It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words–this idiom is more relevant than ever in business. Before you get the chance to fully explain your business to potential customers, the pictures on your website and social media are telling stories about your brand.
Pictures have a unique ability to grab the attention of your customers and give a great (or unprofessional) first impression, which makes hiring a photographer all that more important for businesses today.
Cost is an important factor to consider when asking how to hire a photographer for a business. One of the best ways to hire a freelance photographer is to use the freelance talent platform, Guru.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Photographer?
When you start to research photographers for your business, you’ll quickly see that there is a wide variety of services available, with each of these services having very different price points.
Estimating the cost of hiring a professional photographer can be complicated due to several factors. The type of photography needed is one of the factors that impact the price the most.
Prices are also often dependent on location. For example, in the United States, more experienced photographers typically charge between $75 and $250 per hour or approximately $25 to $100 per final edited image. However, in some regions of the U.S., prices can be significantly lower or slightly higher than this.
Factors That Affect Pricing
Here are some of the main factors that determine how much you will need to pay a photographer:
Experience
As in any profession, experienced photographers who have built a reputation for delivering higher-quality results charge more than average photographers. Their service prices will be at the higher end of the spectrum because they have a higher level of expertise.
Before hiring a photographer, check the pricing of competing photographers with the same experience level. This will give you a good idea of how much you should expect to pay. Freelance platforms are a great place to find photographers, with Guru being one of the leading online spaces for commercial photography freelancers.
Type of Photography
A significant determinant of price and how to hire a photographer is the type of photography you need. For example, wedding photography costs significantly more than other types of photography, often ranging between $2,000 and $10,000. This is because of the level of experience required for this type of photography.
Prices could be lower for branding shoots that showcase what your brand represents. When looking for a photographer, ask if the photographer charges per hour or per photo. This is because some photographers have a minimum shoot time for the projects they accept.
Duration of the Shoot
The length of time the photographer will be shooting will also impact the price. Longer photoshoots require more planning, equipment, and editing, which will almost certainly drive up the cost.
Before hiring a photographer, confirm whether or not there will be additional costs for the length of time your project is expected to last. This also applies to photographers who charge per picture.
Number of Deliverable Photos
Some photographers charge based on the number of photos they deliver, while others charge a flat fee for the shoot regardless of the number of photos. Always confirm which pricing method the photographer uses before signing a contract.
In addition, if you require all the pictures to be edited and retouched, you should ask if the photographer includes this service in their price. This is because some photographers include editing and retouching in the package, while others charge extra for these services.
Location of Shoot
Photographers may charge more if they need to travel a long distance or if they need to pay for permits or rental fees. As such, many people prefer to hire photographers in their general area.
Equipment and Props
In discussing the details of your project with the photographer, inform them if special equipment and props are required. This is because projects that require specific equipment or props, such as lighting, backdrops, or lenses, often cost more.
In a Nutshell
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates to guide you when hiring a photographer. The actual cost may vary depending on the specific details of your project. It is always best to get a quote directly from the photographer after explaining the specific needs of the project.
