Photography Invoice Format
A GST-ready invoice format for a photographer / photography studio in India — with the correct SAC code, the right GST rate, and the line items you actually bill. Fill it in and download a PDF, free and no sign-up.
A photographer's invoice in India should clearly list the shoot (wedding, event, portrait, product) with the SAC code 998383 for event photography and videography, so clients and their accountants can claim input tax credit. Because most bookings run on an advance-plus-balance model, your invoice must show the advance already received, the balance due, and 18% GST split as CGST+SGST (same state) or IGST (out-of-state client). Itemising deliverables like edited photos, albums and drone coverage separately keeps the bill transparent and reduces disputes at delivery.
What a photographer / photography studio typically bills for
| Item / service | Billed | Typical rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding day photography coverage (full day, 2 photographers) | per day | ₹35,000 |
| Candid + traditional videography with edited highlight film | per day | ₹40,000 |
| Pre-wedding / engagement shoot (half day, one location) | per project | ₹20,000 |
| Premium printed photo album (30 sheets, leather cover) | per album | ₹12,000 |
| Drone / aerial coverage add-on | per day | ₹10,000 |
| Product / e-commerce studio photography | per image | ₹250 |
Indicative market rates — set your own. Add these as line items and the invoice totals GST for you.
Opens the free GST invoice generator, pre-filled with these items.
How to make a photography invoice
Your name / business, GSTIN if registered, and the client's details.
List what you delivered — use the items above as a starting point — under SAC 998383.
Pick 18% GST, choose CGST+SGST or IGST, and download the PDF.
What a GST-compliant photography invoice must include
A GST tax invoice should carry: your name, address and GSTIN; a unique invoice number and date; the client's name, address and GSTIN (if registered); a description of the service with its SAC code (998383 for photography); the taxable value; the GST rate and amount split as CGST + SGST (same state) or IGST (inter-state); the total in words; and your signature. Photographers typically collect a 30-50% non-refundable advance to block the date, with the balance due before final delivery of edited photos, albums and films; wedding bookings are often confirmed months ahead against this advance.
Invoice format by profession
Photography invoice — frequently asked questions
Which SAC code should a wedding or event photographer use on the invoice?
Use SAC 998383, 'Event photography and event videography services', which covers weddings, functions and event shoots. Portrait/studio work falls under 998381, advertising shoots under 998382, and photo/video processing under 998386 - but for wedding and event bookings, 998383 is the correct code and all of them are taxed at 18% GST.
Do I need to charge GST on the advance/booking amount I take to block a date?
Yes. Under GST, tax is payable on advances received for services. When you collect a booking advance you should issue a receipt voucher and pay 18% GST on that advance in the same month; the final invoice then shows the total, the GST, and adjusts the advance already received against the balance.
Should I show CGST+SGST or IGST when a client is from another state?
For photography the place of supply is usually where the service is performed. If your studio and the client are in the same state, split the 18% as 9% CGST + 9% SGST. If you travel to shoot an event in another state or bill an out-of-state client, charge 18% IGST instead - getting this wrong is the most common mistake on photographers' invoices.
Do I need GST registration as a freelance photographer?
GST registration is mandatory once your annual turnover crosses Rs. 20 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh in some special-category states). Below that you can invoice without charging GST, but many corporate and wedding-planner clients prefer a GST invoice so they can claim input tax credit, so voluntary registration is common for full-time photographers.