Event Photography Pricing

Costs, Packages & What to Expect

Event photography pricing is one of the most common questions I get from businesses, brands, and event organizers. If you’re wondering how much event photography costs and what actually affects pricing, this guide breaks it all down clearly—no fluff, no guesswork.

I’ve worked with corporate events, live performances, branded activations, and private functions, so this pricing breakdown reflects real-world event photography costs and what you should expect when hiring a professional.

How Much Does Event Photography Cost?

Event photography pricing is typically based on hourly coverage, half-day or full-day packages, or custom quotes for larger events.

Average Event Photography Pricing

• Hourly rate: $125 – $300 per hour

• Half-day (3–4 hours): $500 – $1,200

• Full-day (6–8 hours): $1,200 – $3,000+

• Multi-day events: Custom pricing

  
  

These ranges reflect professional event photographers with experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

What Affects Event Photography Pricing?

Understanding what goes into the cost helps you budget properly and avoid surprises.

1. Length of Coverage

Most event photographers have a minimum booking time (often 2 hours). Longer events require more shooting time, more editing, and more post-production.

2. Experience & Specialization

• Entry-level photographers: Lower cost, limited event experience

• Professional event photographers: Higher rates, consistent quality

• Commercial / brand-focused photographers: Premium pricing with marketing intent

Experience matters—events don’t get second chances.

3. Editing & Deliverables

Event photography pricing usually includes:

• Professional color correction

• Exposure balancing

• Cropping and straightening

Extras such as advanced retouching, same-day delivery, or next-day turnaround may increase cost.

4. Usage Rights & Licensing

This is especially important for businesses.

• Personal use: Typically included

• Commercial use (websites, ads, social media, PR): May affect pricing

• Unlimited usage rights: Often included in higher-tier packages

Always clarify usage rights before booking.

Event Photography Pricing by Event Type

Corporate Event Photography Pricing

Includes:

• Conferences

• Trade shows

• Product launches

• Networking events

Average cost: $150 – $300 per hour

Corporate events often require clean branding, fast turnaround, and marketing-ready images.

Weddings & Private Events

Includes:

• Weddings

• Anniversaries

• Birthday celebrations

• Formal galas

Average cost: $1,500 – $4,000 (package-based)

Concerts & Live Event Photography

Includes:

• Concerts

• Festivals

• Nightlife events

Average cost: $150 – $250 per hour

These environments demand experience with low-light photography and fast-moving subjects.

What’s Included in Professional Event Photography Packages?

Most event photography packages include:

• Pre-event consultation

• On-site photography coverage

• Professional post-processing

• Online gallery for download

• High-resolution images

Some packages may also include:

• Social media–optimized images

• Brand-focused compositions

• Highlight selections for marketing

  
  

Is Cheap Event Photography Worth It?

For important events, choosing the cheapest option is risky.

Professional event photographers:

• Capture critical moments you can’t recreate

• Work efficiently under pressure

• Deliver consistent, high-quality images

For businesses, strong event photography often pays for itself through marketing, social media content, PR, and brand credibility.

How to Budget for Event Photography

A simple budgeting guideline:

• Internal or casual events: $500 – $800

• Corporate or branded events: $1,000 – $2,500

• Large-scale or multi-day events: Custom pricing

Think of event photography as a long-term content investment, not just event coverage.

How to Choose the Right Event Photographer

Before booking, ask:

• Do they specialize in my type of event?

• Can I see full event galleries?

• What usage rights are included?

• What is the delivery timeline?

A professional event photographer understands storytelling, branding, and audience impact, not just camera settings.

Final Thoughts on Event Photography Pricing

Event photography pricing varies, but experience, reliability, and image quality matter far more than finding the lowest rate.

If your event matters to your brand, your photos should reflect that.

👉 Looking for professional event photography? Visit my event photography services page to request a custom quote based on your event goals, coverage needs, and usage requirements.

How much does event photography cost?

Event photography typically costs between $125–$300 per hour, depending on the photographer’s experience, the type of event, and what’s included. Half-day and full-day packages usually offer better value for longer events.

How much for a photographer for 2 hours?

For a 2-hour event, photography pricing usually ranges from $250–$600. Many photographers have a 2-hour minimum, which typically includes coverage plus basic professional editing.

How many photos should I expect from a 2-hour event?

For a 2-hour event, you can usually expect 60–150 edited photos, depending on the pace of the event, number of guests, and activities taking place. Quality and storytelling matter more than raw photo count.

Do event photographers charge hourly or by package?

Most event photographers offer hourly rates for shorter events and package pricing for half-day or full-day coverage. Larger or multi-day events are usually priced with custom quotes.

What is a good price to charge for photography?

A good professional photography rate typically falls between $125–$300 per hour for events. Pricing should reflect experience, equipment, editing time, and usage rights—not just time spent shooting.

What is the 20-60-20 rule in photography?

The 20-60-20 rule is a guideline suggesting photographers allocate roughly 20% of time capturing must-have shots, 60% capturing candid or storytelling moments, and 20% experimenting creatively. For event photography, this balance helps deliver both reliable coverage and unique images.

What affects event photography pricing the most?

The biggest factors include:

• Length of coverage

• Photographer experience

• Type of event (corporate, wedding, concert)

• Editing and turnaround time

• Usage rights and licensing

Are editing and retouching included in the price?

Basic professional editing—such as color correction, exposure adjustments, and cropping—is usually included. Advanced retouching or same-day delivery may cost extra.

Do businesses need commercial usage rights?

Yes. If you plan to use event photos for marketing, advertising, websites, or social media, you should confirm that commercial usage rights are included in your package.

Is professional event photography worth the cost?

For businesses and branded events, professional event photography is often a long-term investment. High-quality images can be reused for marketing, PR, social media, and future promotions.

How far in advance should I book an event photographer?

It’s best to book 2–6 weeks in advance for most events. Large corporate events, weddings, and peak seasons may require booking several months ahead.

Event photography pricing in Canada

In Canada, event photography pricing typically ranges from $125–$300 per hour, depending on the city, photographer experience, and usage rights. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver often sit at the higher end of this range.

Event photography pricing in Toronto

Event photography pricing in Toronto is generally higher due to demand and cost of living. Expect rates between $175–$350 per hour for professional event photographers, especially for corporate or branded events.