Short answer: Most professional hotel photographers in Australia charge by the half day or full day rather than per photo. What you pay depends on how many hours the shoot needs, whether styling, video or drone are included, travel expenses, and how you plan to use the images. As a guide, my rates are $2,800 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and $5,600 for a full day (up to 8 hours).


What affects the cost?

• Size of the property. A small boutique hotel or short-stay takes less time than a larger hotel with a restaurant, bar, facilities and several room types.

• What included. Rooms and interiors only, or food, lifestyle (people enjoying the stay), exteriors, drone and short video as well. Destination photography also matters: it shows guests what they can experience nearby and why the trip is worth it.

• Styling and props. Minimal styling is included. If you'd like a professional stylist, that's an extra cost.

• Travel. Many photographers charge travel for regional and interstate shoots. I charge for driving to locations more than an hour from Melbourne. For remote or interstate shoots, flights and car hire are charged separately.

• Usage rights. Your images come with a licence to use them on your own website, social media and general marketing. Advertising use and exclusive rights cost extra.


Why it's worth budgeting for professional photography

Photos often trigger bookings. In Booking.com's January 2025 survey of 2,000 US travellers, 62% said they look at the images to get a feel for the overall vibe of a place, and that this is a key deciding factor.


What to ask before you book

1. What's the process of working together?

2. How long will the shoot take, based on your brief, and what's covered in that time?

3. When will I receive the edited images?

4. What can I use the images for, and for how long?

5. Is GST included? (I'm not registered for GST, so none is charged at the moment, which is a bonus for you!)


Sue O'Keefe is a Melbourne-based hotel and hospitality photographer at Travel Any Road. travelanyroad.com


Sources: Booking.com Partnerships Hub, "2025 US travel trends" (survey of 2,000 US travellers, January 2025).