What Is A Sliding Scale?
The sliding scale is an economic tool that allows for people to purchase a product or service at different price points based on their circumstances. Sliding scales can vary in structure and not all sliding scales will be the exact same as one another.
My sliding scale consists of three tiers; the highest cost, the middle cost, and the lowest cost. At the bottom of this page are excerpts from Worts and Cunnings resource: The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice that further explains each category.
Why use a sliding scale?
I offer all of my services on a sliding scale because I believe everyone should be able to have beautiful, meaningful photos made regardless of their financial situation. My goal is to make my work as accessible as possible, especially for those who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
When you book with me, you’ll be able to choose a tier that you believe best fits your circumstances. I kindly invite you to reflect on the resources you have and select a tier that feels right for you. By doing so, I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy my art without any barriers.
Sliding Scale Tiers
The Bottom Cost
“The bottom cost represents an honest acknowledgment by the teacher and practitioner that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from being a part of classes if there was not be a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic realities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you belong probably belong here and you deserve a community that honors your price as equal an economic offering as the person who can pay the highest tier. Even when the lower tier is still prohibitive, I will work with folks to offer extended payment plans and other solutions.”
The Middle Cost
“The middle cost (when there is one) reflects the practitioner's acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to attend, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest. If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others.”
The Top Cost
“The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the class or service. It is the cost that the practitioner would charge all students in the absence of a sliding scale. If you have access to financial security, own property or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for "wants" and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community. This price is for you.”