How Much Should I Charge for Photography?

Pricing photography services correctly is crucial for building a sustainable creative business in the competitive US market. Strategic pricing helps you attract the right clients while ensuring your expertise and artistic vision are properly valued.

Last updated: 8 January 2026

Average Photography Pricing in 2026

Min

$270

Max

$2,700

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What Affects Photography Pricing?

  • 1Type of photography session (portrait, wedding, commercial, event)
  • 2Session duration and number of final edited images delivered
  • 3Photographer's experience level and portfolio quality
  • 4Geographic location and local market rates
  • 5Additional services like rush delivery or extra editing

What's Typically Included in a Photography Quote?

Photography session fee (hourly or package rate)
Image editing and post-processing services
Travel expenses for on-location shoots
Digital gallery hosting and delivery platform
Print packages and physical product options

Example Photography Cost Breakdown

Photography

2-hour portrait session$540
Professional editing (25 images)$270
Digital gallery and delivery$135
Travel within city limits$68
Total$1,013

Hourly vs Project-Based Photography Pricing

What's typically included in a photography package?

Most packages include the shooting session, basic editing of selected images, and digital delivery through an online gallery. Additional services like prints or extended editing are usually offered separately.

How far in advance should I book a photographer?

For portraits and family sessions, 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient. Wedding and event photographers should be booked 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Do photographers charge extra for travel?

Many photographers include local travel (within 30 miles) in their base rate, but longer distances typically incur additional travel fees to cover time and transportation costs.

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