One of the most common questions clients ask when hiring a wedding photographer or booking a photoshoot is: “How many pictures do you take per hour?” While the answer can vary based on the type of event, photographer’s style, and client needs, there are some general guidelines that can help set expectations.
Average Photos Per Hour
On average, a professional photographer can deliver anywhere from 50 to 100 edited photos per hour. However, during fast-paced events like weddings, a wedding photographer may take several hundred photos per hour, selecting only the best ones for final delivery. The volume depends on moments worth capturing, lighting conditions, and the complexity of the event.
Factors That Influence Photo Quantity
Type of Photography:
Wedding photography usually results in a higher number of photos because of constant action and emotions.
Portrait sessions or studio shoots might yield fewer images but with more attention to detail.
Photographer’s Style:
Some photographers prefer a candid, documentary style and shoot more frequently.
Others take a more posed and calculated approach, resulting in fewer images.
Event Flow and Planning:
A well-organized timeline can help a photographer capture more meaningful moments within the available time.
Quality Over Quantity
While it’s tempting to focus on the number of photos, the quality of the images is what truly matters. A skilled wedding photographer in Calgary, for instance, may shoot 800 images in a day but only deliver the best 400–500 that tell the story perfectly.
Considering Real Estate Photography?
If you’re in need of a real estate photographer in Calgary, the approach is quite different. Real estate shoots are more structured, focusing on lighting, composition, and showing off the space. Typically, a real estate session delivers around 20–30 high-quality images per property, captured efficiently within an hour or less.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hiring a wedding photographer to capture your special day or a real estate photographer to highlight your property in Calgary, always discuss expectations ahead of time. Understanding the photographer’s process, delivery time, and editing style will ensure you get the results you’re hoping for.