Pricing by city — per-subject, on-site, 2026
NYC: $250–$500. SF / Bay Area: $275–$500. LA: $200–$400. Boston: $200–$400. Seattle: $200–$375. Chicago: $175–$350. Denver: $150–$300. Austin: $150–$300. Houston: $150–$275. Phoenix: $125–$250. Mid-size markets ($50K–$80K median income): $100–$225.
These are working-photographer rates, not aspirational. Premium editorial-style brands can charge 50–100% above these bands; budget studios run 30% below.
The minimum-day structure
Always charge a minimum-day rate, not a pure per-subject quote. A 10-person team on a Tuesday morning still costs you a full day of unavailable time — half-day minimums ($1,800–$2,500) protect that. Above the minimum, per-subject billing scales naturally.
Sample structure: 'Half-day (up to 4 hours, up to 15 subjects): $1,800. Each additional subject within the half-day: $80. Full-day (up to 8 hours, up to 35 subjects): $3,200. Each additional subject: $70. Volume discounts: 10% off 20+, 20% off 50+, 30% off 100+.'
What's included at each price point
$150 tier: 1–2 edited final images per subject; basic skin retouching; proofing gallery delivered within 5 days.
$250–$300 tier: 3 final images per subject; advanced skin + minor cleanup; same-day proofing; corporate website-ready exports; 30-day re-shoot guarantee if technical issues.
$400+ tier: editorial-direction session; full skin + clothing retouching; multiple background options; usage rights extended to marketing and press use; on-site styling consult.