Event Photographers

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Hi I thought I would put this out to you all.

What would you consider a decent Per hour price to take event photos.

This would include but is not limited to:

Group shots (with and with out Celebrities)

Candid shots

Editing or shot in Jpeg SOOC

Travel

Expenses

Ability to wirelessly transfer photos to client at a moment's notice.

1 to 7 day events

Please put your hourly rate in comments.

If you are not happy posting hourly rate here then please PM me.
 
Last edited:

rocketman122

Senior Member
I think the hourly rate is between 50-100 bucks in the US for a second shooter. depending on level and gear and what his task is. some just assist, some shoot. some both. not sure what it would be in australia.
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
I think the hourly rate is between 50-100 bucks in the US for a second shooter. depending on level and gear and what his task is. some just assist, some shoot. some both. not sure what it would be in australia.
ok

Ok this is not for a second shooter.
I will be requiring primary shooters worldwide to attend events and capture the clients requirements.
I already have a booking in November 2017 for a 4 day event.

Am currently drawing up contracts and agreements.
 

GeoWes

Senior Member
Hey, Scott! My base rate is $60 per hour plus expenses. I may adjust the hourly rate depending on what the local market is, the client's budget and the type of event, (a charity event might get me for free) depending on residual sales. No negotiation on expenses. Some situations may require a 50% deposit. (non refundable) All situations require a contract.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I think the hourly rate is between 50-100 bucks in the US for a second shooter. depending on level and gear and what his task is. some just assist, some shoot. some both. not sure what it would be in australia.

A lot of the 2nd shooter gigs I've seen come from unknown primary shooters are in that $10-25/hour USD range. Higher rates come from working with primary shooter who know the quality of work that the 2nd shooter produces. That does not involve image editing, just coverage for the time needed.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Hey, Scott! My base rate is $60 per hour plus expenses. I may adjust the hourly rate depending on what the local market is, the client's budget and the type of event, (a charity event might get me for free) depending on residual sales. No negotiation on expenses. Some situations may require a 50% deposit. (non refundable) All situations require a contract.

This is pretty close to my model when I'm primary shooter. I've done a few variations on charity pricing, including a Pre-agreed donation rate for images purchased from the event, to flat discounted coverage rate...depending on the expected outcome.
 

rocketman122

Senior Member
A lot of the 2nd shooter gigs I've seen come from unknown primary shooters are in that $10-25/hour USD range. Higher rates come from working with primary shooter who know the quality of work that the 2nd shooter produces. That does not involve image editing, just coverage for the time needed.

a top level 2nd shooter gets that much? heres the problem. its that most 2nd shooter arent that good to be primary shooter and dont have excellent gear or high level that they can go solo. so usually weekend warriors. and those who are good are primary. all I know is that if I were in the us, I would be getting 100 bucks an hour. no less. because im a high level primary shooter who also does 2nd shooter jobs. I just prefer to freelance ..get paid and move on and not deal with the client bs. and we do weddings 6 days of the week.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
a top level 2nd shooter gets that much? heres the problem. its that most 2nd shooter arent that good to be primary shooter and dont have excellent gear or high level that they can go solo. so usually weekend warriors. and those who are good are primary. all I know is that if I were in the us, I would be getting 100 bucks an hour. no less. because im a high level primary shooter who also does 2nd shooter jobs. I just prefer to freelance ..get paid and move on and not deal with the client bs. and we do weddings 6 days of the week.

Not top level, no. If the primary shooter doesn't know anything about the 2nd shooter, then rates start low. No doubt you would be higher than that starting rate, just validating that the "average" rate is going to be below where you would rank in at.
 

kevy73

Senior Member
A strict hourly rate is difficult to determine - some events require more equipment, time, experience than others. I pay my 2nd shooters $50 AUD / hr for weddings.
 
If you are looking for anybody in the UK,,,Two of us with 810/800 Vast experience at events Insured Qualified BIPP MPA RPS £650 for the day inc transport to event ..not sure about the instant wireless transfer. but we can set up to do it if you specify requirements.
 
Last edited:

kevy73

Senior Member
I use a couple, 1 is extremely experienced - has his own company, but just doesn't get as busy as me and so is often available if my usual 2nd can't make it - my usual 2nd has only ever shot 2 weddings as primary and hated it. She works for a studio here from time to time and also does school photo's too - she is also my sister. I pay both the same. I think that is a fair price.
 
Top