I guess that you have to start someplace and this is generally one of the first. Numbers can be misleading as you do not know all of what they include (and what they do not include). First of all simply selecting your photographer on the basis of price equates everyone as being the same.
Initially this might not seem related to the base cost of a finished print but it certainly brings in the involvement of your total investment. It makes a difference if you have a steak barbequed at home or at a Ruth Chris Steak House; whether you take a two week vacation locally say in Seattle or to use those two weeks in Spain. Similarly, a studio business portrait is less involved in time and investment than one would expect to spend for an event such as the coverage of an anniversary; a location session that requires travel time and outfit coordination. The price of an 8x10 is generally just not reflective of ones needs - once those needs are understood.
The digital age has introduced a multitude of different products and services that simply weren't available - even for as short of time span as a couple of years ago. Since commissioning a photographer to create some images is not an everyday process - the average person suffers from I don't know what I don't know. Often instead of opting for a collection smaller images, when introduced to other venues creates an entirely different portrait objective that far better services your needs. Collage techniques, digital mats, albums in various sizes (wallet size to 11x14), slide shows or Power Point Presentations, panoramas, the list of what is available today is forever growing. So a little education as to what is out there is certainly in order.
All of our images receive upwards of an hour each to properly craft them into a finished image worthy of being called a portrait. This time is spent in fine-tuning exposure and color balance, retouching to soften wrinkles, and under eye shadow lines, remove blemishes, italicize color and sharpness in particular regions of the image (where appropriate). I also examine and apply an individual vignette to most all images, to again emphasize the viewer's concentration on the essence of the portrait's character study.
Most photographers will charge extra for many if not all of the services that I include in each portrait that you will purchase. Your work is not handed off to another photographer, retoucher or designer. I am in charge and have 100% involvement in carrying your vision through the entire process of crafting your portrait images.
I certainly understand that you don't want to commit to something without having an idea of what your total investment will cost. So without knowing your specific needs and expectations, I can offer you an input as to what our averages are right now. Keep in mind that we have a multitude of different packages to cover the totality of your needs. Certainly you can elect to buy just one print from your portrait session but unless you are greatly dissatisfied with your session results, I cannot think of any reason for a person to do this (I have never had this happen; remember you session is guaranteed - if you didn't get the expressions you were looking for I will either re-photograph you - at no cost - or return your money in full.)
Basically the average person or family will purchase a larger print for themselves, also ge numerous desk sized prints (5x7's, 8x10's, etc.) for family and friends and perhaps a few wallets to share with their friends or to send out as announcements. The cost for this including the session fee will total between $300-$600.
So again, I must conclude this discussion on pricing by stating that because there are so many portrait packages, to list but one price for a particular sized print and/or to even print my entire price list without sculpturing them to your needs is to do you a disservice.
I hope that you will take a a little time in perusing my web site and then take but a couple of minutes to give me a call (360-671-5381) to just discuss your requirements and expectations. Better yet, arrange for a time -convenient for both of us - to come up to our studio and see for yourself what we have to offer. Doing so will best answer your pricing question(s) as your exact needs/outlook could be scaled to a particular package price advantage. Plus, this is really the only true way you will be able to see our many options and how we can best satisfy your expectations.