Can we talk about money for a minute? Nobody loves this part. I see it in my inbox all the time — the slightly apologetic “so… what do you charge?” tucked at the end of an email, like it’s rude to wonder what something costs. It’s not rude. It’s the first thing I’d want to know too.
And honestly, photographers don’t make it easy on you. So much of my industry hides behind “inquire for investment details,” which has always felt a little like a restaurant with no prices on the menu. You’re left comparing photographers in Chicago whose numbers run anywhere from $150 to $2,500 with no idea what actually accounts for the difference. So let’s just lay it all out, friend to friend.
The lay of the land
On the lower end — roughly $150 to $400 — you’re usually looking at someone newer to the craft, often building their portfolio. Shorter session, smaller gallery, lighter editing. And truly, no shade: everyone starts somewhere (I did too), and for a quick photo update, that might be all you need.
The middle of the market, somewhere around $400 to $800 for an hourly rate, generally gets you solid experience, a longer session, and more polished delivery. And at the upper end — $900 to $2,500 (longer sessions that may include print and product packages) — you’re paying for someone who has seen it all: a decade or more behind the camera, real planning before you ever show up, and the ability to make beautiful work even when the weather, the light, and the toddler are all conspiring against us.
None of these is the “wrong” choice. But it helps to know what moves the number, because it’s rarely what people think.
What you’re actually paying for
Here’s the part nobody sees: for every hour I spend photographing your family, there are five or six you’ll never see. The planning emails and styling guidance before your family session. The years of experience honing my knowledge of the best spots in Chicago, the best time of day (and the best time of year) for those spots. The backup camera in my bag, because Chicago weather and lake sand are ruthless with gear. Insurance. The two to three hours of editing behind every single hour of shooting. Even the emergency snacks I keep on hand for wobbly toddler moments — there’s a whole invisible scaffolding holding up that one golden hour in the park.
The session is the tip of the iceberg. The friendly, surface tip. You’re paying for everything underneath it.
Questions to ask when you’re comparing quotes
Two quotes that look identical on price can be wildly different underneath, so before you book anyone — me included — make sure you know what’s in the box: How long is the session? How many edited images? Do you get print rights? What’s the turnaround? And what happens if you have to reschedule because someone woke up with a fever — because with kids, someone eventually will. If you want a bigger-picture framework for vetting any professional you hire, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the FTC’s consumer advice are both refreshingly free of nonsense.
Why the cheap option can get expensive
Here’s the honest part, and I say it gently: the most expensive photos are the ones you have to redo — or worse, the ones you can’t. I regularly hear from families (literally a new mom friend yesterday shared her regret story on this topic) who booked a bargain session for a fleeting stage — a newborn’s first days, a grandparent’s visit — and got images that just don’t feel like them. That window doesn’t reopen. Your baby will never be five days old again. It’s the one purchase where I’d truly tell you: don’t cut corners.
True story: I was with a new mom friend at the Cubs vs. Cardinals game the other day when she asked if I was releasing mini marathon dates. When I told her I just sent out the newsletter with this year’s options, she said, “Oh good. We had a photographer we used to use from the city, but she retired. Last year I booked one of those deals where they shuffle everyone through in five minutes, and I didn’t get even one I liked.”
Where I fall, and why
You’ve probably guessed I’m not the $150 option. My pricing reflects 15+ years of experience, a photojournalistic approach that takes real skill to do well, full planning support before your session, and galleries built to tell your family’s story rather than hand you a stack of poses. Current details are on my family photography pricing page — actual numbers, right there. No mystery, no menu without prices.
Want to talk numbers for your specific session?
Tell me what you’re envisioning, and I’ll give you a straight answer on what it would cost. Get in touch here — no pressure, just a conversation.
FAQs
How much should I expect to spend on family photos in Chicago?
For an experienced photographer with a strong, consistent portfolio, most Chicago families land somewhere between $500 and $1,500 depending on session length and what’s included. My current rates are on the pricing page.
Why do photographers charge so much for “just an hour”?
Because it’s never just an hour — planning, travel, culling, editing, and delivery turn one hour of shooting into six or more of work. And that’s before you count the years of practice that make the hour itself look easy.
Are mini sessions a good deal?
Sometimes, truly. For a quick seasonal update or a holiday card photo, a mini is a smart buy. But they’re not a substitute for a full session when you want variety, storytelling, and enough time for kids to actually warm up. If you’re weighing the two, my session FAQs break down what each includes.