How Much Should I Charge for Photography?
Setting the right photography rates is crucial for building a sustainable business while attracting quality clients who value professional work. Proper pricing reflects your expertise, covers business costs, and positions you competitively in the market without undervaluing your creative skills.
Last updated: January 5, 2026
Average Photography Pricing in 2026
Min
$150
Max
$5,000
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What Affects Photography Pricing?
- 1Experience level and portfolio quality
- 2Type of photography (wedding, corporate, portrait, etc.)
- 3Geographic location and local market rates
- 4Session duration and number of final images
- 5Equipment requirements and post-processing time
What's Typically Included in a Photography Quote?
Example Photography Cost Breakdown
Photography
Hourly vs Project-Based Photography Pricing
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Most photographers use project-based pricing for predictable income, but hourly rates work well for commercial shoots or when scope is unclear. Typical hourly rates range from $75-300 depending on experience and specialty.
How much should I charge for wedding photography?
Wedding photography typically ranges from $1,200-8,000+ depending on your market, experience, and package inclusions. Most photographers charge $2,000-4,000 for full-day coverage including engagement session and edited gallery.
What's included in my base photography rate?
Base rates typically include the shooting time, basic editing, and digital delivery. Additional services like extensive retouching, prints, albums, extra hours, or travel beyond a certain radius are usually charged separately.
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