How to Hire a Photographer for Social Media in the UK: Rates, Briefs and Choosing Well
Good photography does more for a small brand’s social media than almost anything else, but “photographer” covers very different skills: product packshots, styled lifestyle shoots, food, headshots and events. Each is priced differently and suits a different person. This guide explains how to define the shoot, what photographers charge in the UK in 2026, whether to post a job or a one off project, what to put in the brief, and how to choose between applicants.
Need photography on a regular basis? Post a job free on the ZOMZEY network and photographers, videographers and Influencers apply through their ZOMZEY profile.
Decide what kind of shoot you need
- Product and packshots: clean images on a white or simple background for your shop and listings.
- Styled or lifestyle: your product in use, in a setting your customers recognise. This is what performs best on Instagram and Pinterest.
- Brand and portraits: you, your team and your space, for profiles, About pages and posts.
- Food and drink: a specialist skill, priced higher because of styling and lighting.
- Events: launches, workshops and pop ups, usually by the half or full day.
What photographers charge in the UK
Whito’s 2026 study of UK photography prices, based on 40 published UK price lists, gives these typical ranges. A half day is usually 3 to 4 hours and a full day 6 to 8 hours, and London sits at or above the top of each range.
| Shoot type | Half day | Full day |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial and brand | £300 to £750 | £500 to £1,000 |
| Product | £350 to £425 | £400 to £675 |
| Food and drink | £300 to £850 | £650 to £1,200 |
| Portraits and headshots | £200 to £400 | £400 to £800 |
| Events | £250 to £500 | £430 to £730 |
For product listings, the same study puts white background packshots at about £5 to £35 per image, with minimum spends of £125 to £150 common, and short fixed price brand shoots of 1 to 1.5 hours at £350 to £695.
Job or project: choosing the right route on ZOMZEY
- Post a job when you want people for an ongoing or repeat role. Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, members apply through their ZOMZEY account, and jobs are approved before they go live.
- Post a paid opportunity when you have one defined piece of work. Members send a priced offer, the work is agreed through the Prospect Centre, and ZOMZEY Protected Payments can hold the fee until the work is delivered and approved.
What to put in the brief or job post
- What you sell, who buys it and where the images will be used.
- The shoot type from the list above, the number of finished images and the formats you need, such as square and vertical for social media.
- Location: your premises, the photographer’s studio or outdoors.
- Usage: confirm you may use the images on your website, social media and adverts, and for how long.
- Budget, dates and how quickly you need the edited images back.
The Campaign Brief Generator can help you turn this into a clear brief.
Choosing between applicants
Judge each portfolio on work like yours: a strong wedding portfolio says little about product photography. Look for consistent lighting, sharp detail and a style that fits your brand. For an ongoing role, start with one paid half day before agreeing a monthly arrangement, and agree in writing who owns the images and how you may use them.
Ready to hire? Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, and you can review each photographer’s ZOMZEY profile before you reply.
Browse Influencers and venues by city
ZOMZEY lists its members by location, so you can find talent near you.
- Influencers by city, including Greater London.
- Hubs by city, the shops, venues and communities that make good shoot locations.
Common questions about hiring a photographer
How much does a photographer cost in the UK?
A 2026 study of UK price lists puts commercial and brand photography at about £300 to £750 for a half day and £500 to £1,000 for a full day, with London at the top of the range.
Is it free to post a photography job on ZOMZEY?
Yes. Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, and photographers apply through their ZOMZEY profile.
How many images should I expect from a half day?
It depends on the shoot type. Agree the number of finished, edited images in writing before the day, rather than relying on an estimate.
Who owns the photographs?
In the UK the photographer usually owns the copyright unless you agree otherwise. Agree a licence that covers your website, social media and adverts, or ask for the copyright to be assigned to you.
Should I hire a photographer or an Influencer for social media images?
Hire a photographer for polished product and brand images you control. Hire an Influencer when you want content made in their own style for their audience, or UGC that looks native to social media.
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