Imagine this. You’ve just won a free photoshoot. You’re excited. Maybe it’s a personal branding session or a portrait experience, something that makes you feel confident and seen.
You show up, get pampered, enjoy the shoot, and then sit down to choose your favourite images.
That’s when you’re hit with the price list. £800 for a small selection of photos.
The shoot was free, but the images, the actual thing you came for, are not.
This happens more often than people realise. It’s a sales model known in the photography industry as IPS, or In-Person Sales.
It usually works like this: you’re offered a free or heavily discounted session, and after the shoot, you’re invited to a viewing where you choose your photos. It’s only then that the real costs are revealed.
Photographers using this model often rely on the emotional high of seeing yourself looking your best. It’s not uncommon for clients to feel pressured to spend far more than they expected.
To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with photographers valuing their work and charging properly for it. Photography takes time, skill, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. But there’s a difference between honest pricing and pricing that feels like a trap.
What bothers me most is how the IPS model can leave people feeling misled.
It turns what should be a joyful, empowering experience into a sales pitch. You go in expecting a treat and walk out with financial anxiety.
It’s especially hard on those who don’t know how the system works, people new to professional photography or who are stepping out of their comfort zone for a confidence-boosting shoot.
I don’t work like that.
At Bear Content, my pricing is upfront and clear. If I say something’s included, it is. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost before we even pick up the camera.
No pressure. No surprises. Just honest work, with images you’ll be proud to keep and share.
Photography is personal. Whether it’s a portrait, a brand session, or an event, you’re trusting someone to see you at your best and to capture something meaningful.
That trust is fragile, and I believe it should be respected, not taken advantage of.
If you’re thinking about booking a shoot, whether with me or anyone else, ask about the pricing before you commit. Make sure you’re happy with what’s included.
And don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off.
If you’re looking for honest, relaxed photography with no pressure and no hidden costs, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today, and let’s plan something great together.
