High-quality photos can be a game-changer if you’re launching a new e-commerce store, adding new product images to your product listing, or planning a bold marketing campaign.
But the question is: how much does product photography cost? There are no fixed pricing rules because it depends on the project complexity, photography style, photographer skills, and so on. That’s why many businesses and sellers are puzzled and unsure of how much they pay.
But when you clearly understand what goes into product photoshoot pricing, it’s easier to research and compare multiple agencies or photographers. Considering those factors, we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about product photography pricing.
Let’s dive in!
Project complexity
The more intricate the requirements, the higher the cost of the project.
What It Includes:
- Number of products: Large or bulk numbers of products often require more time, setups, organization, and resources.
- Product size & type: Small items like jewelry require professional skills and advanced equipment to showcase every detail (styles, stones, etc..). On the contrary, larger items like furniture or bulky vehicles may require extra resources that lead to extra charges.
- Special techniques: 360° photography, stop-motion animation, or macro photography requires more advanced expertise and gear.
Cost Impact:
- Simple projects: $10–$45 or more per image (e.g., basic product shots on white backgrounds, earrings shots, or others).
- Complex projects: $200–$1,000+ per image (e.g., stylized, detailed, or custom setups).
Photography Style
The style of photography, like more intricate styles or high–demand e-commerce store hero images, generally costs higher prices.
What It Includes:
- E-commerce product photography: These images are designed for online shopping. For example, product infographics, 360-degree photography, hero images, etc.
- Creative or lifestyle product photography: These photography styles represent products in action or life scenes. Photographers incorporate models, props, and other premium segments for all media – online and offline.
- Flat lay or standalone product shots: Artistic arrangements that emphasize product details, often used for social media campaigns. They can be individual or group images, arranged with other props, etc.
- Social commerce product shots: Every social media platform has its specific image requirements. The combos, backgrounds, graphic design, models, and creative scenarios may be as diverse as imagination.
- Close-up photography style: Detail or close-up photography is used for product pages, commercial shoots, and other purposes. Like other photography genres, it requires advanced equipment and photography skills.
Cost Impact:
- E-Commerce: The images can cost $10–$100 per image depending on product photographers skills.
- Lifestyle/Creative: Lifestyle photography can cost around $150–$500+ per image for hiring a model, props, settings, and more.
- Flat-lay: The photography can cost between $50 and $75 per image or more.
- Social media: The cost of social commerce photos might be around $25-$45 per image, depending on product size and type.
- Close-up: The photoshoot might cost around $29-$35 per image or more.
Experience of the Photographer
A photographer’s skill and reputation impact their pricing plans.
What It Includes:
- Beginner/Entry-Level Photographers: These types of photographers are affordable and cost-friendly but may lack the experience for complex projects.
- Mid-Level Photographers: They are experienced in delivering consistent quality and are ideal for small businesses.
- High-End Professionals: These photographers are industry experts with a strong working portfolio and specialize in specific niches (e.g., jewelry, fashion).
Cost Impact:
- Beginner Photographers: $50–$150 per hour or $10–$50 per image.
- Experienced Professionals: $150–$500 per hour or $50–$500 per image.
- Premium/High-End Photographers: $500–$1,500+ per hour or $500–$1,000+ per image.
Location and Setup
The product photoshoot location selection or traveling and overall setups demand extra charges
What It Includes:
- Studio photography: Controlled lighting and professional backdrops in a rented or owned studio.
- On-location photography: It may require travel, permits, and additional setup costs (e.g., beach or urban settings).
- Props and set design: Custom backdrops, furniture, or seasonal decorations to enhance the shoot.
Cost Impact:
- Studio shoots: $50–$500 per hour for studio rentals or setup fees.
- On-location shoots: $500–$2,000+ for travel, permits, and setup.
Post-Production Requirements
After capturing amazing product images, there is room for image retouching that adds extra cost to your overall photography session.
What It Includes:
- Basic Editing: Color correction, exposure adjustments, and minor touch-ups.
- Advanced Retouching: Removing blemishes, fixing imperfections, adding shadows, or compositing multiple images.
- Special Effects: Adding creative edits like textures, reflections, or special lighting effects.
Cost Impact:
- Basic Editing: $10–$50 per image.
- Advanced Retouching: $50–$200 per image.
- Complex Post-Processing: $200–$1,000+ per image (for compositing or creative effects).
Hiring A Service: Product photography studios vs. independent photographers vs. in-house hires
Can’t decide between product photography studios, independent photographers, or in-house hires? Below is a detailed overview:
Product photography studios
The studios are equipped with advanced photography equipment and setups and often with a team of photographers, editors, stylists, and more. They are experienced in shooting different product types like food, jewelry, etc., and handle unique challenges like intricate detailing. Many studios offer end-to-end services like editing, styling, video production, and more.
Reasons to hire:
- High-end fashion projects, luxury brands, e-commerce platforms, advertising campaigns, and so on.
- Guaranteed quality for large product inventories.
- High-volume projects with a quick turnaround.
Drawbacks:
- More expensive compared to independent photographers or in-house.
- Might be charged an extra price for multiple customization and reshooting.
Independent photographers
Freelancers or local photographers are the best option for working on a project basis and bring a personal and creative touch. You’ve communication flexibility, which allows for more customization and collaboration.
Reasons to hire:
- For small to medium-scale projects, especially if you want creative, lifestyle, or artistic photos.
- If you need someone to work on-location (e.g., at your warehouse, store, or outdoor setting).
- When your budget is limited you still need professional results.
Drawbacks:
- Experience and expertise can vary widely.
In-house photographers
Having an in-house photographer gives you complete control over the creative process and allows for immediate adjustments. This option involves hiring a dedicated photographer, either full-time or freelance, as part of your team.
Reasons to hire:
- Cost-Effective for Long-Term Needs.
- Since the photographer works directly for you, images are delivered quickly.
- An in-house photographer can develop a deep understanding of your brand’s style.
Drawbacks:
- Upfront Costs.
- Long-Term Commitment.
Pricing Models for Product Photography
Searching for the right e-commerce product photography pricing structure or commercial product photography pricing? Here’s a detailed guide to the most common pricing models suitable for different product photography:
Per Image Pricing
This is one of the most common pricing structures, especially for e-commerce businesses with straightforward product needs. You pay for each final image delivered.
How It Works:
- You are charged a flat fee per image.
- This fee includes photography, basic editing, and delivery of high-resolution files.
Price Range:
- Basic images (e.g., white backgrounds): $10–$50 per image.
- High-quality or creative images: $50–$500 per image (or more for premium services).
- E-commerce brands with a high volume of products and a need for consistent, clean photos.
- Businesses that require only a limited number of finalized images.
Hourly Rates
The photographer charges for the time spent on the shoot and possibly editing, making this model ideal for smaller or more flexible projects.
How It Works:
- You pay an hourly fee for the time spent photographing your products.
- Editing may or may not be included in the hourly rate.
Price Range:
- $50–$300 per hour (varies based on the photographer’s expertise and location).
Best For:
- Small-scale shoots with a limited number of products or quick lifestyle shoots.
- Projects where the time needed is hard to estimate upfront.
Package Deals
Many photographers offer pre-defined packages that bundle together a specific number of images, editing, and sometimes additional services like props or stylists.
How It Works:
- You pay a flat fee for a pre-defined package (e.g., 20 images, editing, and styling included).
- Packages can often be customized based on your needs.
Price Range:
- Basic packages: $200–$800 (for 10–20 images).
- Advanced packages: $1,000–$5,000+ (for complex projects or high-volume shoots).
Best For:
- Medium to large-scale projects that require a specific number of images or bundled services.
- Businesses are looking for simplicity in pricing without unexpected costs.
Day Rates
This pricing model involves hiring the photographer for an entire day (or half a day), making it ideal for larger projects with many products to shoot.
How It Works:
- You pay a fixed fee for a full day (typically 8 hours) or a half-day (4 hours).
- Includes photography time; editing is usually an additional cost or billed separately.
Price Range:
- Half-Day Rate: $500–$1,500.
- Full-Day Rate: $1,000–$5,000+ (for premium photographers or large setups).
Best For:
- Brands with many products to photograph in a single session.
- Larger, more complex shoots that require ample time for styling and setup.
Subscription or Retainer Models
This pricing model is suitable for businesses with ongoing photography needs, offering a monthly, or annual contract for a fixed number of shoots or images.
How It Works:
- You pay a recurring fee for ongoing access to a photographer’s services.
- Includes a set number of photos, shoots, or editing hours per month.
Price Range:
- $500–$5,000+ per month, depending on the frequency and scope of work.
Best For:
- Businesses with continuous product updates, such as e-commerce stores or subscription box services.
- Brands that need frequent lifestyle or seasonal campaign shoots.
Typical Price Ranges For Product Photography
Are you planning a product photography budget? If so, first you need to understand the typical price ranges for different service levels, such as:
Basic Photography
Basic product photography encourages shoppers to buy products by displaying certain features. These images focus more on affordability and simplicity, which are ideal for small businesses, startups, or straightforward e-commerce needs.
Price Range
- Per Photo: $10–$50
- Hourly Rate: $50–$150
- Per Project: $200–$800 (depending on the number of products and photos)
What It Includes
- Simple White Backgrounds: Popular for several platforms like Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy.
- Minimal Editing: Basic color correction and cleanup; advanced photo editing is not included.
- No Props or Styling: The focus is mainly on the product.
- Small-scale Projects: These images are suitable for businesses with a limited number of products (e.g., 10–50 items).
- Lower-Resolution Output: These are suitable for web use, not high-end print campaigns.
Who It’s For
- Small e-commerce businesses are launching their first product line.
- Budget-conscious sellers who need clean, professional photos.
Mid-Range Services
Mid-range product photography services offer more customization and higher production value. They’re perfect for brands seeking polished photos for digital and print uses.
Price Range
- Per Photo: $50–$200
- Hourly Rate: $150–$300
- Per Project: $800–$3,000 (for 20–50 products)
What It Includes
- Creative Styling: This may include simple props, backgrounds, and some staging.
- Moderate Editing: Retouching for finer details (e.g., removing scratches, adding shadows).
- Studio or On-location Options: Studios with better lighting setups or on-location shoots for lifestyle photos.
- High-Quality Output: Images suitable for print catalogs, websites, and social media campaigns.
- Larger-Scale Projects: It can handle a more significant number of products (e.g., 50–100 items).
Who It’s For
- Growing businesses looking to elevate their product presentation.
- Brands targeting marketplaces or social media with more engaging visuals.
Premium Services
Premium product photoshoot services offer brands exceptional quality and highly customized setups. These are ideal for commercial purposes, campaigns or luxury product photography.
Price Range
- Per Photo: $200–$1,000+
- Hourly Rate: $300–$800
- Per Project: $3,000–$20,000+ (depending on scope and complexity)
What It Includes
- Advanced Styling and Props: Includes custom backgrounds, premium props, and detailed product staging.
- Expert Retouching: High-level photo editing, compositing, and special effects.
- High-End Equipment and Techniques: Advanced lighting setups, macro lenses, or specialized techniques like 360° photography or stop-motion animation.
- Full-Service Teams: Photographers, art directors, stylists, editors, and even models.
- Custom Branding Alignment: Tailored images designed to reflect your brand’s identity and appeal to your target audience.
Who It’s For
- Luxury brands or established businesses launching high-end campaigns.
- Companies investing in advertisements, large-scale print catalogs, or premium e-commerce experiences.
Additional product photography costs
Below is a detailed breakdown of additional product photography costs and why they might be necessary:
Editing Photos
After the shoot, images require professional editing to enhance their quality and fulfill specific e-commerce platforms, social media, and other requirements.
Why It Matters:
Clean, polished images are vital for making your product look professional and appealing.
What it Covers:
- Color correction and color matching (important for clothing, cosmetics, and decor).
- Retouching to remove blemishes, dust, or imperfections.
- Advanced editing like shadow creation, background removal, compositing, or special effects.
Cost Range:
- Basic editing: $10–$50 per photo.
- Advanced retouching: $50–$200 per photo (depending on complexity).
Studio and Equipment Rentals
You may need to invest in those if the photographer doesn’t own a studio or advanced equipment.
What It Covers:
- Renting a photography studio.
- Special equipment like macro lenses for small items (e.g., jewelry), lightboxes for reflective products, or advanced lighting systems.
- Extra tools like turntables for 360° shots.
Cost Range:
- Studio rentals: $50–$500 per hour (depending on location and size).
- Equipment rentals: $50–$300 per day for items like lighting rigs or lenses.
Props, Backgrounds and Stylist
Adding props, styled settings, and creative backgrounds can elevate your product images, especially for lifestyle or creative photography.
What It Covers:
- Props: Items that complement the product (e.g., plates for food, fabrics for fashion).
- Backgrounds: Custom backdrops, textured surfaces, or seasonal themes.
- Stylists: Professionals who arrange products or design visually appealing setups.
Cost Range:
- Props and backgrounds: $50–$500+ depending on complexity.
- Stylists: $200–$1,000 per shoot.
Travel and Location Fees
For on-location shoots, additional travel-related expenses may apply.
What It Covers:
- Photographer’s travel expenses (mileage, airfare, accommodation).
- Permit fees for specific outdoor or indoor locations.
- Location rentals (e.g., a high-end kitchen for a food shoot, a studio apartment for furniture shoots).
Cost Range:
- Travel fees: $50–$300+, depending on the distance.
- Location rentals: $200–$3,000 per day, depending on exclusivity and size.
- Permits: $50–$500, depending on local regulations.
Rush Services
Photographers may charge rush fees if you need your photos completed within a short time frame.
What It Covers:
- Prioritized editing and expedited delivery of photos.
- Increased workload for the photographer and team to meet your deadlines.
Cost Range:
Depending on urgency, there is a 25%–100% surcharge on the standard fee.
Reshoots
Reshoot is the best option if the initial photos don’t meet your expectations or require changes. Most of the time, agencies, photography services, and freelancers offer reshoots if there is an error.
What It Covers:
- Additional photography sessions.
- Adjustments to styling, props, or locations.
Cost Range:
Reshoot costs depend on how the photography is priced and sometimes extra charges might be added if new equipment, props, or travel are involved.
Models
Models in product photography (e.g., apparel, beauty products, fitness equipment) add a personal touch that relates to consumers emotionally. They show how to use the product, why you need to buy it, and demonstrate overall quality. Also, models help establish trustworthy brand identity and story campaigns.
What It Covers:
- Professional models for the shoot.
- Hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling (if required).
Cost Range:
- Models: $50–$2,500+ per day, depending on experience and location.
- Hair/makeup: $100–$500 per person.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is important to showcase your products in the best limelight and align with your brand. Whether you’re selling on e-commerce platforms, social media, or creating print materials, here are some tips for choosing the right photographer:
Understand your needs
First of all, you need to finalize the photography purposes. So, ask yourself:
- What is your preferred product photography style? (i.e., lifestyle, macro shot, Amazon style white background shot, or others.)
- What is the purpose of photos? (i.e., social media, advertising campaigns, e-commerce website, catalogs, or others)
- Type of products like are they small, large, or delicate.
Check out the photographer's portfolio
Once you’ve your preferred style and fixed marketing platforms to promote your product, start looking for photographers who fit your vision. For this, you can review photographers’ portfolios by visiting their personal websites, social media profiles, or online galleries to view past work. Look for:
- Lighting control (well-lit, professional lighting setups that highlight the product’s best features).
- Focus on detail (sharp, clean, and professional images).
- Props and styling (check how they organize or set props, match background, and colors to complement the product).
- Color accuracy (important for clothing, cosmetics, and home decor to avoid returns).
Photography expertise
Every product has its glory and uniqueness to shine. The word goes to product photographers who require specific skills and expertise to deal with different items. So, check out their portfolio demonstrates:
- Technical expertise – The ability to meet product-specific challenges (reducing reflections on shiny surfaces like jewelry, highlighting key product features, etc.).
- Variety – Do they work with similar products like yours or master at different niches?
- Consistency – Do high-quality images align with your brand’s aesthetic?
Request a test shoot
Consider a test shoot for large-scale projects or ongoing collaborations to evaluate their skills, creativity, and adaptability. This will:
- It helps you see how they work with your specific products.
- Ensure their photography style matches your vision.
Review testimonials
Look for feedback from their past clients, especially in the product photography niche. Pay attention to:
- Timeliness of delivery.
- Quality and consistency of work.
- Professionalism and ease of collaboration
Discuss with pricing
Product photography pricing can vary based on the type of products, volume of work, and editing needs. Be clear about:
- Pricing structure: Is it charged per photo, per hour, or per project?
- Deliverables included: Will they provide high-resolution images, optimized images for web use, and copyright/license information?
- Volume discounts: For bulk projects or ongoing shoots.
Inquiry about their working process
Professional product photography requires specialized equipment. Ensure the photographer has:
- High-quality cameras and lenses for sharp, professional images.
- Lighting equipment like softboxes, reflectors, or diffusers for controlled and balanced lighting.
- Product-specific tools like macro lenses for small items (jewelry, headphones, etc).
- Light tents or tables for reflective or translucent products.
- A well-equipped studio for clean, distraction-free photography or the ability to set up a mobile studio at your location.
Post Production
Photo editing or retouching is crucial to give images a professional and polished outlook. You can outsource from a renowned photo editing company without relying on photographers. The key goal of a photographer is to focus more on photography and fulfill your specific requirements.
When you outsource, you’ll get:
- Professional editing services: Retouching to remove imperfections, enhance colors, and create clean backgrounds.
- File formats: Professional retouchers provide images as per your preferred file formats like JPEG, GIF, PNG, etc.
- Advanced techniques: For high-end products, they provide advanced editing solutions, like shadow creation or reflection removal.
- Turnaround time: You’ll get sharp and pixel-perfect photos within an estimated time.
- 24/7 customer support: They’ll be on your side whenever you need urgent editing services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Product Photography Pricing
How much should you pay per product photo?
How much does 360 product photography cost?
What Photo Editing Software is Needed for Product Photography?
Conclusion
Quality product photography is essential for driving sales and building brand trust. With a clear understanding of pricing factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and budget. Outsource the right photographer and photo editing agency to highlight your product’s unique features and stand out in a competitive market!
