Ever since I've been freelancing, I've always aimed to keep prices for my photographic services reasonable while also delivering the highest standard possible for all those I work with. Part of this strategy is charging explicitly by the hour across most services, rather than based on the specific service provided.
That way, a photoshoot with an individual that lasts for an hour (my rate currently being $300) is within reach of people. On the contrary, the organiser of a big and extravagant function lasting 6 hours would be charged $1050 for my services. Likewise, a professional photographer wouldn't be out of reach for smaller or shorter events.
The current pricing arrangements have been in place since I formally started this business in 2020. I've kept the same pricing arrangements in place over those years as I've built a clientele and grown my reputation. 2020 of course was impacted by lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as was much of 2021. Keeping prices consistent as we moved out of the pandemic and back into something resembling normality in the following years made the most sense.
2021-2024 has seen a steady increase in inflation and associated cost of living increases. Over those years, inflation has increased cumulatively by 18.5%. My business, however, isn't slowing down despite these cost of living pressures - it's still building - both with photographic services as well as image licensing. I'm doing more work, yet the fees I currently charge aren't stretching as far as they once did.
As such, from September 1, for the first time in more than three years, there will be a modest increase in rates for services. The first hour for any service will become $350 (from $300) and the successive hourly rate will increase to $175 (from $150). This represents an increase of about 16% - well under the rate of inflation for the period aforementioned. This increase will also apply across all extras for event photography.
Production stills will be priced at a minimum of $175 per shooting day rather than the current arrangement of no minimum, with the 5% of production budget rule applying up until a daily maximum price of equivalent of an 8 hour shoot ($1575) is reached.
Image licensing will remain at its present $75 rate per image for non commercial usage - a price that has steadily increased over the years but has remained consistent for at least the last year, and I intend to keep this rate in place without increase for at least another year. I've also recently added the option of commercial licensing for $160 per image.
These price changes won't affect current quotes nor will they be in effect for any quote given up until September 1. The incoming pricing arrangements will remain in place for at least the current financial year.
The full current price schedule can be viewed on the Service Fees page.
Kind regards,
Matt
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