Student Photographer Income Guide: Freelance vs Part-time — Which Pays More?
A thorough comparison of freelance (from ¥5,000/30 min) vs part-time (¥1,200/hr). Monthly income simulations and how to choose the right fit for you.
Student Photographer Income Guide
Focus Japan offers two employment types for student photographers. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you choose.
Freelance Pay Structure
| Shoot Duration | Pay | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|
|---------------|-----|------------------|
| 30 min | ¥5,000 | ¥10,000/h |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min | ¥8,000 | ¥8,000/h |
| 90 min | ¥12,000 | ¥8,000/h |
| 120 min | ¥16,000 | ¥8,000/h |
Transport and basic retouching are included.
Monthly Income Simulation (Freelance)
2 shoots/week (60 min each):
- 8 shoots/month × ¥8,000 = ¥64,000/month
4 shoots/week (60 min each):
- 16 shoots/month × ¥8,000 = ¥128,000/month
Part-time Pay
At ¥1,200/hr + transport, working 15 hours/week:
- 60 hrs/month × ¥1,200 = ¥72,000/month (+ transport)
Which Should You Choose?
Freelance is better if you:
- Have an irregular class schedule and want to work in gaps
- Are confident in your photography and want to maximize income
- Want to experience filing taxes (great real-world experience)
Part-time is better if you:
- Want stable, predictable income
- Are an international student (easier to manage the 28-hr/week limit)
- Have less shooting experience and want to build skills first
Review-Based Raises
When your average customer rating reaches ★4.5+, your rate automatically increases the following month. Top photographers earn ¥150,000+ per month.
Whichever you choose, let's discuss it at your interview. We'll find the best fit for your situation.