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Expense Behind a Photography Business

Aug 17, 2025 | By: Marsha Lynn Photography for Cranberry Township and Mars

Behind the Scenes of Pricing Fine Art Photography

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked why my sessions cost more—or why I deliver fewer images than another photographer might. And honestly, I get it. On the surface, a portrait session looks like just a camera, a child or high school senior, and an hour of my time in the woods. But the truth is, fine art photography is about so much more than quick snapshots. For both new photographers starting out and families considering a custom portrait session, there’s an entire world happening behind the scenes that most people never see.

6-year-old boy fishing by creek, lightly retouched image

Before: Lightly Retouched

16-year-old boy fishing by creek, fine art edited portrait by Marsha Lynn Photography

After: Timeless Portrait of a Young Teenager

Key Considerations for Clients When Choosing a Photographer

Education: Always Learning

Every year I invest in photography education—conferences, workshops, online trainings, and certifications. Not because I have to, but because I believe my clients deserve the very best. (Also, I love learning!) Staying current with fine art photography techniques means your images are timeless, not trendy.

For New Photographers:  don’t feel like you need everything at once. Start small. But never stop investing in education. That’s what sets you apart.

Two little girls in blue dresses sitting on a blanket at the edge of the woods reading a book.

Before: Slightly Retouched

Two little girls are reading a book while sitting on a blanket for a photographer near Mars, Pa

After: Timeless Portrait of Two Sisters

Equipment: More Than a Camera

A professional camera body alone costs thousands of dollars—and that’s before adding lenses, backup gear, lighting, editing software, and computers. A fine art photography studio relies on this equipment to create high-quality images, no matter the light, weather, or challenge.

For New Photographers:  Clients see the final image, but photographers must understand the costs behind every shot if they want to remain profitable and sustain their business.

 

A young teen age girl in a red gown standing under a tree by the creek.

Before: Slightly retouched

A young teen age girl in a red gown standing under a tree by the creek during a photo session with Marsha Lynn Photography

After: A Timeless Portrait of a Beautiful Young Teenager

Time: The Hours You Don’t See

Yes, your session may only be an hour or two. But what you don’t see is the planning, wardrobe styling, editing, artwork design, and communication that comes before and after. A single fine art portrait session often equals 10+ hours of behind-the-scenes work.

Some photographers do stick to the “shoot and burn” model—handing clients lightly retouched digital files. There’s nothing wrong with that approach; it works beautifully for families who want simple, quick images. But that isn’t the experience I offer.

I work with clients who want more than digitals—they want art. Where many stop at lightly retouched files, I take each portrait further, crafting it into my signature fine art style. Some images take several hours of careful, detailed editing to become extraordinary. It’s this process that transforms an ordinary moment into a timeless heirloom.

For new photographers—this is where you’ll eventually define your style. Are you happy delivering clean, lightly retouched digitals, or do you feel called to create something more? For clients—this is why every portrait you receive from me is art, not just a picture.

a brother and sister playing in a field at an old wooden gate near Mars, Pa

Before: Lightly Retouched

A sister and brother playing at an old wooden gate while being photographed by Marsha Lynn Photography

After: A Timeless Portrait of a sister and brother

The Studio & Creative Tools

Located on 40 wooded acres near Mars and Cranberry Township, my studio offers more than just a backdrop—it’s a creative environment designed for storytelling. Beyond the ponds and fields, I’ve invested in building unique spaces: wood walls, swings, and rustic fences that add texture and depth to portraits. Each feature requires thoughtful planning and upkeep, but together they transform ordinary settings into extraordinary works of art that bring each child’s story to life.

Marsha Lynn Photograhy takes a picture of a little girl in a blue fairy dress asleep under the tree.

Before: Slightly Retouched

A little girl in a blue tulle fairy dress sleeping at the foot of a large tree near Cranberry Township

After: A Timeless Fairy Portait

A summery of just a few of the costs to consider when running a photography business.

If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to figure out pricing—or a client curious about why fine art photography costs more than a quick photo session—this will give you a peek behind the scenes. 

  • Professional gear + editing software – cameras, lenses, lighting, and the latest editing tools must be purchased, maintained, and upgraded regularly.

  • Education + certifications – ongoing workshops, training, and certifications ensure skill, artistry, and professionalism continue to grow.

  • Wardrobe + props – a wardrobe closet for children and gowns for teen and high school seniors as well as meaningful props that elevate portraits into timeless artwork.

  • Studio + location upkeep – everything from insurance to landscaping, set building, and maintaining creative outdoor spaces.

  • Marketing + advertising – websites, social media, printed materials, and SEO that allow clients to find us in the first place.

  • Taxes + business expenses – the less glamorous side of running a legitimate business.

  • Time + talent – the heart of it all: hours of planning, photographing, editing, and applying an artist’s vision to every finished piece. 

  • Blogging - Time spent blogging to help other photographers as well as to showcase my clients favorite moments from their photography session. 

 

View Children Fine Art Gallery Here!
Little boy in yellow rain jacket playing in mud puddle with 3 baby ducks

Before: Lightly Retouched

A little boy in a yellow raincoat and red boots standing in a puddle, looking down at four fluffy ducklings swimming beside him. Fine art children’s portrait by Marsha Lynn Photography.

After: Timeless Storytelling Portait

🌿 Behind the Lens: A Fine Art Photography Journey

Week 1: The Gear I Trust to Capture Childhood Magic

Week 2: My Editing Workflow: From RAW to Fine Art

Week 3: Behind the Scenes of Pricing Fine Art Photography

Week 4: How I Learned to Create Fine Art Portraits (And Why I’m Still Learning Every Day)

VIEW THE PREVIOUS BLOG SERIES:  How to Plan a Storytelling Photo Session for Children 

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, the “real cost” of photography isn’t about numbers—it’s about value. Every dollar invested in education, equipment, and creative tools ensures that when you hang your child’s portrait on the wall, you’re looking at artwork that will outlast trends and hold meaning for generations.

Because fine art photography isn’t just a picture. It’s a legacy.

✨ Begin Your Portrait Story Here

or call 724-504-8711 for more inforamation

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