Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How to Set Half-Day and Full-Day Rates as a Photographer
Photographers typically charge $600–$1,500 for a half-day shoot (4 hours) and $1,200–$3,500 for a full-day shoot (8 hours). Commercial and corporate photographers command higher rates — $1,500–$4,000 for a half-day and $3,000–$7,000+ for a full day.
Floor
$600
per hour
Typical
$1,400
per hour
Premium
$3,500
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Photography genre (portrait, commercial, architectural, event)
- Number of locations or setups
- Edited image delivery included vs. separate
- Studio vs. on-location shoot
- Geographic market
- Equipment requirements (strobe, drone, tethering)
- Assistant or second photographer required
- Licensing for commercial use
Real quote breakdowns
Half-Day Brand Photography Shoot
A personal brand client needs 3 hours of studio time for lifestyle and headshot images across 3 outfit changes. 15 edited images delivered in 7 days.
Breakdown
Half-day rate: $750. 15 edited images at $12/image added: $180. Online gallery: $20. Total $950.
Full-Day Commercial Shoot for Retail Brand
A clothing retailer needs a full 8-hour studio shoot with a model, stylist, and multiple outfit setups. 60 edited e-commerce images delivered.
Breakdown
Photographer full-day: $2,000. Studio rental: $600. 60 edited images at $18/image: $1,080. Assistant: $120. Total $3,800.
Full-Day Architectural and Interior Shoot
A real estate developer needs a full day of architectural photography across 3 residential units. 30 final edited wide-angle and detail shots for marketing materials.
Breakdown
Photographer full-day: $1,800. 30 edited images at $20/image: $600. Travel: $100. Total $2,500.
Frequently asked questions
How do I define 'half-day' and 'full-day' in my photography contract?
Define a half-day as 4 consecutive hours on set and a full-day as 8 hours. Specify what's included: travel, setup, breakdown, and whether editing and delivery are bundled or separate.
Should I charge for travel time on day-rate shoots?
Travel beyond 30 miles from your base should be billed at 50% of your hourly rate. Overnight shoots require a per diem for accommodation and meals in addition to your day rate.
What's a fair overtime rate if a shoot runs long?
Charge 1.25x your hourly equivalent (your day rate ÷ 8) for each hour beyond the agreed day length. State this clearly in your contract and remind the client of the clock at the 7-hour mark.
Should editing be included in day-rate pricing?
Many commercial photographers separate shooting day rate from editing fees. This is transparent and prevents scope creep. However, portrait and event clients usually prefer all-inclusive packages — know your market.