How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Make an Hour?

Table of Contents

    It’s not surprising that after a customer finds professional event photography on the web and sees samples that work with their vision board or photographic brief, they’ll have a few queries. Since we must all stay within our financial means, of course!

    We often get asked, “How much does an event photographer cost?” or “What do event photos cost?” Check out our extensive list of Wedding Photographers in Melbourne to help capture your special moments.

    Why Do We Need Photographers?

    To take photographs of people, locations, and things, photographers rely on their artistic and technical skills. Many hours are spent by photographers thinking of new ways to advertise their services. A lot of people employ them to take pictures at their weddings, parties, and proms. Commonly, they have extensive experience with various photo editing programmes which may or may not actually improve the quality of the images. Photographers often provide customers with album cover designs to commemorate their special moments.

    Advertising, aerial photography, journalistic photography, and event photography are just some of the many possible areas of expertise for photographers. They might target their advertising more precisely if their level of competence is high enough.

    Although formal education is not essential to enter the field of photography, having a certificate, associate’s degree, or master’s in the field can greatly boost one’s chances of finding work. Many people see photography as an art form that requires decades to master, so it’s great for budding photographers to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with professionals. Those in this field need to have keen wits and eyes, as their livelihoods depend on capturing precise moments on film. Since many beginning photographers are responsible for their own promotion, business experience is also helpful.

    The Cost Of Hiring A Photographer For An Event

    Based on 17 salaries provided by anonymous users, the average total compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) for a Photographers with less than one year of expertise is AU$24.90 per hour. Based on our data, the average total salary for a Photographer with 1-3 years of experience is AU$28.38 per hour. Using data from 104 salaries, the average total compensation for a Photographer in the middle of their career (within the range of 5-9 years of experience) is AU$30.09. Based on our data, a Photographers with 10-19 years of experience can expect to make an average of AU$26.30 per hour. A late-career worker (20 years or more) might expect a cumulative bonus of AU$40 on average.

    In depth justifications follow, however these give a good idea of what to expect to pay for an event photographer in Melbourne in 2020:

    • Rate per day ($2000) plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) for 8 hours
    • Half-day (4 hours) $1000 – 1200 + GST
    • $2000 + GST per hour

    Differences In Compensation Geographic Location

    Workers in Brisbane, Queensland with job titles include “Photographer” earn 12.3 percent more than the state average. Melbourne, Victoria, and Perth, Western Australia, both offer above-average earnings for these professions (5.5% more). Adelaide, South Australia, has the lowest salaries in Australia, at 17.4 percentage points lower than the national average, followed by the Gold Coast, Queensland, at 12.4 percentage points lower, and Newcastle, South Wales, at 8.7 percentage points lower.

    How Much Does Event Photography Usually Cost, and What Does the Price Usually Cover?

    The services of a professional photographer for the period of time specified in the quote are typically included in the cost of event photography.

    In most cases (though certainly not all), this will also involve editing the final photographs. Melbourne event photographers charge an average of $250 to $350 per hour, with this pricing varying according to factors like the type of event, duration of event, number of guests, and intended use of photos.

    Does Your Photographer Offer Any Sort of Discounts?

    Depending on the scale of the event and the intended use of the photographs, non-profits and charities may be eligible for a discounted charge of roughly $200 per hour.

    If you’re looking for a photographer who is willing to work pro bono or at a reduced charge for a nonprofit or charity, it’s worth your time to schedule a meeting with them to discuss your project in greater depth and see if your goals and theirs are a good fit.

    For instance, we give one free photography service each year and a discounted pro bono charge for any additional requests.

    Do You Get A Better Deal If You Hire A Photographer For The Whole Day?

    Most photographers would rather spend a full day at a location than just an hour if given the choice, therefore that’s how they usually calculate their prices.

    Even if you only need one hour of coverage, most event photographers will insist on a two-hour minimum booking so that they may make the most of their day and avoid wasting time in transit.

    For instance, if you want to book us for 2 hours, you should expect to pay between $500 and $600, or between $250 and $300 per hour. If you hire them for 8 hours, you’ll pay between $1600 and $2000, or an hourly cost of $200 to $250.

    Some photographers may charge a slightly higher hourly cost on weekends and holidays.

    The agreed upon amount of time to photograph the event, as well as any necessary pre-event phone, Skype, or in-person consultations to go over the client’s specific needs and begin establishing rapport. Photographers may also tack on fees for delivery, but most now include online delivery (via services like DropBox, WeTransfer, or Google Drive) as standard practise.

    There may be additional fees if you want an online gallery or a services where guests may download their own photographs. If you want your ideas sent through a USB or hard drive, you may have to pay a little extra, but it’s usually simply the price of the media itself. Looking for the Best Photographers in Melbourne? We have compiled an exclusive list of some of Melbourne’s best photographers to capture your special day.

    The Cost Of Hiring A Second Photographer

    The second photographer’s hourly rate is typically lower than the first’s because they work under the primary photographer’s supervision. In most cases, these secondary photographers are regular collaborators of the primary photographer.

    One photographer will remain in one place to capture the major event (speakers on stage, branding, or exhibition spaces), while the other roams about to capture candid moments with attendees, as well as different perspectives on what the first photographer captured.

    Should I Expect to Pay for a Photographer’s Gas and Parking?

    In a nutshell: it’s conditional.

    Most photographers covering events in Melbourne do not charge extra for travel to venues up to 30 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district. When you go above that amount, they can start charging you a flat rate, the ATO-recommended 68 cents per kilometre, or both.

    Does a Photographer Need a Down Payment?

    In order to secure their spot, some photographers require a 50% deposit.

    Generally, we bill returning customers after the event, once we’ve finished editing and delivering the photographs. We require a 20% non-refundable payment from new clients to secure a reservation, with the remaining 80% due after the event and the submission of any additional ideas.

    Photographer Average Salary in Australia

    The average yearly salary for a photographers in Australia is about 50,800 Australian dollars. Wages start at a minimum of 23,900 AUD and go up to a maximum of 80,200 AUD (highest).

    That’s the typical annual wage, with all the extras thrown in as well. Photographers can earn a wide range of wages depending on factors such as their level of experience, expertise, gender, and geographic region. What follows is a comprehensive breakdown according to many factors.

    Calculating Variance Using the Median, Mode, and Extremes

    Relative Salary

    The annual earnings of photographers in Australia varied from the federal minimum wage of 23,900 Australian dollars to a maximum of 80,200 AUD (maximum compensation).

    Typical Income

    If half of all Photographer(s) make or less 53,800 AUD annually, and the other half make more, then the median annual pay for Photographer(s) is 53,800 AUD. The median is the midpoint of the pay distribution. Position yourself on the right of the salary distribution, where people often make more money.

    Percentiles

    The 25th and 75th percentiles are very close to the median. Using the data from the salary allocation graphic, we can infer that 75% of Photographer(s) make and over 35,000 AUD annually and that 25% make less than that amount. In addition, the figure shows that 75% of Photographer(s) make less than 71,100 AUD and 25% make more.

    What Does It Mean When We Compare the Highest Salary to the Average Income?

    They’re both telling signs. Your financial situation is excellent if your pay is higher than the average and the median. If neither of these figures is more than your current pay, there are likely many others who earn extra than you do. Things can get difficult if your salary is something between the average and the median.

    The impact of your age and level of experience on your salary.

    The most important factor in setting pay is years of relevant experience. As may be expected, salary increases with time spent working in a field. What we found when we separated Photographer pay by years of experience is as follows:

    • The average annual salary for a Photographer with less than two years of experience is around $27,500 AUD.
    • If you have between two and five years of experience, you can expect to make 38,000 AUD annually, a raise of 38% above what someone with less than two years of experience can expect to make.
    • Next, someone with between 5 and 10 years of experience can expect to earn 54,000 AUD annually, a raise of 42% over the income offered to someone with only 2 to 5 years of experience.

    After ten years in the job, a person’s salary typically doubles compared to their entry-level position.

    And a Photographer with 15 years of experience can expect to earn 65,900 AUD annually, which is a 22% increase over the wage of a Photographer with 10 to 15 years of experience.

    Salary expectations increase by 6% for those with 15-20 years of experience, to a total of 69,500 AUD annually.

    Finally, workers with over twenty years of experience receive an annual compensation of $75,700 AUD, a 9% increase over those with 15 to 20 years of experience.

    Do Different Levels of Education Have Different Effects on Earnings?

    It’s common knowledge that a college degree increases earnings potential, but just how much? We compared Photographer salaries across educational levels:

    • The average annual salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree is 57,700 AUD, which is 45 percent higher than the average salary for someone with a Diploma or Certificate.
    • The average annual compensation for a professional with a Master’s Degree is $75,700 AUD, which is 31% more than the average salary for a professional with a Bachelor’s Degree.
    • Annual salaries average 34,000 AUD for those with a High School diploma or equivalent.
    • A certification or diploma holder can expect an annual salary of 39,600 AUD, 17% higher than that of a high school graduate.

    Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree or A Master’s Degree ?

    About two years and between 37,800 to 114,000 Australian dollars are required to complete a Master’s degree or other post-graduate study in Australia. Quite a sum, indeed.

    Assuming you already have a stable employment, you shouldn’t count on a raise in pay during your study time. Once a person has completed their study and earned their degree, their income is typically evaluated.

    Many people try to improve their financial situation by furthering their education and then changing careers. A statistical analysis seems to confirm the theory. To the tune of ten percent more than the annual pay increase, compensation typically increases when one changes jobs.

    Higher education is a worthwhile investment if you are able to make the financial commitment. In a year or so, you should see a return on your investment.

    Australia’s Typical Annual Raise for a Photographer’s Wage

    Do photographers in Australia receive raises every year? If so, how much? If a raise is given, how often does it occur?

    In Australia, photographers can expect a pay raise of around 10% every 16 months. Each profession in the country receives a raise on average of 8% every 16 months.

    When Deciding How Much To Charge For Your Photography Services?

    Many artists avoid discussing financial matters because it makes them uncomfortable to discuss money. We don’t always feel confident discussing our prices, and even when we do, we frequently have no idea where we should land in the market.

    However, if you’re in charge of your own photography business, knowing your pricing is crucial. Take a look at the advice below to help you figure out what you should be charging for your work rather than just picking a number out of the air every time somebody asks you to quote for a job. Looking for a wedding photographer in Melbourne? Look no further. Vogue Ballroom has compiled an ultimate list of wedding photo companies to help you choose.

    Hourly Wage Standard in Australia for Photographers

    In Australia, the median hourly earnings is 24 Australian dollars. This equates to an average hourly wage of about 24 AUD for a Photographer in Australia.

    Salary Per Year Divided By Hourly Rate ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

    Wages earned every worked hour are referred to as hourly wages. jobs are typically broken down into two groups: those that pay a salary and those that pay by the hour. Jobs that pay a salary typically do not pay by the hour. Those who work for companies that pay by the hour have jobs that reflect that reality. To calculate an hourly rate from a salary, use the above The number of hours worked per week and the number of paid days off per year can affect the final hourly income. The aforementioned numbers are generally accepted as the norm and serve as good approximations. Overtime pay is a major differentiator between salaried and hourly workers. Unlike hourly workers, salaried employees are not typically eligible for overtime pay.

    Conclusion

    We often get asked, “How much does an event photographer cost?”. or “What do event photos cost?”. Check out our extensive list of Wedding Photographers in Melbourne to help capture your special moments. Many people see photography as an art form that requires decades to master, so it’s great for budding photographers to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with professionals. Melbourne event photographers charge an average of $250 to $350 per hour, with this pricing varying according to the type of event and duration of the event.

    Based on data from 104 salaries, the average total compensation for a Photographer in the middle of their career (within the range of 5-9 years of experience) is AU$30.09 per hour. A Photographer with 10-19 years’ experience can expect to earn AU$26.30 per hour – a late-career worker (20 years or more) might expect a cumulative bonus of AU$40 on average. Adelaide, South Australia has the lowest salaries in Australia, at 17.4 percentage points lower than the national average. If you’re looking for a photographer who is willing to work pro bono or at a reduced charge for a nonprofit or charity, it’s worth your time to schedule a meeting with them. Most event photographers will insist on a two-hour minimum booking so that they may make the most of their day and avoid wasting time in transit.

    The agreed upon amount of time to photograph the event, as well as any necessary pre-event phone, Skype, or in-person consultations. Photographers may tack on fees for delivery, but most now include online delivery (via services like DropBox, WeTransfer, or Google Drive) as standard practise. Most photographers covering events in Melbourne do not charge extra for travel to venues up to 30 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district. The average yearly salary for a photographers in Australia is about 50,800 Australian dollars. Wages start at a minimum of 23,900 AUD and go up to a maximum of 80,200 AUD (highest).

    Using the data from the salary allocation graphic, we can infer that 75% of Photographer(s) make and over 35,000 AUD annually and that 25% make less. The average annual salary for a Photographer with less than two years of experience is around $27,500 AUD. The average annual compensation for a professional with a Master’s Degree is $75,700 AUD. A certification or diploma holder can expect an annual salary of 39,600 AUD, 17% higher than that of a high school graduate. Between 37,800 to 114,000 Australian dollars are required to complete a Master’s degree or other post-graduate study in Australia.

    In Australia, photographers can expect a pay raise of around 10% every 16 months. Each profession in the country receives a raise on average of 8%. In Australia, the median hourly earnings is 24 Australian dollars. This equates to an average hourly wage of about 24 AUD for a Photographer in Australia. Jobs that pay a salary typically do not pay by the hour. The number of hours worked per week and the number of paid days off per year can affect the final hourly income.

    Content Summary:

    • We often get asked, “How much does an event photographer cost?”
    • To take photographs of people, locations, and things, photographers rely on their artistic and technical skills.
    • Advertising, aerial photography, journalistic photography, and event photography are just some of the many possible areas of expertise for photographers.
    • Although formal education is not essential to enter the field of photography, having a certificate, associate’s degree, or master’s in the field can greatly boost one’s chances of finding work.
    • Many people see photography as an art form that requires decades to master, so it’s great for budding photographers to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with professionals.
    • Based on 17 salaries provided by anonymous users, the average total compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) for a Photographers with less than one year of expertise is AU$24.90 per hour.
    • Based on our data, the average total salary for a Photographer with 1-3 years of experience is AU$28.38 per hour.
    • Using data from 104 salaries, the average total compensation for a Photographer in the middle of their career (within the range of 5-9 years of experience) is AU$30.09.
    • Based on our data, a Photographers with 10-19 years of experience can expect to make an average of AU$26.30 per hour.
    • In depth justifications follow, however these give a good idea of what to expect to pay for an event photographer in Melbourne in 2020: Rate per day ($2000) plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) for 8 hours Half-day (4 hours) $1000 – 1200 + GST $2000 + GST per hour Differences In Compensation Geographic Location Workers in Brisbane, Queensland with job titles include “Photographer” earn 12.3 percent more than the state average.
    • Melbourne, Victoria, and Perth, Western Australia, both offer above-average earnings for these professions (5.5% more).
    • Adelaide, South Australia, has the lowest salaries in Australia, at 17.4 percentage points lower than the national average, followed by the Gold Coast, Queensland, at 12.4 percentage points lower, and Newcastle, South Wales, at 8.7 percentage points lower.
    • The services of a professional photographer for the period of time specified in the quote are typically included in the cost of event photography.
    • Melbourne event photographers charge an average of $250 to $350 per hour, with this pricing varying according to factors like the type of event, duration of event, number of guests, and intended use of photos.
    • Depending on the scale of the event and the intended use of the photographs, non-profits and charities may be eligible for a discounted charge of roughly $200 per hour.
    • If you’re looking for a photographer who is willing to work pro bono or at a reduced charge for a nonprofit or charity, it’s worth your time to schedule a meeting with them to discuss your project in greater depth and see if your goals and theirs are a good fit.
    • For instance, we give one free photography service each year and a discounted pro bono charge for any additional requests.
    • Do you get a better deal if you hire a photographer for the whole day?
    • Even if you only need one hour of coverage, most event photographers will insist on a two-hour minimum booking so that they may make the most of their day and avoid wasting time in transit.
    • The agreed upon amount of time to photograph the event, as well as any necessary pre-event phone, Skype, or in-person consultations to go over the client’s specific needs and begin establishing rapport.
    • There may be additional fees if you want an online gallery or a services where guests may download their own photographs.
    • We have compiled an exclusive list of some of Melbourne’s best photographers to capture your special day.
    • The second photographer’s hourly rate is typically lower than the first’s because they work under the primary photographer’s supervision.
    • In most cases, these secondary photographers are regular collaborators of the primary photographer.
    • Most photographers covering events in Melbourne do not charge extra for travel to venues up to 30 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district.
    • We require a 20% non-refundable payment from new clients to secure a reservation, with the remaining 80% due after the event and the submission of any additional ideas.
    • The average yearly salary for a photographers in Australia is about 50,800 Australian dollars.
    • That’s the typical annual wage, with all the extras thrown in as well.
    • Photographers can earn a wide range of wages depending on factors such as their level of experience, expertise, gender, and geographic region.
    • The annual earnings of photographers in Australia varied from the federal minimum wage of 23,900 Australian dollars to a maximum of 80,200 AUD (maximum compensation).Typical Income If half of all Photographer(s) make or less 53,800 AUD annually, and the other half make more, then the median annual pay for Photographer(s) is 53,800 AUD.
    • The median is the midpoint of the pay distribution.
    • Position yourself on the right of the salary distribution, where people often make more money.
    • In addition, the figure shows that 75% of Photographer(s) make less than 71,100 AUD and 25% make more.
    • Your financial situation is excellent if your pay is higher than the average and the median.
    • Things can get difficult if your salary is something between the average and the median.
    • The impact of your age and level of experience on your salary.
    • The most important factor in setting pay is years of relevant experience.
    • As may be expected, salary increases with time spent working in a field.
    • What we found when we separated Photographer pay by years of experience is as follows: The average annual salary for a Photographer with less than two years of experience is around $27,500 AUD.
    • It’s common knowledge that a college degree increases earnings potential, but just how much?
    • We compared Photographer salaries across educational levels: The average annual salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree is 57,700 AUD, which is 45 percent higher than the average salary for someone with a Diploma or Certificate.
    • The average annual compensation for a professional with a Master’s Degree is $75,700 AUD, which is 31% more than the average salary for a professional with a Bachelor’s Degree.
    • About two years and between 37,800 to 114,000 Australian dollars are required to complete a Master’s degree or other post-graduate study in Australia.
    • Assuming you already have a stable employment, you shouldn’t count on a raise in pay during your study time.
    • Many people try to improve their financial situation by furthering their education and then changing careers.
    • To the tune of ten percent more than the annual pay increase, compensation typically increases when one changes jobs.
    • Higher education is a worthwhile investment if you are able to make the financial commitment.
    • In a year or so, you should see a return on your investment.
    • In Australia, photographers can expect a pay raise of around 10% every 16 months.
    • However, if you’re in charge of your own photography business, knowing your pricing is crucial.
    • Take a look at the advice below to help you figure out what you should be charging for your work rather than just picking a number out of the air every time somebody asks you to quote for a job.
    • Hourly Wage Standard in Australia for PhotographersIn Australia, the median hourly earnings is 24 Australian dollars.
    • This equates to an average hourly wage of about 24 AUD for a Photographer in Australia.
    • jobs are typically broken down into two groups: those that pay a salary and those that pay by the hour.
    • Unlike hourly workers, salaried employees are not typically eligible for overtime pay.

    FAQs About Wedding Photographers

    How much does a wedding photographer cost Australia?

    According to ASIC’s Moneysmart, the average price of an Australian wedding estimated at $36,200 – $54,000. Included, the average cost to hire a photographer in Australia is $3983.

    Is a wedding photographer worth the cost?

    You do need to accept that professionals have a minimum threshold price and won’t take too kindly to being negotiated with. Remember they have a very special skill set and have invested in high quality equipment, including editing software, so even though they may seem expensive, they are definitely worth the cost.

    Who pays for what in a wedding 2022?

    According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, parents pay for 52% of wedding expenses, while the couple pays for 47% (the remaining 1% is paid for by other loved ones)-so parents are still paying for a majority of the wedding, though couples are chipping in fairly significantly.

    Is 6 hours of wedding photography enough?

    6 hours of wedding photography coverage is usually the bare minimum amount of coverage you can book for a traditional wedding (not an elopement or intimate wedding).

    Why wedding photographers are so expensive?

    Editing is one of the reasons why wedding photography costs so much. Your photographer could take dozens of photos seconds apart to avoid missing a particular moment or they might be much more selective with each shot they take. So a wedding photographer can choose anywhere between 50-300 photos per hour.

    eugene@vogueballroom.com.au

    Eugene is a wedding marketing specialists, website and content editor for Vogue Ballroom, and Vines of the Yarra Valley.
    Contact email: [email protected]

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    Vogue Ballroom is an elegant wedding reception venue located in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs of Burwood East, a short 20 minutes from the city centre.

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