[slantyyz]

>> How many family budgets can justify $500 for a set of family portraits? How may budgets can justify $1500 for a set of family portraits?

Not many, I guess, but the reality is that $500 will buy you an "average" photographer (i.e., a Hampton Inn). The really good ones cost way more than that.

I would argue that having a professional portrait is a bit of a "luxury" purchase. If you don't want to pay $500 for a set of family portraits, then you can always find someone you know with a camera to take a photo of your family for free.