Tipping Culture: Where’s the Line — And Why Photographers Are Left Out

I’ve been thinking a lot about tipping lately, and honestly… I can’t figure out where the line is supposed to be.

We all know why bartenders and servers get tips — their base wage is set low, and tips are essentially part of their paycheck. Makes sense. But outside of restaurants, things get blurry.

People tip hair stylists, tattoo artists, nail techs, dog groomers, even baristas. Meanwhile, photographers — who spend hours capturing and curating your memories — rarely see a tip at all. In fact, many of us are out here offering discounts just to get booked.

Here’s the kicker: a lot of the people who do get tipped are already charging what feels like a fair rate. A hair stylist can easily make $20+/hour before tips. A dog groomer charges $60 for a 90-minute appointment. Tattoo artists set their own hourly rates. Yet somehow, tipping is expected.

So why do we pick and choose? My guess: perception. When the work happens in front of us — like a haircut, a tattoo, or a latte being made — it feels “tip-worthy.” But when the work is behind the scenes — like editing hundreds of photos, perfecting lighting, or curating images for your memories — people assume the price covers it all.

Here’s the truth: photographers deserve recognition too. Not because we’re greedy — far from it! I’m genuinely grateful for every client who trusts me to capture their moments. But our labor is real, skilled, and often invisible, and it’s okay to notice that.

Maybe tipping isn’t just about supporting wages. Maybe it’s about visibility, gratitude, and cultural habit. And if we’re tipping for visible labor, maybe it’s time we rethink what deserves a tip… and give credit where credit’s due.

Photographers included. 😉