The pricing for my work depends on the complexity and scope of the project.
Numerous additional factors can affect the quality of the final result. I always try to accommodate my clients, including adjusting their budgets when needed, but I don’t do this without reason. I also offer discounts, which I will describe below.
If we want to save on the budget, we do so at the expense of quality. For some, these measures are acceptable. Here, I will outline my price list and share some behind-the-scenes insights into my work.
1 hour 200£ per 1 hour – 200£
2 hours 160£ per 1 hour – 320£
3 hours and more 120£ per 1 hour – 360£
On average, I deliver around 30 photos per hour (color corrected, without retouching), but this can vary depending on the type of shoot.
That’s all. This is the simplest cost calculation. In most cases, I start from this price (+ there are special offers). If you just wanted to know the cost, then you can stop reading the text. It’s a very long and boring text. If you are not interested in the details, then just admire my sleeping fluffy cat. Her name is Kotka.
So, if you are interested, I will continue my story.
We can also agree on different arrangements. For example, I can work in shifts, where you’ll need to cover the shooting day and the days for post-processing. These are all negotiated on an individual basis as I strive to make my services as accessible as possible for my clients.
For a personalized quote, please contact me via email or WhatsApp. Special offers are available for regular clients or large projects. I cover transportation costs within the metro area (when shooting in London) or within 30 miles (when traveling from York).
Now, let’s break down what goes into a photographer’s work.
Photographer’s work
1. Preparation (2-4 hours)
Before the shoot, I create a mood board, search for examples, plan shots, and sometimes even sketch ideas while consulting with a retoucher. This usually takes about two hours. And sometimes I need to negotiate with photo models, props or several project participants: emails, phone calls, project discussions, etc.
2. Location Scouting (1-2 hours)
Sometimes, I need to find a suitable location. Whether I’m scouting a photo studio or using Google Maps, this can take another 2-3 hours.
3. Photo Editing (Color Correction and Light Retouching) (8-12 hours)
Editing is included in the price because it is a separate task. If I’ve been shooting all day, it takes me another workday, a minimum of 8 hours, to select and color correct the photos.
In the end, the shoot might last 2 hours, but the total time spent is at least 10-12 hours (not counting travel time). If a shoot is scheduled in the middle of the day, it prevents me from taking another job that day, meaning a two-hour shoot could take up 2 workdays (16 hours). This results in the hourly rate not being £160 per hour but rather £18 per hour.
A simple breakdown to understand the cost:
£320 for 2 hours
£320 (for 2 hours) minus £100 (equipment rental) and divide by 12 hours (time spent on prepation, photoshooting and editing) = £18 per hour.
4. My Experience (Priceless)
I not only spend time on my development but also purchase various masterclasses and organize creative shoots at my own expense. Organizing a creative shoot isn’t as easy as it seems and often requires funding. I’ve also gained diverse experience since 2014, handling projects of varying complexity, assembling retouching teams, navigating organizational nuances, and more.
5. Equipment (£100-£150 per 1 session)
My photography equipment is included in the session fee. Renting a camera and three lenses alone would cost about £100. In addition, I have lights, a tripod, stands, filters, reflectors, and more, plus a powerful computer for photo editing.
6. Retouching
Speaking of assistants, I have several trusted freelance retouchers I can delegate my clients’ projects to. If, after color correction further retouching is needed, I will need to spend an additional few hours on it—typically 30-60 minutes per photo. Retouching depends on the shoot’s complexity and, in some cases, will always be charged separately.
For example: Portrait retouching is handled by my retoucher at a cost of £30-£50 per photo.
Complex automotive photos with lighting can take me 2-3 hours in Photoshop per image, priced at £50 per photo.
Some Important Points
- I store your photos on Google Drive for one month, during which I ask you to download all materials. If you want me to keep the photos in my archives on a hard drive, this service costs £30.
- I do not provide raw files
Once, someone posted unedited raw images, which significantly impacted my reputation. People thought I delivered the photos in that condition. However, if you need raw files, please let me know, and we can work something out.
Consultation (FREE)
I can offer you a free consultation, providing ideas and solutions on how to improve content for your business. After that, you are not obliged to book a session with me – this is simply a kind gesture from me. Just book a time for a call in a click or write to me on WhatsApp.
As in any business, it turns out that the more diverse the services a company offers, the more the price varies. But I try to be extremely transparent and honest with my clients and am always ready find the best offer.
