Photography pricing: packages, extras and how to charge

Pricing is where a lot of photographers lose money — either by undercharging, or by giving away extra images to avoid an awkward conversation. A clear package-and-extras model fixes both.

The package-and-extras model

The idea is simple: your booking fee includes a set number of edited images, and anything beyond that is charged per photo. For example, a portrait session might include 10 images at £139, with extras at £9 each. Clients get a clear baseline, and you're paid fairly when they want more.

This model works because it removes the guesswork. The client knows exactly what they're getting, and they choose whether to add more — the decision (and the payment) is theirs.

How to set the numbers

• Included count. Enough to feel generous, but not so many that nobody ever buys extras. For portraits, 8–15 is common.
• Extra price. High enough to be worth your editing time, low enough that adding "just one more" feels easy. Round numbers work well.
• Package price. Cover your time, gear, travel and editing — then add your margin. Never price below what the shoot actually costs you.

Let the gallery do the selling

When clients view their proofs, the ones they love beyond the package become extras they can add to a basket. Because the pricing is automatic, you never have to send an awkward "that'll be extra" message — the gallery handles it, and you're paid before you deliver the finished files.

Don't forget prints

Prints, canvases and albums are the easiest upsell in photography. A client who's just chosen their favourite images is the most likely person to want them on the wall. Offer prints alongside the digital gallery and you add revenue with no extra shooting.

Keep it consistent

Whatever you charge, be consistent. Clients talk to each other, and a clear, predictable pricing structure builds trust. On LensQuay you set your package, included count and extra price per gallery, and everything is calculated for you.

Summary

Price with a package that includes a set number of images, charge a clear per-photo rate for extras, cover your true costs before adding margin, and offer prints. Let the gallery calculate extras automatically so pricing is never an awkward conversation.