What’s the Difference Between All-Inclusive and In-Person Sales Photography? | Seattle Portrait Photographer

So, you’ve just started to research local photographers, and you see that pricing is all over the place. Some photographers charge a flat fee, while others have a sitting fee with packages. What’s the deal? Why are the pricing structures so different and which one is better? It’s enough to drive a consumer bananas. That’s where I can help. I’m here to break down the pricing structure models and talk to you about why I price my photography the way that I do in the hopes that you can make the right choice for your family. Let’s have a look together, shall we?

Tween girl dances in the water as Rattlesnake Lake reflects her image

Let me start out with this simple fact: there is no right or wrong way for an artist to price themselves. They have done the market-research, and they know how to price themselves in a way that attracts their ideal client (you), makes them a decent living, and keeps them competitive in a growing industry. Pricing is personal, and therefore, cannot be judged by the dollar amount alone.

This blog post will be a little bit longer than most as I try to give fair information to both models, but it will be very clear which model I prefer, and why I have chosen it for my business. No matter which model you prefer, family and senior portrait photography has a long-term return on investment and is important for every family, regardless of budget. First, let’s dive into the world of in-person sales (IPS), and why it’s a great choice for some photographers and the families they photograph.

In-Person Sales Model: Bringing a Personal Touch to Sales

One of the great parts about in-person sales is that it’s a “high-touch” approach to selling photography/photo sessions. For the client that needs a little more personal touch to their client-photographer experience, IPS meets that need beautifully. The photographer engages directly with the you through in-person meetings, phone calls, and Zoom calls to showcase their portfolio, discuss your specific wants and needs as a client, and they can even customize packages on the spot for you. This model emphasizes the art of persuasion and the ability to convey the value of each photograph, making for a memorable experience for both parties. The IPS photographer gets joy out of being with you in-person during the sale of digitals and printed work, and thrives in that sales-market scenario. They love the art of the sale and love that extra time spent showing what different printed materials look and feel like. It’s a beautiful experience when done well, and you will truly marvel at the talent of the photographer not just in their work, but in their ability to convince you to purchase products alongside your digitals. It really is a fun experience, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Where Handshakes Meet Shutter Clicks

Picture this: a cozy coffee shop, portfolios spread out like a deck of cards, and laughter bouncing off the walls. That’s the IPS model in action. It’s not just about selling photos, it’s about continuing to connect with you even after the photo session has ended. It’s about sharing stories and making memories together. Handshakes, high-fives, and the occasional fist-bump - it’s like a photography party where every shot tells a tale. If you value this high-touch connection, and seeing products in-person, then this model would suit your needs beautifully. But it comes with costs that you might not be able to anticipate. Digital files, prints, canvases — they are all product, and as such, they are all up for sale after you’ve had your session date and taken your photos. In an IPS-model, nothing comes with your sitting fee. That fee is just for your photographer’s time (and they’ve earned it). All your product is a la carte or in curated packages that you choose from, and that can add up quickly. You may only be charged $200 - $500 for the sitting, but adding the products can quickly double, triple, quadruple and more your original price point. So, it’s important to go into an IPS model knowing exactly what you will be charged at each package level and for each product. The great thing is that most IPS photographers list their packages right up front, so you know what you’re going to get with each package initially.

Mother and sun twirl and nuzzle on the beach.

High school senior girl shakes out her hair on the beach in Seattle.

Mother and father smile and their laughing baby in a forested area.

Florist looks into sunshine while holding her freshly made bouquet.

All-Inclusive Model: Where Simplicity Steals the Show

Choosing between these models is like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream — it all boils down to personal taste. Some people love the thrill of in-person sales, and others prefer the ease of the all-inclusive gig, where decisions are a breeze, and there’s no need to negotiate. I prefer the all-inclusive model for my own business (and TBH, my own family portraits because I want ALL the digitals for myself. I don’t like needing to choose). With all-inclusive, you can forget the negotiation tango because simplicity reigns supreme. There is no need for the back-and-forth because just one, up-front cost covers everything. It’s like ordering a pizza with all your favorite toppings without having to debate each one individually. You gets everything that the photographer edits and includes in the gallery, and the photographer gets to focus on capturing all the best moments without the back-and-forth on prices.

Budget Bliss and No Hidden Costs

Say goodbye to hidden fees and unexpected or unprepared for costs. You get everything, and when you book me, you get everything times two because I include every photo in both color and black and white. My galleries are filled to the brim with 75 or more carefully chosen moments captured of your family or high-school senior. How cool is that? While it may look really pricey up front, the all-inclusive model is actually the budget-friendly hero of the photography world. You know exactly what you you’re paying for upfront, and who doesn’t love that kind of transparency? The financial clarity of all-inclusive builds trust, and keeps you happy knowing that you don’t have to make any hard choices.

Mother runs her hands through her preschooler's hair as they wait for the great wheel to open on Seattle's waterfront.

Client Convenience in the Digital Age

While I do sell products, and they are absolutely gorgeous prints, canvases, metal prints, and books, I don’t make buying prints a mandatory part of my business. And by including all the digital files in a curated gallery, your session tells the story of your family at this very moment in time. It is a complete and comprehensive time capsule that you get to enjoy for the rest of your life (and your children get to enjoy these memories for generations). After all, I am a storyteller, and I would not feel like I did my duty as the narrator of your story if I didn’t give you the full picture in all its glory.

I also know the value of digital files to a family looking to preserve their legacy and family history. We are living in a digital age of instant gratification, and because of this, the all-inclusive model fits right in. If you know the value of digital photos, you understand how great the all-inclusive model is. With no need for in-person sales meetings, you can review, select, and receive your images in a convenient, online gallery. You can purchase prints and canvases from the comfort of your own home on your own time. And you never have to worry about losing your files because I archive every session forever. Yep, you read that right. I archive every session so that in the event of loss or damage, you can reclaim your session just by contacting me. That peace of mind is my gift to you.

In a world where time is precious and budgets are scrutinized, the all-inclusive model emerges as the superhero, swooping in to save the day with simplicity, budget bliss, and digital convenience. And as someone that wants you to have a full-picture rendering of your family’s story, the all-inclusive model fits my business perfectly. Whomever you choose to capture your family’s photography needs, know that there is a photographer out there who can perfectly suit your budget, style, and your family’s individuality. I hope this post has helped demystify photography costs for you, and as always, I look forward to seeing you in front of my lens.