Commissioned photography for events (weddings, corporate parties) is almost always a commercial trade in Germany — not a freelance profession. Register with the trade office (approx. €15–65); IHK/HWK will be informed. Small-business rule §19 UStG: under €22,000 prior-year turnover and expected under €50,000 ongoing — no VAT on invoices.
Hourly rates in Germany typically €70–250, realistically often €150–200 — depending on experience, event length, travel and post-processing. On-site time is just one part; culling and editing can take longer than the event itself.
| Service | Billing | Price range | Note |
|---|
| Event coverage | Per hour | €100–250 | Includes post-processing, varies regionally |
| Half day | 4 h package | €400–900 | Often cheaper than individual hours |
| Full day | 8 h package | €800–2,000+ | Conferences, weddings |
| Package | Per event | Variable | Video, photo booth, albums possible |
A written contract is mandatory: scope of services, fee, usage rights, delivery date, cancellation, GDPR. Templates: Model and Property Release.
Manual mode, exposure triangle, flash, Lightroom/Photoshop. Personal: an eye for detail, anticipation, fitness for long deployments.
Soft skills often decide success: communication, adaptability under pressure, empathy, discretion, punctuality, appropriate dress.
