What Does a Portrait Session Cost?

I use a modified commercial-photography approach for my work. I think it's an ethical way to run my business, and is perfect for ultimate flexibility in intentional, high-touch photography. It's unusual but very straightforward. There are three expenses influencing the total cost of your portrait session.

photo of a dark brown dog wearing a pink checkered handkerchief — Pet in a branding photoshoot | By Toni of VIP RVA

The Creative Fee

The first, and largest, expense is the Creative Fee. The Creative Fee covers planning, the photoshoot, professional retouching by hand, and delivery of your final images. The Fee is determined by the end of your Consultation based on scope, complexity, and the number of final images you want to receive.

The Fee is valid for 30 days.

Image Quantity & Additions

Every portrait session includes a pre-determined number of final images agreed upon during the Consultation

Additional images are available for $99 each, allowing you to have as many final images from your photoshoot as you wish.

digital mockup of acrylic wall art — Digital mockup of acrylic wall art | Provided by Zno

Prints + Albums = Lab Cost

This is the second cost that could affect your total portrait investment.

All the prints, wall art, albums and photographic gifts you could want are offered at lab cost, plus shipping and tax.

If you're not sure how you might want to use your final images, I'll be happy to make suggestions for your consideration. For any type of personal session (i.e. not branding), I think portraits are best enjoyed when they're in physical form, not sitting in a folder on your phone or computer.

To see lab costs without markup, click here and imagine the possibilities!

Third-Party Fees or Expenses

The third, and final, category of costs covered during the Consultation are additional costs I can’t control:

Studio rentals
Permit or location fees
Specialty equipment rentals for very specific requirements

photo of a woman and her dog in the backyard at a table — Richmond branding photoshoot, with pet, natural light

These expenses don't apply to every photoshoot. You’ll never be surprised, though. These costs are always accounted for in advance.

Deposit and Payment

A 25% deposit reserves your portrait session date and locks in your Creative Fee. The remaining balance is due on or before your photo session.

I accept all major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Zelle, ACH, and cash. All these options can be easily paid online (except cash).

Payment plans are available through Affirm, Klarna, or Afterpay. Checks are accepted if paid with advance time to clear. No crypto.

Please ask during the Consultation if you know you need a payment plan, expect to pay via check, or if you have other financial questions.

Delivery Timeline

Digital proofing can be available immediately after the session, if we plan for this. Otherwise, digital proofing is via a private online gallery 1-2 weeks after the photoshoot.

Printed proofs are delivered when received, so expect a time of 2-3 weeks after the photoshoot. We discuss how you want to proof, and schedule it, during the Consultation.

If your final order is fully digital: 2-3 weeks after your proofing session, unless you’ve selected the Rush option.

If your final order includes printed items, the lab and shipping timelines will vary based on the seasonal volume of orders. Generally, expect a turnaround of 3-4 weeks. Labs may or may not offer their own rush options, or expedited shipping through their carriers. I'll keep you informed of your options, and when to expect your items.