How Much Should a Photography Session Cost? (From $50 Gigs to a Full-Time Photography Business)
“How much should a photography session cost?” It’s one of the most common questions photographers and clients alike ask — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Pricing varies depending on experience, location, post-production work, and the client experience. In this in-depth blog, we break it down from the perspective of both the photographer and the client. We share how Stephanie started out charging $50–$100 per gig, doing free collaborations to build her portfolio, and slowly increased her rates as her skills and confidence grew. Today, we’re more selective about what we shoot, prioritize connection over quantity, and let our work and client relationships guide our pricing.
Whether you're a new photographer figuring out how to set your rates, or someone looking to hire a professional and wondering what’s fair — this guide gives you real numbers, a full breakdown of what you're paying for, and why great photography is about more than just pictures. It’s about how you feel before, during, and after your session. As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel."
Cover Image Courtesy of Justin Veenema
“How much should a photography session cost?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear — from both clients and photographers alike.
The truth is, photography pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on a number of factors like experience, location, editing style, gear, session type, and even how confident you are in your own skills. So instead of giving you just a number, let’s walk through what pricing often looks like from beginner to seasoned pro — and how our own journey shaped the way we price our sessions today.
Image Courtesy of Justin Veenema
Time is precious — and as photographers, it’s one of our most valuable investments. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your journey, pricing your work isn’t just about hours or edits — it’s about the experience you bring.
If you're a fellow creative or photographer figuring out your rates, let's connect. Share your story, your challenges, or your wins — we’re always down to network, collaborate, and grow together. Drop your IG or website below ⬇️ or DM us directly. Let’s build something real.
Wondering what goes into pricing a photoshoot or navigating the cost as a client? We've been on both sides. Whether you're booking your first session or starting your own business, we're happy to share what we've learned—and hear your story too.
👉 Let’s Connect
Starting Out: $50 to $100 Sessions (Learning & Gaining Experience)
When Stephanie first started photography, we were still dating. I’d go with her to shoots and help carry gear, hold reflectors, and set things up. Back then, she was charging anywhere from $50 to $100 per session.
It wasn’t about the money — it was about getting experience. She was still learning camera settings, experimenting with natural light, and practicing editing techniques. During this time, she also said yes to a lot of collaborations and free work. Why? Because every shoot taught her something new.
If you're just starting out:
It’s okay to charge less.
Focus on learning: exposure, posing, editing, and client communication.
Say yes to opportunities that help you build a portfolio (even if they don’t pay much at first).
Be transparent with clients about where you are in your journey.
The Growth Phase: $100 to $250 Sessions (Practice Meets Value)
As Steph practiced more, took in-person classes, and committed to refining her skills, she slowly started bumping up her prices. $100 became her base, and while sessions weren’t always consistent, people started recognizing her style and effort.
But it wasn’t always easy. There were moments we had to lower prices just to get booked — especially during slower seasons. We did what we had to do, but each time we delivered a gallery, we got a little better. We listened to client feedback. We studied what made a photo “feel right.”
Eventually, clients started referring others. That’s when we realized: consistency and client experience mattered just as much as skill.
Building Momentum: $250 to $500 Sessions (Creating Value Through Experience)
With a few years of experience under her belt, Steph’s confidence grew — and so did her portfolio. We weren’t just taking pictures anymore; we were helping people preserve memories, celebrate milestones, and document love.
This is when we really began to treat it like a business:
We invested in better gear.
We created a more professional booking experience.
We learned about SEO, branding, and how to market ourselves.
We set clear expectations and built trust with every client.
Pricing went up to $250–$500 per session depending on the type of shoot. And clients didn’t hesitate to book — because they saw the value and experience we were delivering.
Established Photographer: $500+ Sessions (When the Work Speaks for Itself)
Today, we’re more selective with what we take on. We’re not chasing every inquiry. We don’t compete on price. We focus on the experience we give, the quality of work we deliver, and the relationships we build with our clients.
People now find us through word of mouth, blog posts, and SEO. And they’re not just looking for “a photographer” — they’re booking us for our perspective, our vibe, our storytelling. That’s a major shift.
If you're in this phase or working toward it:
Know your worth and communicate it confidently.
Factor in not just shoot time, but editing, travel, planning, and gear maintenance.
Continue investing in your craft — classes, workshops, personal projects.
Protect your energy. You can’t serve everyone, and you shouldn’t try to.
So… How Much Should a Photography Session Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown by experience level:
Beginner Photographer (0–1 years): $50–$150
Intermediate Photographer (1–3 years): $150–$300
Experienced Photographer (3–5+ years): $300–$600+
High-End or Niche Photographer: $600–$1500+
These numbers can vary wildly depending on your market, niche, and business goals. But the point is this: price your work in a way that reflects your time, talent, and the value you bring to each session.
And if you're a client reading this? Don’t just look at price — look at passion, consistency, experience, and how the photographer makes you feel.
There’s a quote we think about often in our own work:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
That’s the kind of value you can’t always see in a portfolio — but you’ll feel it during the session and every time you look back at your photos.
Our Journey in a Nutshell
From $50 gigs and free collaborations to booking $600+ portrait sessions and full-day events — it’s been a ride. But every stage taught us something.
Today, we’re still learning, still growing. But we’re proud to say we no longer chase every dollar. Instead, we focus on crafting meaningful experiences and letting the right clients find us.
If you're in the thick of figuring out what to charge — or how to justify your rates — trust the process. You’re not just charging for photos. You’re charging for your time, your vision, your years of learning, and the irreplaceable way you see the world.
Want to Work With Us?
Whether you’re planning a last-minute photoshoot or looking to document something meaningful, we’d love to connect.
See our full list of photography packages at www.lastminutephotoshoot.com
Let’s create something timeless, together.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
Two Outfits, Two Stops: Turning a Temecula Date into a Creative Couples Photography Challenge
When your partner is also your photography partner-in-crime, even date nights turn into creative challenges. For this Temecula adventure, Stephanie gave me a mission: two outfits, two locations, natural light only, and just two lenses—the 85mm prime and 24-70mm zoom. First stop? South Coast Winery, where blue skies, towering palm trees, and lush green lawns perfectly complemented her yellow athletic outfit. The vibrant colors, soft natural light, and breezy vineyard landscape gave us a dreamy golden-hour session. Then we switched it up and drove to Lorimar Winery, a Tuscan-inspired gem that matched her elegant white dress and cheetah-print sunglasses. We leaned into the romance of golden light, textured backdrops, and a slower, more refined vibe. This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a creative reset, a couple’s challenge, and a reminder of how constraints can lead to our most inspired work. Whether you're a fellow photography duo or just love unique date ideas, let this inspire your next outing. Bonus: no flashes, just natural light and a love for the craft.
When most couples think of a date in Temecula, they imagine sipping wine, watching the sun set behind the vineyards, and maybe grabbing dinner downtown. But for us—two photographers, partners in life and business—date night looks a little different. Ours comes with lenses, lighting challenges, and just enough pressure to make it fun.
This past weekend, Stephanie tossed out a creative curveball. She said, “I want you to plan a two-outfit shoot in Temecula. Here are the rules.”
Game on.
The Rules:
Only use our 85mm prime and 24-70mm zoom.
Natural light only. No flash, no reflectors.
Location 1 must have palm trees, blue skies, and lush green grass to match a yellow athletic outfit.
Location 2 must complement a white dress with cheetah-print sunglasses—so think elegant winery vibes.
Stop 1: South Coast Winery — Palm Trees, Greenery, and That Yellow Pop
We kicked things off at South Coast Winery, a go-to destination in Temecula known for its palm-lined paths, manicured gardens, and open walkways. It’s one of those places that looks stunning in person—but finding the right frame, especially in mid-day light, took some creative problem-solving.
The lighting wasn’t golden hour—it was bright, direct, and harsh in spots. We had to work quickly, bouncing between shadows and bursts of sunlight while figuring out which angles gave us the look we were after. At first, it was a challenge getting the balance right between highlights and shadows. But once we found this leafy, shaded walkway covered in vines and blooms, the entire vibe shifted.
Stephanie’s yellow athletic outfit absolutely popped under the canopy of green. Framed by symmetrical tree trunks, vibrant florals, and soft dappled light, this setup allowed us to make the most of the mid-day sun without it overpowering the shot. Her confident pose, sneakers, and playful tip of the cap gave the look a bold, joyful energy that kicked the shoot off with serious personality.
We used the 85mm to create that slight background compression, helping her stand out while still showing the depth of the walkway and the lushness around her. The location suddenly didn’t just work—it enhanced the shot.
Stephanie in a bold yellow athletic set, striking a confident pose under a vine-covered walkway at South Coast Winery during a midday shoot.
Stop 2: Vitagliano Vineyards – European Elegance in Temecula Wine Country
For the second outfit—a romantic white lace mini dress paired with bold cheetah-print sunglasses, layered pearls, and sheer red gloves—we wanted a setting that felt cinematic and regal.
Vitagliano Vineyards was made for this look. Tucked away at the end of a quiet road in Temecula, this winery feels like a secret garden pulled straight from Tuscany. Think arched wooden doors, stone walls, terracotta rooftops, and a sparkling lake surrounded by rows of vines. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—and every photo feels like a still from a European indie film.
This shot captures that feeling perfectly. Framed by textured stonework and filtered through soft greenery, Stephanie leans confidently in the archway—part vintage glamour, part wild spirit. Her look played with contrast: the softness of lace against the edge of cheetah print and those fiery red gloves. A boho lace bandana wrapped around her hair added a carefree, feminine touch that grounded the whole ensemble in effortless style.
We leaned heavily on natural light, letting the warmth of golden hour pour through the vines and kiss her skin. The 85mm lens helped us isolate her from the lush background, creating depth and softness, while the surrounding textures added visual tension that elevated the entire frame.
If you’re looking for a Temecula winery location that feels luxurious, artistic, and steeped in charm—Vitagliano Vineyards is it.
Stephanie in a white lace mini dress and boho bandana, framed by stone archways at Vitagliano Vineyards in Temecula.
The Takeaway: Turn Any Shoot into a Challenge
This shoot reminded us that even something simple—two outfits, two lenses, two locations—can feel like a creative reset. But more importantly, it reminded us not to get complacent in our skills. As photographers, we sometimes rely too much on perfect lighting, golden hour, reflectors, or controlled conditions. This was a chance to strip all that back and really learn.
Shooting in the middle of the day with harsh light and lots of exposure pushed us to get more intentional with our camera settings, read the environment better, and problem-solve on the fly. It wasn’t easy—but it made us better. The challenge reminded us that creativity often comes from constraint.
If you’re a photographer couple (or just creatives with a camera), try building your own version of this. Set parameters, embrace limitations, and turn an ordinary afternoon into something unforgettable.
Oh, and bring snacks. Trust us—photographers get cranky without snacks.
Want to see how it turned out? We’ll be posting behind-the-scenes and edited shots on Instagram @lastminutephotoshoot. Come hang out.
Here are the pictures! 📸
What do you like to do for date nights? Let us know—we're always up for a new challenge.
Cheers to turning date night into a lens test.
— Son
Stay Connected With Us Want more behind-the-scenes stories, travel adventures, and creative photography challenges?
Sign up through our contact form or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with everything we're up to.
We’d love to have you along for the ride.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories, travel adventures, and creative photography challenges? We’d love to have you along for the ride.
Sign up through our contact form or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with everything we're up to.
👉 Stay in Touch
When the Venue Catfishes You: A DJ Portfolio Shoot Gone Off Track… and Back On Again
Not every creative shoot goes according to plan—and this one was a lesson in rolling with the punches. We were booked for a portfolio session with an up-and-coming DJ in Los Angeles who wanted artistic shots to elevate her brand. She found a studio on Peerspace that looked like a dream, but what we walked into was anything but. Hidden inside an auto body shop, we had to step over used tires and duck under ladders just to reach a tiny converted office that barely fit three people. The lighting was terrible, and the vibe? Completely off. Ten minutes in, we knew this wasn’t it. But instead of letting it defeat us, we regrouped, loaded our gear, and drove through LA until we stumbled upon an empty parking lot at golden hour. That’s where the real magic happened—minimal backdrop, pure energy, and a creative team that doesn’t quit. If there’s one thing this experience reminded us: don’t overcomplicate the process. Stay optimistic, be adaptable, and trust your instincts. Oh—and always check the Peerspace reviews.
Cover Image Courtesy of Nainoa Shizura
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a fresh creative shoot with an up-and-coming artist—especially one with a vision. We were booked to photograph a rising DJ in Los Angeles who was looking to update her portfolio with some edgy, artistic content. She had booked a space through Peerspace, and based on the listing photos, it looked like a dream: moody lighting, industrial-chic backdrops, a vibe that screamed underground creative renaissance.
Except… that’s not exactly what we got.
Upon arrival, we were immediately thrown off. The address took us to an auto body shop—yes, a full-blown working shop with used tires stacked high, scattered auto parts, and ladders leaning in every direction. One of them nearly fell on us as we tried to navigate our way in. It was giving more “tetanus shot needed” than “creative studio vibes.”
At the end of our obstacle course, we were led to a small back office that had been converted into a makeshift "studio space." And while we admire the hustle of turning unconventional spaces into something functional, this one just didn’t deliver. It was way smaller than advertised, the lighting was non-existent (hello, flash photography), and the energy quickly started to fizzle out. Ten minutes in, we were creatively and emotionally drained.
But like any team of seasoned professionals, we didn’t pack up and call it quits.
Instead, we looked at each other, took a deep breath, and did what creatives do best—pivoted.
We ended the session early, loaded up the gear, and took a drive around Los Angeles until we found an open, empty parking lot bathed in golden hour light. No fancy props. No curated studio. Just pavement, light, and a client ready to make magic. And magic is exactly what we made.
📸 The final images? Bold, raw, and everything our client needed.
🚘 The takeaway? You don’t always need a Pinterest-perfect space to create portfolio-worthy shots. Sometimes the best moments come when you simplify the process, stay optimistic, and trust your team.
When life hands you lemons, you make magic in a parking garage! 🎥 We were catfished on location, but we turned the situation around and created something unforgettable. Sometimes the best shots come when you least expect it!
Lessons for Fellow Creatives and Clients Booking Through Peerspace:
Read the reviews — Don’t just go off the photos. Look for recent feedback.
Check the location on Google Maps — Street view can give you a better feel for the surrounding area.
Understand the cancellation policy — Just in case the space doesn’t live up to expectations.
Come prepared — Always pack backup lighting and a mindset that can adapt on the fly.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories, travel adventures, and creative photography challenges? We’d love to have you along for the ride.
Sign up through our contact form or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with everything we're up to.
👉 Stay in Touch
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a DJ building your brand or a photographer trying to deliver a five-star experience, the creative process isn’t always smooth. But that’s what makes it rewarding. It's in the moments of challenge where the magic happens—especially when you’ve got a team that knows how to pivot with grace, grit, and a camera in hand.
Thinking of booking a creative session in Los Angeles? Let’s connect. Whether it’s an alley, rooftop, or (yes) even a parking lot—we’ll help you make it unforgettable.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
When Your Photographer Bails on You: A Note From the Heart
There’s something we need to talk about. As photographers, we often meet clients who come to us in a panic, sharing the same heartbreaking story: their original photographer bailed on them last minute—sometimes just hours before a surprise proposal. It’s something we hear more often than we’d like, and it never sits right with us.
Today, we got one of those messages. A client reached out in desperation, needing a surprise proposal shot just hours away. The location was two hours from us, and if we weren’t already booked, we would’ve done everything in our power to make it happen. But this time, we couldn’t. And it broke our hearts.
Because we know what’s at stake. This isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s a life-changing moment. Asking someone to spend forever with you is sacred, intimate, and deserves to be handled with care. We don’t take it lightly.
That’s why we built our business on showing up, communicating clearly, and treating our clients like family. We’re not perfect, but we give it everything we’ve got. So if you’ve ever been let down before—know this: we see you, we hear you, and we’re here to help you do it right.
Cover Image Courtesy of Taychilla
I need to get something off my chest.
Today, we got a message from someone who needed a surprise proposal photographer—within a few hours. He was panicked. The photographer he originally hired bailed on him last minute.
And sadly… we hear this far too often.
These aren't just casual photo sessions. This is one of the biggest moments of someone's life. You're about to get down on one knee and ask the person you love to spend forever with you. How does someone say "yes" to capturing that kind of moment—and then vanish?
The truth? I don’t know who has the heart to do that. But what I do know is this: we take this job seriously. And more than that, personally.
We were already booked for today. The location was two hours away. But if we weren’t already shooting, we would’ve moved heaven and earth to be there. That’s just how we operate. Because our clients? They're never just clients. They become family.
This isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. This is about showing up. Communicating. Following through. And caring deeply enough to treat someone else’s milestone like it’s your own.
We’re not perfect. But we do our best to answer every call, every text, every email—especially when it matters most. We’ve shown up early. We’ve driven in the rain. We’ve climbed trails, packed backup gear, and pulled late nights editing because we know the weight of these moments.
So to anyone reading this—if you’ve been burned before, I’m sorry. You deserve better. If you're still looking for someone to help tell your story, someone who won't flake when it matters most, we’re here. We care. And we will show up.
Let’s create something meaningful together.