How Much Does an Event Photographer Cost in Melbourne?

Wondering what an event photographer costs in Melbourne?


Here’s a clear guide to pricing, what’s included and how to get the best value.
If you’re planning an event, photography is one of those costs that’s hard to pin down. Many photographers don’t publish their rates, so it’s tough to know what’s fair. Here’s how event photography pricing works in Melbourne, so you can budget with confidence.

How event photographers charge:

Most photographers charge by time, with editing and delivery included. Shorter bookings suit small gatherings and launches. Longer ones suit conferences, parties and multi-part events.

As a guide, at LJN Photography a 2-hour event booking starts at $400, including editing. Longer bookings, extra photographers or same-day delivery cost more.

What affects the price?

  • Length of the event. More hours means more time shooting and more photos to edit.

  • Number of guests and locations. A large event across several rooms takes more coverage than a small one in a single space.

  • Editing level. Standard colour and exposure edits are usually included. Heavy retouching costs extra.

  • Turnaround time. Rush delivery, such as same day or next day, often adds a fee.

  • Usage. Photos for your own use are straightforward. Commercial or advertising use can change the price.

What should be included

Before you book, check that the quote covers:

  • The photographer’s time on the day

  • Editing of all delivered photos

  • An online gallery you can download from

  • A clear delivery date

  • Licence to use the photos for your purposes

How to get the most from your budget

  • Book the key moments. If speeches, arrivals and awards are what matter, you may not need coverage of the whole night.

  • Send a shot list. The photographer will know what to prioritise.

  • Ask about client-edited options. If you plan to edit the photos yourself, some photographers offer a lower price.

Get a quote

Every event is different, so the best way to know your price is to ask. Tell us the date, location, length and type of event, and we’ll send a clear quote with no surprises.