How much does professional photography cost for businesses?
Posted on 28th May 2021 at 15:34
There are many variables in the prices for professional photography
When you are commissioning someone to take photos for you, it’s worth understanding that it is an unregulated industry so anyone can offer their services and charge whatever they like.
All businesses need photography of some sort for their marketing, whether it is simply headshots or wider more bespoke photos. branding or website photography that tell potential clients more about the business.
Businesses have in recent years been reluctant to invest in professional photography because they have tried using their mobile phones or their own cameras. However, increasingly there is a realisation that, in the on line world we live in, professional photography can give the visual edge so more are inquiring about prices.
To be honest, there are many photographers out there and you can find a huge range of pricing, styles and quality. So how to work out what to pay or more importantly how to find out what you get for the money?
How do photographers charge?
There is a wide variation in how photographers charge and what they offer. It is a little less convoluted than with social photography sectors as most businesses need digital files so the product is the same. However, different photographers charge differently, for example whether they are studio based on go on location can affect pricing due to cost and time differentials.
Some may charge by the hour (to include or exclude travel) then they might charge additionally at a different rate for editing. The key here is to understand how long they are likely to take doing each element of the work. Prices can range from £60 per hour to £200+ per hour.
There might be packages on offer, or a photographer might group similar photography together in a certain time period, like offering headshots in one location for a limited time to limited output, making it more accessible in terms of cost, to appeal to different audiences.
Other commercial photographers will offer half day or day rates or simply a fee for the work involved no matter how long or short it takes. It is always best to discuss with them what you need for your business so they can assess the time they need to take to achieve the results you require/fulfil your brief and give you a firm quote. In terms of cost, I have seen half day rates from £250-£800 and full day rates from £300-£2,000.
The reason for this difference in price levels for the same type of service can be experience, location, or simply reputation.
What to ask a photographer before engaging them?
How many images will I get from a photo shoot?
The other thing to ask is how many images you will receive after the shoot. Some photographers include a certain number and you have to buy additional images if you want them…others include all the edited images so there is no additional cost.
One way to cut through some of the numbers out there is to ask if the photographer is qualified with a professional body. If they are, then you know they are likely to have a level of competence, follow the code of conduct of their professional organisation, and should have insurance.
It is a bit of a mine field and the answer to the question of how much does professional photography cost, is not an easy one.
When looking for a photographer it is good to ask yourself and them these questions before committing…some answers you might find on their websites (which you should always check out!):
Are you qualified?
Can I see examples of your work?
Do you have professional insurance and public liability insurance?
What do I get for the money quoted?
On my website you will find FAQs and a section with more information on prices etc, so that a client can see immediately what the parameters are. In my about me section you'll also find out that I have the highest level of qualification in the industy.
But on of the most important elements, in my opinion, is that a photographer 'gets' what you are trying to acheive, and that you have a rapport with them and like their photography...so that whatever you pay is worth the investment.
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