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Introduction: Challenging Industry Norms for Better Client Experiences
I want you to think about a situation you deal with that causes you extreme dissatisfaction. Got it? For me, it’s walking into a phone store. I know I’m about to deal with unclear pricing, contracts that lock me into their service, or being upsold every accessory under the sun. I have to hope that the employee I’m working with is knowledgeable and truthful because it is not clear exactly what I’m purchasing. There are certain terms associated with every advertised price. Other businesses that can be equally frustrating are telecommunications companies with their poor customer service and airlines if they don’t meet your time expectations. We’ve all had that experience of walking into a store, hoping for clear answers, only to realize that important details are buried in the fine print of a contract.
Why do I bring this up? Because the photography industry shares some of these same problematic elements. I think most photographers are great, honest people. But there are some that hide behind complex contracts or confusing copyright rules. Many don’t offer transparent pricing, and others take far too long to deliver photos. These are all common practices that can lead to customer dissatisfaction and frustration.
As a photographer, I want to change that.
Pricing Transparency and Consistency
The process of inquiring about photography services should be simple, but many photographers require a lot of information before even discussing pricing. Even worse, some start by asking for your budget to determine how much to charge. This raises the question: Are they quoting the same amount to each potential customer? For any of us that have gotten married, you know what I’m talking about. There’s a large markup associated with all things weddings known as the “wedding tax.” To get a basic quote, clients often have to provide personal information, fill out lengthy forms, and endure back-and-forth emails, just to receive an estimate. All this effort can feel wasted if their prices are out of your range. It’s frustrating when all you really want is a simple answer: How much will the shoot cost, and what’s included?
I believe the process should be seamless and hassle-free. That’s why I provide clear, consistent pricing on my website and ensure the inquiry process is as simple as possible. This way, when we talk, we can focus on how I can deliver the images you envision, instead of getting bogged down in pricing and contract details—those have already been clearly set.
Copyright and Usage Rights: Empowering the Client
When I was searching for photographers, many of them advertised that they “allowed” their clients print rights. There’s a bit of arrogance in that statement. By law, the photographer owns the copyright to the images they create, but let’s face it: the photos are of you—the subject. You should have the right to do whatever you want with them. Photographers having the rights to photos is a standard that needs to stay to protect photojournalists and freelancers. But the standard for paying clients should be full print rights and full online posting rights. It shouldn’t be advertised as a perk. It should be assumed as standard industry practice. Your photos are yours to enjoy, share, and use freely, without strings attached.
Additionally, not all photographers make it clear what you’re receiving in terms of image resolution and usage. Some may deliver only low-resolution files intended for social media use, leaving you with fewer options unless you use their partnered printing services. I believe you should receive both—high-resolution images for print and lower-resolution files optimized for online sharing. This way, you have everything you need to enjoy your photos however you choose. If you’re only getting one set of images, you’re getting one or the other, and unless you have the technical expertise to look at camera resolution and file sizes, you would have to ask the photographer to know which resolution you have.
Timeline for Photo Delivery
You’ve done the shoot, paid the photographer, and two weeks later… nothing. No photos, no sneak peeks, and no communication. It’s frustrating when you’re eager to see your memories come to life. While photographers set their own delivery timelines, clients deserve to receive their photos promptly.
For weddings, a longer turnaround time is understandable. A detail-oriented photographer typically spends about four hours culling and editing for every hour of shooting. For an 8-10 hour wedding, this can add up to 32-40 hours of editing, which takes time to ensure every detail is perfect. However, for a 1-hour session, finding those 4 hours to edit and deliver photos within a shorter timeframe should be entirely manageable.
That’s why I deliver my photos in an industry-leading 2 days, with a guaranteed maximum of 7 days. Most of my sessions last 1-1.5 hours, and I prioritize delivering professional-quality edits without delay. If your photographer is offering a 1-month turnaround for a 1-hour session, it’s worth reconsidering. You deserve to work with someone who values your time and makes your session a priority—delivering results in a timeframe that reflects their commitment to your satisfaction.
Client Expectations vs. Reality
A great photography experience starts with aligning expectations and reality. Social media often highlights only the most curated, picture-perfect moments, creating unrealistic standards for clients. Too few photographers have the confidence to share full, delivered galleries.
By showcasing complete galleries instead of just highlights, photographers can give clients a clear understanding of what their final product will truly look like. This approach sets realistic expectations, emphasizing not just the “wow” moments but also the variety and consistency of the images they can expect.
It’s important to know that your delivered photos won’t look like a photographer’s portfolio—they’ll look like a complete example gallery, tailored to your unique session. Understanding this difference ensures a smoother, more satisfying experience for both client and photographer.
The Importance of Client Communication
Most photographers excel at communication, but timely communication is what truly sets professionals apart. Prompt, detailed, and accurate responses not only reflect a photographer’s organization and professionalism but also show respect for the client’s time.
The speed and quality of a photographer’s replies can reveal a lot about how they’ll handle your session—from addressing questions upfront to ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout the process. Clear, timely communication builds trust and creates a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. There’s no better way to make the client feel valued than fast, positive, and precise responses.
Conclusion
The photography experience should be straightforward, transparent, and focused on your needs. By prioritizing clear communication, transparent pricing, timely photo delivery, and realistic expectations, photographers should strive to make your journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Your memories deserve nothing less.
