Let’s talk about the awkward question: money
If I had a pound for every time someone emailed me with “How much do you charge for family photos?”, I’d probably have enough saved up for a pretty decent camera upgrade by now. But here’s the thing – and I say this with zero judgement – that question is kind of like asking “How much is a house?” or “How much is dinner?” It depends. It depends on what you want, where you are, and what matters most to you.
So before you click straight to a photographer’s pricing page, take a beat. Let’s chat about what actually goes into the cost of family photography, what you’re really paying for, and how to make sure your family photo session isn’t just another thing on your to-do list, but something you treasure for years.
Because yes, it costs money. But money isn’t what makes the memories magical – that’s where printed photos, relaxed sessions, and a photographer who gets your family (yes, wild little ones included) come in.
But first: what do you want from your family photos?
I’ve been photographing families around St Albans and the Hertfordshire area for years, and I’ve learned this: no two families are the same. So why should the way you experience a photo shoot – or what you walk away with – be a one-size-fits-all blanket price?
Think about these questions before you start shopping by numbers:
- Do you want photos taken in your home, outside at a favourite park, or a mix of both?
- Do you prefer unposed, documentary-style photography or those “everyone smiling on the mantelpiece” shots? (I do a blend, but I lean strongly toward natural, relaxed moments.)
- Is this a one-off session, or do you picture building a collection over the years?
- Will you want to print an album, frame a favourite for the wall, or are you planning to keep everything digital?
Let’s be honest: no one gets misty-eyed over a Dropbox folder. Your kids won’t inherit a hard drive. If you do nothing else after this blog, promise me you’ll at least print a few.
So… what does the cost actually include?
1. Session Fee: The Starting Place
With me, your family session starts with a session fee. That covers:
- My time (roughly 60-90 minutes depending on small human cooperation)
- Planning and prep, including tips on what to wear, how to prep the kids, and weather backup chats
- Travel within the St Albans and nearby Hertfordshire areas
- A relaxed session at your home, local park, or favourite spot
But that’s just the starting place. You don’t actually purchase any photos until after the session, when you’ve seen your gallery and know what you love.
2. Products: What You Walk Away With
After your session, I offer a range of products – not to upsell you or squeeze your wallet, but because I genuinely want you to see and enjoy your photos.
- Fine art albums that feel as lush as they look
- Framed prints ready for the wall (without a DIY trip to IKEA)
- High-resolution digital collections for safe keeping and sharing
You only buy what you love. But yes – I hope you’ll fall in love with something, because these printed keepsakes are the next best thing to bottling time.
3. The Experience: Yep, That Counts Too
Let’s be real. Trying to take your own family photos ends up with one person missing (usually Mum), meltdowns about shirts, and everyone annoyed before the first “cheese.”
When you book with me, you’re not just paying for photos. You’re getting:
- A photographer who will stay a bit extra if your little one needs time to warm up
- Someone who won’t bat an eye if your toddler is in a snack-fuelled mood slump
- Laughter, movement, and zero-pressure posing (honestly, no one needs ‘Sunday Best’ formality)
If budget is tight, keep an eye out for my occasional mini sessions – they’re a lower-cost option with a quicker, set format. Ideal for a yearly update or if you’ve already done a full session in the past.
Why it’s not just about the cost
Yes, you need to know what’s realistic for your family’s budget – I get that. But this isn’t about getting a bargain or the most files for the least money. It’s about figuring out what you want to remember and what those moments will mean to your family 5, 10, 20 years from now.
Because years down the line, your kids won’t care about how much the session cost or whether everyone wore matching jumpers. They’ll care that Mum was in the picture. That the belly laughs were real. That you paused to say, this moment matters.
Want a relaxed, no-pressure family photo shoot in Hertfordshire?
If you’re looking for a St Albans family photographer who’s not going to ask your child to say “cheese” or expects you all dressed in coordinating beige, you’re in the right place. I’ll guide you, support you, and do everything I can to make sure you come away with photographs that actually feel like your family – chaos, cuddles, and all.
You can check out more about relaxed Hertfordshire family sessions here, or get in touch to chat through your ideas or concerns.
And please remember: your memories don’t belong in a digital black hole. Let’s put them on your walls or in your children’s hands for years to come.
