How much would you spend for good portraits?

mlm1128 · March 2009

I haven't had professional pics of dd done since she was 1 1/2 (almost 2 years ago). DH takes great pics of her, but I still feel almost obligated to have formal ones done. Plus, we have never had a family picture done, and I think we should have one of all of us, including my ss. What's a good price? We have a local photographer that I would not walk out the door without spending a minimum of 500.00, and I just can't do that no matter how good he is.

DandR · March 2009

I'm cheap...big time...so $100 is my max. Honestly, I know I could get maybe slightly better by paying more...but its not worth it to me. AND, I'd rather go a couple times a year while they change so much than go once every couple years.

DevonPow · March 2009

Our photographer was $350 for the session, plus the cost of the pictures - I think we spent about $600 total. Expensive but worth it, IMO. It definitely isn't a yearly thing, but every few years to spend money on really quality pictures of DS and family pics are worth it.

xcarebearx · March 2009

Have you tried your local Craigslist? I did a search for photographers in my area, and I found one that I LOVE!!!! She charged 75.00 and that included the photo shoot at the location of my choice (beach,park,gardens,etc...), editing over 20 of the pictures with selective coloring and/or black and white, and a USB thumb drive containing over 270 pictures! She also gave me the copyright, so I own the pictures. I can upload them on my computer, use them on message boards (the pics in my sig were done by her), and I can print them when ever and where ever I want. I will never be going back to a "studio" chain again. There are even some people on Craigslist just starting out, and they are willing to work for free if you agree to let them use your pics for their portfolio...and they can be really good too! Good Luck, and HTH!

hmd · March 2009

I love having good pictures of DS, especially now that he won't let us take his picture at home as much. But we found a great photographer for really cheap. She charges $25 sitting fee and will take them indoors and out for as long as the kid will go. The proofs are really cheap--about the same as it would cost to print 4x6 yourself. Then she charges us per picture depending on size. 4x6 are $1, 5x7 are $4, 8x10 are $8, wallets (set of 2) are $2. We usually spend $100-$150 with her. So far, we have been there twice in the past year.

hikerbeth · March 2009

I spend $300-$900 every time I get good photos, so I've had to limit myself to JUST birthday pictures for the last few years. They are worth it, though.