Are You Supposed to Tip Your Photographer?

It has become increasingly easy to add the option for customers to tip businesses at checkout. And so, of course, we’re seeing more businesses asking for tips. Sometimes it’s expected and normal, while other times it feels like “umm…is this something I’m supposed to be doing now??” If you’re like me, you’ve googled and read Reddit posts about various types of businesses to know what’s expected and normal. I don’t want to be the jerk that doesn’t tip when I should! So for anyone wondering, after 8 years in business as a photographer, here’s my answer to “Should I tip my photographer?”

In short, no. You totally don’t need to. Almost no one does. It’s not expected at all. In fact, I removed the tipping option from invoices because I didn’t want anyone to feel like they should tip me. And to be honest, I don’t plan to share this blog on social media, because I don’t want my clients to see the title and get nervous. But perhaps you’re googling this question and want an answer, so here it is: nope!

I am my own boss, and my boss pays me a fair wage….

I set my pricing, and I charge what makes sense for my business. I list my pricing clearly on my website, and I don’t negotiate or barter. If you don’t think what I offer is worth the price I charge, there are plenty of newer/less experienced photographers who charge less, and you can absolutely work with one of them instead.

Now, I will say that I have been tipped on occasion, and that’s fun! But it’s rare and unexpected. Even if you feel like your toddler is being extra wild, it’s honestly the status quo for me and doesn’t bother me at all.

Here are a few exceptions:

1. I believe it’s more common to tip a wedding photographer

2. If the photographer is shooting an event, and if you’ve asked them to stay later than planned (especially if they don’t charge a late fee), you should probably tip them

3. If you’ve hired a photography company that has a bunch of photographers working for them, tipping might be more of a consideration. (Since those photographers have a boss who is paying them a wage that is likely lower than expected.)

4. If you’ve hired a photographer who way under-charged because they were new and didn’t realize their mistake (like charging $100 for a mini session). You might consider tipping that person!

This is my personal experience and opinion. There are a ton of photographers out there, and I’m sure some of them disagree with me. But in my experience, tipping a photographer is not normal or expected. You’re always welcome to do it, but you shouldn’t feel pressured. I’ve chatted with other photographer friends, and they agree. So there you go! :)

Summer vs Fall Photos

October and November are my BUSY season! And I get it…the leaves are changing, the temperature is cooler, and you want updated photos for that holiday card. BUT let’s not sleep on those dreamy sun-kissed summer photos… here are some pros and cons to consider.

Summer Photos: Pros

1) It’s probably going to be warm! And if your kids are sensitive to cold weather, this could be a real win. The reality is that a too-cold session can lead to a red nose, shivering, and general fussiness. And while fall temps can also be lovely, it’s hard to predict. So if you have little ones and you don’t want to potentially bundle them up for photos…consider summer photos!

2) Photos are more likely to be sun-kissed. Yes, the sun comes out in both summer and fall, but we do tend to have sunnier weather in the summer.

3) Flowers! There’s no need to worry about when the leaves will fall and if the background will be stick-y. Summer backdrops are naturally colorful in every month!

4) Outfit options. Warm temps allow for bare arms, sandals, and all the colorful prints and patterns. And while you may or may not like summer clothing, it’s important to consider that you may need to bundle your family up come fall. October sessions are sometimes 70 degrees and sometimes 40 degrees…and I just can’t predict it.

5) Availability. Photographers are SWAMPED in October and November, and you will have a much easier time booking a session in summer. (AND you can get your holiday card printed early and not have to worry about it later.)

Summer Photos: Cons

1) Sunset is later in the summer, so start times are later. This can be difficult with bedtimes for some families.

2) Sweat. Listen, I get it! Summer gets hot, and you might be sweaty by the end of the session. Although, truth be told…family photos with little ones are pretty active, so that may happen regardless of month.

3) Holiday card timing. Some families with little babes want to take their card photo as close to December as possible because babies change so fast! If you think your kids will look super different in July vs November, a fall session might be the right choice for you.

4) Leaves. While I can’t tell you exactly when the leaves will change each fall, I can tell you the leaves will probably be green in summer. So if you’re just absolutely obsessed with fall foliage, a summer session may not be for you.

Regardless of timing, I hope to see you for photos this year! :)

Schools Don’t Have to Use Lifestouch

There, I said it. Schools don’t HAVE to use Lifetouch. And if recent news is making you feel a little uncomfortable with the company, you can advocate for change. Or perhaps you haven’t heard anything in the news and maybe just aren’t thrilled with your experience with Lifetouch. Also a totally fine reason to advocate for change!

Lifetouch is the McDonalds of photography. They’ve found a way to photograph loads of kids quickly and (somewhat) cheaply. They offer parents customization options, and they give schools free stuff to incentivize the relationship. But what if there was a locally owned burger shop next door that offered superior eats at similar prices? I don’t know about you, but I’d be going there instead!

So I suppose this is a PSA of sorts. If you want change, voice that to your kids’ school! You can even recommend a local photographer (like me!) to replace Lifetouch. It can be hard for schools (especially large ones) to make these types of changes. But it CAN be done! And you, as the parent, have everything to gain. :)

(As always, I never feature student photos without the permission of parents. So thankful to have permission to share these cuties!)