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In DEFENSE of Momtographers Everywhere…

Debate about momtographers the Improve Photography Facebook page
The momtographer debate. I liked these and other comments on the Facebook page. Many people had valid points.

For years, I've heard well-known photographers on the web (I'm resisting a strong urge to name names here) bash people–often young moms–who begin a photography business without the training and experience of seasoned professionals.  Today, on the Improve Photography Facebook Page, a mini-debate broke out about so-called “momtographers” and their place in the photography business.

Emily Straw, Erika Darcy, Mary Vogt, Erin LaSorsa, Mindy Woodford, Alexandria Wilcox, and other members of our community made valid comments on the topic which I appreciated.  But in this debate, I feel like I have to speak out a bit too.

Momtographer in action
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What I'm NOT Saying…

I am not advocating that someone pick up a camera, call themselves a photographer, and then advertise that they shoot weddings.  That is a fantastic way to ruin someone's wedding, and for the photographer to get sued.  I understand how important family photos are, so the thought of once-in-a-lifetime events being treated carelessly isn't a winning proposition to me.

If I were a beginner who eventually wanted to do photography as a business, I would take my time.  Take courses (I happen to know someone who teaches online photography classes….), practice like crazy, shoot casual family events to learn the ropes, get critiques, and then slowly dip your toe into the market.  It is possible to make a great living as long as you have good business sense.

Oh, and the last thing is that I'm using the word “momtographer” only because that was the word thrown around in the mini-debate on our Facebook page.  My wife is a stay-at-home mother of two young children, so please don't get the wrong idea–no one in our society deserves more respect than mothers.

What I AM Saying…

First of all, business means competition.  Photographers have watched competition in action as point-and-shoot camera sales have plummeted over the last few years.  Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Kodak, and other camera manufacturers have watched as consumers have chosen to use their camera phones as a substitute for point-and-shoots.  Consumers have decided that a camera phone is “good enough” because they don't want to pay for an additional device.  The manufacturers could certainly complain that camera phones don't capture good quality and consumers are idiots, but that wouldn't get them more business, would it?

A similar thing is occurring with momtographers (and dadtographers as Curtis Isaak pointed out on Facebook).  Inexperienced photographers, who flatly cannot deliver the quality of a seasoned pro, are offering cheaper prices.  Customers–hundreds of thousands of them–are choosing to purchase a $100 session with a new momtographer rather than spending many hundreds (sometimes thousands) more to hire an experienced professional photographer.

It is frustrating to be undercut.  As an entrepreneur and professional photographer, I can sympathize.  I support my family through photography, so the thought that someone would have the audacity to undercut me with virtually no experience is frightening to say the least.  HOWEVER, it's business.  And not just any business.  In this business, the customer looks through the photographer's portfolio, sees the price, and then signs up.  These startup photographers may not offer the quality of a seasoned pro, but for the most part, the customers know what type of quality to expect.

When I first started in professional photography, I advertised $50 for a one-hour shoot of any type.  It was completely unsustainable as a business, but we had recently moved to Florida, had a newborn, and I couldn't find a job anywhere.  There is no shame in doing the best you can to support your family.  I think that's what most momtographers are trying to do.  I didn't produce 5-star photos, but I was honest about my lack of experience as I advertised to potential customers and I showed my photos to potential clients so they knew what they could expect to get.

With time, I improved.  I worked extremely hard to learn the craft and my prices increased to match my skills.  Eventually, I was charging several thousand dollars for weddings and several hundred for portrait shoots.  I came to the point that I supported my family 100% through my photography.  I'm grateful for the success I had, and I'm also grateful for the lower-end of the market that allowed me to gain experience and build up my gear to be able to create a sustainable business.

If you're a professional photographer who likes to whine and gripe about momtographers–you need to face the facts.  Not every client is willing to pay $500 for a senior portrait.  If you don't like that, then offer a service to the clients that is so good that they won't be willing to accept the newer photographers.

2 Things Professionals Have Done to Groom the Market for Momtographers

  1. Hanging on to the digitals.  I completely understand why professional photographers refuse to hand over the digital files.  In fact, I rarely sell anyone a digital file of my landscapes.  I want to control the original and makes prints for the customers so I can make money off the prints and assure they are printed properly.  HOWEVER, it's a digital world.  When my wife and I were engaged, we hired a professional photographer to shoot our engagements.  The photos were beautiful (I have it hanging on my office wall), but we were too poor to purchase more than one photo, and now the other photos are gone forever.  That once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot is gone forever, and I am MAD that I don't have the pictures of it.  It's frustrating.  Does that make me more likely to choose a newer photographer who would give me the digital files?  Absolutely.  This is one example of a practice by professionals that is driving away customers, even though it makes us money.
  2. Refusing to mentor newer photographers.  I often hear well-known photographers online advocating that new photographers “shoot second” for a while or assist pros before taking on a wedding; however, I hear from the newer photographers every day who would love that opportunity, but can't find mentors who are willing to help newer photographers.  In a way, that's the mission for ImprovePhotography.com–to be that online mentor for photographers everywhere.

So what's my point?

There's no shame in being a momtographer, who spends every ounce of energy she has to learn a new skill in order to provide for her family.  Everyone gets their start somewhere, and as long as they are honest about the service they can offer clients, they ought to be applauded rather than criticized.

What do YOU think?  Leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts.
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186 thoughts on “In DEFENSE of Momtographers Everywhere…”

  1. Hello,

    Just happened to come across your site, and felt compelled to comment after reading this article. I suppose I’m a “dad-tographer”, and have recently branched out to doing photography on a part time level at a fairly low starting price point. I used to be very into photography for a number of years and considered it professionally in college, but a poor professor in my first year squashed that dream. I relegated myself to taking many, many pictures on my point and shoot cameras through the years, and recently upgraded to a DSLR last November to coincide with the birth of my first child. I figured I wanted to have some better equipment to make sure I was able to capture some good memories.

    Well, as I went about taking pictures of my little girl over the past 6 months, I branched out to take some macro shots, nature and landscape shots, and just photos in general of anything I found interesting. I sought out additional information and taught myself about my camera, basic lighting, software, and editing tips, and other bits and pieces of information so that I could take increasingly better pics. The more shots I took and shared with the world via Facebook, the more people began suggesting that I do something professionally, and eventually began contacting me and asking that I do their portraits or what have you.

    I fought this tide of requests for a few months, until a friend of mine who has been doing photography professionally for a few years urged me to dip my toe in. I finally conceded and started out by doing free “portfolio building” sessions for for a few of my friends so I could try to get over my nervousness. I’m now charging discounts for 1hr portrait sessions, and assisting my friend as a 2nd shooter in a few weddings to get my feet wet before I try my hand at a few low key, small ceremonies later this year.

    I know a lot of professional photogs I’ve spoken with have expressed some manner of irritation with the newer generation, but I’ve taken every effort to prepare myself for the transition, and I’ve been eager to continue learning and growing as I become more established. I’m thankful to my friend for giving me a push to try out this path, and letting me in on the opportunity to shoot at some of the weddings she has planned over the next few months. I’ll also say thanks for this article, and for sticking up for those of us who don’t want to take away someone else’s business, but want to try and create a space for ourselves and our craft.

  2. Wow.. There’s always a term for everything… Moms always get the short end of the stick. Add “mom” on a word, “some” people will try to make it sound deragatory, almost belittling. Mom bloggers etc… Momtographers is really new to me 😉 I work in a financial industry on the intranet side of things. And usually work with graphics and stuff but not all the time. I would say I am an expert in graphic softwares such as Photoshop. And guess what, Photography is a hobby. I have been making pictures since before I had kids. I was never serious until now. I have no plans really to become a master. More of a hobby. If I do change my mind, I will make sure I have the backgound for it. As of now I always say on my photoblog that I am a “Hobbyist amateur photographer.” One day, I am hoping to remove the word “amateur” and just use “Photographer”. I know I have to earn that title. But really, I am not ready for that yet.

    Some people have just big egos (x and y) and when they start making a few good ones, they say they are a professionals. If people are honest about their capabilities, people won’t be distrustful and upset.

    It all starts with a few bad apples… unfortunately.

  3. Ha, well I guess I am a Momtographer too. I live in New Zealand, and I price pitch in the middle range, yes I could charge more, but then I won’t get booked to shoot on the beach I will end up at the expensive venues and to be honest all of the ones around here have terrible lighting, give me the beach or a farm to shoot on any day. And I have been shooting weddings now for 7 years, self and internet taught. I avoid the NZIPP, because I find most of the photographers are arrogant, self serving whiners, always criticizing others, and are quick to say they are the best – yet their work to me is same ol same ol, seen it all before, no innovation and well behind the times in reference to computer capabilities & the awards are given out amongst themselves; cronyism at its best – I am tired of hearing it should be done in camera and not in editing….. I reckon if it is what the customer wants and that is why they booked you just do it. (I only shoot 22 weddings per year plus I sell through microstock agencies – this is enough work for me and I am always booked) Plus I mentor others and I NEVER criticize others work,I make suggestions if they are interested.

  4. Do the “pros” think photography is the first industry to be turned upside-down by digital technology? FACT 1: professional-grade equipment is now cheap enough for anybody to buy. FACT 2: there is free information on the web about every conceivable aspect of photography. With a little bit of raw talent a lot of determination anybody can take facts 1 and 2 and become a “pro” grade photographer. There are plenty of chefs, fashion designers, painters, sculptures, graphic designers, writers, etc, etc who’ve never had a single day of formal training. Why is photography any different?

    1. So Tony, you’re saying anyone can go out and spend $40,000 (yes forty thousand dollars) on a professional camera (think Hasselblad H5D-60). Then they can just simply read a few things on the web and watch some youtube videos and call themselves professionals? Sorry but which planet do you live on?! Even the slightest changes in environmental conditions would throw off anyone you’re referring to. Photographers both professional and amateurs have learnt their art and have therefore earned the label of ‘Photographer’.

      Even a professional Canon or Nikon camera costs $6000 and that’s only 35mm format, I don’t see everyone having that much disposable income to just readily go out and buy one for the sake of it.

      A Photographer, needs at least a second or even third camera for backup, more lenses and then backup lenses, flashes etc. They need to know what each does and what it’s limitations and strengths are and when to use them. They need insurance for their equipment, they need business insurance which covers against any mishaps that can occur. They also need to be able to run a business and that’s just to name a few things!

      [A portion of this comment was removed as it violated the Improve Photography comment policy]

      Whenever booking a photographer for an event, the first question to ask them is ‘do you have insurance?’ followed by, ‘do you have backup gear?’ if you get 2 yeses then and only then should you start talking money, otherwise it should be responded to with a ‘thanks for your time, goodbye.’.

  5. I just stumbled across across this site. I’m a former full time Pro Photographer. I can’t make a living at it any longer due to all the new part time photographers. Don’t get me wrong I have no problem with competition except I don’t consider most of my competition doesn’t compete fairly. When you are not charging sales tax and not claiming the money on your income tax your going to be able to beat my pricing every time. And I’m sure some of you are doing both of those things but the vast majority of the stay at home Mom’s and Dad’s I meet are not. And how do I know I ask. When I meet someone that says they are a photographer I never tell them I’m right away. I just start asking questions and normally get a lot of information. And I will tell you the ones that really upset me are the Mom’s and Dad’s that are not collecting or paying taxes on their ” Photo Business ” because that means that I’m paying for the schooling of their children. I don’t have kids and why I think everyone benefits from educating our children I don’t think its fare that I’m supporting my competitions children and they are not. I have met many many Mom and Pop photographers that think of photography as a way to make some weekend tax free cash.

  6. I appreciate your post and attacking it from both sides of the fence. That is what a good debate is made of after all!! I am a stay at home mom, and photographer and I went to college to become a photographer. The thing about this business and craft is that it is a lifetime of learning. And just like anything there are stages to learning. I constantly am in competition for clients with other “momtographers” where I live at in North Carolina. I don’t let it frustrate me though. I only allow it to motivate me to keep learning and trying new things so I can stand out against my competition. My business where I am living at now is in its infancy, and because of that my prices are reflected as such. I don’t feel confident enough to charge an high amount and nickel and dime the digital files to my customers. My clients are SAHM’s, army wives actually, and on a tight budget, just like me. The way I see it is if I can make enough that my time is paid for and support my passion then it is a win-win situation. And maybe that is all these other moms are trying to do as well. I write a blog for tips and hints and post it out on FB in hopes I catch the eye of these other “momtographers” so as to help them better their craft. Everyone is a beginner at everything at some point, everyone should be treated with respect and in time they can grow to something truly great.

  7. This was encouraging. I dropped off on working on my “momtography” for a year because of seeing sites full of people complaining about women like myself. But my husband bought me a brand new higher end camera a couple months ago hoping I’d jump back in and I only started to dip my toes back in this month. Its terrifying when there are droves of people who are straight up angry with women who start from scratch. But the point illuminated by so many comments on here is that there is a huge gap here and it needs filled. I, personally, can’t afford a $700 portrait session. I have 5 kids and my husband is the only one pulling in an income. So if I pay a “momtographer” $100 for our family portrait, the pro never lost me because they never had me because they were out of my budget to begin with. I’m not looking for magazine quality images. Not a lot of people are anymore, honestly. In this economy, MOST people (not all, of course) simply want memories nice enough to hang on the wall, and many momtographers are able to provide exactly that. I am willing to fill in that gap, and because I am not aiming to support a household on it, I can afford to do so. There are plenty of families who have used me before and I make my prior shoots readily available so people can know what to expect as far as my skill and my style. I don’t present myself as anything “bigger” than what I am.

  8. And I should add, I do NOT pretend I’m at a level to shoot weddings. That is a huge day to many people, and a VERY easy one to screw up, and I do not want that riding on my shoulders. I stick to what I know I can accomplish.

  9. “These are the people I do this for. These are the people I reach a hand out to and say “Hey, don’t worry, I would be HONORED to photograph for you.” ” …

    Yes … that’s why I do what I do. I am NOT a seasoned professional and don’t proclaim to be. But God has given me a gift and a passion for capturing moments through my camera lens, and I want to bless others through that gift!

  10. I am a momtographer who knows her work isn’t “sell worthy” at the moment. I did a senior photoshoot for a friend who wasn’t going to get her daughter’s picture taken AT ALL because she couldn’t afford it. I take my kids sports photo’s every year because the photographer our school uses doesn’t seem to understand lighting or composition and I was tired of wasting my money on pictures that looked horrible, and poses that made me frustrated. Yes I buy just enough to get the team photo. I am learning more and more everyday by being part of these blogs and by playing with my camera as often as possible. I want my pictures to look a certain way, and I am learning how to get that look. I don’t want a snapshot, I want a portrait. When it comes to special occasions, I still call a professional. I would never in a million years shoot my sons/daughter’s wedding. When I think of everything you have to remember to get a good picture, I know I am not capable of doing that, yet. But how do you get there if you don’t practice? My family LOVES everything I do, and I thank them, but I know they are very supportive and can’t tell me what I need to hear. So I need to do more shoots that are not family related. I’m learning. But does that mean my time is totally worthless? Right now, I am comfortable “helping” out a family or two who wouldn’t be able to afford something anyway, by donating my time to help me learn. I have not, and can’t justify charging someone for my time at this moment. You can get a cheap hair cut from a new stylist trying to make a living. Or you can get a whole new style from someone who knows what they are doing. I think people know it is the same with photography.

  11. I love it when people complain about how newbies drive down the market by offering cheap packages then turns around in the very next sentence and talks about how they offered cheap packages when they were starting out to gain experience.

  12. Like you said, it’s business. Sure I get annoyed that all of my wife’s friends on Facebook are advertising themselves as photographers and one botched my sis-in-law’s wedding. But many people can’t afford pro photographers and are happy to get less than pro work. They know they are getting what they paid for. You can’t just complain about it like you are owed their business because of your training. You have to reach out to customers and market to them to show why you are worth the extra cash and why they should want higher quality. Maybe you have to go niche and pursue only the very wealthy clientele where you can charge gobs of money or go with the extreme artsy angle. You can’t just whine. Life is replete with new technologies and businesses disrupting the established names. Maybe advertise to these people that the momtographer isn’t charging low enough. Get them to expect photo shoots for $10 & maybe they will figure that the business isn’t worth it.

  13. Essentially, you get what you pay for. If the customer wants a cheaper option, that’s up to the customer. The photographer will eventually feel a little ripped off that they are putting in so much effort for so little money, but hey, we all have to start somewhere. I’m a bit confused by this ‘Momtographer’ label though. I’m pregnant and have just gotten back into photography after a few years away from shooting professionally. I went to art school, majoring in photography and digital imaging and worked in the industry and I’m not really sure that this label is fair to people like me who happen to be in this circumstance. Perhaps ‘amateur photographer’ is more appropriate?

  14. I’ve got a friend who’s been in the photography business a couple years she’s humble about her craft unlike most she will mentor anyone who wants to get a start. She started out “cheap” she’s gotten better and has gone from traditional weddings portraits to more of an event and print photographer. What professionals lack when they get that title of pro is the humble attitude towards those who want to get a start or at least a feel for it. My friend and others I’ve come across tell me it’s something I should get into I just laugh I love photography and would be happy the rest off my life if I could make a profession out of it but I love it to much to go to a new level and let the money that comes from it ruin my passion and the love I have for the art I’ve come across photographers that lost their passion because they’re blinded by the money and to worried about competition stepping on toes I was never a painter sculptor and crafty person I was never really good at anything but I found my niche in photography when I was 10 I go through photo withdrawal when I don’t take photos the world around Mr is a daily inspiration I’m not a portrait photographer or a professional I guess I could be what professionals call a hobbyist. Don’t get me wrong I respect professional photographers they’re work is amazing obviously to get where they’re at but a little compassion to those who’d like to follow in your foot steps.

  15. I too have seen the massive influx of people going out and getting a DSLR and then marketing themselves as photographers. Many are people I grew up with and still keep in contact. They have no formal training in photography. I have my BA as well as my CPP cert. Two of these people already tanked. They aren’t getting bookings because they are too expensive or their photos are substandard (previous clients reviews.) It is illegal to advertise yourself as a doctor without the proper credentials. It is immoral at best to advertise yourself as a photographer without proper training or gaining that learning curve. ANYONE can take a few great photos. Compiling them into a portfolio and wearing your dslr does NOT make you a photographer.

  16. if the professionals would lower their prices for the average income of a single person producing family and be willing to give digital files so we can be creative; then I think they would have more business in the family portrait area. I was able to purchase a beautiful piece of gear and multiple lens for the same price as some photographers charge in my area for baby, family and everyday photos. Because I love the photo editing with Lightroom and raw files, I don’t have to be perfect yet at this craft. I find my poses and lighting are better than many “professional” in my area. What makes a “professional” anyway? Having a good eye? Great editing? Great posing? Or their price?

  17. I have to laugh at the “consumers aren’t visually literate” comment. I think the photography industry has created a standard that they as professionals feel is important, but over all the consumer couldn’t care less. The consumer drives the market. THEY set the standard of what is acceptable photography and what is not. Consumers write your paycheck. It doesn’t matter if you think they are “visually literate” or not. Your elitist photography standard means nothing to them. I think this is where “momtographers” win. They offer an affordable service that keeps consumers happy. That’s a big threat to self important photographers, isn’t it?

  18. What makes a Professional is getting the job right every time, on time no matter what the circumstances. It is knowing what to do, when to do it and how to achieve it with a smile…whatever the circumstances. All this while charging enough to earn a living and not just some pin money. Nobody has the right to a competition free business, however photographers not charging a sustainable rate is daft beyond belief, both to themselves and others in the business.

    Many people new to business fail to consider their overheads properly, cost of equipment, website, bookkeeping, tax, travel costs, insurance, adverting, training, let alone the number of hours required to do the job and process it….need I go on? Maybe think what your Lawyer would charge, £200+VAT per hour?….oh you want a letter, add another £75+VAT…again, need I go on?

    Training – If a photographer turns you down as a second shooter, it may well be that it is not suitable or appropriate for them. Don’t just think they are keeping secrets, because there are none……oh sorry, there is, Professional photography is hard work.

    Yes I did not charge enough when I started in 1981. Coming up against all those that I then thought of as ‘overpriced’ professionals. It does not take long to work out, you are working long hours for nothing and those established businesses are not actually as ‘overpriced’ as you once thought!

  19. Where are they now?

    When I decided to get serious about photography I made sure to invest in professional gear; but most importantly, set myself up to learn.

    I started taking workshops, seminars and even put myself through a state university’s Continuing Education program (While still working a full-time job) to build on my skills.

    I noticed a rather large number of mom togs in each audience.. Actually…a HUGE number of young mothers with a camera. Some were good, a few were REALLY good and didn’t know it.

    …fast forward to today.. where are those highly talented women? They’re gone…

    Every.
    Single.
    One.

    …only to be replaced by another graduating class of starry-eyed mom-tographers.

    They were victims of their own enthusiasm. By that I mean ‘Pricing’. If you’re only charging $100 per session, you’re already in the red before the session even starts. Your time, gear, wear and tear, travel, lunches on the run, clothes that pit-out after every wedding, batteries, the occasional sensor-cleaning bill (There’s $150 right there)

    …the list goes on.

    I don’t mind the competition. The mom-togs take the clients that I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole, which is fine. They’re all yours.

    I challenge you to sit down for a moment and draft a simple P&L statement based on what it cost you to get into this career, then add up all of the $100 sessions, minus your overhead.

    More importantly, think of a number that you’d need to make a comfortable living, minus your overhead.

    NOW how many $100 sessions do you need to book?

    You’ll burn out in a month.

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