The million euro question that plagues most creative professions. How much do I charge? Ultimately the sky is the limit with photographers and conversely sometimes this also applies with a photographer’s starting rate. Needless to say, the creative industry is an unregulated one, in many senses. Can anyone call themselves a photographer, yes! But the proof lies in a photographer’s portfolio, their holy grail of hero shots that define who they are creatively, at any given time.
The question should always be, what are my costs? And they are plentiful,
Photographers in Malta typically set their rates based on genre, experience, deliverables, and business overheads. While there’s no fixed pricing table enforced by law, the following guide provides a realistic range of common rates for freelance or small business photographers operating in Malta (as of 2025). Please note, the following is a guideline and a photographer’s rate is indicative of many things.
| Genre | Typical Rate Range (€) | Notes / Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Photography | €800 – €2,000+ | Full-day packages range from 6 to 12+ hours. Often includes editing, USB delivery, online gallery, and albums. |
| Engagement / Couple Shoots | €150 – €400 | 1–2 hours, edited images, online gallery. Often discounted if booked with a wedding package. |
| Family / Portrait Sessions | €100 – €250 | 1-hour session, 10–20 edited photos. Higher if shot on-location or includes printables. |
| Event Photography (Corporate / Private) | €50 – €150/hour | Usually 2–4 hour minimum. May include limited editing or fast turnaround. |
| Commercial Photography (Products / Branding) | €200 – €800/day or €50 – €250/hour | Depends on usage rights, complexity, lighting setup. Often billed per deliverable or per image. |
| Real Estate / Architectural Photography | €75 – €200/property | Based on number of rooms/photos. Drone work or twilight sessions may cost extra. |
| Fashion / Editorial | €150 – €1500/session or day rate | Often includes creative direction and retouching. Usage fees may apply for commercial publication. |
| Headshots / Business Portraits | €75 – €200/person | Often 15–30 min sessions. Discounted group rates for teams. |
| Newborn / Maternity Photography | €150 – €400 | Longer sessions (1.5–3 hours), studio or home. Includes styling, props, and custom editing. |
| Drone Photography (Add-on) | +€75 – €250/session | Subject to local UAV regulations. Must be licensed for commercial drone use. |
| Factor | How It Affects Rates |
|---|---|
| Experience | Established photographers charge more for reliability and brand trust |
| Gear quality | Studio lighting, high-end lenses, drones = higher investment = higher rates |
| Deliverables | More images, albums, prints, or same-day delivery = premium |
| Turnaround time | Express editing or delivery can add 10–30% |
| Location | Travel to Gozo, Comino, or remote locations can incur travel charges (€30–€100) |
| Usage rights | Commercial clients pay more for licensing; personal use usually included by default |
How Photographers Typically Charge in Malta
| Method | Used for |
|---|---|
| Flat rate packages | Weddings, portraits, events |
| Hourly rate | Commercial, corporate, product |
| Day rate | Editorial, fashion, branding |
| Per deliverable | Real estate, product, e-commerce |
| Retainer | Ongoing work with agencies or brands |