Making the leap from being a hobby photographer to starting your photography business can feel both exciting and overwhelming. If you're reading this, you're probably starting to realize just how much time and effort goes into creating beautiful photos, and you're ready to start being compensated for your hard work. So how do you start charging for your photography services? Let’s break it down step by step.

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Understand Your Value

First things first, recognize the value you bring to the table. Photography isn’t just about pressing a button. It’s about the time you spend learning your craft, the cost of your gear, the hours spent editing, and the experience you provide to your clients. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re “just starting out” and shouldn’t charge much, but remember, your time and skills are worth something—even as a beginner photographer.

Start Small, But Start

If you’ve never charged for your services before, it’s okay to start small. Offer a few sessions to friends and family at a discounted rate to build your confidence and portfolio. Let them know this is your introductory pricing and that it will increase as you grow your photography business. This way, you’re setting expectations from the start.

How Much Should You Charge?

One of the most common questions is, “How much should I charge for a one-hour family photo session?” The answer depends on a few factors, including your experience level, location, and what’s included in the session. For a beginner photographer just starting out, a fair starting rate might be anywhere from $75 to $150 for a one-hour session. This should include the shoot itself and a set number of edited images (10-15 is a good starting point).

As you gain more experience and refine your skills, you can gradually increase your prices. Research what other photographers in your area are charging to get a sense of the market rate.

How to Price Your Photography for Beginners

What Should You Include in Your Pricing?

When setting your rates, consider all the time involved in a session—not just the hour you spend taking photos. You’ll also need to account for:

Planning and communicating with the client
Travel time and expenses
Time spent editing and delivering images
Costs for your gear and software

By factoring in these elements, you’ll ensure you’re not underpricing your services.

Set Up a Simple Pricing Structure

When you’re just starting your photography business, keep your pricing structure straightforward. For example, you might offer one or two packages, such as:

A Mini Session: $100 for 30 minutes and 5 edited images
A Full Session: $200 for 1 hour and 15 edited images

As you grow, you can introduce more options and add-ons like prints or extra images.

How to Start Charging for Your Photography Services

Build a Portfolio: Even if you’re a hobby photographer, having a portfolio of your best work is essential. You can create this by offering a few free or discounted sessions to friends and family.
Decide on Your Rates: Start with rates you’re comfortable with, but remember to account for your time and costs.
Communicate Clearly: When booking clients, be upfront about your pricing and what’s included. Having this in writing (like in an email or simple contract) will help avoid any confusion.
Market Yourself: Share your work on social media, create a simple website, or even just use word of mouth to let people know you’re open for business.

Marketing Your Photography Business for Beginners

FAQs for Beginner Photographers

1. How do I know if I’m ready to start charging? If you’ve been practicing consistently and feel confident delivering quality images, you’re ready. Don’t wait for perfection—you’ll continue to grow as you go.

2. What if someone says I’m too expensive? Not everyone will be your client, and that’s okay. Focus on people who value your work and are willing to pay for your services. As you gain more experience, your confidence in your pricing will grow.

3. Should I work for free to gain experience? It’s fine to do a few free or discounted sessions when you’re just starting out, but don’t let it become a habit. Transition into charging as soon as possible—even if it’s a small amount.

4. Do I need a business license to start charging? This depends on your location. In many cases, you can start as a sole proprietor, but check your local regulations to be sure. It’s also a good idea to look into liability insurance for your photography business.

5. How can I make my first clients feel comfortable? Be professional, communicate clearly, and guide them through the process. Let them know what to expect during the session and reassure them that you’ll help with posing and ideas.

The Ultimate Tell All Photography Workflow System

Starting your photography business might feel daunting, but remember, every successful photographer started somewhere. Take small steps, keep learning, and don’t undervalue your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be turning your passion into a profitable venture.