As a full-time photographer, I’ve always tried to balance two things: honouring the value of my work and making it accessible for the people I serve — especially families and everyday clients who want to cherish their memories without breaking the bank.
For a long time, my pricing for additional high-resolution images followed the industry standard: $20–$65 or more per image. Yes 65 for some.. because when we photographers spend 10 hours on an image.. imagine even if we charged 5 USD an hour.. 10 hours would still amount to 50 bucks. Thankfully not every image requires that much work.. but when they do.. it adds up. This is why I strive to shoot in frame as perfectly as possible aka.. avoiding hours of editing. When we spend so much time on an image, it is literal time we cannot get back, shooting time we must use for editing. SO sometimes, a pricy tag is necessary for some images due to the amount of editing necessary.
I as well, charged these amounts... but it never felt right..
Later on, I lowered my price per image to $15 per image, thinking it would be a better fit. it helped but still didn't work.. and i didn't feel right with it. even if someone wanted 100 photos they'd have to pay over 1000 USD ? after paying for a photoshoot? hmmm didn't feel right.
Also let me just say that .. the pricing for digital high resolution photos being 20 - 65 and up.. is suitable and appropriate in some instances and at the discretion of the photographer. If you would like more info as to why photographers can charge what we charge and why for digital images, continue reading =)
Why do digital images cost so much?
Quick answer: once you purchase high resolution images you never have to come back to me the photographer for another purchase. so what we do is we say okay.. if one digital 4x6 print costs 5 bucks.. the average client will return 5 times.. and thus .. we do 5 x5 so the images then becomes 25 bucks. each. (at least this is how learned how it worked)
I understand that Life is expensive. People are doing their best to navigate rising living costs, travel expenses, food prices, and health challenges. I know — because I’m living through it too, and I care for many abandoned strays which are now my fur babies. .. so i understand this all too well.
So I sat with that. I spoke with a very close photographer friend whose opinion and work ethics i value.
I reflected deeply on what kind of photographer I want to be — and the kind of human being I am. And I realized this:
If I truly care about my clients, and I value the work I do, I can find a middle ground that honors both.
So I sat with myself again.. and also felt good thinking.. charge f fairly.. dont chase money.. it will come. just trust. so this is what I am doing. and so far it has been GREAT!! =)
ok back to it..
So here’s what’s changing:
Moving forward, I’m reworking my high-resolution image pricing to make it more flexible and accessible — while still reflecting the time, energy, and professional care that goes into every photo.
New High-Res Add-On Options:
$8 per image depending on editing complexity; Not all images require the same level of editing. Some may need light adjustments, while others take more detailed retouching. A quick edit might take 5 minutes — but if you multiply that by 100 photos, it becomes hours of work. some images might be 10 USD .. or sometimes an image might cost less.. it all depends) - I will always reach out but before bill you, no surprises.. =) .
Full Gallery Upgrade Options:
(working on this to ensure i can offer rates which are suitable for myself as well as my client). These full-gallery upgrades are priced to reflect both the volume, and complexity of edits, if interested in the entire gallery - please inquire per email.
A photo album might also be an interesting option for you.
Why I Still Charge (Even When You’ve Seen the Proofs)
Photography doesn’t end when I put the camera down. There’s real work happening **before, during, and after** each session:
- Sorting and reviewing hundreds of shots
- Editing every image by hand (no AI — I believe in the human touch)
- Managing file storage, software, electricity, and upload systems
- Communicating with clients, organising galleries, and delivering final edited files
I’m often working with 5 or more clients each week — and on top of that, I care for a loved one with a health condition, and I look after 36 rescue animals who rely on me daily, not including the strays I feed in my neighbourhood and the island. (Yes, I always have cat and dog food on me ) - this is an ongoing issue which has existed on the island since I could form my first words.
Adopt .. do not shop. makes the world of difference.
This is a business, yes — but it’s also my calling. I’ve invested thousands into education, travel, and professional gear. I’ve worked hard to build this with integrity and skill. I’m not the cheapest photographer out there, but I’m also not the most expensive. I charge what I believe my work is worth.
But more than anything, I want to live in alignment with who I truly am — as an artist, as a woman, and as a spiritual being having a temporary human experience. To me, this means trying to help people when I can, while still honouring myself and the effort I put into this craft. I also feel confident about the connection to the most high, source, whatever we want call it, through animals, through nature. love and compassion. I have found an abundance of love and compassion in the animals that I help. This is how I honour the most high, as well as my own existence.
ok back to it .. =)
Already Did a Shoot With Me?
If you’ve had a session in the past and wanted more high-resolution images but didn’t go forward because of pricing — reach out. You can now revisit those memories at the new rate, and we’ll figure out a package that works for both of us.
Let’s not leave those special moments buried in storage.
Thank you for reading — and thank you for trusting me with your memories.
Every image I create is done with intention, care, and heart. I’m honoured to do this work, and even more honoured to share it with you.
With appreciation,
Sarina Gito
Photographer & Storyteller
