Last week I got a request from a potential client who asked me to explain to her why am I more expensive than other photographers. After 6 hours of phone consultation, I ended up writing up a long list of “why I am more expensive than other photographers” for her.

After I had finished, I realized that the list answers many questions my potential clients may have. I decided to put this online.

- The knowledge on lighting, posing and composition is arguably the most important asset in a photographer’s practice. With proper lighting, posing and composition, a bride with a wide face can have a pointy face in the final portrait, and a petite bride can look like she has very long legs. I also take time to do a facial and body-type analysis of each client. That means, I will choose the appropriate poses and camera angles for each client to present him/her in the best light. These seemingly easy decisions require years of education and experience.

- The price list directly reflects the self-respect the photographer has for his/her work and industry. For instance, I always stay in the night before an intensive photography assignment. The means, the assignment is always a full day plus an evening to me because I reserve the evening to keep myself in the best shape for the assignment.

- A studio or photographer at a lower price point is unable to spend quality time with the clients to properly guide them through the process. Because I care so much about my clients, and can afford to serve fewer clients, I can afford to spend more time with each client to perfect all images.

- All businesses have to make a profit. Just think, if a business can make a profit at $ 2000 Canadian, the cost must be trimmed off somewhere, whether it’s the quality of the products or the qualification of the photographer and/or retoucher. There are so many hidden ways to cut corners. A photographer with a higher price list (= more self-respect and more industry respect) cares so much about his/her brand that it would be more expensive for him/her to deliver less than perfect results. In other words, we cannot afford to not give the best.

- At a lower price point, the photographer also cannot afford to employ his/her creativity. There is no time to go the extra mile to get the perfect shot, and no resources to get new inspirations to exceed his/her present portfolio. The photographers will have no time or money to attend any professional workshops to make his/her next assignment better than the last one. In other words, it would be the safest to repeat the formula that has been working in the past. This results in the loss of individuality. Your portraits will look similar to many others because it’s easier to copy existing works.

- There are a lot of technical aspects that some photographers or studios may choose shortcuts, rather than the best way. For instance, I know a studio that only shoots jpgs. That’s a compressed file format that has lower resolution for enlargement, and less visual information for digital editing. Every time you have done something to a jpg and save it, the quality deteriorates. Yes, even just cropping it will do that! The only advantage is that jpgs take up less disk space. At the same time, I have seen the same staff photographer also uses only on-camera flash for all the photos. That’s the ugliest light for portraits as it enhances every single blemish and makes the bride’s face wider. I have to admit though that is the easiest way.

- You’re hiring a true artist. My first art award dated when I was 16, and I have had gallery exhibitions internationally. While some photographers have to train themselves to be creative, I was born creative. That means I never shoot two clients the same way. I always draft up a shooting vision before the assignment. I also go the extra mile to scout the location before the portrait day. This is to minimize unforeseen problems and to ensure the photo shoot go as smoothly as possible. I do this extra preparation for every assignment to ensure the best result possible.

- I write monthly articles on wedding photography for Darizi Magazine. You’re hiring an expert who contributes her professional knowledge to one of the most prestigious Hong Kong wedding magazines. Darizi trusts me to be the exclusive North American photographer. I hope you do too. You may check past media interview on the website as well http://www.ksnowart.com/

- Artists can be stereotyped as socially awkward and unable to explain themselves. Many of them are exceptional at their craft, yet have difficulty understanding your needs. Knowing the value of effective communication at an early age, I joined Toastmasters International, in my humble opinion the best organization to enhance people’s communication and leadership skills, at the early age of 19. That means, at the consultation, you will actually get to tell me what you have in mind, instead of myself going on about how great I am.
- Does your photographer belong to any professional organization? Belonging to a professional organization seems like a no-brainer in any industry. There are many different organizations for photography, since it is both a popular hobby and a profession. Ask what the entry requirement of the organization is. Some organizations require a portfolio of a professional standard, and require its members to sign a contract to practice ethically; and some just take the money. In 2010/11, I am the chair of the Lower Mainland Region of the Professional Photographers of Canada—British Columbia. Through the organization, I have constant access to top-notch professional speakers and to learning from my peers. Brides, think: if your photographer has a serious injury right before wedding, how many photographers can he/she call at the finger tip?

Some parts are almost too embarrassing to reread. It’s like watching your own TV interview…

To conclude, I must say I am far from being very expensive. I have a friend who shoots at $ 20 000 Canadian an hour at a wedding. Yes, you read it right—there are four zeros! I also have another friend whose price list starts at $ 7000 Canadian.

It comes down to how important your families and your memories are to you. Especially given the quality of care and services of any professional photographers, we cannot serve the whole world. So, it’s okay if you decide it is not a priority in your life.

Thank you for reading. All the more, thank you to all my former clients who have trusted me with their memories.