A two-hour shoot can fill a much larger part of your week. Include the preparation around it so the finished gallery does not come with a disappearing margin.
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Let’s work it out.
The starting figures are illustrations, not industry benchmarks. Replace them with your own costs and assumptions. Calculations happen in your browser; figures are not saved to your account or sent as analytics properties.
Changes the display label only. It does not convert amounts. Use a consistent basis for tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive figures.
Your planning estimate
- Estimated project quote
- AUD 1,278.75
- Total project hours
- 11 hours
- Cost allowance with contingency
- AUD 1,023.00
- Planned surplus above allowance
- AUD 255.75
How this calculation works
Add the hours for each stage, multiply by your hourly labour allowance, then add direct project costs. Apply the contingency to that cost allowance, then divide by (1 − target margin). A 20% margin is different from adding a 20% markup. The labour allowance is your chosen planning cost, not a suggested wage.
A little more context: Hourly rate or project fee?.
How the calculation works
Add the hours for each stage, multiply by your hourly labour allowance, then add direct project costs. Apply the contingency to that cost allowance, then divide by (1 − target margin). A 20% margin is different from adding a 20% markup. The labour allowance is your chosen planning cost, not a suggested wage.
A worked example you can change
The tool starts with the illustrative figures below. They demonstrate the calculation; they are not industry averages, recommended rates or promises about what you will earn. All monetary figures in this example are AUD.
Shooting hours: 3 Editing and delivery hours: 6 Preparation, admin and travel hours: 2 Hourly labour allowance: 70 AUD Equipment hire or allocated cost: 100 AUD Travel, location and external costs: 60 AUD Contingency allowance: 10% Target margin on the quote: 20% Estimated project quote: 1,278.75 AUD Total project hours: 11 hours Cost allowance with contingency: 1,023 AUD Planned surplus above allowance: 255.75 AUD
Make the estimate fit your photography work
The most useful estimate is one you can explain. Check these details against the actual job or business arrangement before you rely on the result.
- Include location preparation and client communication in your admin and travel time.
- Choose a realistic equipment cost allocation; avoid charging the full purchase price of reusable equipment to one job unless that is the actual arrangement.
- Usage licences, image selection, turnaround and extra retouching should be agreed separately in the scope.
What this tool does and does not include
The calculation uses the figures you enter and the method above. It does not fetch market rates, convert currencies, assess demand or calculate tax, payroll or legal obligations. Choose a consistent tax basis for the amounts you enter. Changing display currency changes the label only.
Your inputs stay in this browser page and reset when you leave or reload. You can copy or download a text estimate with its assumptions. If you choose to use Lufu, you can then prepare an actual quote or invoice with the details you have agreed.