Photographers frequently ask what they should charge when a client requests a session outside their typical coverage area. It’s a common topic in photography communities, and many default to the IRS mileage rate as the go-to answer. But here’s the issue: charging mileage alone rarely covers the true cost of travel, and it certainly doesn’t reflect the value of a professional photographer’s time, expertise, and energy. Let’s explore why building intentional, well-structured photographer travel fees into your pricing is a key step to becoming a profitable photographer.

Why Mileage-Based Fees Are Only One Piece of the Puzzle

The standard IRS mileage rate (currently 70 cents per mile in 2025) is designed to reimburse for vehicle-related expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and wear and tear. But this number is not designed to reflect your hourly rate, business overhead, or the client experience you’re delivering. When you rely on mileage alone, you’re only covering a fraction of what it takes to deliver a full-service session.

Consider this: If you drive 90 minutes each way for a session, that’s three hours of travel. If you’re only charging mileage, you’re essentially working those three hours for free. That lost time could have been used for editing, onboarding new clients, or simply resting and recharging, especially during your busy season.

Your Time Has Value Beyond the Session

As a photographer, your time doesn’t just begin the moment you pick up the camera. Travel time impacts your schedule, your energy levels, and your ability to serve additional clients. This is particularly important for photographers serving luxury clients who expect a high-touch, seamless experience.

When quoting travel fees, consider:

• Time spent traveling
• Pre-session communication and planning
• Location scouting (especially for destination or unfamiliar areas)
• Parking fees, tolls, meals, and accommodations if necessary

These elements reflect the full investment you’re making in that session, not just the fuel in your tank.

How to Structure Travel Fees as a Profitable Photographer

There’s no one-size-fits-all model for charging travel fees, but profitable photographers often use a tiered approach. Here’s a structure that works well:

• Local Radius (included): 0–25 miles from your home base
• Extended Radius (flat rate): 25–60 miles with a set fee based on time and distance
• Beyond 60 miles (custom quote): Includes mileage + time + any relevant expenses

The key is not just calculating distance, but accounting for how travel impacts your schedule and client load. If you’re traveling farther, you may take fewer sessions that week, so your pricing needs to reflect that trade-off.

Educating Clients on the Value of Your Travel Fees

Clients often don’t understand what goes into travel-related pricing unless it’s communicated clearly and professionally. If your process is rooted in providing a refined, boutique client experience, you’re not just showing up to snap photos. You’re investing time and expertise to ensure everything is styled, timed, and executed beautifully.

Consider including a “travel information” section in your investment guide or client prep materials. This helps set expectations early and positions your fee as part of your overall high-end service and not an extra charge that needs to be justified or brought up later.

Traveling Doesn’t Mean Losing Profit

Travel sessions can be an incredible opportunity for creativity and client connection, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your profit or boundaries. By pricing travel strategically, you’ll protect your energy and ensure each session is not only beautiful, but financially sustainable.

If this is something you’ve been unsure how to implement in your business, or you’ve been consistently undercharging because you didn’t have a clear plan, this is your sign to revisit your pricing structure before busy season begins.

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