Sliding Scale
Inclusivity and equity are pillars of what we do here at Yellow Apricot Photo Co. We believe that every love story deserves to be captured.
Unfortunately, creative services aren’t accessible for everyone. To make our services more accessible, we offer sliding scale pricing to three clients each financial quarter.
Where am I on the scale?
Our sliding scale ranges over three options from the lowest rate to our standard rates.
I regularly stress about meeting my basic needs and don’t always achieve them.
Paying for a professional service will put moderate to severe stress on my finances.
I have little expendable income.
Left of the scale
I may stress about meeting my basic needs, but regularly achieve them.
Paying for a professional service will put minor to moderate stress on my finances.
I have some expendable income.
Middle of the scale
I can comfortably meet my basic needs.
Paying for a professional service will not cause a major stress on my finances.
I have an expendable income.
Right of the scale
Qualification
Do I qualify for sliding scale
If you’re wondering if the sliding scale program is for you, please take a moment to self evaluate and determine your eligibility.
We are putting trust into an honor system. Please be mindful that we can only serve a limited number of clients each quarter. If you purchase photography services at a lower price, when you can truthfully can afford the standard, you are limiting access to those who need the program the most.
We won’t quiz you. But please consider a few factors as you self evaluate.
Consider paying the standard pricing if you:
Have a high level of earning power* due to level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, able-bodied, class background, etc.
Regularly meet your basic needs** with little or no stress.
Have expendable income.***
Travel recreationally.
Have investments, inheritance or retirement accounts.
Own the home you live in or rent a higher-end property.
Own or lease a vehicle and have reliable transportation
Have access to family money/resources.
Work part-time electively.
Are able to pay other vendors full price
Consider paying below the standard pricing if you:
Are a person experiencing discrimination related to systematic oppression.
Frequently worry about meeting your basic needs.
Have little to no expendable income.
Do not have investments, inheritance or retirement accounts.
Have unstable housing or rent lower-end properties.
Have involuntary part-time employment/unemployment due to chronic illness or disability, supporting relatives and/or dependents, etc.
Have immigration-related expenses.
Are an unpaid community organizer.
Cannot take off time from work without financial burden.
* Earning Power is a person's ability to earn money.** Basic Needs includes food, housing, health care and transportation.*** Expendable Income includes money left over after paying for taxes and necessities. The leftover money is available to spend on wants or be saved.FAQ
What if I don’t qualify for the sliding scale program?
If you determine that you are a standard-rate client but cannot manage the regular payment model — 25% retainer and remainder due before the wedding/session — we offer payment plans.
Similar to our regular model, we require a retainer and contract to get on our books. Photos are delivered after the final payment is received. Ask us about our payment plan during your consultation.
How can I help support?
Clients who are willing and able to may add to our “Pay It Forward” fund to support our sliding scale program. You can do this by sending a separate payment, or add it onto your invoice. There is not a minimum amount.
Other interested parties can contribute to our PayPal(yellowapricotphotos@gmail.com) or Venmo(@yellowapricot) accounts and labelling it “Pay It Forward Fund”
Because we are a for-profit business, your contributions aren’t considered tax exempt. However, your generosity supports the longevity of the program.
How can I inquire about sliding scale?
You can ask for more information during our initial consultation meet. You can also mention your interest while you’re filling our inquiry form, or getting in touch through email or phone.