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Brisbane Professional Photographer

Photography Pricing: A Guide by Brisbane Photographer, Matthew Cornell

A Guide for Models and Brands

Welcome to Matthew Cornell Photography. I’d love to help you capture timeless (or fleeting) images for your brand, your model portfolio or your social media. I am a professional photographer based in Brisbane but available to travel to where you need me most.

Our photography pricing page is here to help you work out how to utilise me best.

If you’re a model, you might be planning a fresh look for your portfolio, updated digis for your modelling agency or fun, creative images for your social media feed. I can help with all of these things and I think you’ll find me relaxed, and fiun to work with.

Brands, I’m your biggest brand-fan! Let me take the lead with photos optimised for social media and websites, lookbook imagery and custom-designed photoshoots that leave you (and your customers) breathless and wanting more.

My name is Matthew Cornell and I am here to do my very best to guide you through the world’s easiest way to get great imagery – me!

I have the experience you need, the great ideas and the camera eye to pull them off.

Now, without further ado, let’s talk about my pricing, what it costs to get me involved and why you’ll walk away from our photoshoots looking forward to the next time we get to work together!

What Do You Need?

The first thing you’ll need to consider is what is it that you need to achieve?

Are you trying to sell more products? Are you working on your next portfoio? Aere you creating a consistent and creative set of imagery for your socials (including video)?

We tailor our deliverables to suit how you’re going to use them and price accordingly.

  • High-Resolution Digital Images: These are the bread and butter of most shoots. They are perfect for websites, social media, and biullboards. We edit them so you look polished and poised and we deliver a consistent look that you’ll be proud of. We’ll downsize the big files so you can pop them on your Instagram without any fuss and deliver the big files by sharing platform or old-school thumb-drive so you can print your next billboard ad.
  • Retouched Photos: We never share raw images – it’s these retouched photos you really want. Beautifully edited with a touch of prestige and passion. Use these photos for your portfolio and magazine submissions. Don’t worry – your images are going to leaveeveryone speachless!
  • Printed Portfolios: Models we have the precise package for you. Your images on a double sided intro card, a stunning printed portfolio in a brochure or a online portfolio page hat we can update every time we work together. These images are going to open doors and advance your career. We can;t wait to help!
  • Videos and Reels: Almost all of our shoots involve some behind-the-scenes videos, and posing videos which you can use to wow your udience on TikTok or YouTube or IG reels. Show your funny, finky and fun side and give your audience a look into how your photoshoots come together.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Brands, this si your opportunity to showcase yourlocations, your staff, your factory, your packing process or simply to get to onow you – the person behind the brand name.

Depending on what you need, we’ll waork out a price for your photos and videos that suits you down to the ground? Got a humungous budget? We’ll wow you! ON a tight budget? We are your go-to photographer and we’ll bring you the best bang for buck experience you can think of.

Drumroll Please – Our Cost Estimates for Your Project

Now let’s start with a disclaimer. Photography isn’t cheap. It is worthwhile. We adjust our rates to suit your needs so let’s start this process with a clear understanding of what you need and what you don’t.

We do this with an open and easy conversation right at the start. Our relaxed persona comes through in these conversations. We’re confident in our product and sure you’ll love whatever we agree you need.

These are some of your choices along the way

  1. Hourly or Day Rates: Do you need me for a half-day or a full day shoot? This rate gets me on site, set up with my lighting and equipment and in position ready to shoot when you are. A complex shoot with many looks or outfit changes is very likely to take most of a day. Don’t rush your shoot and leave yourself wondering if you have missed something. If you’re unsure, I’d suggest selecting a full day rate and wrapping it up early rather than selecting a half-day shoot and then running out of time. To give you an idea of costs, my half day rates start at $800 plus GST and my full day rates start at $1,200 plus GST. You see these costs include travel and setup. So a half day rate is actually more economical for you!
  2. Retouching Fees: We use professional grade editing software and computers with colour matching screens. Almost all images except for model digis need retouching, cropping an dcolour gradung. We can either price image editing as a bulk rate (eg $150 plus GST for 10 images) or a per image rate (fora few images or a lot of images). Again, we tailor our price to suit you and your needs. We’ll need to discuss this so giveme a call!
  3. Prints and Albums: There’s nothing quite as delectable as a beautifully presented photoalbum full of timeless and creative images. I would bedelighted to help you style and design your photoalbum and arrange for as many albums as you need printed, giftwrapped and delivered to you. Just let meknow and we’ll work out your needs. Expect to pay from $500 plus GST for a premium bound photoalbum.
  4. Studio Fees: Hiring my studio is inlcuded in my photoshoot fees – but if we’re working on a bigger production thaan will fit on my cosy space, I’ll include this hire fee as a line cost item so you can see exactly how much you are paying for hire of the studio space. I don;t make money on this so you are welcome to hire the photo studio yourself! Studios typically cost between $100 and $300 per hour so iunclude this in your budget!
  5. Travel Costs: If your shoot location is outside of my local area (I’ll travel 100km north, south or west f Berisbane for no charge) but otherwaise travel fees will apply. I’ll price my travek costs for you and include them in the quote so you can see for yourself how wirthwhile it is to bring me to your location.
  6. Assistants and Stylists: Larger shoots definitely need specialist helpers such as makeup artists, hair stylists, and photography assistants. Rates vary but expect to pay in the order of $200 to $800 per person per day.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Let’s face it: no one likes unexpected costs. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

  • Image Licensing: Depending on how you plan to use the photos, you might need to pay licensing fees. Commercial usage typically costs more than personal usage.
  • Extra Edits: If you decide you want more images retouched after the shoot, expect additional charges.
  • Reshoots: If the original shoot doesn’t meet expectations (e.g., due to weather or misunderstandings), reshoots may incur extra fees.
  • Expedited Turnaround: Need your images ASAP? A rush fee might apply.
  • Props and Custom Backdrops: Special requests, like elaborate props or custom-built sets, will increase the cost.

The best way to avoid hidden costs is to have a clear and detailed conversation with your photographer before the shoot. Don’t be shy about asking questions—we’re here to help.

What Timeframes Can I Expect

Time is a one way street. Ime in front of audiences is much beter than time waiting for a photographer to sned you images.

So how about this?
How about we rush your photos through as fast as possible every time. How about we don;t over-commit to too many clients so that we can focus on your project. How about we remain in contact and available to edit, update, modify or redo any photoshoot you are niot 100% happy with?

  1. Planning and Pre-Production (1–2 weeks): Depending on the complexity of the shoot, pre-production can take time. This includes discussing concepts, scouting locations, organising outfits, and setting schedules.
  2. Shoot Day: A typical shoot lasts 2–8 hours, depending on the scope. Fashion brands might need a full day or even multiple days for a campaign, while a portfolio session for a model might only take a few hours.
  3. Post-Production (1–4 weeks): After the shoot, the photographer will cull, edit, and retouch the images. This stage often takes the most time because quality editing requires precision.

If you’re working to a tight deadline, let your photographer know. Many of us can adjust schedules for an additional fee, but it’s always best to plan ahead.

How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Hire me.

I’m not kiddin.g I go the extra mile for you each and every time. My images are what you ask for deliveed in a way that I promised.

Whether you’re a model investing in a portfolio or a brand planning your next campaign, I am here to make you look great.

In general though, I recommend you consider these tips:

  1. Be Clear About Your Needs: The more specific you are about what you want, the easier it is to create a tailored package.
  2. Plan Ahead: Rushed shoots often cost more. Take the time to organise every detail to avoid last-minute stress.
  3. Communicate Your Budget: Don’t be afraid to share your budget. Many photographers, including myself, are happy to work with you to find solutions that fit.
  4. Invest in Quality: Photography is an investment. High-quality images elevate your brand or career, so think of it as long-term value rather than a short-term expense.

Let’s Chat!

I’d love to help you if you are a model looking for lovely images, a brand looking for top-quality campaign imagery or anyone else lookking to work with a relaxed, fun and experienced photograper.

If you have any questions I am here to help. Send me a message on Instagram or on my Contact Us page.

Whether you’re building your modelling portfolio or launching the next big fashion line, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

If you’re an email kinada person, then email me at matt@matthewcornell.com.au

Email me or give me a call and let’s make your ideal phottoshoot a reality.

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