How Many Photos Do I Get? (And Why the Number Isn’t the Point)
- Ashley Chapman
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
If I had a rand for every time I was asked, “So… how many photos do we get?” I’d probably have my camera gear fully upgraded by now. 😄 And honestly — it’s a great question.
We live in a world of numbers. Followers. Likes. Downloads. So it makes sense that when you’re investing in a photoshoot, you want to understand what you’re getting in return.
But here’s the thing: when it comes to photography, the value isn’t in the number of images — it’s in the intention, the process, and the quality of the final gallery.
Let’s break it down properly.
Why I Don’t Offer “Just 5 Photos” Packages
Every so often, a client will say something like:
“We only need 5 photos.”
And while I completely understand where that request comes from, this is exactly why I don’t offer very small image packages.
Here’s the honest truth:
Producing 5 strong, usable, polished images takes just as much work — if not more — than delivering 30, 50, or 80 images.
Let me show you why.
The Work Happens Before You Ever See a Photo
No matter how many images you end up receiving, the process looks the same on my end:
Pre-shoot planning and communication
Understanding your vision, needs, and end-use
Location planning and light scouting
Travel time
Gear preparation
Setting up, adjusting, and shooting intentionally
Whether you want 5 images or 50, I still:
Show up fully prepared
Shoot for the full session time
Guide you through posing and movement
Capture multiple variations, angles, and moments
There is no shortcut button that says “small gallery = less effort.”
The Shoot Is Only Half the Job
What many people don’t see is what happens after the session.
Every single gallery — regardless of size — goes through:
Careful image culling
Colour correction and tonal balancing
Exposure adjustments
Removing distractions where needed
Fine-tuning skin tones and details
Creating a cohesive, intentional look across the gallery
Now here’s the important part:
👉 Choosing the best 5 images is often harder than delivering 30.
Why? Because I still have to:
Review hundreds of images
Compare subtle differences in expressions and moments
Decide which frames tell the strongest story
Perfect each selected image individually
There’s no less work involved — sometimes there’s more pressure, because every single image has to carry weight.
Why I Focus on Curated, Intentional Galleries
Rather than selling photography by the image, I focus on delivering galleries that support you long-term.
Whether your shoot is for:
Family memories
Branding and content creation
Lifestyle storytelling
Milestones or announcements
You deserve:
Variety
Flexibility
Images that work across different platforms
Moments you didn’t even realise you’d love
A fuller gallery allows you to:
Use images over time instead of all at once
Choose favourites without pressure
Share, print, post, and revisit moments naturally
You’re not just receiving photos — you’re receiving options, storytelling, and confidence.
What I Do Offer
Instead of tiny image counts, I offer thoughtfully structured packages that reflect the time, care, and creative energy that goes into every shoot.
Package 1
30 photos45-minute session
Package 2
50+ images1-hour shoot
Package 3
80+ images1.5-hour shoot
Package 4
120+ images2-hour shoot
Each package is designed to give you:
A relaxed shooting experience
Enough time to create genuine moments
A gallery that feels complete, not rushed
Images you’ll actually use and love
So… How Many Photos Do You Get?
You get enough.
Enough to tell your story. Enough to feel confident in your investment. Enough to look back on and think, “I’m so glad we did this properly.”
If you’re ever unsure which package is right for you, I’m always happy to guide you based on what you need the photos for — not just a number.
Because at the end of the day, photography isn’t about counting images.
It’s about creating something meaningful that lasts.
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