Behind the Price Tag: Understanding the Price of Professional Photography

Gundi MG
Jan 13
5 min read

When people look for a photographer, pricing often becomes one of the first questions - it’s natural to compare costs. But choosing a photographer isn’t just a question of how much and how many - image quality, photographic skills and style might matter more, considering the lasting value of a professional portrait of your animal or loved ones. Because long after moments pass, fur turns grey, or loved ones are no longer beside us, the portrait remains. Something to look back on, remember, and cherish for many years to come. And that is where the true value of photography lives.

Canine Winter Fun

Why I Don’t Sell “100 Images”

You may have seen other photographers offering 50, 100, or even more images from a single session. But unless that session included ten or more different backgrounds, outfit changes, and maybe a few seasons in between - how many of those images really look different?

More importantly, how many of them will you actually use? When choosing images for wall art, a profile photo, or something to share with family and friends, most people return to the same few images. The ones that make them pause for a moment, where everything from smile to head tilt is just right. Out of a hundred photographs, it’s usually just a handful that truly matter.

I believe in quality over quantity. That’s why my packages include only a small, carefully curated collection of images - the ones with emotion, connection, and lasting impact. The ones with the perfect smile and the most adorable head tilt. This allows me to keep the price of your professional photography session affordable while making sure you receive the best of the best. And if you fall in love with more? Great! You can always purchase additional images. This way, you are never paying for dozens of photos you’ll never hang on your wall, share online, or even scroll through twice.

Graduation Session

The Price of Professional Photography Unpacked — What You’re Really Paying For

When you book a session with a professional photographer, you’re not just paying for “a few pretty pictures snapped with the click of a button.” You’re investing in something far more meaningful - the time, care, and experience it takes to create genuine, radiant portraits you will treasure for many years.

Every photograph is built on skill, patience, and a deep understanding of both art and technique. It’s about capturing personality, emotion, and story - not just appearances.

When you hire me, you’re getting the knowledge, skill, and value that come from:

Years of education, earning accreditations, and continually testing my work in image competitions
Thousands of dollars invested in professional gear, software, and ongoing education
Expertise in animal portraiture - working safely, calmly, and effectively with animals (especially horses) requires experience, patience and an understanding of animal behavior
Creative vision and professional skill that go beyond snapshots to create timeless, wall-worthy portraits

Getting images cheaper can sometimes mean you’ve still paid too much in the end. My sessions are crafted with care, and every image you receive is meticulously edited - starting with selecting the very best compositions and poses, then refining every detail: balancing exposure so shadows and highlights stay soft and flattering, adjusting color tones so the greens and yellows of the background don’t overpower the gentle tones of your dog’s fur, removing distractions like the hydro pole behind your horse or the bright red edge of a garden shed, ensuring eyes are clear and bright, faces are sharp yet softly lit and skin tones are smooth and consistent.

Accreditations and Awards

A Note for Beginning Photographers

If you’re just starting out, please don’t give away all your images for free to anyone willing to pose for you. It is understandable to feel that the only way to gain experience is to give away your images for free. After all, you’re asking someone to volunteer their time, and you may not feel confident in your photography skills to charge for your work yet - but that approach does so much more harm than good, both for you and for the industry.

Here’s why:

It hurts fellow photographers. Free images lower the perceived value of professional photography and can take away business from those who are trying to make a living.
It hurts you too later. Once people get free work from you, they’ll struggle to see the point of paying in the future, even as your skills improve - especially when there is always another beginner offering free images while building their portfolio.

If you need people to volunteer for a photo shoot, so you can build your portfolio, practice new skills, or explore a creative idea: Do a model call and offer one complimentary image as a thank-you for their time. If they’d like more later, charge a small fee like $15 or $20 per image. This way, they receive something - a beautiful photograph for their effort, while you avoid devaluing your work by just giving everything away. And don’t forget: every model session costs you time, energy, and money - from gas for travel to equipment wear and editing hours. Remember: every step you take builds your reputation. Even as a beginner, your photography has worth. Protecting that value safeguards not only your future but also the profession as a whole.

Equine Black Background Sessions

Final Thought

Professional photography is so much more than just clicking a button. It’s the art of mastering light, composition, timing, editing, and storytelling - and continually refining those skills as the industry evolves. I pour my heart and expertise into bringing out the very best in every image. The result is a collection of portraits that are both personal and professional - images you’ll be proud to hang on your wall and treasure for years to come.

Let’s capture your very own story together - book your session today and turn precious but fleeting moments into timeless memories.

Contact Pictured by GMG

Canine/Lifestyle Black Background Session

About the Artist behind the lens:

Gundi Manteufel-Grajciar of Pictured by GMG, based in Grunthal, Manitoba, is a professional photographer specializing in equine, canine, and lifestyle portraits. With a deep love for animals and a genuine appreciation for the stories people carry, she creates images that highlight beauty, personality, and the meaningful relationships shared between humans and their four-legged companions, as well as within families and individuals themselves. Her passion for photography shines through in every session, blending emotion, artistry, and authenticity together into timeless, treasured portraits.

Gundi is a national accredited member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), holds five accreditations to date (2025), and has earned the Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) designation. She brings both technical expertise and heartfelt storytelling to every session. Her work has been recognized at regional

and national image competitions, published in a magazine as well as in a book, and as a PPOC Certified Judge, she is committed to excellence, education, and ongoing growth in her craft.