Let’s talk pricing | Oceanside, California boudoir photographer

I believe transparency in business is important, especially when you offer something that is high in value. Booking a boudoir session falls under what most people think of as an investment. Because boudoir is an investment - and because not all photographers offer the same experience as I do, but will charge the same- I really believe transparency in my pricing is helpful for all my wonderful future clients!

First thing is first, I will never convince you that you should invest in a boudoir session with me — ever. What you do with your finances and how you choose to spend your money is your business and I always want the booking process to be exciting and full of “fuck yes!” energy.  Boudoir with a really good and highly professional photographer is an investment- we know this by now. But why? What goes into it? I can’t answer that for everyone. Many people run their businesses differently. I can only answer that for myself. 

In an effort to help destigmatize the conversation about money and the investment behind boudoir, I wanted to share what actually goes into my pricing and my business— because I can tell you right now — it’s more than just a photoshoot and photos. It’s a whole ass experience and I am a whole ass business doing things full send. 

So - let’s dive in!

01. it’s more than just the service + photos

Included in my pricing is our time communicating together through email prior to your session + after your session. This is my time + energy completely devoted to helping you plan. I am here to help you however you specifically need pre and post shoot and I make myself available to answer emails in a timely manner so that you are never waiting more than 24 hours on me.

02. you are getting me and only me

I do not have a replacement photographer for when I get sick. I do not hand you off to someone else if I am too busy. I do not have an assistant or someone answering emails for me. Each and every email I send is done so with attention, care, and a lot of dedication to you. This means the amount of clients I take on each month / year is limited, to allow for me to show up for you in this way and be there for you entirely.

03. i am more than just a photographer

I am the marketer, the designer, the bookkeeper, etc.

I am a professional that has spent over a decade learning to be the best at what I do. That means a Bachelor's Degree in Photography, workshops, tutorials, investing in tools and resources to help me learn and do things more efficiently so I can put more of my time + energy back into working with my clients.

Above all, I am an artist. The experience I offer is unique + truly one-of-a-kind. My skill level allows me to approach the image making process in a much different way than most.

04. I PAY TAXES ON THE PRICES I CHARGE

As a business owner, I am an LLC and pay a minimum yearly tax fee of $800 to the state of California. That's JUST to own and operate a business here. In addition to this, I pay taxes on the income I make and Oceanside Sales Tax on all products, which is 8.25%. I also have an accountant whom I pay to do my taxes each year.

05. i have my own studio in south,oceanside

This is the biggest expense I have in my business. Each month, I pay $2,575 just to rent my studio. This does not include my own personal rent or bills. This is important for me, as I want to ensure my clients have a beautiful + empowering space that they feel excited + inspired by.

06. my equipment + software is an investment

I equip myself with my own gear which includes 2 cameras- one primary and one backup, my laptop, 3 external hard drives, all of my editing + software subscriptions, my gallery hosting platforms, website and client management systems etc. This is all necessary in order to run my business and do so in a smooth manner.

07. i print + offer high quality products

I do not believe in keeping overhead and expenses low at the expense of my clients and the products they receive. All products offered are high quality, luxury level, and I often support small businesses when I can. Everything I offer is ethically and sustainably sourced and made.

08. I AM ABLE TO OFFER PAYMENT PLANS

Because I run my business in a sustainable way and charge what I am worth and need to, I am able to offer a streamlined approach to in-house payment plans for my clients. This helps keep the experience I offer inclusive and NOT exclusive.

I work for you, so that you can fully enjoy what it feels like to work with me.

09. I am an awesome person + i am really good at what I do.

This job really demands a lot emotionally and mentally. I am there for my clients in a way that is very similar to being a therapist. Holding space for them, experiencing their heartbreak and helping them move forward from hard things in life through a boudoir session.

Because I am very in touch with my "why", I am dedicated to the experience I offer my clients. I strive to ensure each and every one of you, despite all of your differences, receives the most empowering and life changing experience you possibly can. I am here for you and only you on your session day. You are always my focus + priority. Above all, I take some really incredible photos and have a unique approach that my clients love me for!

I hope this was helpful in showing you the ins and outs of my business and offer some insight into why boudoir (with me) is the investment that it is!

I hope this helps my people see the value in the hard work I put into my business.

What you often see are the beautiful photos, the raving reviews, and the behind the scenes posing content. What you don’t always see are the tears shed in frustration over this and that. The ins and outs. The nitty gritty. They say owning a business is a labor of love. It absolutely is a labor and it’s all love all the time. I do this for you.