Why I Don’t Offer Gift Certificates as a Photographer

As a photographer, I often get inquiries from people looking to purchase gift certificates for a loved one. It’s always a compliment when someone wants to gift my work, and I completely understand the sentiment behind it! However, I’ve made the decision not to offer gift certificates—and today, I want to share why.

1. Photography Is a Personal Experience

A photography session is more than just a transaction—it’s an experience. Each session is tailored to the client, from the initial consultation to the final gallery delivery. When someone receives a session as a gift, they may not have chosen me as their photographer or may not be fully invested in the experience. The best photos happen when my clients feel a genuine connection with me and my style, which is hard to guarantee with a gift certificate.

2. Scheduling Challenges & Expiration Issues

One of the biggest concerns with gift certificates is scheduling. Life gets busy, and sometimes, people put off booking their session until it’s too late. This can lead to awkward situations where the certificate is forgotten, expires, or they reach out after my pricing has changed. To avoid these issues, I prefer to work directly with clients when they’re ready and excited to book their session.

3. Pricing & Business Policies Can Change

Photography is an evolving business, and my pricing, packages, and policies may change over time. A gift certificate purchased today may not cover the same session costs months or years down the line. This can create confusion or frustration for both the recipient and me as the photographer. Instead of locking in a rate with a certificate, I encourage clients to reach out when they’re ready to book so they can get the most up-to-date options available.

4. Not Everyone Values Professional Photography the Same Way

Photography is an investment, and not everyone places the same value on it. While a gift giver may see the beauty in professional portraits, the recipient may not feel the same way or may not prioritize having a session done. When someone invests their own time and money into a session, they tend to be more engaged, excited, and prepared — leading to a much better experience and final result.

5. Alternative Ways to Gift a Session

While I don’t offer gift certificates, there are still ways to gift a photography experience! If you’d like to contribute to a session for a loved one, here’s what I recommend:

• Talk to them first – Make sure they actually want a session and are excited about the idea.

• Book the session together – Instead of a gift certificate, consider gifting the full session and working with them to schedule a date that works for both of us.

• Cover a portion of their session fee – If they’re already planning to book with me, offering to contribute toward the cost can be a thoughtful surprise.

Let's Wrap It Up

Photography should be a meaningful and intentional experience, which is why I choose not to offer gift certificates. My goal is to work with clients who are truly excited about their session, ensuring they get the best experience and photos possible.

If you’d like to gift a session to someone special, I’d love to chat about how we can make it work in a way that feels right for everyone!