How do I set my photography prices?

Start by calculating your cost of doing business: annual expenses, desired salary, and target number of shoots. Divide to get a minimum per-shoot price. Add a profit margin (20-40%) and round to a clean number. This calculator automates that process.

Should I include editing time?

Absolutely. Editing typically takes 2-4x longer than the shoot itself. A 2-hour portrait session often requires 4-8 hours of culling, editing and retouching. This is skilled work and must be factored into your pricing.

What is gear depreciation per shoot?

Estimate the total replacement cost of your gear, divide by its useful lifespan in shoots. For example, a camera body costing £2,500 lasting 5 years at 100 shoots/year = £5 per shoot. Add lenses, lighting, etc.

How many deliverables should I include?

This depends on the session type. Headshots: 3-10 images. Portraits: 15-30. Weddings: 300-600. Family sessions: 20-40. More deliverables means more editing time, so price accordingly.

Photo Session Pricing Calculator — Minimum Session Price

Calculate your minimum viable session price based on time, costs and income targets.

Shoot Time

Time on location

Edit Time

Culling + editing + retouching

Travel Time

Return journey total

Gear Depreciation

Body + lens replacement cost ÷ shoots of working life (e.g. £2,500 ÷ 500 ≈ £5)

Insurance

Annual public-liability + equipment cover ÷ shoots per year

Deliverables

Number of final images

How We Calculate This

Minimum price = (total hours × hourly target) + direct costs + overhead

Hourly target is your target annual income ÷ working days/year ÷ an assumed 8 fully-billable hours per working day. If your billable hours per day are lower, raise your income target or working days to compensate.

Overhead per shoot spreads your monthly overhead over an assumed 20 shoots per month (≈ 240/year). Adjust the monthly overhead figure if your shoot volume differs.

Recommended price adds a 30% profit margin to the minimum. This covers unexpected costs, reinvestment and savings.

Per image cost divides the recommended price by the number of deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard optical and photographic formulas. Results may vary with specific equipment.