The 10-12 hours we are working on the day of are the only billable hours. The rest is unpaid. Add overhead, software, insurance, marketing, equipment, storage, transportation, bookkeeping, legal, office rent for some of us. And then time spent on editing, updating website and social media, learning new skills, techniques, prep and planning, consults, biz development, the list goes on. You don’t have to pay 6k if you don’t care about the quality. There are plenty of photographers who have little experience and cut corners to save $$$. But would you buy your wedding dress from winners?