Photography Pricing Calculator
Calculate competitive rates for wedding, portrait, event, and real estate photography. Factor in your costs, time, and experience level to set sustainable prices.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1.Select your photography type (wedding, portrait, etc.)
- 2.Enter your desired hourly rate
- 3.Add shooting and editing time estimates
- 4.Review suggested pricing and profit margin
Market Rate Reference
Portraits
$150-$500
per session
Events
$75-$200
per hour
Weddings
$1,500-$5,000
full day
Real Estate
$100-$300
per property
Ranges vary significantly by location, experience, and deliverables. Major metros typically pay 50-100% more than rural areas.
Pricing Your Photography
The Editing Time Trap: A 2-hour portrait session often requires 4-6 hours of culling and editing. A 10-hour wedding can require 30-50 hours of post-processing. Factor this into your rates.
Raising Rates: If you're booking 80%+ of inquiries, you're priced too low. Gradually raise rates for new clients. Aim to book 30-50% of inquiries at sustainable rates.
Market Research: Research local photographers at your experience level. Facebook groups, wedding directories, and Google searches reveal market rates.
Common Questions
How do I calculate my photography rate?
Add up annual business expenses (equipment, software, insurance, marketing), add your desired salary, then divide by billable hours. This gives your minimum hourly rate. Most photographers then add 20-40% margin for profit and reinvestment.
How much should I charge for wedding photography?
Beginners typically start at $800-$1,500. Intermediate photographers charge $1,500-$3,000. Established professionals charge $3,000-$8,000+. Rates vary significantly by location - major metros pay 50-100% more than rural areas.
Why do I need to factor in editing time?
Editing often takes 2-3x your shooting time. A 2-hour portrait session may need 4-6 hours of editing. A 10-hour wedding can require 30-50 hours of post-processing. Failing to account for this is the #1 reason photographers underprice.
Should I use packages or hourly rates?
Most client photographers use packages (2-3 tiers covering common needs). This simplifies decisions for clients and helps you control time commitment. Hourly works better for corporate/commercial work where scope varies.
Pricing suggestions are estimates based on industry averages. Your optimal rates depend on location, experience, niche, and local competition. This is not business advice.