We often get asked: how much do photographers earn a year? Many photographers tell us they’re unsure what income to expect when starting their business. Let’s look at the real figures.
Most professional photographers earn between £20,000 to £40,000 yearly, but these numbers don’t show the full picture. Setting up a photography business needs careful financial planning – basic studio equipment and insurance alone costs around £9,100.
Your actual take-home pay depends heavily on managing expenses and tax. For example, if you earn £40,000 but have £10,000 in allowable expenses, you’ll pay tax on £30,000. Many photographers struggle with this side of their business, spending more time behind the camera than managing their accounts.
Whether you’re picking up your first professional camera or switching careers to photography, understanding these numbers matters. We’ll show you how much do photographers earn a year across different specialties, experience levels and locations in 2025.
What Do Different Types of Photographers Earn in 2025?
Many of our photographer clients ask us about typical earnings in their field. Let’s look at what different photography specialties really pay in 2025.
Wedding Photography: Is It Still the Most Profitable?
Wedding photographers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £40,000 for full-time work. Starting out? You might begin around £18,000, but experienced professionals can reach £60,000. Most established wedding photographers earn £35,000-£55,000, though part-timers often make less (£10,000-£20,000).
The good news? Wedding photography remains one of the most profitable specialties. Some photographers earn anywhere from £15,000 to £150,000 yearly, depending on their reputation and client base.
Commercial Photography: What Can You Charge?
If you’re thinking about commercial photography, here’s what we see clients charging:
- Half-day shoots: £135-£400
- Full-day assignments: £650-£950
If you’re wondering how much do photographers earn a year, most photographers start at £135 for the first hour, then charge £75 for additional hours. Full-time commercial photographers typically earn £30,000 to £50,000 yearly.
At the higher end, agencies charge £79 to £198 hourly, with premium rates reaching £397 per hour for specialist work.
Portrait and Family Photography: Understanding Your Worth
Portrait and family photography typically brings in £20,000 to £30,000 annually for full-timers. Here’s what we’ve seen how much do photographers earn a year and charge based on experience:
- Just starting (0-2 years): £50-£100 per hour or £150-£300 per session
- Getting established (3-5 years): £100-£200 per hour or £300-£600 per session
- Experienced pros (6+ years): £200-£400 per hour or £600-£1,500 per session
Some photographers in London and other major cities charge £1,000-£5,000 for high-end family packages.
Property Photography: Steady Income Potential
Looking for stable earnings? Property photography might be your answer. UK property photographers earn around £55,000 yearly. The work stays fairly consistent throughout the year, especially in the luxury market.
City-based property photographers often earn above average. Adding video services can boost your income, with yearly earnings between £35,000 and £52,000.
How Location Affects Your Photography Income
At Green and Peter, we often help photographers understand how their location impacts their earning potential. One of our London-based clients recently told us they doubled their income after moving from a rural area – but their expenses also increased significantly.
City vs Countryside: What’s Best for Your Business?
The numbers tell an interesting story. London photographers typically charge higher rates than their rural counterparts, thanks to greater market demand. In comparison, New York photographers earn around £45,342 yearly, making it the highest-paying city for photographers.
But here’s something surprising – Buffalo, NY ranks as the best overall city for photographers when considering both salary and job opportunities. Why? The lower cost of living means photographers keep more of what they earn.
Rural photographers face different challenges. While client numbers might be smaller, less competition can work in your favour. Many of our rural clients have built successful businesses by:
- Developing specialist niches
- Offering diverse services
- Building strong local reputations
Global Markets: How Much do Photographers Earn a Year and Where are the Opportunities?
The photography market looks different across the world. Here’s the current picture:
- Asia-Pacific leads with 35% market share
- North America follows at 28%
- UK market value sits at £1.9 billion
Salary variations are equally striking. US photographers average £33,966 yearly, Canadian photographers earn about CAD 40,000, while UK photographers typically make £21,000 per year.
Working Remotely: The New Normal?
Since 2023, remote photography work has grown significantly. Many photographers now mix local shoots with remote editing and client meetings. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr have become go-to places for finding remote photography work.
This shift brings interesting possibilities. One of our clients lives in Norfolk but serves London clients remotely, enjoying lower living costs while charging city rates.
Need advice on choosing the best location for your photography business? At Green & Peter, we help photographers make smart financial decisions. Call us on 020 8446 8100 for a chat about your options.
Employment Choices and Your Photography Income
Many photographers ask us about the financial implications of different employment structures. Let’s look at what our experience shows about staff positions, self-employment, and agency representation.
Staff Photography Positions: The Steady Path?
Staff photographers earn £36,248.64 on average in 2025, with salaries from £21,440 to £60,360. The benefits package often looks attractive:
- 77% get medical coverage
- 69% receive dental benefits
- 62% have vision insurance
Plus, you’ll get paid holidays, pension plans, and steady work without chasing clients.
But here’s what many don’t realise – staff positions typically pay less than successful freelance work. That’s why some photographers choose what we call the “safety net approach” – keeping a part-time staff job while building their own business.
Self-Employment: The Real Picture
Most photographers we work with are self-employed, but it’s not always an easy path. The average freelance photographer makes £18,821 yearly – that’s below the UK average salary of £27,531.
One photographer client told us their biggest challenge was dealing with seasonal income swings and late-paying clients. New photographers often find it particularly tough, with some starting at just £12,000.
The most successful self-employed photographers we work with don’t rely solely on photoshoots. They often:
- Run photography workshops
- Teach photography classes
- Create online courses
Working With Agents: Worth the Commission?
Photography agents usually take 25-30% of your assignment fees. Sounds steep? Many of our clients find it worthwhile. Agents handle:
- Marketing your work
- Sales negotiations
- Project estimates
- Production planning
- Client billing
Plus, they often bring in higher-paying clients you mightn’t find yourself.
Most agents look for photographers with established income streams. The contracts vary – some focus on specific regions or industries, others share marketing costs.
Here’s what works best: clear expectations from the start. Despite the commission, many photographers tell us their net income actually increases with agent representation, thanks to better clients and stronger rate negotiations.
Need help deciding which path suits your photography business? At Green & Peter, we’ve guided many photographers through these choices. Call us on 020 8446 8100 for expert advice on your options.
How Photography Experience Affects Your Income
As accountants for creatives, photographers often ask us how their earnings might grow over time. Let’s look at what the numbers tell us about career progression in 2025.
Starting Out: What Can New Photographers Expect?
How much do photographers earn a year, especially the first-year photographers? They typically earn £21,553 annually. Most beginners make between £19,000-£24,000, though entry-level positions might start at £24,000. Part-timers usually earn £5,000-£10,000, depending on their specialty and location.
Many of our new photographer clients tell us they need other work to supplement their income. One client shared how equipment costs ate into their first year’s earnings – it’s a common story we hear. Building a portfolio and client base takes time, so the early years often show deceptively low net income.
Mid-Career Growth: The 3-7 Year Mark
Here’s where things get interesting. Photographers with 1-4 years’ experience average £23,061, while those reaching 5-9 years jump to £31,068.
The middle years (4-7 years) bring more stable work and better-paying projects. We’ve seen many photographers at this stage earn between £47,650-£63,533 once they’ve built their reputation.
Experienced Photographers: The 10+ Year Reward
After a decade, the picture changes dramatically. Photographers with 10+ years’ experience can earn up to £81,359 yearly, though this varies by specialty and location.
Senior photographers average £30,360, with ranges from £20,000 to £45,000. Here’s something interesting – photographers with over 10 years’ experience typically earn double what those with under five years make.
The highest earners? They’re usually veteran photographers in high-demand niches. These pros often earn over £79,416 annually. One of our long-term clients explained it’s not just about technical skills – it’s the combination of premium pricing, business sense, and reputation built over years.
Need help planning your photography career progression? At Green & Peter, we’ve helped photographers at every stage understand and improve their earning potential. Call us on 020 8446 8100 for expert advice on growing your photography income.
What Does This Mean for Your Photography Career?
Let’s look at what these numbers mean for your photography business. Starting photographers earn around £21,553, while experienced pros can make over £81,359 yearly. Wedding and commercial photography tend to bring in more money than other specialties.
Where you work matters too. One of our London photographers recently told us their income doubled after moving to the city – but so did their costs. That’s why some photographers now work remotely, serving city clients while living in cheaper areas.
Your business structure makes a big difference to your take-home pay. Staff jobs offer steady income and benefits, but self-employment could earn you more in the long run. Many photographers start with both – keeping a steady job while building their business on the side.
Experience counts more than anything else. A client who’s been photographing for 15 years recently shared how their income grew from £20,000 to over £75,000. But they also told us about the lean early years, equipment costs, and time spent building their reputation.
Running a successful photography business needs more than just good pictures. You’ll need to:
- Make smart equipment investments
- Research your market carefully
- Keep developing your skills
- Understand your finances
If tax planning and business finances send your brain into a spin, you’re not alone. Many photographers tell us they’d rather be behind the camera than dealing with accounts. That’s where we can help.
Want to know more about your earning potential as a photographer? At Green & Peter, we’ve helped photographers at every career stage understand and improve their income. Get in touch with us today or call us on 020 8446 8100 for a chat about your photography business.
