Photographer invoice template for Canada

Photography invoices mix time, deliverables and rights: a session fee, a number of edited images, and a licence for how they may be used. This template is set up for Canada: CAD currency and the right tax label. Canada invoices usually include GST (standard rate 5 percent), which this template adds for you.

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Example photographer invoice in CAD

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Half-day photo session (4 hours)	1	CA$600.00	CA$600.00
Edited high-resolution images	40	CA$8.00	CA$320.00
Commercial image licence, 12 months	1	CA$250.00	CA$250.00
Travel expenses	1	CA$60.00	CA$60.00
Subtotal			CA$1,230.00
GST 5%			CA$61.50
Total			CA$1,291.50

In this sample the subtotal is CA$1,230.00, GST at 5 percent adds CA$61.50, and the total is CA$1,291.50. Sample figures only.

What a Canada invoice must include

Your business name, address and GST/HST registration number
The customer's name and billing address
Invoice number and invoice date
A description of the goods or services and the amount before tax
The GST or HST amount, and any provincial tax, shown separately
The total and your payment terms

What a photographer invoice should show

Date, location and type of shoot
Session or hourly fee and the number of edited images delivered
Licence terms: personal or commercial, duration and media
Extra costs such as travel, assistants or prints
Deposit received, if any, and the balance due
Payment instructions and due date

Getting paid in Canada

Common ways to pay are Interac e-Transfer, electronic funds transfer, cheque or card. Typical payment terms: net 30 is common. Interest on late payments should be agreed in your contract and written on the invoice.

Mistakes to avoid

Charging only for the shoot and giving away unlimited usage rights.
Not stating how many edited images are included.
Charging GST when you are a small supplier and not registered.
Using 5 percent GST in a province where HST applies.

Practical tips

For events and weddings, invoice a booking deposit when the date is confirmed and the balance before or on delivery. For commercial shoots, list the licence as its own line; it is the part of the price clients most often want to adjust later.

The federal GST rate is 5 percent. Some provinces combine federal and provincial tax into HST at a higher rate, while others charge provincial sales tax separately, so the rate depends on where the supply is made. Small suppliers whose taxable revenue stays under the government threshold do not have to register for GST/HST, but they can choose to.

Frequently asked questions

Should photographers charge for usage rights?

For commercial work, usually yes. Pricing usage separately from the session fee reflects the value the client gets and keeps future extensions simple.

What deposit is normal for a photographer?

Deposits of 25 to 50 percent are common for events and larger shoots. It depends on your market and the booking.

What is the difference between GST and HST?

GST is the federal tax. HST combines the federal and provincial parts in some provinces. Others charge GST plus a separate provincial tax.

Do I need to charge GST as a freelancer in Canada?

Only once you are registered, which is required after you pass the small supplier threshold. Check with the CRA.

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Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check the Canada Revenue Agency before relying on it.