How I Price My Photography Work

Learning from Others, Then Finding My Own Value

When I first started, I had no idea how to price my photography—or even how to value it. I turned to my photographer friend, Benson Lin, and asked him about his rates when he was a beginner. He was well-informed, so I based my own rates on his without further research. It felt like a safe starting point. From there, I slowly adjusted as I began to understand the emotional and technical value of my work.

Encouragement from Clients and Friends

Over time, clients and friends encouraged me to raise my rates. They saw the depth and care in my photos—sometimes more clearly than I did myself. Their encouragement pushed me to recognise my own worth, and as I grew, my rates evolved with me. I updated my packages so often back then that I occasionally had to refer back to my own rate sheets just to keep track.

Fairness and Flexibility in Packages

Not every client needs every service. That realisation shaped how I build my packages. I don't believe in making people pay for things they won't use.

Most clients showcase their photos online rather than in print, so I keep my base packages lean and digital-friendly. That means colour toning, exposure correction, and simple cropping—but not heavy retouching unless it's requested as an add-on. It keeps things fair, affordable, and honest.

I Don't Compete—I Create

I don't spend my time comparing myself to other photographers. There are far too many out there, and I'd rather pour my energy into creating. If someone's only looking for the cheapest option, I'm not the right fit.

My goal isn't to win a price war—it's to be chosen for the soul, skill, and care I bring into each shoot. My rates reflect the effort it takes to sustain this passion and keep giving my best.

What Really Shapes My Rates

• Preparation — Planning, location scouting, gear packing
• The Shoot Itself — Time, focus, and adaptability
• Editing — Hours of fine-tuning that often far exceed the actual shoot time
• Equipment & Costs — Professional gear, lighting, backups, software, and storage
• Sustainability — Pricing that lets me continue creating without burning out or cutting corners

Many of these aren't visible to clients, but they're essential to delivering quality work.

The Complexity of Photography Pricing

Photography pricing isn't simple, and I don't expect anyone to know all the moving parts. That's why I keep things transparent by listing my rates clearly on my site.

Still, I've learnt that some people skip reading, which can lead to confusion. With my limited capacity, I sometimes choose not to proceed if someone doesn't even read the basics—it's better for both sides. Of course, I do misjudge at times, especially when clients are genuinely busy but still respectful.

Protecting My Energy and Boundaries

Over the years, I've met clients who try to stretch kindness, asking for extras outside of their package. Those experiences taught me to refine my site, label add-ons clearly, and put proper boundaries in place.

It's not about being rigid—it's about respecting both my craft and my clients. Clear boundaries mean fewer misunderstandings and more energy spent on what I love most: the photography itself.

A Note on Sustainability

I also keep my eco-friendly values in mind when shaping my workflow. I avoid unnecessary printing, deliver photos digitally, and price in a way that sustains not just me, but also the way I want to work—mindfully, responsibly, and with care.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, my rates aren't just numbers. They're a reflection of my journey, my values, and the effort I put into every image. I don't aim to be the cheapest—I aim to be fair, transparent, and true to the work I love.

If you'd like to see the actual breakdown, you can view it on my Rates Page.

FAQ

Would you lower down your rates to stay competitive?

To me, photography is an art and has its value. I don't do price wars with other talents just to secure more projects. The fact is no matter how you bring your prices down, there will be other market spoilers who will offer cheaper prices. Besides, I also have limited time and energy (I exhaust myself for every shoot to get the best quality pictures possible, and I try hard to increase quantity by being pro-active during the entire shoot), and thus I can only take up a number of projects within the same period.

Given the high cost, effort, time and special skill required, charging a low fee means it's more rewarding to work in a fast food restaurant or as a tuition teacher (as a degree holder).

How do your prices compare to other photographers?

I don't engage in price wars or constant comparisons. My prices reflect the effort, expertise and quality I deliver. They're also adjusted periodically based on the value I provide.