Photographer in Sunshine Coast

For portraits and family sessions, 20-50 edited images per hour of shooting is the common range. Events yield more (50-100/hour) with lighter editing. If a package promises hundreds of fully retouched images from a short session, the 'retouching' is probably just batch color correction.

Portrait and family sessions: 1-3 weeks is standard, with a few preview images in the first days. Weddings: 4-8 weeks. If you need images by a hard date (visa, listing, campaign), put the deadline in the contract; rush delivery typically adds 20-50%.

The hour after sunrise and before sunset ('golden hour') gives soft, warm, directional light. Midday sun causes squinting and harsh shadows — if midday is unavoidable, open shade works. Trust the photographer's slot suggestion; a mediocre location in great light beats a great location at noon.

20-50% to hold the date, with the balance due on or before the shoot day. A retainer is usually non-refundable if you cancel late, because the date can't be resold. Check the reschedule policy — good photographers allow one free weather or illness reschedule for outdoor shoots.

Standard practice is one free reschedule for weather, decided 24-48 hours out. Some photographers shoot in light rain or move to covered locations — overcast light is actually flattering. Confirm the weather policy in the contract, including who decides and by when.

Typically: a pre-shoot consultation, the shooting time, culling, basic editing of a set number of images, and digital delivery. Not always included: all raw files, extra retouching, prints, albums, travel beyond a base radius, and commercial usage rights. Get the deliverables list in writing before paying a deposit.

Rates run AUD $150-$450 per hour, with Sydney and Melbourne at the top and beginners near $100. A one-hour portrait or family session commonly totals $300-$700; minis run $150-$300. Full-day wedding coverage clusters at $2,500-$5,500.

Commercial photography on council foreshores, botanic gardens and national parks frequently requires a permit — fees vary by council and some enforce actively. Family portrait sessions by a paid photographer usually count as commercial use. Your photographer should handle this; confirm it's covered in the quote.