How Much Does Family Photography Cost in Bucks County & Philadelphia?
If you’ve started looking for a Philadelphia family photographer or a Bucks County family photographer, you’ve probably noticed that pricing can vary quite a bit.
One photographer may charge $300 for a session. Another may charge $700 or more. Some photographers include digital images, while others sell artwork separately.
So… what are you actually paying for?
The answer is more than just the hour you spend taking pictures.
What Does Family Photography Actually Cost?
Family photography pricing depends on the photographer’s experience, the amount of time spent planning and photographing your family, the editing and retouching involved, and—most importantly—what happens after your session.
My family photography experience is designed to be a full-service experience from beginning to end.
My current session fee is $690, which includes a $500 credit toward the photography collection you choose after your session.
Collections begin at $900, with options depending on how you want to preserve your family’s photographs.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with hundreds of files sitting on a hard drive. It’s to help you create photographs that you will actually enjoy seeing and living with for years.
Why Do Family Photography Prices Vary So Much?
There isn’t one standard price for family photography, and that’s actually a good thing.
Photographers offer very different experiences.
When you’re comparing family photographers in Bucks County or Philadelphia, it’s worth looking beyond the session price and asking:
- How much time is included?
- Is wardrobe guidance provided?
- Does the photographer help plan the location?
- Are the images professionally retouched?
- Are digital files included?
- Is there an ordering appointment?
- What kind of artwork is available?
- How experienced is the photographer working with children and families?
- What happens if your kids aren’t immediately comfortable in front of the camera?
The experience surrounding the photographs can make a huge difference.
What Is Included in My Family Photography Experience?
One of my favorite parts of being a family photographer is helping families feel comfortable before they ever step in front of my camera.
We’ll talk about your vision for your session, what to wear, your location and the little details that will make the photographs feel like your family.
During the session, I don’t expect everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera.
Some of my favorite photographs happen in between the posed moments—when your kids are laughing, you’re snuggling them, someone tells a ridiculous joke, or everyone simply forgets that I’m there.
After your session, your images are carefully selected and professionally retouched before you see your final gallery.
Session Fee vs. Photography Collection
This is one area that can be confusing when you’re comparing photographers.
A session fee covers the photography experience itself. Your photography collection is what you purchase afterward to preserve and enjoy your images.
I offer several collection options because every family has different priorities.
Some families want a beautiful collection of digital photographs to share with family and print themselves.
Others want finished artwork—albums, wall art and other tangible pieces that allow them to enjoy their photographs every day.
There isn’t one right answer.
The important thing is choosing what makes sense for your family and the way you want to enjoy your photographs.
Why Professional Family Photography Is an Investment
Your children won’t always be this age.
The toddler who refuses to hold still will eventually be the teenager who towers over you. The little boy who insists on being carried will eventually be too big to pick up. The sibling hugs and belly laughs and missing front teeth are all temporary.
That’s why I don’t think family photography is really about having “nice pictures.”
It’s about preserving a season of your family’s life that you won’t get back.
Years from now, you probably won’t remember exactly what everyone wore to dinner on a random Tuesday night.
But you’ll remember the way your child fit into your arms.
You’ll remember their tiny hands.
You’ll remember how they laughed.
And you’ll be able to see those things again.
How Much Should You Budget for Family Photography?
When you’re planning your family photography budget, I recommend looking at the entire experience and final investment, rather than comparing session fees alone.
Think about what you want when you’re finished:
Do you want a few beautiful digital images?
Do you want a complete collection of your favorite photographs?
Do you want artwork hanging in your home?
Knowing the answer to those questions can help you find a photographer whose approach and pricing actually fit what you’re looking for.
Philadelphia Family Photographer
I photograph families throughout Bucks County, Philadelphia and the surrounding area, creating relaxed, natural images that capture both the connection and personality of your family.
Whether you’re looking for photographs among the beautiful Bucks County countryside, a meaningful location in Philadelphia, or another setting that feels special to your family, I’ll help you create an experience that feels comfortable and genuine.
Because your family doesn’t need to look perfect.
You just need to be together.
And that’s what I want to remember.
Ready to plan your family session?
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photographs, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.
Let’s create photographs you’ll still love looking at years from now.
Heather Thomas is an award-winning family and newborn photographer serving Philadelphia and Ocean City, NJ. She holds a Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in newborn, children and family photography. Known for her organic and simple style, Heather’s work has been featured in magazines and online publications around the country.
