Sometime in 2008, I had a blog (https://prophotosingapore.wordpress.com/) focused on my thoughts about professional photography. In that blog, I compiled a list of photography rates that were prevalent at that time.
In 2020, I reviewed the rates again and found that they were relatively unchanged, this was likely attributed to the increased number of photographers entering the industry. Also, if we add inflation into the numbers, photography rates as a whole have been lowered.
The rates are approximated and they might not apply to ALL photographers in each field. All figures are in Singapore dollars. Please note:
1. The information has gathered from many sources over 5 years. Some rates could have changed, please feel free to update me if you have more accurate information.
2. If you would like to know more about other categories, please let me know.
3. All figures are gross total.
4. Photographers are predominantly using DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
Advertising
Rates: $20,000 to $100,000/project
a. Photographer usually works through an ad agency handling the client account. Typically, loading fees are enforced and photographer keeps copyright for images.
b. The figure looks good but a shoot usually involves a full production team and a great amount of liaison work. Typically takes 1 to 3 weeks of casting, production & logistics. Post production work on images is approximately 1 week to 4 weeks of digital retouching/imaging (DI). Depending on complexity of deliverables, digital retouching work might be outsourced to specialist 3rd party DI companies.
c. Fees are usually paid 6 months after invoicing.
Architecture/Corporate/Food/Interior/Product
Rates: $1200 to $2800/day
a. Photography works directly with client.
b. Retouching work is expected on the final selected images.
Drone
Rates: $500 to 800 for 2 hours
a. Photographer/Operator has to be certified by CAAS
b. Paperwork costs are included the fees
c. Fees are usually paid 1 month after invoicing.
Events/PR (Events, Functions, etc)
Rates: $50 to $200/hr
a. Fees are usually paid 1 month after invoicing.
b. 10-12 images are usually requested for social media immediately after the event.
Magazine
Rates:
$100-150/page OR $800-1200 for full shoot (6 images or more)
a. Photographer will likely keep copyright of images depending on the magazine.
b. Photographer is expected to own all photography equipment, including lights, accessories, etc.
c. Fees are usually paid 3 to 6 months after invoicing.
d. Retouching work is expected.
Press (a rough guide)
Rates: $1400 to $5000/mth (salary) for staffer
$55 to $110/day for stringer (freelancer)
(depending on seniority, education and experience)
a. Photographer’s images are owned by newspaper or agency or company.
b. Photographer’s gear is provided by company for staffers and sometimes stringers.
c. Photographers normally work around 8 hour shifts with anywhere between 1-5 jobs in that time.
d. Photographers are expected to be on call anytime in case of breaking news.
e. Photographers are expected to be able to shoot anything and everything.
f. Payment is monthly, transport is normally covered by an allowance or is claimed.
Photographer Assistant
Rates: S$5-$20/hr OR $900 to $1500/mth (Salary)
a. Please note that this is not the same as Assistant Photographer.
b. Assistant is expected to carry equipment, be responsible for safety and care of equipment plus other duties.
c. Assistant doesn't need to own photography equipment.
d. The role of the digital assistant (i/c on-site computer/software management) can be a separate role. It is rare however in Singapore for an assistant to specialize solely as a digital assistant.
Portrait (Corporate & Personal)
Rates: $250 to $500/person
a. Fees are usually paid 1 month after invoicing.
b. Retouching work is expected for selected images.
Portrait (Family)
Rates: $250 to $4500/session
a. Fees are usually paid upfront on photography day.
b. Retouching work is expected for selected images.
c. Fees might include photo and canvas prints.
Weddings (Bridal)
Rates: $800 to >$5000/day
a. Photographer has option to keep copyright of images. Depends on how the photographer has been trained and value of the work/style.
b. Deposits of up to 50% of fees prior to shoot and 50% on collection is common.
c. Some form of retouching work is expected.
Weddings (Wedding Day or Actual Day)
Rates: $300 to >$4000/day
a. Photographer has option to keep copyright of images. Depends on how the photographer has been trained and value of the work/style.
b. Deposits of up to 50% of fees prior to shoot and 50% on collection is common.
c. Some form of retouching work is expected.