Salaries in Photography – What You Can Really Expect

Thinking about a career behind the camera? Before you buy gear, you need to know how much money you can make. Photo work can pay wildly different amounts depending on where you work, what you specialize in, and whether you’re full‑time or freelance. Below we break down the numbers you’ll see in 2025 and give you simple steps to raise your earnings.

Typical Pay Ranges by Job Type

Full‑time studio photographers in the UK usually earn between £20,000 and £35,000 a year. Entry‑level assistants start near £18,000, while senior staff with a strong portfolio can push past £45,000. Commercial photographers – the ones shooting ads, product shots, or food – often charge per project. A single day shoot can bring £500‑£1,200, and regular contracts can add up to a six‑figure income if you land big brands.

Freelance portrait or event photographers have more variance. On the low end, new freelancers might earn £15‑£25 per hour, which translates to about £20,000 if they work full‑time hours. Experienced freelancers with a solid client list often charge £80‑£150 per hour and can easily make £40,000‑£70,000 a year, especially if they diversify into workshops or online courses.

How Location Affects Your Pay

City life pays more, but costs are higher too. London‑based photographers typically earn 20‑30% more than those in smaller towns. For example, a London studio photographer might start at £28,000, while a counterpart in Manchester starts near £22,000. If you can work remotely, you can tap into higher‑pay markets without the city rent.

International gigs add a boost. Shooting weddings in popular destination spots like the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands can command premium rates of £1,200‑£2,500 per day. Travel allowances and accommodation fees often cover extra costs, making these jobs very profitable.

Don’t forget seasonal spikes. Wedding season (May‑September) can double a photographer’s monthly income compared to the off‑season. Planning your calendar around peak months helps smooth cash flow.

Ways to Increase Your Photography Income

1. **Specialize** – Pick a niche (food, product, fashion) and become known for it. Clients pay more for expertise.

2. **Upsell Services** – Offer editing, prints, albums, or social‑media packages. A basic shoot might be £300, but adding a retouch package can raise it to £500.

3. **Teach** – Workshops, webinars, and online courses earn extra cash and market you as an authority.

4. **License Your Work** – Stock photo sites and licensing agencies can generate passive income every time someone downloads your image.

5. **Network** – Attend local art fairs, join photography groups, and connect with agencies. Referrals are a steady source of jobs.

Remember to track your expenses. Bills for gear, software, insurance, and travel can be deducted from your taxable income, effectively increasing your take‑home pay.

Overall, photography can be a good income path if you treat it like a business. Understand the pay ranges, choose lucrative niches, and keep learning new skills. With the right strategy, you’ll see your earnings grow year after year.