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Thinking of hiring a photographer but not sure what it costs? Set your budget with our comprehensive guide to photography prices and more.
Hiring a photographer can be a deeply personal decision or, if you own a small business, a crucial commercial move. In a world where an image can shape a memory for a lifetime, understanding the cost of professional photography is vital. In the United Kingdom, just as anywhere else in the world, photography rates vary widely based on multiple factors. This comprehensive guide will take you through the typical prices you can expect to pay for the diverse range of photography services, how to choose a photographer best suited for your needs and budget, and tips for optimizing your photography expenditure without compromising the quality of the outcome.
(And if you're ready to find quotes from local photographers right away, we can help with that too!)
Before you make any hire, you need a clear idea of what a reasonable price is for the photography service you require. This isn’t as simple as finding a number on a website; it involves understanding the industry and what goes into producing professional images.
To begin, the average cost of photography in the UK is between £115 and £800 per session (unless we're talking about weddings, which we'll get into below). A key factor in the variation is the level of experience and reputation of the photographer. Generally, you can rely on industry averages to guide you:
| Type of Photographer | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| Corporate | £700 | £350 |
| Event | £400 | £250 |
| Portrait | £250 | £115 |
| Wedding | £1,500 | £500 |
Corporate photos carry the weight of business identity. They typically range from £350 to £700 per session. A higher price often indicates extensive editing and an inclusive copyright license for commercial use.
Capturing the spirit of a live event is a subtle art that commands between £250 and £400 per hour. The complexity of the event, the need for multiple photographers, and the provision of on-site printing services can push the price toward the upper end of the scale.
Portraiture or headshots reflecting personal milestones, friendship, or family moments, generally falls between £115 and £250 per session. The higher end can include professional makeup, hair styling, and a range of high-quality prints.
As the pinnacle of personal photography, wedding photography packages vary widely, but the average total price in the UK lands between £800 and £1,500. This typically includes coverage from the morning preparations through to the first dance, a mix of candid and posed shots, and a range of products such as albums and wall art.
The big question - why is wedding photography so expensive? Well, a wedding photographer is expected to be artful, capture special and candid memories, and be a part of your wedding without also getting in the way; they will often give you creative ideas, organise guests for group photos, and generally be an important part of your day. These special skills don't come cheap, but for many people, they're worth the price.
In the UK, hourly rates for photographers are a common payment structure when it comes to capturing events, family portraits, and headshots. This method is straightforward and can be more cost-effective for shorter assignments.
| High-end functions | £300-£500 |
| Family/newborn | £150-£300 |
| Headshots | £80-£200 |
For public speakers, VIP meet-and-greets, or intimate gatherings, expect to pay premium prices, usually between £300 and £500 per hour. These hours often include setup and break-down time, as well as any on-site editing services.
Creating memories that last generations doesn’t come cheap. Specialist family photographers might charge between £150 and £300 per hour, including consultation, photo session, and viewing meeting for print selection.
For corporate headshots and acting portfolios, expect to pay between £80 and £150 per hour. This often includes multiple outfit changes, access to an online gallery, and a select number of high-resolution digital files.
A photographer's daily rate usually applies to more extensive or specialist projects, such as property shoots or multi-day events. For example:
| Real estate | £500-£1000 per day |
| Products | £200-£400 |
Property at all levels requires images that sell the dream. For professional real estate photography, the range is typically between £500 and £1,000 per day. As significant post-processing is necessary, the rate often includes the editing time.
When you need your products to stand out, product photography services charge between £200 and £400 per day. This price includes in-studio or on-location set-up with lighting and backdrops.
Photography is a varied field, and each specialty comes with its nuances and respective price points. These are some more specialist photography niches and their average prices.
| Food photography | £250-£450 |
| Fashion | £400-£1,000 |
| Pet photography | £100-£250 |
Food photos that entice and satisfy generally fall within the range of £250 to £450 per session. These sessions often involve intricate styling and close collaboration with the chef or stylist.
Fashion photography services can range widely, from £400 to £1,000 per day. High-end shoots often include an expert team, models, makeup artists, and stylists.
For those who want their companion captured perfectly, pet photography averages between £100 and £250 per session.
Understanding why photography prices vary so widely is crucial in estimating your project's cost accurately. Below are several key factors that influence photography pricing:
An accomplished or renowned photographer can command significantly higher rates than a newer, lesser-known counterpart.
The cost of editing can increase the total expense, especially when working against strict deadlines or with complex image manipulations.
Specialized equipment, such as drones for aerial photography, can push prices higher due to the added cost of resources and certification requirements.
Photographers may add transportation, accommodation, and site fee costs if your photo session requires them to travel extensively or shoot in a unique location.
Unforeseen changes or client requests for reshoots can extend the hours worked and lead to unexpected additional costs.
For projects requiring a studio, the cost of rental can be a significant add-on, often around £150 to £500 per day, depending on location and facilities.
While high-quality photography is an investment, there are ways to reduce costs without cutting corners:
Many photographers are flexible with their packages and are generally open to negotiation, especially if you're willing to cut certain inclusions in favor of a lower price.
If you don’t need prints or other products, many photographers will sell digital images at a significant discount.
Weekday or off-peak season bookings can net substantial savings, sometimes in the region of 10% to 20%.
Even with a world of photographers at your fingertips, not all will be the right fit for what you need at a price that suits you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the best photographer for your budget:
Use online review platforms, social media, and professional photography directories to find a selection of photographers in your area with strong portfolios and good reputations.
Reach out to each photographer with a clear brief and schedule a meeting or call. This will allow you to gauge their professionalism, creativity, and whether they understand and can deliver your vision.
When you receive quotes, look beyond the bottom line. Take note of what’s included, the quality of the work presented, and the overall feel of the interaction with the photographer.
Before making a decision, ask for references from previous clients and check that the photographer’s contracts and terms align with your expectations.
It may sound cliché, but sometimes your instincts are your best guide. Choose the photographer who gives you confidence in their abilities to deliver on your needs within your budget.
In short, photography is an art and a service that greatly varies in price based on multiple factors. It’s important to approach the process with a clear understanding of your needs and the market to ensure satisfaction with the results and the expense. Whether it’s a picture that will shape your professional image or a memory that will warm your home, the investment in a photographer's skill is one that lasts!
Are you ready to find the perfect photographer for your photoshoot? Find a photographer near you, for free, with Bark.
The average rating for Bark Photographers is 4.94, based on 349,555 reviews
5/5
based on 349,555 reviews
