SamJ Studios

People see “$485 photoshoot” and assume photographers pocket $485. That’s not really how it works.

Here’s a more realistic breakdown:
Client pays: $485

• Set aside 25% for taxes
$485 → $363.75
• Payment processing fees
~$14
$363.75 → $349.75
• SD cards for the session
(usually 1–2 cards per shoot)
~$65–$130
$349.75 → $284.75–$219.75
• Business expenses split across sessions
(storage, gallery delivery, website, subscriptions, editing software, etc.)
~$50+
$284.75–$219.75 → $234.75–$169.75
• Childcare during shoot/editing time
(typically 3–5 hours minimum at $15/hr)
~$45–$75
$234.75–$169.75 → $189.75–$94.75
• Gas + travel
(Colorado Springs driving, 15 mpg, 20–35+ minutes each way)
~$15–$30+ depending on location
$189.75–$94.75 → $174.75–$64.75

And that’s before factoring in:
• camera bodies and lenses
• equipment repairs and upgrades
• computers and hard drives
• insurance
• props or client closet items
• continuing education and workshops
• advertising and marketing
• time spent shooting
• hours of editing
• emailing, planning, culling, delivering galleries, bookkeeping, and all the unpaid work behind the scenes

Photography is a business, not just showing up and taking pictures. Most of the work happens long before and after the session itself. 🤍

Unfortunately if you’re sick of me now, just wait until their wedding day… 😂😅

If you hired me, we could have THIS much fun on your wedding day, I’m just saying. 🤷🏻‍♀️

.tapestryhouse

So incredibly excited about these photos. 🥺👏🏼