Photography pricing list

Whether you're an amateur photographer looking to monetize your hobby or a professional photographer seeking to set prices for your services, determining the correct pricing structure can be daunting.

With so many factors to consider, it's essential to understand what goes into photography pricing. Here is a list of factors to consider as a beginner...

Photography pricing

1. Experience

The first factor that affects how much a photographer charges a client is based on their experience.

Like in any other profession, the more experienced the professional is, the more they will typically charge.^[1] Here are some rough estimates based on experience that you can charge based on my experience:

2. Type of photography

There are many photography niches.

The photography niche in which they specialize can also affect the hourly rate. For example, wedding photography usually commands a higher rate than portrait photography.^[2]

This is due to the event, preparation, and skills needed for wedding photography.

Here are some rough estimates based on niche (varies by location, but this can give you a rough idea):

3. Location

The cost of living and local market conditions can also affect a photographer's hourly rate.

Photographers in large cities or areas with high demand for service may charge more than those in smaller towns.^[3] Here are some common prices per hour based on some of the popular cities in the world.

While this is an approximation, it's best to head to your favorite search engine of choice and do a quick search. For example, if you are a portrait photographer, search for "portrait photographers near me" and research their pricing.

Get an average and their experience, and then price your photography skills based on where you think you fit in:

4. Equipment needed

Photography equipment can be expensive.^[4] Various things, such as lenses, cameras, lighting, and other specialized gear, are needed to accomplish a successful photography session.

Photographers who usually invest in higher-quality gear that can produce higher-quality images typically cost more.

Here's a breakdown chart of common equipment photographers need and the price so you can see the investment required:

5. Session duration

The amount of time a photographer spends on a project also determines the hourly rate. Photographers who offer more extensive services, such as pre-shoot planning or post-production editing, may charge more per hour.

6. Number of final images

The number of edited photos included in a package can affect pricing. Clients may pay more for additional edited images.

7. Overhead expenses

The final factor that usually goes into how much a photographer charges a client is based on their overhead expenses. These are expenses such as studio rent or marketing costs.

Here's a breakdown chart of common overhead expenses so you can see the investment required:

8. Prints

Selling prints is a great way for photographers to get some extra money from a session.

Here is a breakdown chart of the different types of prints you can sell and the average price you can charge:

Additional costs for framing or finishing can vary depending on the quality of materials and labor involved.

9. Licensing and usage

Commercial photographers often charge based on the intended use of the images.^[5] Licensing for commercial purposes typically costs more than personal use.

10. Season and date

Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year, day of the week, and peak wedding or event seasons. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, you must know that wedding season extends from late spring through early fall.

11. Session location

Specialized or remote locations, destination shoots, or studio rentals may have additional costs.

12. Post-production work

Extensive retouching or editing can increase the price, especially in fields like fashion or commercial photography.

If you are very specialized, such as a beauty photographer or headshot photographer, you may opt to have retouching work included in your package and include these prices in your package.

Most photographers combine certain services and just charge an overall fee. For example, for basic color correction, basic adjustments, color correction, and skin smoothing, they'll charge a set amount or include it in their package:

13. Client requirements

Unique client requests, custom setups, or specialized techniques may require additional fees.

14. Market competition

Local market conditions and competition can influence pricing strategies. Highly competitive markets may lead to lower prices.

15. Client expectations

Meeting specific client expectations, including style, creative concepts, or delivery timelines, can affect pricing.

16. Taxes and fees

Sales tax, transaction fees, and other government-related expenses can affect pricing.^[6]

Here are the common taxes and fees you can expect to pay as a photographer:

I know that tackling photography pricing can seem daunting. Try to sort everything out slowly, or even be accompanied by a senior/mentor in your niche.

Assess and evaluate your skills and portfolio, and finally, make your dreams come true!

As long as you start working on it, you will finish it eventually. Good luck!