Free Photography Cost Calculator

Pricing Guide

What Does a Photographer Cost?

Photography pricing varies widely by specialty. Here are current US market rates based on ProShoot marketplace data.

Wedding Photography

$800 – $5,000 / day

8–10 hours of coverage included
Second shooter adds $300–$800
Album production adds $500–$1,500
Destination weddings add travel fees

Event Photography

$75 – $300 / hour

2–4 hour minimum common
Corporate galas at higher end
Quick-turnaround adds 20–30%
Online gallery delivery standard

Headshot Photography

$100 – $500 / session

Studio or location options
Multiple looks / outfits included
Retouching included at premium tier
Team headshot packages available

Real Estate Photography

$100 – $400 / property

Interior + exterior standard
Twilight/dusk shoot adds $100–$200
Drone aerial adds $100–$250
Virtual tour adds $150–$400

Drone Photography

$100 – $400 / hour

FAA Part 107 certification required
Minimum session typically $200–$350
Permitting fees extra in restricted zones
4K video capture standard

Portrait Photography

$100 – $350 / session

1–2 hour sessions typical
Family, maternity, senior, lifestyle
10–30 edited images delivered
Print packages available add-on

Product Photography

$50 – $200 / product

White background studio standard
Lifestyle/in-context at premium
Bulk rates for e-commerce catalogs
Video demos priced separately

Videography

$100 – $300 / hour

Editing and color grade included
Corporate video at higher end
Multi-camera setup adds to cost
Music licensing extra

Pricing Factors

Factors That Affect Photography Pricing

Understanding what drives photographer rates helps you budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.

Location & market — New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco photographers charge 40–80% more than smaller markets. Use the calculator to select your city.
Experience level — Emerging photographers (1–3 years) charge significantly less than established photographers with 5–15 years of experience and a strong portfolio.
Equipment — Professional full-frame cameras, prime lenses, and lighting gear represent a significant overhead that experienced photographers factor into their rates.
Hours of coverage — Most photographers charge by the hour or have half-day and full-day packages. Overtime rates typically apply after agreed hours.
Editing & post-production time — For every hour of shooting, photographers typically spend 2–4 hours on editing. This is built into professional rates.
Licensing rights — Commercial use, advertising, and billboard licensing cost significantly more than personal use. Always clarify usage rights before booking.
Rush fees — Bookings within 7–14 days of the event, or fast-turnaround delivery (24–48 hours), often incur a 20–30% rush surcharge.

How It Works

How Our Calculator Works

1

Select Your Shoot Type

Choose from wedding, event, headshot, real estate, drone, portrait, product photography, or videography.

2

Enter Location & Details

Enter your city, number of hours, and the experience level you're looking for. The calculator adjusts for local market rates.

3

Get Your Estimate

Receive an instant low–high price range based on real ProShoot marketplace data. Use it to set your budget or price your next package.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a wedding photographer cost?

Wedding photographers typically charge $800–$5,000 per day in the US. Price depends on hours of coverage, whether a second shooter is included, album production, and the photographer's experience level and location.

How much does an event photographer cost per hour?

Event photographers charge $75–$300 per hour on average. Corporate events and galas sit at the higher end; smaller private events at the lower end. Most photographers have a 2–4 hour minimum booking.

How much does a real estate photographer cost?

Real estate photography typically costs $100–$400 per property. Larger properties, twilight shoots, and aerial drone add-ons increase the price. Most agents pay $150–$250 for a standard residential shoot.

How much does a headshot photographer cost?

Headshot sessions cost $100–$500 depending on the number of looks, retouching level, and whether it's a studio or location shoot. Corporate headshot packages for teams often include per-person rates with volume discounts.

How much does a drone photographer cost?

Drone photography rates range from $100–$400 per hour. Licensed drone pilots typically charge a minimum of $200–$350 per session, covering FAA licensing, insurance, and equipment costs.

Why do photographer prices vary so much?

Photography pricing varies based on market (New York vs rural midwest), experience (emerging vs 10+ years), equipment costs, editing time, licensing rights, and demand for that photographer's specific style.

Is it cheaper to hire through ProShoot?

ProShoot is a competitive marketplace where photographers set their own rates. Because multiple photographers compete for jobs, clients often receive more competitive quotes than booking directly. ProShoot charges no booking fee to clients.

How do I get accurate quotes for my area?

The most accurate quotes come from posting your job on ProShoot. Photographers in your city will respond with custom quotes based on your specific requirements, date, and location.

Photography Cost Calculator