Event Photography Pricing and Rates

For Event Photography in Sydney Australia

By Orlando Sydney Post Modified April 17, 2024 @ 4:20 pm Last Updated on 2 months by https://orlandosydney.com/

Event photography prices and rates are fairly steady now with demand being a little more predictable. So too have Corporate event photography rates as they had been impacted by unusual market conditions in the recent past. Business conditions are steady with interest rates on hold or possibly declining. More confidence equals more spend on creative and documentary works.

Read the article and see what the current competitive event photography rates and packages are.

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Event Photography Pricing and Rates

Happy Clients

Trend in event photography, Predictions

A prediction is that some event organisers will keep the same rates structure, and others will have more significant fluctuations in rates due to external factors.

Two factors will remain for Event Managers looking to book photographers; one is the experience of the photographers balanced with their budget allocation for photography.
The other is photographers’ costs of doing business. Will the photographer be able to afford lower rates than previous assignments? Unfortunately many have been forced out of business already.
Photographers’ business costs and matching the experience level that an Event Manager is looking for will be an additional challenge for some.
In 2024, we may end up with a shortage of available experienced professional event Photographers; Photographers that can capture the essence of the event and perform under the pressure of large events while keeping to the shot list.
Full-time photographers may need to look for additional work due to the shrinking available shoots during business hours.
Conversely, there may be more part-time photographers for out-of-business-hours events.

Professional photographers and event managers will need a bit of extra communication to get that perfect match and overcome any budget challenges.

A lack of open communication by both will no doubt result in disappointment.

How much event photographers charge for photography will continue to vary greatly. Compare the prices to experience and the quality of the photos and service you need.

This article focuses on event photography rates for business and corporate events.

Current Event Photography Rates

List of average Event Photography Rates in Sydney

Event Photography Rates Table, Sydney
Type	AUD
Rates per hour average	$150-$280
Half day rate average	$720
Day rate average	$1440
Minimum charge	$440
Typical event cost	$400-$2400
Average travel charges	$0.00-$1200
Preliminaries	$0.00
Standard editing	$0.00
First party photo use licence	$0.00

Event Photography Price List Info graphic

Event Photography Price List 2024

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For Event Photography in Sydney Australia
Trend in event photography, Predictions
Current Event Photography Rates
How much does it cost to hire a photographer for an event?
Types of Events and Rates
How much does it cost for a Professional Corporate Events Photographer?
Australian event photography rates compared
Photography payment and bookings terms
Orlando Sydney’s Biography

How much does it cost to hire a photographer for an event?

Event photographers will charge $180 to $250 per hour with a 2-hour minimum for a local City of Sydney event.

How do you price an event photographer?

For great pro event photographers allow $200-280 in your budget. The amount does have some variance depending if it is just a few hours or a full day. Event photography fees will be around $1,500 – $2,200 per 8 or 10 hours.

Beginner or part time photographers will generally get less than this pending their experience and event criteria. It is the same for freelancers filling their diaries with established studios and agencies providing the leads and client relationship management.

Sydney event photography prices vary greatly. For example, weddings tend to be the most costly and at the lower end of the cost scale are typically small family events. For full day events the average rate can be from $1600 up to $2500 depending on the type of event and equipment required. This may vary in 2024 by up to -10%.

To book an experienced event photographer in Sydney you can pay from minimum of $440 and up for a single hour booked at a time.

Price factors include; are they based near the event venue? How much equipment and type will they need? The experience of the photographer will also be a big determinant on price. We are located within walking distance to all the best event venues in Sydney.

Types of Events and Rates

Small event photography price considerations

Small indoor events are usually dimly lit, so the photographer will need to be good with flash, aka Speedlight photography. Not many beginner photographers are confident, as it can be a little daunting and predictable. For small events, without the skills to use flash, you may be able to charge less. Quality flash equipment costs can be high and those skills takes a while to hone. Beginners at a lower cost point for some types of events are perfectly fine for simple well-lit events.

Small indoor events may have an oversupply of photographers, with many part-timers trying to make a few extra dollars in a tightening economy.

Event Photography Packages

Photographers offer price packages to their regular clients and for when they have multiple-day events. Photo Booths and instant print are sometimes used at corporate events. These can be booked directly with one of the many excellent photo booth suppliers in Sydney or we can book and co-ordinate on your behalf to save you time.

You can also add Video packages if you require the head photographer to manage that process too. If you have a favourite video team, just let us know, and we can arrange all your media needs.

It could also be a great time to arrange for your leadership team to have their executive headshots taken.

How much does it cost for a Professional Corporate Events Photographer?

Trade Show Expos, Gala Dinner Events and Conferences & Seminars will need a photographer with experience in those niches. Particularly a corporate event photographer will need a strong understanding of the demographic of your attendees and be relatable.

Corporate photographers equipment list is very similar across these 3 niches and pricing will have little variance.

What are the Rates Summary for Corporate Events?

Full day events of 8-10 hours, the average photographer day rate is from $200-$280 per hour.
Prices for event photography have a minimum average charge of $440.
Typical event photography pricing in Sydney and Melbourne averages from $440 – $2500.

Comparing to commercial photography costs in Australia

Commercial rates can range from $150 and $400 per hour. By its nature, commercial photography requires a professional freelancer with considerable experience, a large assortment of camera equipment and at some bookings, an assistant or two. For speciality shoots they may have an additional charge for dedicated camera gear.

Can I Book an Event Photographer Per Hour?

Sure, you can book per hour for professional event photography. Hourly rates in Sydney, Australia average from $330 to $440 for a single-hour booking. Less per hour for multiple hours booked and is what we recommend.

On some occasions booking an event photographer per hour is a good idea. Hourly rates are suitable for the times when you are not sure how long the event will last. Or when you have a fixed price and may need an extra hour or two on the day.

Knowing the hourly rate upfront can give peace of mind. Event photographer hourly rates in Australia are on par with other comparable countries. Booking in half or full-day is our recommendation.

Specialist event photography costs for weddings

Day Rates for good Sydney wedding photography start at $2200 for an intimate wedding at a local city venue by a professional photographer. There’s some nice inclusions for this price and the type of personal service a couple would want on there special journey.

Read the full article on how you can save for a wedding photographer, read that article.

Outdoor Event photo in Sydney Eastern Suburbs

Australian event photography rates compared

Countries like the US, England and Hong Kong have very similar rates when converted to local currency. Australian rates in capital cities compare well with other similar countries. Check out a few price comparisons on our long form article on photography prices.

Comparing freelance photographers

You don’t want to pay too much. And just about every time, you don’t want to pay too little.

Low budget photographers have not allowed for their skills development, nor will they have the full suite of resources to deliver their services to a standard. Or have professional camera equipment and reliable backup processes. How about insurance, a professional will always have full cover for public liability.

Cheap photographers are cheap for a reason and you’ll find most photography booking service websites who aggregate beginners are of higher risk. With such low rates and the booking service taking up to 30% away from photographers leaves very little incentive to potentially even turn up.

Are the Photo use license and copyright Included?

Usage license fees are typically included in event photography. Usage rights differ to ownership rights. Very few if any professional or freelance photographer will give away ownership rights. Typical photo use licensees are perpetual. In special circumstances they may contain restriction on length of time and where the photos can be used. It is rare though.

Event photo use licences typically do not extend to all vendors automatically. Photographers will at the least ask for photo credit and link back to their portfolio. We appreciate vendors asking us the question. The booking Event Management Company and their clients can of course use the photos without credit. Helpful and nice when they are able to link back.

10 tips on what to ask event photographers about rates

Do you have a photography pricing list?
What are Photography rates half day and full day?
Do you have photo price packages?
Are your commercial rates affordable?
Are the prices fixed?
Will the prices be in a written contract?
Is it per-image pricing?
Will you charge extra if the event runs late?
What doesn’t the fee include?
Do I need to pay a deposit?

Photography payment and bookings terms

Typically the booking process is; make an inquiry, exchange a few emails and share the event details and running program if it’s ready.

We’ll provide you with a quotation with all the details of inclusion and conditions in plain speak.

To hire an event photographer, a date retainer is required to lock it in. Bookings can be paid by either EFT or Credit Card. Most of the PO accounts are settled by payment during your regular monthly pay cycles or 7 days. Standard commercial terms can be arranged to keep it consistent with your other suppliers.

Photography tips & ideas pages to read next

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Event Photographers in Sydney

Event Photography Tips, Types & Ideas for Photographers

Photography Pricing Lists, How Much Do They Charge?

Sydney’s Best Photo Spots, Top Shoot Locations

Orlando Sydney’s Biography

Professional Photographer, Orlando Sydney has over 20 years experience in the commercial and corporate sectors. Over his career he has attended and photographed 100’s of business and corporate events. Service excellence has been demonstrated at events ranging from 100 to over 10 000 people in size.

With professional experience in Marketing, Business Development & Strategy, Sales, Floristry, Construction, FMCG, Commercial Real Estate Interiors, Textiles, Electronics, Manufacturing, Workplace diversity and culture. And has been based in Surry Hills Sydney, Australia for over 11 years serving the business community.

Our Expertise is demonstrated with over 1000 photos that are on display on Orlando Sydney Corporate Photography, plus over 120 detailed articles and pages about photography, and many hundreds of satisfied clients. Orlando Sydney Corporate Photography is a member of 3 National Associations and the local Chamber of Commerce Sydney CBD. That combined with behind the lens experience with his first camera in the early 1990’s gives Orlando Sydney a unique perspective in delivering outstanding service.

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