Database question

I want to set up a database to attach to my website that will list and show the thousands of plant photos that I have taken over the years. The list is for professionals (botanists, herbalists, etc.) and students to be able to identify plants, so it needs to have a professional touch and be set up in a way so that I can easily alter or change it as necessary . Setting up a database is not a task that I want to do myself, so I am looking for assistance.

That's my long wind-up, my questions is How much should this cost about? I would like to have local folks do it for me, and the first price quote I received is for a minimum of $500. Does this sound about right?
Since I've never worked with databases, I'm not even sure what questions to ask.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks, 7Song
Director, Northeast School of Botanical Medicine
http://www.7Song.com

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7Song