response is firm but respectful. It acknowledges the client’s feelings without compromising your own worth. And remember, this isn’t just about standing up for yourself in the moment—it’s about setting a standard for how your work is respected moving forward.
I know it’s not easy. It takes courage to speak up, especially when you’re face-to-face with someone who doesn’t see the value the same way you do. But remember why you started this journey in the first place. You didn’t pour your heart into this craft just to let someone try to bring down your day with an insulting comment. You did it because you believe in the beauty of capturing life’s most precious moments in a way that is truly exceptional. And that is worth every bit of what you charge.
Photographers, we need to be each other’s biggest advocates. It’s crucial to uplift one another, support each other, and know that it’s okay to demand what we’re worth. You’ve put in the time, the money, the sweat, and yes, even the tears. You’ve paid your dues. And with that, you’ve earned the right to stand tall and proud when it’s time for your clients to pay their invoice.
Mostly, you’ll get those clients who understand immediately. They’ll see the value, feel the experience, and pay without hesitation. Those are the clients we treasure. But there will always be the one who enjoys the service until it comes time to pay and then try to cut you down. It’s not just a blow to your business—it’s a blow to the part of you that’s fought so hard to be taken seriously, to be seen as an artist and a business person with a voice that matters. And that’s why we can’t let these moments break us.
So, the next time you’re in that situation, take a deep breath, use your version of the script, and remember who you’re really speaking up for: not just yourself in that moment, but the little girl or boy inside who dreamed of success, the soul who has worked tirelessly to make it happen, and the community of photographers who stand beside you. Every time you defend your worth, you’re making it easier for the next photographer to do the same. You’re making it clear that luxury photography isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about a lifetime of dedication, skill, and sacrifice that deserves to be respected.
Now that’s said, let’s take any of that negative energy, scrunch it up, set it on fire and remind the universe that these people are not your people.
Stay strong, stay proud, and know that you’re not alone in this. And together, we can change the way our work is valued.
Let’s end this blog by celebrating the other 99.9% of our gorgeous clients that say comments like these:
“These photos are priceless to us—worth every single dollar.”
“I have tears in my eyes. You’ve captured our family perfectly.”
“I never imagined photos could be this beautiful. This is pure art.”
“I would pay double for this kind of quality and experience.”
“You truly have a gift—these memories are beyond what I hoped for.”
“I can’t stop staring at our photos! You’ve given us a treasure.”
“It was such a luxury experience from start to finish—completely worth it.”
“The photos are breathtaking. I don’t regret a cent of this investment.”
“I’ve never felt so pampered while getting photos done. It was amazing.”
“This is by far the best decision we’ve made for our family.”
“You captured our love in a way I never thought possible.”
“I’m so glad we chose you—it’s clear why you’re worth the investment.”
“I knew it would be good, but these photos exceeded all expectations.”
“I’ll cherish these forever. You truly know how to create magic.”
“This is exactly why we chose you—unmatched quality.”
“I’d recommend you to anyone who wants something truly special.”
“You didn’t just take photos; you captured the essence of our family.”
“The experience was incredible, and the photos are absolutely stunning.”
“It’s not just a photoshoot—it’s a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
“I can see the dedication and love in every image. So, so happy!”
