Planning a corporate photoshoot is an important investment in your brand’s image, but many businesses aren’t quite sure how to budget for it. Whether you’re updating your leadership portraits, creating consistent team photos, or launching a campaign with lifestyle imagery, it helps to understand what goes into the cost of professional photography. Budgeting properly ensures you get the quality and results you need without surprises along the way.
The base cost of a corporate photoshoot in London typically includes the photographer’s time and creative input. This often covers pre-shoot consultation, the shoot itself, and post-production editing. Most professional photographers will offer a half-day or full-day rate depending on your needs. A half-day shoot might cost between £400 and £800, while a full day can typically range from £800 to £2,000. Photographers who’ve made a name for themselves will charge considerably more, with additional fees such as usage (a fee every time the photo is used) on top. Fees vary based on the photographer’s experience, demand, and the scope of the project so the first step is to have a chat with the photographer about your requirements so they can give you a price.
In addition to the photographer, there will likely be an assistant. Their job is not only to help with hauling gear into the lifts and helping to set up the lights but ensuring that the team members on the shotlist are present and ready to be photographed.
Beyond shoot time, other factors affect the total cost. Image retouching is a common requirement for corporate headshots and brand images, especially when the final photos will appear in public-facing materials like press kits or websites. Many photographers include basic retouching in their rates, but more extensive editing—such as background changes, skin correction, or batch processing—may be charged separately.
Location is another consideration. If the shoot takes place on-site at your office, there may be a fee for travel, parking, or location setup. If you’re hiring a photography studio, that will be an added cost, which in London can range from £200 to £500 per hour depending on the facilities. Some shoots also require additional team members such as makeup artists, stylists, or assistants, which can enhance the final product but add to the budget. Licensing and usage rights should also be discussed, especially if the images will be used in advertising or media.
Ultimately, every photoshoot is different. The best way to budget effectively is to start with a clear brief of what you need—how many people will be photographed, where the shoot will take place, and how the images will be used. Since corporate photography is a bespoke service, the most effective approach is to call me or email so we can book a time for a call. I’ll guide you through the options and provide a tailored quote based on your exact requirements.
