7 Steps to Properly Pricing Your Photo Albums

1. Finding Your Baseline

Before you can put a price on your albums, you have to account for all the hidden costs—think of it like your “not-so-secret recipe.” There’s the album itself (plus shipping), optional upgrades, the design software you rely on for those flawless layouts, and—of course—your precious time. That total forms your baseline. Dip below it, and you’ll basically be paying clients to take your albums, which is no way to grow a photography business. The good news? At Wooden Banana, we offer free software that helps cut those costs right from the start, so you can preserve your profits while still delivering top-tier albums.

2. Marking Up the Magic

Once you know your baseline, it’s time to sprinkle in some profit. Feel free to experiment based on how luxurious (or budget-friendly) your brand feels. If you aim to be high-end, clients will expect a bigger price tag and top-notch service to back it up. If you want to be known as the approachable photographer, keep prices in a comfortable range while still ensuring you make a fair profit.

A great starting point is to price at about three times our basic rate. For instance, if the album costs 150, consider listing it at 450. This approach ensures a healthy margin and still leaves room for special offers—like a 20% early-bird discount—without eating into your profits.

3. Playing to the Psychology

Don’t sell paper—sell memories. Yes, we take pride in our beautifully designed, easy-to-navigate album guide that will definitely help your sales. But what really matters is focusing on the emotional value of having a tangible piece of someone’s story, instead of just rattling off product features. Show how each album can preserve cherished moments and let clients relive their happiest memories for years to come. Demonstrate how this experience enriches their lives—how loved ones will flip through its pages, laugh, cry, and bond over those treasured keepsakes. That way, you’re making the sale about the client’s transformation, not about another product on the shelf. When you spotlight the deeper meaning behind those images, you form a more personal connection and make your service truly indispensable.

And if you want a fun take on the psychology of product sales, we’re big fans of Shaan Puri’s “Super Mario” analogy—it nails the idea that your product is just a power-up on the way to a better, more fulfilling experience.

4. Take Advantage of our Attractive Price Point

One of the biggest advantages of partnering with Wooden Banana is the freedom to keep prices accessible while maintaining a solid profit margin. Because our albums are affordably priced—yet still high quality—you can set a competitive rate for your clients, run promotions, or simply pocket a higher margin. This flexibility doesn’t just smooth out your sales process; it can also boost your annual income by up to 30%. You’ll keep your clients happy and your wallet fuller, all without sacrificing the premium feel that sets your work apart.

5. Curate the Perfect Selection for Your Brand

You don’t have to offer every single cover, color, or finish under the sun. Instead, select a handful of options that showcase your brand’s unique style and resonate with your typical clients. This curated approach keeps decisions simple and ensures your work has a consistent look. From there, you can upsell thoughtful add-ons—like a protective bag or a customised box—to make each album feel even more special. These extras not only elevate the client experience but also add an easy, profitable boost to your bottom line.

Take full advantage of our customisable album guide by tailoring it to perfectly align with your brand.

6. Offer Bundles and Multiples for Greater Value

Creating bundles—like parent albums, duplicates, or smaller companion books—is a win-win for both you and your clients. They enjoy a more flexible, personalised experience (think gifts for family or keepsakes for friends), while you tap into extra revenue streams. With our new ordering system, the options are virtually limitless, and each additional copy comes at a reduced price, letting you build tailored packages that fit your clients’ budgets and boost your profits.

7. Embracing Flexibility

No pricing strategy is etched in stone. If you see most people opting for the budget-friendly option, try adjusting your prices or adding perks to make the higher tiers more enticing. If you get feedback that you’re too expensive, dial things back or consider offering additional value. Pay attention to what’s working, and don’t be afraid to tweak your approach as your business grows.