If you’ve ever typed “how much do family photos cost?” into Google and ended up more confused than when you started – you’re not alone. Pricing for family photography can feel like a bit of a mystery, especially if you’re not quite sure what to expect. Is it like a wedding photographer? Do you pay upfront? Is there a secret menu?
As a documentary family photographer based in Worthing, I meet lots of lovely families who want to capture their real, everyday magic – mismatched socks, snack negotiations and all – but they often have no idea what to expect when it comes to pricing. So here’s a look at how family photography is usually priced, what to look out for, and which option might be best for you.
1. Session Fee + Photo Collection
Also known as: Pay-As-You-Go or “choose later” pricing
This pricing model splits the cost into two parts:
- The session fee – This is what you pay to secure your booking. It covers the time your photographer spends planning, photographing your family, and editing the images.
- The photo collection – Once your gallery is ready, you choose and purchase a package of digital images or prints.
✅ Pros:
- Lower commitment upfront (£150-300 as a guide) – you can see your images before choosing a package.
- Flexibility to pick a collection that suits your budget and needs.
- Great if you’re not sure how many images you’ll want until you’ve seen them.
- This system often includes the option to buy printed products and wall art (to make sure your photos can be displayed in your home)
❌ Cons:
- Final cost can vary, especially if you love every single image (which honestly, happens a lot!).
- It requires waiting a little longer to know the full cost (but only a couple of weeks in reality)
Best for:
People who like options and want to make decisions after seeing their photos. If you like flexibility and don’t mind a two-step process, this one’s for you.
2. All-Inclusive Family Photography Packages
Also known as: “One price, all the goods”
With this approach, you pay one fixed price upfront. That usually includes the shoot itself, all your edited digital images, and often some extras like prints or an album.
✅ Pros:
- No surprises because you know the full cost from the beginning.
- Can be a better value if you want everything.
- Simple and straightforward: ideal if you’re busy and want to tick it off the list.
❌ Cons:
- Higher initial price (£500-2000 as a guide), which can feel like a leap if it’s your first session.
- Usually doesn’t include any printed products which means you’ll be left with a collection of digitals that may never see the light of day.
- Less flexible: if you only want a few images, you might end up paying for more than you need.
Best for:
Families who know they’ll love the whole gallery and want the ease of an all-in-one price. If you like keeping things simple and don’t want extra decisions later—this one’s for you.
Things to look out for (No matter the pricing style)
When choosing a family photographer—whether you’re in Worthing, Brighton, or anywhere in the UK really – it’s worth checking a few things:
- What’s actually included your the fee? Make sure it’s clear whether digitals or print products are included or sold separately.
- Is the quality of work consistent? is the photographer’s work is consistent? Are they new and still experimenting? Can they shoot in any light or space? Is their work cohesive and what you’d like your images to look like on every photo? This can relate back to pricing so be aware of offers that seem “too good to be true”
- VAT or surprise fees? Check if there’s anything not mentioned upfront.
- Are you being upsold? You should never feel pressured to buy more than you want.
A good photographer will always be happy to explain their pricing clearly. So if you’re not sure, just ask.
So… Which Family Photography pricing style is best?
Well, actually there’s no right or wrong way to go about this. The “best” option is the one that fits your family, your budget, and your decision-making style.
- Want flexibility and to choose after you’ve seen your images? Are you hoping to rpint your favourite photos? Go for session fee + photo collection.
- Prefer to keep it simple, pay once for everything and probably just want the digital files? An all-inclusive package might suit you better.
A Note on my pricing (in case you’re curious)
I work with the session fee + photo collection model. You pay a booking fee to secure your shoot, and once your gallery is ready, you choose the package that feels right. It gives you space to fall in love with the photos first – without pressure.
The reason for is that it means your initial investment isn’t sky-high. You’ll know before your session how much you might spend later but there’s no need to decide until you’ve actually seen your photos. It gives you more time to save up (just in case that’s needed).
Plus, my digital photo collections include a print credit that allows you to turn your files into artwork, photo albums, books and other things. Because I’m passionate about having your favourite people on show in your home and on your walls, not just on your phone.
You can find my full pricing info here or just send me a message and I’ll happily talk you through it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re booking family photos to document your growing kids, gift something special to grandparents, or just finally get in the frame yourself, photography is an investment in memories that will last way longer than any toy or gadget.
There isn’t a set price for family photos because this differs vastly throughout the industry and depends on the location, the type of session, what’s included in the price and the photographer’s experience, to name a few variables. Ultimately, you can’t put a single number on family photos…
Photographs are the souvenir of the experiences you have as a family.
So take your time, find a photographer whose work makes you feel something, and pick a pricing structure that works for your family.
And if that’s me? Well, I’d love to hear from you. ❤️
