What You Need to Know About Event Photography Rates & Pricing

Hiring an event photographer is one of the most important choices you’ll make in planning your event. It’s right up there with booking the best event venue, which we at Peerspace know all about.

While event photography pricing can be a big investment, it’s well worth it on many levels. Event photos make wonderful souvenirs for attendees to remember the experience and provide marketing materials to advertise future events. An experienced photographer can mean the difference between having a few blurry selfies at the end of the day and having a spread of professional photographs of all your speakers and VIPs enjoying themselves at a gala.

But how do you go about hiring a photographer? How do you know if the rate they quote you is reasonable? Will they include photo retouching, or will you have to do that yourself? Let’s look at a few of the most important things you need to know about event photography pricing and how to negotiate a fair price with a photographer.

But first: finding that perfect event space

Besides providing you with this run-down on event photography pricing, did you know that you can also rely on Peerspace for the perfect event space? As the largest online marketplace for event space rentals by the hour, we have thousands of private, pristine, and exciting venues that you can rent in cities across the globe.

Not only that, but when you book a Peerspace venue, you have the full support of your venue’s local host. They not only fully support your event, but they may also be able to help you secure event extras like catering, staffing (maybe even a professional photographer!), decor, and more.

Peerspace can save you time, hassle, and money. And who knows, it may free up more of your budget to splurge on your favorite event photographer.

Hosting a corporate function? Then check out: 20 creative corporate event ideas that feel anything but corporate

What makes event photography unique?

First, what sets event photography apart from regular photography? Can’t you just hire the guy who takes photos of your family for the holidays?

Probably not. Typically, event photography refers to photographers who specialize in corporate events. They have experience working in high-pressure environments with a lot of moving parts.

It’s very different from, say, landscape or wildlife photography, which requires a whole different set of skills and equipment. Event photographers know how to navigate large crowds and deal professionally with executives and corporate employees.

When you hire an event photographer, you’re getting a whole package of things, including:

• Time and labor during your event
• Specialized knowledge and equipment
• Post-production (photo editing) time

All of these factors must be taken into account when negotiating event photography pricing. If the hourly rate that your photographer quotes sounds high to you, remember all of the additional work that goes on behind the scenes.

In addition to renting office space, they may also be on the hook for travel expenses, self-employment taxes, and potentially hiring an assistant.

Kicking off a new service or product? Then you need to read our 12 launch party ideas to wow your guests

How much does event photography cost?

Event photography pricing depends on the scale of your event and the experience level of your photographer.

Here are some standard photography rates based on experience, as designated by Fash’s 2023 industry assessment:

Student

$50-100/hr

Amateur/entry-level

$25-100

Professional

$100-300

Expert

$200-500+

As you can see, the amount you can expect to pay will vary widely. And, if you need someone on hand for several hours or the entire day, their fee can reach upwards of $1,000-2,000.

However, a few factors can influence the rate. If budget is an issue, you can change the number of pictures you want, how quickly you want them, and how much you want them retouched.

Agree to event photography pricing terms with your photographer before the event

Most people who are booking a photographer for their event are not professional photographers. It’s completely understandable that you wouldn’t understand the ins and outs of an event photographer’s work naturally. So it’s crucial you agree on all aspects of the work you commission from the event photographer well before the event.

Since retouching adds a significant amount of time to the project, a photographer may charge less if you only want a handful of photos or if you agree to do the retouching yourself. Some photographers, however, will never give a client the unfinished images, so make sure you’re both in agreement on this before your shoot.

Always sign a contract before making a payment, and be clear on what that contract includes. According to U.S. copyright law, the photographer retains the rights to the images unless you explicitly purchase them. This means that, while you can use them for personal use, you can’t sell them or use them commercially without purchasing a license. If you want to own the photos outright, your photographer may agree to per-image pricing rather than an hourly rate.

Most professional photographers will have their rates listed on their website, along with what services that rate includes. But be sure to request a quote for any custom services that might entail extra responsibilities.

Do you want a photo booth? Behind-the-scenes shots? Someone to live-tweet pictures from your event in real time? In that case, you may want to hire a second photographer or ask your photographer to bring an assistant.

It’s standard for photographers to ask for a 50% deposit when they make a booking, which is non-refundable if you cancel too close to the event.

Don’t let time get the best of you! Make it work with our 10 last-minute party ideas

How to find a photographer

There are many ways to look for a photographer, from word of mouth to a good, old-fashioned Internet search. Since it’s important to choose one who’s the right fit for your project, you should ideally look for someone who has plenty of references and a portfolio of previous work.

You’ll want a photographer who is comfortable shooting events of the same type and size as your own and who has a look and feel that fits your event’s focus. Keep an eye on brochures for similar events and look up the names of any photographers who are credited.

Resources for finding a photographer

When you book a Peerspace venue for your event, you not only have access to a beautiful, private space, you can utilize the support of your venue’s host, too. If you’re stumped on how to narrow down your choices of local event photographers, they may be able to recommend the best in your area. This level of expertise can be invaluable as you plan and execute your event.

If you have friends or colleagues who have hosted a similar event, ask around and see which photographer they would recommend. If you’re searching online, try Yelp or Thumbtack. A Google search can work too, but you may have to try a little harder to narrow it down.

If a professional photographer is out of your budget, consider hiring a student from a local film school. While their work may not be quite as up to the same standards as a professional, they will likely have access to the same equipment and have most of the same skills.

Other tips to keep in mind

Once you’ve found a photographer you like, call them up for a quote and discuss the project with them. This is a good chance to get a sense of their personality and see if they’d be easy to work with. It’s also an opportunity to discuss what services are included in their rate.

Remember, you can negotiate some details, such as how many photos you’ll receive and if you’ll own the copyright to them. But don’t negotiate just for the sake of getting a bargain. As with any industry, there are certain standards for event photography pricing, and photographers who accept below-market rates may not be as reliable as more expensive options.

Respect your photographer for the working professional they are, and they’ll go above and beyond to make your corporate event shoot the best it can be.

Find our favorite event photographers in any metro here!

Can Peerspace help?

Yes! Peerspace provides services for both photographers and event planners. It is the place to go for photographers and the professional resources they need to manage their businesses. Our community is tailored for professionals in the creative sphere, whether you’re new to the business or have decades of experience.

And if you’re an event planner looking for that perfect event venue, remember to check out everything Peerspace has to offer. You can easily find a venue in your ideal location that suits your amenity and aesthetic needs.

Here are some of our favorite event venues for you to consider:

• This industrial-chic multipurpose event space in Chicago, IL with an on-site manager, a kitchen, customizable seating, space for 100 guests, and only about $125 per hour
• This hidden Hollywood bungalow with an outdoor patio in Los Angeles with lush, whimsical decor, space for 75 guests, and about $175 per hour
• This open and light reception area in a gallery in Manchester, UK with seating, an outdoor area, optional catering, room for 100 guests, and about £150 per hour
• This modern duplex and event space gallery in Manhattan, NYC with all-white decor and space for 60 guests at about $350 per hour
• This elegant multi-purpose event space in Toronto, ON with high ceilings, an open layout, a kitchenette, space for about 80 guests, and about CA$150
• This beautiful creative event space in Atlanta, GA with an open floor plan, kitchenette, sound system, props, and space for 50 guests at about $125 per hour
• This premiere gaming showroom and arcade in Sydney, Australia with games, food, and drinks for about 20 guests and A$100 per hour

As you can see, we have venues that suit every event style, budget, and location. The cost, amenities, and features are listed right up front, so you never have to worry about hidden fees. If you have any questions or requests, you can easily contact your host and they’ll be happy to help.

Event photography pricing: conclusion

Hopefully by now, you have a good grasp of what to expect when it comes to event photography pricing. Having the right professional on hand at your event ensures you have images that capture the genuine spirit of the event. It can also provide you with excellent professional images that you can use on your social media and for other marketing materials.

Be sure to talk to several photographers to discuss the event, what you’re looking for, and their rates. And of course, book an incredible Peerspace venue to serve as an inviting and stylish backdrop, no matter your event. Between the ideal venue, the help of your host, and a skilled photographer, you’ll be throwing an amazing gathering that your guests will never forget.

Find unique event spaces on Peerspace