It’s one of the first questions people ask—and one of the trickiest to answer right away. If you’ve been looking at photographer websites, you might’ve noticed how different the prices are. And honestly? That can feel overwhelming.
Since you’re here, I imagine that you do see the value in having your family photographed. You just want to understand what you’re paying for, what’s included, and whether it’s worth it.
That’s exactly what I want to explain in this post. I’ll walk you through some of the reasons pricing varies, what you can expect when you book with me, and why I believe this kind of photography is a meaningful investment, one that becomes even more valuable over time.
So… how much does family photography actually cost?
That depends. Prices vary hugely between photographers, and for good reason. These are some factors that can influence the difference in pricing between family photographers:
- Years of experience and skill in working with light, composition, and storytelling
- How much time they spend on the editing and processing of your images afterwards (this part can take days!)
- The professional equipment they use and have invested in (including backup gear so that even when their camera breaks on your shoot, they can still continue with your photo session)
- A personalised experience—questionnaires, planning, communication, and support before and after
- The type and amount of digital images, prints, and products that are included.
- A business that is registered, insured, and run ethically & professionally.
Different family photography pricing structures
Another reason why prices may look very different is that photographers use varying pricing structures. Some photographers charge a flat all-inclusive fee, where you pay one price for the session and all edited digital images upfront (and sometimes it also includes physical photo products). Others, like me, work with a session fee and then offer image collections afterwards, so you’re not deciding what to buy until after you’ve seen the photos.
Here’s how it works with me:
- You pay a session fee first, which covers my time on the day (my sessions start at three hours), travel, and the work I do behind the scenes, preparing for your photo session.
- After the shoot, I’ll send you a slideshow of your images.
- Based on the slideshow, you can choose a collection. The price of the collection also includes my time editing all your photos. Each one includes a number of high-resolution digital images and print credit that you can use on anything from fine art prints to albums or wall art.
I like this approach because it breaks up the cost into two parts, and you only commit to your image collection once you’ve seen what we created together. No pressure. No surprises. You can find out more about my pricing here on my website, and I always want to talk to you before booking. That way, I can explain my processes and pricing, because I want to ensure everything is clear before you go ahead.
What’s important when choosing a photographer?
If you’re thinking of booking a family photographer—whether it’s me or someone else—here are a few things to consider:
- Do you like the style and storytelling in their photos?
- Is their portfolio consistent?
- Do they offer the kind of photo session you want—posed or documentary, short or immersive?
- Are their prices clear and transparent?
- Do they seem like someone you’d feel comfortable inviting into your home or around your kids?
Photography is personal. It’s so important that you like the work that the photographer created and that you have a good feeling about them. And if something is not clear about their prices, or you have any questions, make sure you ask the photographer, as they should always be happy to explain.
Is family photography worth it?
Family photography can feel like a luxury, and I understand that you might feel that way. From school shoes to food shops to birthday parties—it can feel like one more expense to weigh up. Not everyone is ready to book a session straight away, and I would never want a family to stretch themselves uncomfortably. I’m not here to convince you to spend money you don’t have. But here’s something I believe deeply:
Family photography is not just a luxury. It’s an investment in your story.
You’re commissioning something more meaningful than a quick snapshot. To me, you are hiring an artist to make custom artwork of your family, personal, intimate, and honest. And when you look at it that way, the cost might actually feel more reasonable.
I also truly believe that family photos are one of the few things in life that actually become more valuable with time. They will be beautiful now… but in a year, two years, ten years? These photos will mean even more. Because kids grow. Homes change. You’ll move on from this season and maybe even forget the details that feel so ordinary right now. The gap-toothed smiles, the tiny hands reaching for yours, their messy teen bedroom. Photos hold on to those details when memory starts to let go. And that’s what makes them such a powerful investment—not just financially, but emotionally. They’re not just for now. They’re for your future self, your grown-up kids, your grandchildren even. A visual record of everyone’s personality and a reminder of how deeply you loved and were loved.
I know it can feel like a big decision. And honestly? There isn’t a simple or fixed price for family photos. Costs vary significantly depending on where you live, the type and style of photo session you’re looking for, what’s included, and the photographer’s level of experience and established reputation.
But if my honest, natural, documentary-style family photography speaks to you—where nothing has to be posed or perfect, and your real life is enough—I’d love to hear from you. No pressure—just a relaxed chat to see if it’s the right fit.
📞 Book a free call
📬 Send me a message
Let’s make something meaningful together—something that will only grow in value over time.
