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How much do photographers charge?
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Price guide
$60 - $4,500
low
$60
median
$120
high
$4,500
Last Updated on
How much does a photographer cost?
The cost of hiring a photographer in the United States falls between $60 and $120, while package rates begin at $500 for events or sessions. For wedding photography, packages can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or higher, depending on the extent of coverage and any additional services requested. Factors like experience, location, and desired services affect the price.
Photographer price list
If you’re wondering how much photographers charge for headshots or book covers, here’s a list of average photographer prices per area based on Tasker listings:
City |
Photographer price |
Chicago |
$100 to $200 |
California |
$110 to $210 |
Dallas |
$75 to $200 |
New York |
$110 to $210 |
Miami |
$100 to $200 |
Factors affecting photography pricing
Different things determine how much a professional photographer charges.
Type of photography
This is one of the most significant factors. Wedding photography is the most expensive of all types, reaching up to $3,500. On the other hand, portrait and headshot photography are the most basic types, at around $75.
Number of hours
Photographers offer different pricing structures to suit the needs and budgets of clients:
- Hourly rate
- Daily rate
- Per image
- Flat fee
Of course, more working hours result in higher costs. However, you can ask if they offer packages and other discounts to help you save money.
Photographer experience
Expertise also affects how much a photographer charges for an hour. Photographers with decades of experience charge higher than those still establishing their networks and building portfolios. On average, beginners charge around $25 to $50 per hour, while professionals charge $60 to $300.
Location
If you live in a big city, costs will naturally be high due to the photographer’s operating expenses. However, hiring someone for travel or event photography in another destination would be more expensive since the photographer would need to travel and carry their equipment.
Types of photography and their estimated costs
Multiple types of photography cater to different needs and occasions. Whether you need a commercial photography service for your business or a pet photographer for your furry friend, here’s how you can prepare the right budget:
Photography type |
Estimated cost |
Aerial and drone |
$125 to $450 per session |
Architectural |
$150 to $320 per session |
Commercial and corporate |
$125 to $1,200 per session |
Concert, event, and party |
$50 to $300 per hour |
Engagement |
$200 to $350 per session |
Family |
$100 to $400 per session |
Fashion |
$120 to $1,200 per session |
Food |
$35 to $150 per hour |
Graduation |
$100 to $500 per session |
Headshot |
$85 to $350 per session |
Lifestyle |
$150 to $370 per hour |
Maternity |
$100 to $600 per session |
Nature |
$100 to $400 per session |
Newborn or baby |
$200 to $500 per session |
Pet or animal |
$100 to $300 per session |
Portrait |
$75 to $350 per session |
Product |
$40 to $4,500 per session |
Property & real estate |
$75 to $375 per session |
Sports |
$125 to $500 per session |
Travel |
$110 to $2,500 per session |
Wedding |
$100 to $3,500 per session |
Apart from the mentioned services, you can hire Taskers for editing, printing, and restoring your existing images. They can also help you with party planning or provide audiovisual services at your event.
Book a photographer on Airtasker
Browsing through a fresh batch of photos after a shoot is always exciting! Seeing all the beautiful smiling faces of you and your loved ones is always a delight. But before this, you need to hire a photographer. Here’s how to hire a photographer:
Define your goals
Before hiring a photographer for a full day, be clear on what you want to achieve. Consider these questions:
- How many photos will you need?
- What will you use the images for?
- Where do you want to shoot?
- Do you have a theme?
You can write your answers or make a vision board for your photographer. Be detailed and speak your mind. This will help your photographer execute your ideas well.
Have a quick chat
Before embarking on a project, get to know the photographer. Ask about their experience, certifications, and past projects. Learn their shooting style, timeline, and work ethic. Then, communicate your vision. This will help you know if it’s a good match and prevent awkward smiles in future photographs.
Get multiple quotes
Lastly, get quotes from different Taskers. Knowing average market prices will help you avoid paying too much or too little.
Are you ready for your special occasion? Whether you need a travel photographer or an entertainer, get personalized quotes when you put up a Task on Airtasker.
Find photographers, fast
Post a taskFAQs
There are a few ways to reduce photographer prices. Ask about packages, deals, and discounts. Photographers often offer better deals on slower, non-peak days. Second, book a photographer in advance. Some are also willing to charge less if you pay them fully in cash. Lastly, take a chance on up-and-coming talent. You get to help them build their portfolio and save money.
Headshots for work take a couple of minutes, while newborn images take hours because of all the preparations.
It depends on the type of photography, the nature of the business, and the photographer's experience level. Consult the photographer beforehand to avoid surprises on pricing.
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