Gifting a Photo Session? 3 Tips to Consider
A photo shoot is an incredibly sentimental and special purchase for anyone, so it can make such a beautiful gift to your loved ones! But, like many types of services, gifting a photo session can be tricky and it does take a bit of planning and forethought to make sure your present truly is the meaningful, cherished gift that you want it to be. Keep these tips and considerations in mind if you’re planning to give someone a photo session.
Clarify What Is and Isn’t Covered
When it comes to a photo shoot, the session fee is just one part of the cost. The price for the finished portraits is typically separate, and that’s often where most of the expense comes from. When we give a gift to someone we love, the last thing we want is for that gift to create an added expense for them, especially one that they weren’t expecting. Make sure that when you gift a session, you’ve already clarified with the photographer about what you’ve paid for and what extra expenses there might be, and be clear about this with the recipient when you give your gift too.
Look for Their Taste, Not Your Taste
This one can be tricky! When you’re picking out a gift, you’re immediately drawn to things that are suited to your taste, but the tough part is putting yourself in the recipient’s shoes and finding something that suits their taste. This is very true when it comes to choosing a photographer for your gift photo shoot. Try to take note of the photography and artwork that your loved one has in their home and choose a photographer whose aesthetic fits their style.
If you can, it’s even better if there’s a photographer that your loved one has worked with and loved in the past and you can hire them for the gift session. And if you’re trying to keep the gift a surprise, it’s easy to pretend you’re asking for a photographer recommendation - they won’t suspect a thing!
Consider Foregoing the Surprise Element
Speaking of keeping the photo shoot a surprise, unless you know for sure that this session is something your family or friend would love and you can choose a photographer who’s very likely to be a great fit, you might consider discussing this gift with them in advance instead of making it a surprise. There are just so many variables involved in a photo shoot and in choosing the right photographer, session type, budget level and so on. You really want them to cherish the session and you want the gift to be tailored to them, and it may be easier to do that if you chat about it with them first.
Want to Gift a Photo Shoot? I Can Help!
As a Seattle photographer based on Mercer Island, I absolutely adore making my clients’ dream photo shoots come true, and I would love to do this for your loved one! Reach out to Jaimié Birtel Photography and let’s chat.
