s/o photography : why do photographers charge SOO much for the digital images?

[Anonymous]

I think the pro who commented on this thread made some good points, especially about how many people are becoming "professional" photographers even though they have had limited training and are primarily self-taught. Not to say they are not talented or deserving of starting their own business, but some of the them really have no business charging people for the work they do. Plus they really don't understand the business model.

[Anonymous]

It makes me sad that you think because I do it the way I do it I must either A) not be doing it legally or B) don't put any time into my craft. I have a husband who works and provides well for us and I am very lucky to have that. It enables me to charge the way I do and let people have pretty pictures without it costing them a fortune. It is how I choose to do it. It is neither right nor wrong. Could this change one day in the future? Of course. I have many ideas as to how to make my business grow. However, I have a passion for photography. I LOVE what I do. The most important thing to me with my photography is not making money, but making people happy. If I can make someone feel beautiful or happy, then that is the best payment I could ask for.

I think this is an important distinction - you're not running your photography business to provide for your family, pp. You're essentially doing it as a hobby, and are happy to make a little money doing something you love. That's a different situation altogether.