It’s no secret that the rising cost of well, just about everything has families worried about expenses. As a mom myself, I have cringed at the grocery store (hello, grocery prices!), and reworked a budget over and over. It’s understandable that with a tough economy, many families are cutting out unanticipated expenses and wondering how they can afford then costs associated with graduation. If you are facing these decisions with your high school senior, we understand! Here are just some of the reasons that senior photos are still a worthy investment, and how you can manage the cost:
-Budget ahead with a sinking fund: Senior photos are usually booked fairly far in advance. For some families, they have even longer than one year to save up, which makes it the perfect opportunity to budget and save. If you’ve never heard of a sinking fund, it a way of budgeting and saving that helps pay for a short-term expense, such as a vacation, an expensive piece of clothing, or a photo session. Even setting aside $50 a month will cover a large portion of your senior shoot after a year of saving, and the cost can feel less overwhelming.
-Cut costs in other areas: For many families, they prioritize senior photos and make their budget a bit more flexible by cutting out other graduation expenses. One large expense is sending announcements and party invitations, which costs supplies and postage. You could opt for a text message graphic instead, or handing out invitations and announcements. Another cost-cutting and budget-friendly idea is to have a simpler graduation party to allocate more funds towards senior photos. A backyard pizza party can be just as meaningful as an expensive restaurant dinner with hundreds of friends and family.
-Suggest money towards photos in leu of Christmas or birthday gifts: There are often many instances where family or friends will ask for gift ideas for your high schooler, and it’s the perfect opportunity to provide a practical idea that your senior will really appreciate! In the year leading up to graduation, extended family members may love contributing to a Venmo or bank account that will pay for an important milestone like senior photos.
-Be straightforward with your photographer and your senior: It’s important to me that the families I work with feel confident and assured of the upcoming expenses. My fees and packages are clearly laid out on our investment pages (click here), and include anything you need to know. For seniors, our sessions encompass a comprehensive experience that’s custom-planned for your grad. You get 2 hours of shooting time, and access to an online gallery showcasing proofs, providing you the opportunity to relive and choose your favorite moments. Additionally, we offer an optional ordering consultation for those seeking personalized guidance. To ensure accessibility, we provide flexible payment plans and even offer scholarship opportunities. The average client investment stands at $1050, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value. Please note that availability is limited, so seize the chance to immortalize your senior year with us.
We believe senior photos should be available to everyone, and equitable to all. Please reach out if you are having concerns about your senior session investment, so that we can help you look through our payment plans. We can’t wait to meet you!
