If you’re on the hunt for a Tulsa family photographer or Tulsa newborn photos, and are curious about the average cost, you’re in the right place! Selecting a photographer these days is no easy task, and it helps to have context for what to expect at the various price points available.

How much should I expect to spend on Tulsa family photos?

Beyond budget, it would also be wise to consider the factors that are important to you when it comes to your experience working with a Tulsa family photographer.

• Are you looking for “just a few” smiling family photos?
• Is it important to you to capture the details amongst your children, relationships between family members, or photos that show your family culture?
• How much personality do you want in your final images?
• Do you like the look of film, and is a photographer who uses this format more appealing to you?
• Are you someone who likes to DIY your family photo albums and framing? Or are you typically left feeling disappointed and/or frequently swapping out images from frames?
• Would you find it helpful to have someone to take the printing and design decisions off your plate?
• Do you want to work with a photographer who will guide you through each step of the process so that you feel taken care of?

After you’ve taken some time to consider these questions and their answers, I bet you’ll feel more confident determining how to move forward and what to look for when determining the cost of Tulsa family photos. What you should spend will depend on the skill level, service-oriented experience, and caliber of images you desire.

Beginner photographer: $100-$300

Photographers in this price range are beginners who are likely in their first year or two of business. Many photographers who fall in this range are building their portfolio and taking on a significant amount of work. These photographers likely:

• Have basic knowledge of their camera
• Willing to photograph any session type or event
• Are still in the process of learning flattering angles, lighting, and navigating their editing with basic presets.
• Little to no guidance on what to wear or how to prepare your family for your session
• May still be navigating business etiquette and systems
• May lack experience working with young children and knowing how to strategically place everyone regardless of behavior
• May lack consistency in style and variety in posing/positioning
• Likely focused on capturing the traditional shots, rather than emotive or natural relationships and bonds within your family
• Good options for a couple family photos or Christmas cards.

Amatuer photographer: $300-$600

Many photographers who fall in the amatuer or intermediate price point:

• Are still in the process of learning what works and doesn’t work in regards to posing, lighting, angles, editing, and business systems and skills
• Are able to capture candid moments, but they may feel stiff or more directed
• Unlikely they are assisting in the printing and preservation of your photos
• Overshoot and overdeliver full galleries, which may present decision fatigue and overwhelm
• Likely photograph a variety of events and session types rather than specialized in one area.
• May provide guidance or prep leading into your session in the form of basic PDFs

Professional photographer: $750-$1000

Here’s what you can expect from a professional photographer:

• Recognizable style that is delivered consistently
• Confidence in posing and directing your family
• May use film to photograph your family
• May be taking on a high volume of clients resulting in less personalization or relationship building through the experience

Luxury photographer: $1250+

• A high-quality, refined, and consistent style they are able to deliver on for every session
• Excellent ability to connect with family members, including small children, in order to capture photos of not just what you look like, but who you are, special bonds and personalities, and your family culture.
• Likely they incorporate film into your session
• Personalized, hands-on, relational experience from start to finish – including detailed wardrobe guidance, time spent getting to know you and your family prior to the session, and guidance in preparing your family.
• Specialized in families and newborns
• Include keepsake products such as albums, custom framing, or legacy pieces to help you make the most of your family photos.

The beauty of this is that there are photographers at every single one of these price points! And I have found myself operating at each one over the course of my 15+ years in business as a Tulsa photographer.

What you are comfortable spending on your newborn or family photography experience will depend on what you value and what is most important to your family when considering the legacy your are building. Some families are in a season where a quick Christmas card photo of everyone smiling at the camera is sufficient, and in that case, a beginner photographer may be the best fit. If you desire a more personalized, relational experience with someone who provide you with artwork and images that truly capture the culture and personality of your family, a luxury photographer would be an excellent choice.

If you’re ready to move beyond the standard smile and pose family photo experience, I’d love to be a resource for you. I take great pride in building relationships with my clients and serving Tulsa families through beautiful images – not just of what they look like, but of who they truly are. I’d love to be your Tulsa family photographer!