Photography pricing depends on more than shooting time
Numerous factors affect the final result and, as a result, photography pricing. I always try to be flexible with my clients, including adjusting budgets when it makes sense, but never without reason. I also offer discounts, which I’ll explain below.
If we want to reduce the budget, we usually do so at the expense of quality. For some projects, that compromise is acceptable. Here, I’ll outline my pricing and share some behind-the-scenes details of how a photoshoot actually works.
Cost of a photoshoot: simple numbers first
1 hour — £250
2 hours (or more) — £160 per hour (£320 for 2 hours)
On average, I deliver around 30 photos per hour. These are colour-corrected images without detailed retouching. The exact number depends on the type of shoot and its complexity.
That’s the simplest cost calculation. In most cases, I start from this price (plus special offers if applicable).
If you only wanted to know the cost of a photoshoot, you can stop reading here. The rest is a long and slightly nerdy explanation. If that’s not your thing, feel free to admire my sleeping fluffy cat. Her name is Kotka.
Flexible arrangements and photographer workflow
If you’re still reading, let’s continue.
In some cases, we can agree on alternative arrangements. For example, I can work in shifts, where one day is dedicated to shooting and the following days to post-production. All of this is discussed individually — my goal is to keep my services accessible while maintaining quality.
For a personalised quote, you can contact me via email or WhatsApp. Special offers are available for regular clients or large projects. I cover transportation costs within the London metro area or within 30 miles when travelling from York.
Now let’s break down what actually goes into a photographer’s work.
Photographer workflow: what you don’t see behind the scenes
1. Photography preparation (2–4 hours)
Before the shoot, I prepare a mood board, research references, plan shots, and sometimes sketch ideas. I may also consult with a retoucher in advance. This stage alone usually takes around two hours.
In many cases, I also coordinate with models, organise props, and communicate with several people involved in the project — emails, calls, and discussions all take time.
2. Location scouting (1–2 hours)
Finding the right location is often underestimated. Whether it’s a photo studio or an outdoor space researched via Google Maps, location scouting can easily take another couple of hours.
3. Photography editing: colour correction and basic retouching (8–12 hours)
Editing is included in the price because it’s a separate and essential part of the workflow. After a full shooting day, I usually need at least one more full workday — around eight hours — to select, process, and colour-correct the images.
This is why a shoot that lasts two hours can still require 10–12 hours of total work, excluding travel time.
If a shoot happens in the middle of the day, it often blocks the entire day from taking another job. In practice, a two-hour shoot can take up almost two working days.
That’s how a photographer hourly rate of £160 can realistically turn into £18 per hour.
A simple breakdown of the photographer hourly rate
£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. Experience matters in photography pricing
Experience doesn’t appear in invoices as a separate line, but it’s always there.
Since 2014, I’ve invested heavily in my development — masterclasses, workshops, and self-funded creative shoots. Organising such shoots is far from simple and often requires both time and money.
Over the years, I’ve worked on projects of varying complexity, built retouching teams, and learned how to manage demanding workflows and tight deadlines.
5. Photography equipment costs (£100–£150 per session)
Professional equipment is included in the session fee. Renting a camera body and three lenses alone would cost around £100.
On top of that, I use lighting equipment, tripods, stands, filters, reflectors, and a powerful computer for photo editing.
6. Retouching as a separate stage
I work with several trusted freelance retouchers. If a project requires more than basic colour correction, additional retouching may be needed.
Detailed retouching typically takes 30–60 minutes per image and depends heavily on the type of shoot. In many cases, it is 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.
That’s everything I wanted to share about how my work is structured and how photography pricing is formed. If you’re curious about my professional background and past projects, you can explore my CV, where I outline my experience in more detail.
