Why I charge by the project instead of an hourly rate

A couple of years ago, I shifted from charging hourly to offering project rates. It was one of the better decisions I’ve made—not just for me, but for the people I work with. It brought clarity to my pricing, created consistency across similar projects, and eliminated many of the gray areas that previously arose around scope, deliverables, and expectations.

Now, when someone asks about hourly rates (and they still do), I get it—but I’ve found that project-based pricing leads to a better experience on both sides.

I get it—hourly rates feel straightforward. But the truth is, creative work doesn’t live by the clock. The value of creative work is correlated with the scope of the project and the intended use, not the time spent.

Here’s why I usually go with a project rate:

You’re not paying for time. You’re paying for the work.
By the time I arrive to shoot, I’ve already spent time planning, thinking through the best approach, checking my gear, scouting the light (if possible), and figuring out what will make your photos feel like yours. This could include pre-production meetings or calls, as well as developing a schedule or image list for the day. Then there’s editing, delivery, and sometimes a handful of emails in between. A project rate allows me to account for all of that without breaking it down into little pieces.

It puts the focus on the outcome—not the clock.
A project rate keeps the focus on making the best work possible—not watching the time. With this in mind, I find it is easier to create goals that are aligned with the client and my business.

It’s cleaner.
No stopwatch. No guessing how long something “should” take. We agree on the scope, the deliverables, and the rate. You know what to expect. I know what to deliver.

It allows space to adapt.
Creative work is unpredictable. Maybe the light is perfect, and we get what we need quickly. Perhaps we need to adjust. A project rate gives us room to pivot, to experiment, to make sure what we walk away with is something we’re all proud of—without worrying about the meter running.

That’s the thinking. It’s less about protecting time and more about protecting the work and creating space for practical and honest collaboration.

Let me know if you want to talk through what makes sense for your project—I’m always open to figuring it out together.

FAQ

• What if my project is really small or super quick?

  Totally fair question. If it’s a one-off need or something that truly only takes a short time, I’m open to finding a simpler option that fits. Just reach out, and we can talk through it.

• Can you break down what’s included in a project rate?

  Yes. Every project rate includes the time we spend shooting, as well as planning, prep, editing, file delivery, and communication throughout. It’s a start-to-finish approach, not just the hours with a camera in hand. I am always happy to walk through what goes into the project rate.

• What if something changes mid-project?

  It happens. Weather, timing, logistics—things shift. Project rates provide us with the flexibility to accommodate those changes (within reason) without needing to rework the entire agreement. If something big comes up, we’ll talk it through.

• Can we still talk about the budget if the project rate feels high?

  Yes—always. The rate reflects the full scope of the work, but I strive to be flexible where and when possible. If you’re excited to work together but the number feels like a stretch, let’s have a conversation and see what’s possible.

• Do you ever charge hourly?

  Occasionally, for consulting, scouting, or very specific kinds of work. But for most photo projects, a project rate works better for everyone.