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:
I believe it’s more common to tip a wedding photographer
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
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.)
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! :)
