Short answer: create a tip page in an app such as TipIns, print the QR code and put it on the back of your business card. Customers scan it with their phone camera and tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. They do not need an app or an account.
Guests often want to thank the person who spent ten hours on their feet and have no route to do it. Second shooters and photo booth staff have even less.
How a QR code tip jar works
You create a tip page once and get a personal QR code and link. A customer points their phone camera at the code, a secure payment page opens in their browser, and they pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card. The tip shows in your balance straight away and is paid out to your bank account.
Where photographers put the code
- On the back of your business card.
- On the photo booth table or print strip holder.
- In the gallery delivery email.
- On a card in your kit for assistants and second shooters.
Size the code for the distance: a phone reads one from about ten times its width. The measurements are in how to make a tip jar QR code sign.
What to write on the sign
Love your photos? Tips are never expected and always appreciated. Scan here.
Put your own name where the brackets are. You can export a print-ready design from the app in business card, A5, A4 or A3 size.
How to mention it
Do not raise it at the event. Put it in the gallery delivery email, where a happy client is reading every line.
Your own code or a shared one
A personal code for a solo photographer. A lead and second shooter can share a group for event tips.
What customers usually tip a photographer
Tipping a photographer is optional. For a wedding, $50 to $100 for the lead photographer and $25 to $50 for a second shooter or assistant is typical when people tip.
| Situation | Usual tip |
|---|---|
| Wedding, photographer owns the business | Optional: $50 to $100, or a gift |
| Second shooter or assistant | $25 to $50 |
| Portrait or family session | Not expected |
| Photographer employed by a studio | $50 to $100 |
Customers looking for the etiquette can read how to tip a photographer without cash.
What it costs
TipIns is free to download and has no monthly fee. Each tip carries a 10% platform fee plus a small card processing fee, and by default the person tipping covers both, so you receive the amount they chose. Weekly payouts to your bank are free. The details are in the FAQ.
Common questions
Where should a photographer put a tip QR code?
On the back of your business card. On the photo booth table or print strip holder.
What should a photographer's tip sign say?
Try: "Love your photos? Tips are never expected and always appreciated. Scan here." Give a reason, show a large code and include your name.
Should I use a personal code or a team code?
A personal code for a solo photographer. A lead and second shooter can share a group for event tips.