Honest, transparent pricing for every type of photography on Oahu — weddings, portraits, events, and more. Know what to budget before you reach out to anyone.
Hawaii photography pricing can seem confusing — rates vary wildly and packages bundle things differently. This guide breaks down what you should realistically expect to pay for quality photography across every category we cover on Oahu. We've also included honest guidance on what separates a $500 photographer from a $5,000 one.
Transparency note: This guide includes our own pricing alongside Oahu market averages. We believe informed clients make better decisions. Project Story Hawaii serves all of Oahu with no travel fees anywhere on the island.
Wedding photography is the single most important vendor investment — it's the only part of your wedding day that lasts forever. On Oahu, expect to pay slightly more than mainland rates due to the premium nature of Hawaii as a destination.
| Tier | Price Range | Hours | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $800–$1,500 | 4–6 hrs | 1 photographer, 200–350 images, basic editing, limited experience |
| Mid-Range (Our Tier) | $1,800–$4,800 | 6–10 hrs | 1–2 photographers, 400–800+ images, professional editing, venue familiarity, full print release |
| Luxury / Editorial | $5,000–$10,000+ | 8–12 hrs | 2+ photographers, engagement session, fine-art editing, printed album, film cameras |
Red flags to watch for: Photographers charging under $1,000 for full-day coverage often lack backup equipment, experience at your venue, or liability insurance. Always ask to see a full wedding gallery — not just 30 highlights — and ask for proof of insurance.
Portrait sessions are flexible, lower-stakes, and often the best way to experience a photographer before committing to a wedding booking.
| Session Type | Duration | Price Range | Images Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Session | 20–30 min | $150–$300 | 15–25 images |
| Family Session | 60–90 min | $350 | 50+ images |
| Maternity | 60–90 min | $350–$550 | 50–80 images |
| Newborn | 2–3 hrs | $400–$700 | 40–80 images |
| Couples / Engagement | 60–90 min | $300–$500 | 60–100 images |
| Graduation / Senior | 60–90 min | $300 | 50–80 images |
| Headshots / Professional | 30–60 min | $200–$450 | 10–30 retouched images |
All Project Story sessions include Oahu travel, professional editing, online gallery, and full personal print release. Family sessions · Graduation packages
Corporate and event photography depends primarily on event duration and deliverable requirements. We cover galas, conferences, team retreats, product launches, and headshot days.
| Event Type | Duration | Price Range | Typical Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Corporate | 2–4 hrs | From $400 | 150+ edited images, 3-day delivery |
| Full-Day Conference | 8–10 hrs | $1,200–$2,500 | 400–700+ images |
| Headshot Day (per person) | 10 min/person | $75–$150/person | 3–5 retouched images each |
| Product Photography | 2–4 hrs | $350–$800 | 20–60 edited images |
| Birthday & Events | 2–4 hrs | From $350 | 100–200 edited images |
| Package | Duration | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Air Booth | 2 hrs | From $500 | Unlimited prints, digital gallery, on-site attendant |
| 360° Video Booth | 2 hrs | $700–$1,000 | Slow-motion videos, instant digital sharing |
| Mirror Booth (Branded) | 3 hrs | $800–$1,200 | Custom overlays, branded prints, digital copies |
| Additional Hours | Per hour | $150–$200/hr | Same attendant, continuous service |
Oahu delivery and setup always included. Custom branding available for corporate events. See photo booth details →
| Video Product | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight Film (3–5 min) | $800–$1,500 | Music-driven cinematic edit of ceremony and reception highlights |
| Feature Film (30–60 min) | $1,500–$3,000 | Full ceremony, speeches, and reception coverage with highlight included |
| Drone Aerial Footage | $300–$600 add-on | FAA-licensed operator, scenic Oahu aerials |
| Social Media Edit | $200–$400 add-on | 60-second vertical edit for Instagram Reels / TikTok |
Video is included in our Premium wedding package. Can be added to Classic and Essential as an upgrade. See wedding packages →
Are you familiar with my specific venue? Have you shot there before?
What happens if you're sick or have an emergency on my wedding day?
Do you carry liability insurance? (Venues may require it)
Can I see a full wedding gallery — not just the best 30 highlights?
How long until I receive my photos? What's your editing turnaround?
What is your editing style — documentary, moody, bright and airy?
Do you have backup equipment if your primary camera fails?
What's your payment schedule and cancellation / rescheduling policy?
Our honest answers to all 8: Yes we carry insurance. Yes we have backup gear. We've shot at most major Oahu venues. Turnaround: 2–3 weeks for weddings, 5–7 days for portraits. Ask us anything directly →
Hawaii wedding photographers charge $1,200–$10,000+ depending on experience, hours, and inclusions. Mid-range packages from studios like Project Story Hawaii run $1,800–$4,800 for full-day coverage with 2 photographers and 600+ edited images.
Portrait sessions on Oahu range from $250–$800. Family sessions typically run $350–$600 for 1–2 hours with 50–100 edited images. Project Story Hawaii family sessions start at $350 with no travel fees on Oahu.
Most Oahu-based photographers include travel to any Oahu location at no extra charge. Project Story Hawaii serves all of Oahu — North Shore, Ko Olina, Kailua, Honolulu, and everywhere in between — with no travel fees.
Standard packages include ceremony and reception coverage (6–10 hours), 1–2 photographers, online gallery delivery (400–800+ edited images), and full print release. Videography, albums, and same-day edits are usually add-ons. Our Classic package includes a highlight film.
Book 12–18 months in advance for wedding photography, especially for peak dates (April–June, September–November Saturdays). Portrait and event sessions can often be booked 2–4 weeks in advance. Check our availability here.
Tipping is not expected but always appreciated. Industry standard is $50–$200 for a photographer and similar for second shooters or videographers. A glowing Google review is equally valued and helps other couples find us.
Tell us about your event and we'll put together a package that fits your vision and budget — no pressure, no hidden fees, no runaround.