Photography Pricing Calculator
Set competitive rates for weddings, portraits, events, and real estate photography.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1.Select your photography type
- 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 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 are booking 80%+ of inquiries, you are probably priced too low. Gradually raise rates for new clients and aim to book fewer inquiries at sustainable prices.
Market Research: Research local photographers at your experience level through directories, Facebook groups, and Google searches. Match your pricing to the client outcome you deliver.
Common Questions
How do I calculate my photography rate?
Add annual business expenses, 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 often start around $800-$1,500. Intermediate photographers charge $1,500-$3,000. Established professionals charge $3,000-$8,000+. Rates vary significantly by location.
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. Ignoring this is the most common underpricing mistake.
Should I use packages or hourly rates?
Most client photographers use packages with 2-3 tiers because they simplify decisions for clients and help you control time commitment. Hourly pricing works better for corporate or commercial work where scope varies.
Methodology & Limits
How it works
This calculator calculates a photography scenario from your inputs, then surfaces the result as decision-oriented numbers.
Assumptions
Uses current creator rates assumptions where relevant.
Use it as a screen
Treat the output as a planning estimate. Share the current scenario URL when you want to revisit or compare assumptions. Validate the numbers with real payouts, costs, deadlines, and local rules before committing money.
Next action
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