Understanding Value vs. Just Looking at the Price

One of the biggest challenges I face as a photographer & Videographer is the disconnect between price and value. Too often, clients focus solely on the final number on a quote without considering what’s actually included. Let me be clear: I’m not here to offend anyone, but these are facts that need to be addressed.

The Difference Between Cost and Investment

Photography and videography involve more than just showing up with a camera and pressing a button. They encompass time, skill, creativity, post-production, and the flexibility to adapt to any event’s needs. Investing in these services ensures your event, business, or brand is showcased in the best possible light.

Yet, some clients overlook this. Instead of examining the comprehensive services provided, they only focus on the price, leading to unrealistic expectations.

Consider this: When you book me for a one-day shoot, it doesn’t end there. There’s at least half a day of editing afterward. So, effectively, you’re booking me for one and a half days. For a two-day shoot, it translates to almost three days of work, considering a full day dedicated to editing. And for a three-day event, anticipate one and a half days of editing. It’s simple math.

Example 1: The Client Who Came Back After Choosing the Cheaper Option

A while ago, a client initially opted for a more affordable photographer. They were pleased with the lower price—until they saw the final product. A few months later, they reached out to me, this time willing to pay my full rate. Why? Because they realized that cheaper doesn’t mean better. They ended up paying twice—once for the budget option and then again to get it done properly.

Moral of the story? You can always find someone willing to do it for less, but you’ll likely get what you pay for.

Example 2: The Client Who Went Back to Compare but Still Only Focused on Price

Another frustrating situation happened recently. A client requested a quote from me last year for a two-day event in Amsterdam at a rate of €2,000. This year, they wanted me for the same event, but this time for four days in another country within the European Union. Naturally, I sent them a new quote for €3,750.

The first thing they said?

“Hey, this is way more than last year.”

That was it. But then, instead of just accepting or rejecting the quote, they went back to last year’s quote to analyze it—which was a great move. The problem? They still only focused on the price.

They saw last year’s quote and compared it to this year’s, but instead of acknowledging the differences—that last year’s event was in Amsterdam, where I’m based, while this year’s is in another country, requiring travel and additional logistics, and that the request remained the same but for twice the duration—they only looked at the number and concluded it was “way more.”

If they had taken the time to compare correctly, it would have been obvious:

Last year: Two days, in Amsterdam, €2,000.

This year: Four days, international, €3,750.

Despite the travel, the extended duration, and all additional factors, the price wasn’t even double. But instead of recognizing the fair adjustment, they focused solely on the number at the bottom of the quote and ignored what had actually changed.

This is exactly the issue—clients may take the time to check an old quote but still fail to look at the full picture. They assume that because the event is the same, the cost should remain the same, ignoring major logistical and workload differences.

Understanding Perceived Value in Services

Imagine dining at a high-end restaurant and ordering a premium steak priced at €50. You see the price on the menu and decide to order it, even though you haven’t paid yet. The steak arrives, cooked to perfection, and tastes absolutely delicious. When the bill comes, you happily pay the €50, understanding that the quality, preparation, and overall experience justified the price. You don’t compare it to the €20 meal at a lower-end restaurant nearby because you recognize the distinct value each offers.

In photography and videography, the situation is reversed. Clients see the price upfront and must decide whether to proceed before experiencing the final product. This reversal can lead to hesitation, as the value isn’t immediately tangible. However, those who trust the process often reflect afterward, saying, “Wow, now I understand.” Some even admit that my pricing initially seemed high, but after experiencing the quality, they become repeat clients for recurring events.

Loyalty vs. Pricing Expectations

I truly appreciate clients who tag me, give credit, and return for multiple bookings each year. That kind of loyalty means a lot and helps build strong professional relationships. However, just because a client comes back twice a year—or even more—doesn’t mean my prices should suddenly drop by 50% or more.

Think about it this way: If you go to a high-end restaurant three times a week, do they slash the price of your meal just because you’re a regular? No. You continue to pay the same price because the quality, service, and expertise remain the same every single time. The same applies to photography and videography—consistency in quality comes at a fair price, regardless of how often you book.

Transparency and Quality Assurance

I believe in complete transparency. That’s why on my website, I provide full galleries—not just select photos. I share extensive collections so you can fully appreciate the scope and quality of my work. Additionally, my pricing is entirely transparent for all my services. Yet, some still question my rates.

The challenge is that you’ll only fully grasp the value of my work after receiving the final results. Unlike dining, where you enjoy the meal before paying, in photography and videography, you see the quote before experiencing the outcome. This can cause hesitation. However, those who proceed often realize afterward that the investment was worthwhile.

Why This Matters

I’m not expressing this to complain but to highlight that this mindset needs to change. When you hire a professional—be it a photographer, videographer, designer, or consultant—you’re paying for expertise, quality, reliability, and results.

If price is your sole concern, you might end up paying twice—once for the cheaper option, and again to rectify the shortcomings.

Final Thoughts

I stand by my pricing because I understand the value I bring. My work is an investment in your brand, event, or business. If you’re seeking the cheapest option, that’s your choice—but remember, cheaper doesn’t mean better.

I appreciate clients who recognize this and value the effort I invest. To those who don’t, I hope this post offers a new perspective.

Ultimately, I’m here to deliver quality work, not to justify my prices to those who overlook the comprehensive value provided.