Quick answer: most professional event photographers in London charge around £125 to £175 an hour. Typical totals are £300 to £500 for 2 hours, £500 to £900 for a half day (4 hours) and from about £1,000 for a full day (8 hours). The final price depends on how long you need coverage, the size of the event, how fast you want the images and how you’ll use them.
Key points
Most photographers set a two-hour minimum.
Corporate events, evenings and December dates tend to cost more and book up first.
Edited images and an online gallery should be included in the quote.
Always ask for a written quote that states the hours, delivery time and usage.
London event photography prices at a glance
2 hours (drinks receptions, small gatherings): roughly £300 to £500
Half day, 4 hours (parties, dinners, awards evenings): roughly £500 to £900
Full day, 8 hours (conferences, large corporate events): from around £1,000, higher for big events or a second photographer
Hourly rate: typically £125 to £175, with lower rates on marketplaces and higher ones from premium studios
These are typical ranges for an experienced professional working alone, and they’re a guide, not a fixed price list.
What affects the cost of an event photographer in London?
Length of coverage. Longer bookings cost more in total but usually less per hour.
Scale and type of event. A 30-person reception is a different job from a 300-guest awards night.
Turnaround. Same-day or next-day edits cost more than a week’s wait.
Usage. Social media and PR use is standard. Paid advertising or wider licensing can add to the price.
Date and time. Evenings, weekends and December Thursdays and Fridays go first.
Experience. You’re paying for equipment, skill, reliability and editing time as well as the hours on the night.
What should be included in the price?
A clear quote covers the hours of coverage, edited high-resolution images, an online gallery you can share with your team, and a delivery date. Ask what happens if the event overruns, and whether a second photographer is needed for larger rooms.
Is it worth hiring a professional event photographer?
For events you want to use afterwards, such as company news, social media, press or your own records, yes. A professional handles low light, fast-moving rooms and groups without interrupting your guests, and delivers consistent images you can use straight away. In my own work covering launches, corporate events and parties across London, the images that get used are the candid moments and clean group shots, and those are hard to get on a phone.
How to get the best value
Book early for busy dates, especially December.
Send a run of show so your photographer can plan around speeches, awards and key moments.
List your must-have shots and any VIPs or sponsors to cover.
Choose the right length. Two hours suits a drinks reception, and four or more suits a dinner with dancing.
How I quote
Every event is different, so I quote to suit yours. I’m a candid event photographer in London covering corporate events, launches, awards and Christmas parties, with edited images delivered within 48 hours.
To get an accurate price, send me the date, the venue, how many hours you need and roughly how many guests. I reply within 24 hours. Get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an event photographer cost per hour in London?
Typically £125 to £175 an hour, though marketplace rates can be lower and premium studios higher.
How much does a 2-hour event cost?
Roughly £300 to £500 for an experienced professional, with many photographers setting two hours as a minimum.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as your date is confirmed. For December parties, Thursdays and Fridays go first.
Are edited images included?
They should be. Check that the quote states edited, high-resolution images and an online gallery.
Do event photographers charge for travel?
Some do, particularly outside central London. Ask before you book so there are no surprises.
How quickly will I get the photos?
It varies by photographer, from the next day to a week or more. I deliver edited images within 48 hours.
About the author: Matthew Kayode is a London event photographer with 4+ years’ experience covering corporate events, launches, awards and parties across London and the UK. Clients include Red Bull, Virgin Voyages, YouTube and Foster + Partners.
