WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ON WHAT YOU SHOULD BE SPENDING ON YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION

How much should I invest in family photos?

First, as a parent of two little girls myself, I know how time can easily slip away and those fleeting moments with our babies are priceless. If you’re ready to hire a photographer to capture you with your favorite people - you are showing that you value creating cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Your children will one day thank you for doing this!


So one of the first steps is figuring out “how much should I expect to spend?”. You can spend next to nothing on a rookie photographer you found in a moms group on Facebook or you can spend literally thousands of dollars on a seasoned professional that offers a luxury experience with high quality products included. The range of pricing and quality is insane.



SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PHOTOGRAPHER CHARGING YOU $50 VS $2000?



On the most budget friendly end, your wallet might be a little heavier however the results may vary in quality. These are the photographers that take a ton of pictures, give little direction, minimal editing, and deliver a massive amount of images. You’ll see different price ranges for budget photographers, but anything up to $300 is budget friendly.

As you head up through the semi-professional and professional range ($300-$1000), you’ll see a lot more consistency and attention to detail in their photos. You’ll receive a more limited amount of photos - however higher quality ones at that. Beyond what you might be able to see from their portfolio is the experience that they provide that gives you a level of comfort and ease throughout the entire process but especially on picture day!

Eventually you make your way into the luxury photographers (we’re talking $1,000+). These are the ones that provide a client closet for outfits, professional hair and makeup on your session day, and heirloom prints and frames including custom installation in your own home. It is an absolutely incredible experience that comes with a high price point.


When you choose a professional, you’re not just paying for pictures; you’re investing in cherished memories. You are ensuring that your family’s unique story is captured with the utmost care so that your future generations will be able to look back at these moments with such joy. I promise you, you will never regret getting professional family photos taken with your favorite people.



DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO HIRE A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER OR A CHEAP PHOTOGRAPHER.



My sessions currently start at $350. They include transparent pricing on what’s included so there won’t be any surprises. We start with a non-refundable booking fee to save your date. You’ll know what to expect from the amount of time your session will take - it depends on the type of session but most run about an hour because by then we have plenty of amazing photos to choose from and everyone is getting tired. You’ll expect to receive your full gallery within 2 weeks from your session date. You’ll know how many photos you can download as part of your session fee and costs for extra image downloads. I love providing a gallery with extra image options so that you get to choose which of your family photos are your favorites. They will all be the same quality of images - no blinking, unflattering poses, etc. But allowing you to see a fuller gallery gives you more freedom to choose which family portraits you prefer. If you love them all, you can always purchase the entire photo gallery.

I believe in quality over quantity, open and clear communication, and giving you accurate expectations so that you can have the 5 star experience that you deserve!



Ready to book your Tampa family photography session? I would love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out!


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Portrait of a lady in a downtown

Hi, I’m Calli Wickes!

wife, mom to two little girls + one little pup

I met my husband in high school and he is literally my best friend. I'm a mom of two little girls that really are my favorite people. And I am a photographer specializing in natural, posed + candid photos. For the past decade plus, I have loved getting to capture more and more family's special moments.