Raising Rates :(

K, so ... I have been really struggling doing sessions recently. For starters, I have had a lot of no-shows or last-minute cancellations. When that happens I am stuck with an empty block of time in my book and financial loss that I can't make up for. I also have to hire a sitter for my over-active 4-year-old, and must pay said sitter for a minimum 4 hours. I have done some calculating, and by the time I add up the sitter's fee, gas cost, wear and tear on my vehicle and countless hours of editing, I am left with no choice but to increase my prices. :-(

I hate it just as much as you guys do, but as my prices stand right now, I am actually paying my clients to take their pictures. This is my livelihood guys, so please try to understand! Other than being a photographer, I am a stay-at-home mom who needs to share with her husband the financial burden of running a household. It has been my desire, since relocating to the West Nashville area, to capture for this community their most priceless moments at an affordable price. I promise I will still strive for that, but must also be compensated for my time and effort. And I also promise that this "worker is worthy of her wage." (1 Tim. 5:15) If for some reason the outcome of your session is not professional quality, we will come to an agreeable compensation for us both or a discounted make-up session.

So, after much thought and consideration I have made some changes in my pricing scales, in the time I allot for sessions and also in the photo options and packages available. As always, I will still accept cash, check or credit card.

The first change is that my "one-hour" photo session will now include a $75 sitting fee. One photo session actually takes up 2 hours in my appointment book - even if my camera only actively shoots for one solid hour from start to finish. This is because I must factor in drive time and/or set up and posing time. (This includes all session types except newborn, children, bridal and weddings.) So again, a one-hour shoot now has a sitting fee of $75 which is due at time of session. If you intend to pay with check, I would require that the check be given to me 72 hours in advance. This is so that funds can clear before shoot time and insures me against no-shows. You will be tagged in Facebook previews and be emailed proofs so that you can decide what photo option/package you prefer. For an additional $55 you may choose between a flash drive of 5-10 photos and print release or a photo package of 1 collage print, 1 8x10, 4 5x7s, 8 4x6s and 10 wallets.

Secondly, as stated above, newborn and children's sessions (0-10 years old) are now allotted a minimum of 3 hours. That sitting fee is $150, is also due at time of session. Same check-writing policy applies. Now, I have always offered a 15% discount to any parent who schedules newborn or children's sessions between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday; that discount still stands (making the sitting fee $127.50). That discount was offered at my home location only, but now I expand that offer to include parents in other counties. Meaning you can come to me or I will come to you for this same discounted price. Again, you will be tagged in any Facebook previews and be emailed proofs. Also, for an additional $55 you may choose between a flash drive of 5-10 photos and print release or a photo package of 1 collage print, 1 8x10, 4 5x7s, 8 4x6s and 10 wallets.

I will now also block out 3 hours for bridal sessions. That sitting fee is $200, and is due at time of shoot. You may include your bridal party in these poses, but please bare in mind that the more people you have in a photo the longer the session takes. If we should exceed our 3-hour time slot, I will have to increase the price by $25 every 30 minutes. You will also be tagged in all Facebook previews and emailed proofs. For $200 I will throw in a flash drive of 5-10 poses and a print release.

Weddings block out my entire day and therefore are now $400 paid in full by 72 hours before the wedding. (Payment installments available). The same check policy applies; funds must clear before I show up. :-/ For $400 you will receive a 16x20 canvas print, a flash drive of 10-30 photos and a print release.

For $575, I will give you a Bridal-Wedding package deal of a 2-hour bridal photo shoot, an all day wedding slot, a flash drive of 5-10 bridal poses and 10-30 wedding shots, a print release, a 16x20 canvas print, 1 8x10, 4 5x7s, 8 4x6s and 10 wallets. This fee is also due in full 72 hours prior to wedding. (Since this package is technically 2 separate sessions, I will allow for 2 installments of $287.50).

Mommy Moments Maternity - This package is a series of 5 sessions ("announcement photos," first, second and third trimester and hospital photos). Each session includes 5 poses. You will be tagged in all Facebook previews and emailed photos and a print release. The cost of this package is $275. It makes for a great gift idea! (Payment installments available).

Baby's First Year - This package is a series of 5 sessions (newborn, 3, 6 and 9 months and 1 year). Each session includes 5 poses. You will be tagged in all Facebook previews and emailed proofs. The cost of this package is $385, and includes 1 collage print, 1 8x10, 4 5x7s, 8 4x6s and 10 wallets with each session. It also makes for a great gift idea! (Payment installments also available).

I do wish to express again that this decision has come from much deliberation and contemplation, and I feel I am still offering some very comparable rates. Please feel free to reply with comments or questions. And as always, to schedule your next session please call me, Carla, affectionately known as YaYa, at 615.584.5283 or email me at carlahailey@gmail.com.

Thanks to all of you for being so understanding.

[BTW: If you and I have previously discussed a price prior to the posting of this blog then I will honor the price we agreed upon. :) ]