How much will it cost to have my event photographed?"   This is the question that is often first on the minds of people who want to have their special event professionally documented.   My answer is: Whatever amount works within your budget.  Many photographers bundle their work into "packages" with a pre-set group of products and a fixed price.   This might seem like a good idea since the customer believes they know what the final cost for the photography of their wedding or portrait session will be, however they frequently find themselves paying for unnecessary items, or having to purchase add-ons to their selected package because it doesn't include other products they would like, or may not contain sufficient materials for their needs.

I take a different approach, charging a straight hourly rate for time and fixed prices for all products.   This allows you to pay for only the time required, while retaining the flexibility to add time on the day of the event without incurring a surcharge.   Since post-processing is charged the same way, you're not limited to a certain number of photographs; instead, during our pre-event consultation, we will discuss the number of images and types of products you would like.   The advantage of this is that you, (the customer) are free to allocate your budget in the way that suits you best.   You might want very basic processing done on a large number of images, or much more complicated work done on a few images, or a combination.  Once all of this has been discussed, I will provide you with a detailed estimate for the total cost of recording your event.

My hourly rate is seventy-five dollars ($75.00/hr), billed in 30 minute increments (with a two-hour minimum).   No charge is made for travel within thirty kilometres of Sooke village centre.   Greater distances will be billed at $37.50 an hour.   Since I have the luxury of not depending on my photography for all of my income, I keep my total sales below the provincial minimum and do not have to charge the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) which is an immediate saving of 12%.   Additionally, I offer a 15% discount to members of the Canadian Forces and special rates for charitable events.

For more information, or to arrange a complimentary consultation, please contact me.