How much do photographers charge?

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Price guide

$60 - $4,500

low

$60

median

$120

high

$4,500

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

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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

a female photographer taking shots of makeup products
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.

a man gripping a large digital camera
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.

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FAQs

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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