Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Photography pricing is tricky because the time behind the camera is only part of the work. Editing, travel, equipment and licensing all matter. Here is how to build prices that cover them.
Common pricing models
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per shoot or package | A fixed price for a set time and number of edited images | Portraits, events, small businesses |
| Hourly or day rate | A rate for time worked | Corporate events, second-shooter work |
| Per image | A price for each finished image | Product and e-commerce photography |
| Licensing fee | A fee based on how and where images are used | Advertising and commercial work |
What to include in your price
- Time behind the camera
- Editing and retouching time, often longer than the shoot
- Travel and parking
- Equipment, software and insurance
- Usage rights and exclusivity
- Your own admin, such as emails and invoicing
Set your rate
- Work out your minimum with the freelance hourly rate calculator.
- Estimate total hours per job including editing.
- Turn it into packages with the project price calculator.
- State what is included and the price of extras.
Frequently asked questions
Should photographers charge hourly?
Hourly suits events and unclear jobs. Packages suit portraits and small businesses.
Do I charge for editing?
Yes. Include editing time in your price or list it clearly.
What about usage rights?
For commercial work, charge separately for how the client will use the images.
Related reading: Freelance Graphic Designer Pricing · How to Price Freelance Projects
Market rates differ by country and client. This article shows a method, not a rate card.