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
From Toy Cameras to Timeless Memories: How It All Began
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to become a photographer, or if you’ve been holding onto a dream of turning your passion into a career, this blog shares the story of how it all started for me—and what I’ve learned along the way. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was surrounded by creativity from an early age. One of my earliest memories is playing with my dad’s camera when I was just 2 or 3 years old, pretending it was a toy. I had no idea that moment would become the foundation for everything I do now.
Later, after our family moved more inland, my dad opened his first photo studio in San Bernardino. That studio became a second home for me. I watched, learned, and eventually helped—from holding reflectors to organizing gear. Being around photography shaped the way I saw the world and planted the seed for what would later grow into a full-time business.
In this blog, I take you through my personal journey—from my first Sony digital camera that never left my side, to upgrading to a Canon 6D where I learned the fundamentals through trial, error, and a few good classes. Today, I shoot professionally with a Sony A7 and a Sigma Art 24-70mm lens, capturing families, couples, and moments throughout Temecula, Riverside County, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
But more than gear or technique, I share what really matters: investing in yourself. I break down why the best way to grow isn’t always through new equipment—it’s through consistent practice, studying the work of photographers you admire, recreating images for learning, and building skills beyond photography itself. Because along the way, you’ll pick up communication, networking, business management, marketing, and the confidence to step into your role not just as a photographer—but as an artist and entrepreneur.
Whether you're a creative soul from Orange County dreaming of getting into photography, a traveler visiting Temecula wine country looking to document your trip, or someone from Los Angeles who’s always loved taking pictures but never knew where to begin—this story is a reminder that your journey doesn’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin. It’s not about the destination or even the camera you use—it’s about the person you become along the way.
The number one question I get asked—besides “how much do you charge?”—is:
“How did you become a photographer?”
So I wanted to write this blog, not just to answer that, but in hopes that it helps someone out there who’s just getting started or dreaming of becoming a photographer, too.
For me, it started way before I ever considered it a career. I was just 2 or 3 years old when I picked up my first camera. It wasn’t mine—it belonged to my dad, who was a photographer. He always had cameras lying around, and one of my earliest memories is playing with one like it was a toy. I had no clue how to use it, but something about it felt powerful—even magical.
As I got older, I started helping out at my dad’s photo studio in San Bernardino. I’d run errands, hold gear, and just be around it all. I didn’t realize it then, but those early experiences were shaping the way I saw the world—through light, expression, connection, and storytelling. Through a lens.
Trying to figure things out when you don’t even know the first step? Yeah—we remember that feeling. If you just need to pick someone’s brain or talk it through, we’re all ears and more than happy to help.
👉 Let’s Connect
The First Camera That Was Truly Mine
Eventually, I got my own camera—a little Sony digital camera I took everywhere. I snapped photos of sunsets, pets, food, friends, trees—anything and everything. I didn’t care about the settings; I just wanted to capture what I saw. That little camera taught me more than I realized at the time. It gave me permission to create.
Later, I saved up for my first “real” camera: a Canon 6D. That’s when I started taking photography seriously. I took classes, learned how to use light intentionally, studied angles and composition, and started figuring out how to make photos that not only looked good but felt like something.
Today, I shoot with a Sony A7 and my go-to lens, the Sigma Art 24–70mm. But what I’ve learned along the way is this: gear helps, but it’s never the whole story.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Start
One of the biggest myths in photography is that you need expensive equipment to get going. It’s simply not true.
The best camera is the one you already have—yes, even your phone. Today’s phones are better than most point-and-shoot cameras from just ten years ago. And what really matters when you’re starting out isn’t megapixels or full-frame sensors—it’s your eye. It’s how you see the world and what you choose to share from it.
You don’t need to wait until you can afford the “best” gear. You just need to start creating with what you’ve got.
A collection of professional cameras symbolizing the journey of a dedicated photographer—reminder that growth in photography starts with small steps, consistency, and building strong creative habits.
7 Honest Tips for Aspiring Photographers
Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or reigniting an old passion, here’s some real, heart-to-heart advice I’d give anyone just starting out:
Start with what you have.
Use your phone. Borrow a camera. Don’t wait for perfect gear. The best way to improve is to start.Practice daily.
Capture the little moments—your coffee, your dog, sunlight through the window. The more you shoot, the more you’ll train your eye to see beauty in the ordinary.Invest in yourself—it’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
Take a class. Read photography books. Watch YouTube tutorials. Study your favorite photographers’ work and try to recreate the photos you love—not to copy them, but to learn how they were made. Growth starts with curiosity and commitment.Learn the basics.
Understand light. Master composition. Get comfortable adjusting your settings. The fundamentals will take you farther than any fancy equipment ever could.Stay curious.
Ask questions. Explore different styles. Experiment. When something catches your eye, shoot it—even if it doesn’t make sense yet. Curiosity is the spark behind creativity.Don’t rush to upgrade.
Use your current gear until it limits you. Expensive cameras don’t make you better—practice does. When you do upgrade, do it intentionally.Be patient with your style.
Everyone starts by mimicking what they admire. Over time, your own voice will come through. Don’t rush the process. Your style will evolve with you—and that’s a beautiful thing.
It’s Not Just the Photography That Grows—You Do, Too
Here’s something I wish more people told me when I started:
It’s not just about the photos. It’s about the person you become in the process.
When you commit to photography, you end up learning so much more than how to use a camera. You learn how to communicate with clients. How to handle pressure. How to manage your time, your brand, your business.
You learn how to sell your services, how to market yourself, how to create an experience that’s bigger than a photo. You become a storyteller, a creative, a problem solver, a small business owner.
It’s not just about the journey or the destination—it’s about the growth. The confidence you gain. The way you carry yourself. The skills you never expected to develop. That’s what makes it all worth it.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s this:
You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” You don’t need a perfect plan or the perfect gear. You just need to start. Messy, curious, and open to learning.
My journey started with a camera I didn’t know how to use and a heart full of wonder. I had no idea it would become my career, my creative outlet, and my connection to people around the world.
But it did—and if it can happen for me, it can happen for you.
So grab whatever camera you’ve got, and begin. Your story is already unfolding. Capture it.
And if you ever need someone to root for you—know that I am.
Let’s Connect
Got a creative idea you’ve been thinking about? Want to collaborate on a project together?
Leave a comment below and share what’s on your mind—let’s see if we can make it happen.
And if you have any questions about photography, getting started, gear, or just need someone to talk shop with, I’d be more than happy to answer.
Let’s grow together. 💬📸