We can all agree on two things: 1) We want beautiful family photos 2) We don’t want to break the bank getting them.
As a local New Bern family photographer, I hear this concern often from families looking to invest in family photos without the unnecessary financial stress. It's natural to look for ways to save while still wanting to invest in memories you’ll treasure for years. That’s where a little research and transparency can make all the difference.
Do Your Research When Choosing a Photographer
My biggest recommendation when shopping for a photographer is simple: do your homework. GOOGLE is your friend!! New Bern has many talented photographers and taking the time to compare styles and pricing will help you find the right fit for your family. Explore their websites and social media pages; do they have an Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, etc. Be sure to visit their booking and pricing pages so you understand exactly what’s included before committing. Ask yourself which photographic style you’re drawn to. Light and airy? Bold and dramatic? Warm and timeless? Style matters just as much as price, because these images will live on your walls and in albums long after the session is over.
Once you’ve found a style you love, then it’s time to look at pricing. Many New Bern photographers outline their session options on a dedicated pricing page, which is a great place to start. And this is where the fine print becomes important.
What Does a Photography Session Fee Include?
- What does the session fee include?
- Is the photographer’s travel time or mileage included?
- Is there a price difference between a studio session and an on-location session?
- Are digital images included, or do I pay extra per image?
- Will I be able to my preview mimages before final delivery?
- How will my images be delivered?
- What is the turnaround time to receive my gallery?
Asking these questions up front helps avoid surprises later and allows you to fairly compare photographers beyond just the number on the price list.
My Approach to Pricing as a New Bern Family Photographer
As a small business owner and local photographer, I know photography in this area is very competitive. I work hard to keep my prices reasonably priced with other local photographers while still delivering a professional, high-quality experience. I strive to keep my prices competitive with other local photographers while never making a client feel like they are being overcharged but also deliver a marvelous experience from start to finish.
One thing I’m proud to offer as a photographer is free digital download of your images. Many photographers charge per image or require a flat fee to download the full gallery. Some won’t even offer digital downloads unless you purchase a printed product.
You can view my current session options and pricing on my Investment page, where everything is clearly laid out with no surprises. I prefer to make my income from the session itself rather than upselling print packages after the fact. That means you receive your images digitally, ready to print, share, and enjoy.
That said, I do offer print packages for clients who prefer professional printing. These prints are high quality, delivered straight to your home, with free shipping. I’ll be marketing these options more to see if they’re a good fit for my clients, but they are always optional.
Why Photography Session Prices Can Vary
- Number of people being photographed
- Multiple families in one session
- Location and travel requirements
- Type of session or occasion
- Specialty or custom requests
Any of these can change the cost of a listed session because they often require more time, more planning, or more images delivered than what’s outlined in a standard session description.
A Real-Life Family Photography Example
My one-hour session typically includes 20 images. However, with a group this size, it simply made sense to deliver more. They received:
- Individual images of each child
- Images of each individual family
- Images of each couple
- Grandma with all the girls
- Grandpa with the boys
- And, of course one of everyone all together.
Because let’s be honest, when you finally get everyone together, you want variety. These moments don’t happen often, and they deserve to be fully captured.
The Bottom Line on Photography Pricing
Photography is an investment, but it doesn’t have to feel confusing or overwhelming. Whether you’re searching for a local photographer for a small family session or planning a large family session at the beach, understanding pricing helps you feel confident in your choice. Understanding what you’re paying for, asking the right questions, and choosing a photographer whose style and pricing align with your needs will help ensure you feel confident and excited about your session.
My goal as your local family photographer is always to provide clear pricing, flexibility when needed, and an experience that leaves you with images you truly love. If you ever have questions about session options or pricing, I’m always happy to talk through them with you.