Why Graduation Photography Costs So Much: Inside the Price Customers Don’t See

Photography is often underestimated, yet it has grown into one of the most demanding and expensive creative professions. For Mike Tee, as he prefers to be called, “photographers are millionaires,” not because they live lavishly, but because the craft requires constant reinvestment. As he brings his business, Memory Link, to the 59th KNUST Congregation, he sheds light on why the cost of photography keeps rising.

Family taking photo of their graduand - SMS, KNUST

Years ago, photos taken at events or on ordinary days were cheaper, and many people took advantage of the affordability to create memories. But with the advancement of technology came a higher demand for quality images and videos. Clients now expect the best, and photographers must consistently upgrade their tools to meet that expectation. According to Mike Tee, photography has evolved from simple film cameras to sophisticated digital systems, and this shift has significantly increased both the quality and the cost of production.

He expressed concern about how little people understand the financial investment behind the craft. “If I tell you how much I bought my gadgets, you will be shocked. That is why sometimes when a photographer charges you so much, you should understand. People don’t appreciate us. They think it is easy,” he explained.

College of Engineering Graduates 2013/2014

For some time, photographers have faced criticism for what people describe as “exorbitant prices.” Others go as far as comparing professional cameras to high-end mobile phones, arguing that phone cameras can do the job just as well. But Mike Tee disagrees. He believes photography is not just about clicking a button but about applying skill, creativity, and technical knowledge to produce desirable images. After photos are taken, photographers also spend hours retouching, enhancing, and perfecting them, a process many phone users cannot replicate despite having filters and settings.

Emmanuella Kumi, an alumna of St. Mary’s SHS has emerged as the valedictorian of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

She is also the best graduating female student of the KNUST Class of 2025, completing her BA. Economics with a CWA of 86.42. #KNUSTNewsFile pic.twitter.com/FLzEUyWGw8
— KNUST NEWS FILE (@knustnewsfile) November 24, 2025

While Mike Tee defends the value of the craft, students interviewed had mixed opinions. Some felt cost shouldn’t be a problem if one can afford it, while others questioned why they should pay so much for pictures. They wondered how much more they would need to pay if frames were added. Unlike the photographer who understands the technicalities and investment behind the scenes, many students were more focused on the end product, how good the photos looked and whether they were worth the expense.

Mike Tee insists that moments like graduation deserve to be captured professionally because they serve as a link between the present and the future. To him, irrespective of the cost, one meaningful photograph is worth having.
He also listed essential items photographers rely on cameras, lenses, bags, lighting equipment, computers and accessories, background setups, and more, all running into thousands of cedis.

Opoku Ware Otuo Serebour Civil Engineering has emerged as the valedictorian for the College of Engineering Class of 2025.
He graduates with a CWA of 86.75.

He studied General Arts at OWASS and later wrote Physics and Chemistry to enter KNUST.#KNUSTNewsFile #59thCongregation pic.twitter.com/SVaj6MqJx2
— KNUST NEWS FILE (@knustnewsfile) November 19, 2025

Reinforcing his earlier comment about photographers being “millionaires,” he clarified that they do not spend their earnings lavishly. Instead, they reinvest heavily into equipment, which often gives the impression that they do not have much despite the high cost of their services.

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