How Much Does Product Photography Cost?

Investing in professional product photography becomes more strategic when you understand the pricing structure, allowing you to use your marketing budget for better results. With a portfolio spanning various industries and product types, we’ve produced product images that skyrocketed marketing campaigns and boosted sales. This guide on product photography costs will help manage your budget and plans for your brand’s visual content.

How Much Does Product Photography Cost?

Product photography pricing can be structured per photo, ranging from $20 to $300, depending on complexity and quality. Hourly rates can span from $50 to $500 based on the photographer’s experience. For more extensive shoots, day rates are common, usually falling between $500 and $3,000, and per-product pricing can vary from $30 to $500.

From basic shots to high-end commercial imagery, we’ve helped individuals and businesses achieve their dream product photos. Being well-informed about the prices of product photos can empower you to make the right decisions about your visual marketing strategies.

Standard Product Photography Pricing Models

Investing in professional photography can make a significant difference in your product presentation. Understanding the pricing models for product photography helps you budget correctly and get the quality you deserve.

Pricing Model	Price Range	Best For
Per photo	$20 – $300	Small businesses with few productsOne-off product shots
Per hour	$50 – $500	Mid-sized shootsWhen the shoot duration is uncertain
Per day	$500 – $3,000	Large product catalogsSeasonal collection shoots
Per product	$30 – $500	Consistent multi-angle shotsSpecialized or high-end products

Per Photo

When paying per photo, you typically encounter a wide range of prices:

• Basic: 10 white background photos at $30 each with basic retouching only.
• Standard: 15 photos at $70 each with improved lighting and simple props.
• Premium: 5 photos at $250 each with creative backgrounds and props and professional retouching.

Per Hour

Hobbyists and beginner photographers usually charge on the lower end of the spectrum. Expect to pay around $50 per hour for their services. They are ideal for small projects or startups with tight budgets.

For intermediate photographers with more experience and higher-quality outputs, hourly rates may range between $75 and $150.

Experienced professional photographers may charge between $150 and $500 per hour. They have advanced skills and high-end equipment and can handle complex shoots efficiently. They are perfect for businesses that need top-notch product images.

Per Day

Another option is hiring a photographer per day. The price depends on factors like the photographer’s experience, location, and the complexity of the shoot.

Here’s an example of what you might get for $500 – $1,000 per day:

• Basic product photos
• Simple backgrounds
• Limited props
• Quick turnaround

Here’s what you might get for $2,000 – $3,000 per day:

• Professional lighting setups
• Advanced editing and retouching
• Multiple product angles
• Lifestyle setup with models

Per Product

When paying per product, costs can range from $30 to $500. Some advantages include the potential for unlimited images per product. This helps you get more value if you need various angles and details.

There might be a maximum number of images included for each product. Beyond this number, extra charges per image might apply.

Simpler items might be on the lower end of the scale, while complex or harder-to-photograph items could be priced higher. A standard package of $50 to $150 per product may cover:

• Up to 10 images per product
• Custom backgrounds or settings
• Enhanced editing and retouching

Factors Influencing Product Photography Pricing

Understanding the different factors influencing product photography pricing can help you manage your content planning budget more effectively. Here’s a look at some key factors that lead to price differences:

Photography Style

Lifestyle photography can be more expensive due to the need for diverse locations, props, and models. On the other hand, simple studio shots with clean backgrounds might cost less, depending on additional elements like lighting and backdrops.

Type and Complexity of Products

Content producers that include images in their content get 12 times more traffic than those who only use text. However, different products require varying levels of effort and expertise to photograph. Complex products might need more time and specific techniques, which can drive up costs. We can handle and shoot a range of products, including:

• Food: Requires precise lighting to highlight details and textures.
• Accessories: Needs careful styling and possibly models.
• Technical products or gadgets: Often need professional handling and special setups.

Location and Studio Expenses

Whether you need on-location shooting for an event or a professional studio, location plays a big role in pricing.

• Studio rental may include lighting, backdrops, and props.
• On-location shooting involves travel and possibly higher fees.
• Travel expenses can add significantly to the budget.

Set Construction, Styling, and Props

Creating an appealing set can be intricate depending on the product and desired outcome. Professional photographers might need to construct custom sets or use specific props, especially for lifestyle photography. The costs of styling and props will vary based on how elaborate the shoot needs to be.

Team Size

Professional photographers often work with a crew or team to provide high-quality results, which might be reflected in the pricing.

• Assistants help with equipment and setup.
• Stylists enhance the visual appeal of products.
• Models are necessary for apparel and lifestyle shoots.

Post-Production and Retouching

After the photo shoot, retouching and other post-production processes are important to achieve a polished final product. This can include color correction, removing imperfections, and enhancing details. Higher-end retouching services will increase the total cost due to the skilled labor involved.

Licensing and Usage Rights

Licensing fees vary based on how and where the images will be used. Commercial use often requires higher fees as the images provide more significant value. Discussing these terms upfront guarantees clarity and fair pricing.

Related Questions

How Should I Budget for My Product Photography Project?

Determine the number of products and types of shots needed, then allocate 5-10% of your expected product revenue for photography. Consider factors like the photographer’s experience, shoot complexity, and post-production requirements to create a realistic budget that balances quality and cost-effectiveness.

Why Do Product Photographers Have Additional Charges?

Product photographers often have additional charges to cover expenses beyond their basic shooting time. These charges may cover specialized equipment rental, studio space, props, or complex post-production work.

How Can I Choose the Right Product Photographer?

Carefully review portfolios to make sure the photographer’s style aligns with your brand and product needs. Consider their experience, pricing structure, turnaround time, and ability to understand and execute your vision while staying within your budget.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs of product photography lets you allocate appropriate budgets, choose the right photography style and photographer, and avoid overpaying for services. Our product photography services strike the perfect balance between quality imagery and cost-effectiveness, leading to stronger brand representation and increased sales for your business.