How OnShot works
- 1Pick your date and areaYou only see photographers who are free that day and travel to your event.
- 2Choose a photographer and packageCompare portfolios, gear, reviews and the Reliable badge. Prices and photo counts are shown up front.
- 3Pay safelyYour payment is held by Stripe. The photographer has 24 hours to accept, or you get everything back.
- 4Meet at the eventScan your photographer’s OnShot badge to check it is really them.
- 5Get your photosEdited photos arrive within 3, 7 or 10 days depending on the package. The photographer is paid 48 hours after delivery, once you have checked them.
Packages
Every photographer offers the same three packages, so they are easy to compare. Each photographer sets their own price and number of edited photos. Below are typical starting points. You pay the package price plus a 5% service fee; sales tax is added where your state requires it.
| Package | Hours | Typical edited photos | Typical price | Photos within | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 2 | 75 | $450 | 3 days | Short events and key moments |
| Signature | 4 | 150 | $900 | 7 days | Half day: most parties and ceremonies |
| Complete | 8 | 350 | $1,800 | 10 days | Full day coverage |
Cancellations and refunds
What if I cancel?
Before the photographer accepts, or 14 or more days before the event: 100% back, including the service fee. From 13 days to 48 hours before: 50% of the package price back. Within 48 hours: no refund. You see the exact amount before you confirm.
What if my photographer cancels?
Your payment stays safe and you choose: “Find me a replacement” sends your event to free, verified photographers nearby (same date, time and price, no new charge), or “Refund me” gives you 100% back. If nobody is confirmed in time, you are refunded in full automatically.
Who owns my photos?
The photographer keeps the copyright, and you can use your photos forever for anything personal: social media, prints, albums, gifts, invitations. No watermark.
Can my photographer post my photos?
Only if you allow it. Tick the box when booking, or change it any time in My bookings. It is off unless you turn it on.
How long does a refund take?
We send it right away. Your bank usually shows it within 5–10 days.
Changing the date
Can I change my date?
Yes, once per booking, up to 48 hours before the event. Offer up to 3 free dates, each with its own start time, from the photographer’s calendar.
What if none of my dates work?
The photographer can suggest up to 3 of their own. If you still cannot agree, your booking stays on the original date.
I sent a request by mistake
Withdraw it in My bookings before the photographer answers. It does not use up your one change.
Safety and trust
How are photographers checked?
Every new photographer takes a real ID check with Stripe: a photo of their government ID plus a live selfie that is matched to it. OnShot also reviews their work before they appear in search. Look for “✓ ID verified” on their profile.
How do I know it is really my photographer?
They wear a printed OnShot badge with a QR code. Scan it with your phone camera to see their verified name, photo and today’s OnShot booking.
What does “Reliable” mean?
The photographer has completed OnShot events and has not cancelled any booking in the last 12 months.
Something went wrong, or my photos are late
Tap “Report a problem” in My bookings, any time after the event until 48 hours after your photos are delivered. The photographer’s payout is paused until OnShot reviews it.
For photographers
How much do I earn?
Your package price minus a 10% OnShot commission. You set the price and number of edited photos; package hours are fixed.
When am I paid?
48 hours after you deliver the photos (paste your gallery link in your workspace), if the client reports no problem. Stripe usually takes about 2 business days to reach your bank.
How fast must I deliver?
Essential: 3 days. Signature: 7 days. Complete: 10 days after the event. You get a reminder before the due date.
What if I need to cancel?
The client is refunded in full and you get 1–3 strikes depending on how close the event is. 6 strikes in 12 months hides your profile until OnShot reviews it.
How do I get my badge?
After approval, open Print my badge in your workspace, print it at actual size, cut it out and wear it in a lanyard holder at every event. The QR code always checks live.
What are urgent jobs?
When another photographer cancels, free photographers nearby may be offered the job. The first to accept gets it, already paid, at the original price.
Send us a message and OnShot support will reply by email.Contact support
The full rules are in the Terms of Service.