Why photographers say no to: “I just need one photo” | Sacramento Photographer

If I had a dollar for every time someone has said, “Well, I don’t need a whole session, I just need one photo” I would be able to go out to eat at The Kitchen restaurant here in Sacramento!

I know, I know… maybe you are looking for that one great shot, so let’s chat about why people may think that one photo means less expensive. Somewhere in the annals of history, someone was the first to utter this phrase. Newer and less experienced photographers have also probably somewhere said “yes” to this because obviously it’s less work for just one photo instead of 100 photos, right?

Nope, wrong!

Taking just 1 photo vs. 100 photos is absolutely bonkers for several reasons!

Firstly, it’s pretty impossible to take just one photo and it’s exactly how the photographer AND the client wants it. When we set up before a photoshoot we check our lighting, our settings including white balance (I’m a kelvin gal myself), aperture, shutter speed, ISO… I know those are a bunch of words and terms you likely don’t know about, but these are things professionals thinks about. Also making sure the pose is perfect, there are no stray hairs, lint rolling if needed.

So that 1 photo turns into 10 photos to make sure everything is just right.

But before a client even steps in front of our lens as a photographer and business owner we have to:

• Exchange emails, work on on-boarding, schedule and invoice you. This is all the same amount of work for 1 vs 100 photos.

• Prep and pack our gear (cameras, lenses, memory cards, batteries etc.) just because it’s one photo doesn’t means it’s less work to pack everything up. Whether it’s on-locations (which requires more packing) or in-studio we have to expend the same amount of prep-time and energy for 1 photo as we would 100 photos.

• We still have to take the drive down to the studio OR location in order to take said photo, the drive doesn’t get shorter. 

• If you opt for hair and makeup, the process is still the exact same for only 1 vs. 100 photos, because hair and makeup doesn’t lessen for just one photo.

• We still have to set up the backdrops, prep the chairs and stools, V-Flats, posing table, set-up the lighting, none of that changed whether it be 1 photo or 100 photos.

• We still go through the style closet and what you brought to help you find the best outfit for your photo, takes the same amount of time there too.

• Not including the whole shoot portion, since we know how much work goes into that, we have to cull, upload and host a gallery which costs the same, even for just 1 photo vs. 100 photos. 

• Now let’s chat about invisible costs that you may not realize or think of. To host this website, our invoicing and client communication system, studio rent, insurance, business licenses, equipment and maintenance of said equipment, editing programs, etc etc etc…

Yes, you’re right, I know what you’re thinking! But editing 1 photo IS less time than 100 photos. And you’re correct! But at this point I’ve mastered my editing workflow and have worked on my time management skills to make sure that editing a whole session doesn’t take me as long as it used to.

In addition to all the compelling reasons mentioned above, THIS is the critical one: We need dedicated time together to produce compelling images! While we can certainly work within a 20-minute timeframe if necessary, a mere 5 minutes doesn't do justice to the process. Part of why I LOVE what I do, is because I am able to connect with my subjects. We spend the first few minutes of our headshot sessions just chatting and getting to know one another. We will go over posing techniques and explore the specific vision you have for your images. Whether you envision words like"inviting, professional, warm" for your headshot session or have a specific end use in mind, such as a book jacket for authors, a casting director's first impression for actors, or the visual appeal for visitors to your website, I am here to collaborate and craft a standout headshot session so your Sacramento business can get the love it deserves. So let’s connect and take that time together! Because you never know what images we can create as a team until we try! Turn your Sacramento portrait session into a memorable and impactful experience!

At Sacramento Headshots, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful connection during your session. In addition to all the compelling reasons mentioned above, THIS is the critical one: We require dedicated time together to produce compelling images! While we can certainly work within a 20-minute timeframe if necessary, a mere 5 minutes doesn't do justice to the process. A fundamental aspect of our passion for what we do lies in our ability to build rapport with our clients. In the initial moments of our headshot sessions, we engage in relaxed conversations to establish a genuine connection. We also take the time to discuss posing techniques and explore the specific vision you have for your images. Whether you envision an "inviting, professional, warm" portrayal or have a specific end use in mind, such as a book jacket for authors, a casting director's first impression for actors, or the visual appeal for visitors to your real estate website, we're here to collaborate and craft standout imagery. Let's come together and dedicate the time needed to create remarkable images as part of a collaborative team effort! Because, until we've put our ideas into action, we can't fully anticipate the exceptional results we can achieve. Turn your Sacramento portrait session into a memorable and impactful experience!