The Cost of Product Photography

The Real Deal on Product Photography Costs: From DIY to Big Budget

In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of product photography – from basic to major productions – and explain what’s included with each and how much it might cost.

From no-budget DIY shoots to high-end professional setups, there’s a wide range of options. And we’re breaking them all down.

Keep reading to have all your questions answered on “How Much does Product Photography Cost”

Product photography for your online store isn't just any photo.

The image you use to advertise your product online can be the most critical piece of content on your product page and directly affect sales.

At a basic level, product photography can cost anywhere from $60 per image to several hundred dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your product.

For a high-volume e-commerce businesses that need large volumes of product photos for their online store, the cost of hiring a professional photographers or hiring an e-commerce photography agency with specialized photo services may be upwards of $600 per image.

Ready to get the lowdown on what it'll cost to make your products look legendary?

Hit us up for a custom quote on product photography, creative direction, and campaign planning.

Let's make some magic happen!

Product Photography Hourly Rate

In the wild world of product photography, the price tag per hour is as varied as the shots you're aiming for. It all boils down to how slick the photographer's skills are and their experience in the game.

Your average pro? They might sling you a rate between $100 to $300+ an hour. But hey, if you're dealing with a freelance hotshot or a one-person wonder with a portfolio that's off the charts, don't be shocked if they quote you a number that's north of that range. It's all about what they bring to the table.

Is Product Photography Profitable?

Alright, let's talk shop about product photography and the green it can rake in for photographers.

Here's the deal: The cash you'll cough up for a product photoshoot swings wildly based on a few key things. Think the lineup of products, how long the shoot's gonna last, and the nitty-gritty of post-production jazz like editing.

But here's the real kicker: The big money move in this game? It's all about the number of killer shots you squeeze out of a session. More snaps? More moolah.

That's the golden rule in the product photography hustle.

The Creative Process for Product Photography

Product photography can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Before taking a single photo, product photographers must carefully plan out their product beauty shots to ensure that all details are addressed during the shoot.

This includes setting up lighting, choosing a backdrop, and positioning the product in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Once the set is ready, product photographers then have to take multiple photos from different angles and with varying lighting setups before they can start editing.

This process is often labor-intensive, but it’s essential for creating stunning images that reflect the high quality of the products being photographed.

For small businesses and startups, it is often more cost-effective to DIY product photography using your own equipment and software.

Using a smartphone or DSLR camera, you can take professional photos of your products at minimal cost, with the added benefit of customizing the photos to suit your branding and aesthetic preferences.

However, hiring a professional photographer or professional product photography and videography studio with specialized photo services may be necessary to achieve the high quality and consistency needed for e-commerce photography.

According to a study, pro product photography can help you sell more products and make a more significant profit, as 53% of online shoppers understand the primary product function through images.

It gives shoppers a clear idea of what they’re buying and makes it easy to compare different products on your site.

93% of consumers consider visual appearance to be the critical deciding factor in a purchasing decision, according to statistics by Justuno. 

The wrong product photography can make your products look cheap and unappealing, putting off shoppers and costing you potential sales. 

To effectively market products, you need to consider many technical aspects, including lighting, white balance, framing, and exposure, to name a few. 

Every product feature must be captured in great detail and perspective. 
This is not an easy task, and as a business owner, your time and effort are best spent elsewhere, such as in your business operations. 

You need to find expert product photography, so the first step to getting great product images is knowing how much they cost. 

Product photography can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

It just depends on what you need and how much your budget allows.

Here are some of the key factors that affect pricing:

1. Type of product – The most obvious factor to consider when calculating product photography costs is what type of products you need photographed. Some products, such as electronics and machinery, may require specialized equipment and experienced product photographers who have specific technical knowledge about the product being photographed. Other products, like food and fashion, are usually shot in a studio setting with specialized lighting and backdrops.

2. Volume of photos – The number of photos needed for your product line will also affect the cost of product photography. If you need a lot of high-quality photos for a large product range, it will likely be more expensive than if you need only a few photos for a few products.

3. Complexity of the shoot – The complexity and size of your product photoshoots will affect pricing as well. For example, if you need dozens of photos that require complex lighting setups or multiple angles and perspectives, it will likely cost more than a simpler shoot with fewer photos.

4. Location – If your pro product photos need to be shot in a product photography studio, this will have an impact on the cost. Studios typically charge by the hour and may also require additional set-up time and equipment rentals, which can significantly increase the final price tag.

5. Photographer’s experience – Finally, it's important to consider the photographer's level of experience when calculating product photography costs. Experienced photographers may offer higher rates, but they will typically be able to deliver better photos and more value for your money.

If you’re looking for high-quality product photography at an affordable price, it is best to work with a reputable photographer that has the experience and expertise needed to produce high-quality, effective product photos.

To find the right photographer for your business, start by researching local photographers and comparing their rates and portfolios to find the one that best fits your needs.

Overall, if you need high-quality product photography at an affordable price, it is essential to consider all of the key factors that affect pricing, including the type of product, volume of photos, the complexity of the shoot, and more.

By doing your research and working with a reputable photographer, you can ensure that you get great product photos at a price that works for your business.

What to Look for in Good Product Photography

Professional product photography is more than just taking a picture.

It's a combination of art, science, and technical skills that can add value to your business.

Here are some things to look for in good product photography:

High-quality images

A paper from 2017 by B. Walker called "Consumer Psychology Behind the E-Commerce Checkout" shows that:

For 90% of buyers, product visuals are the most critical factor when purchasing online. 

Good photos should have high resolution so they can be enlarged without losing image quality, sharp focus, attractive colors, and enough detail so customers can see what they're buying.

Multiple angles

Product photos should show merchandise from different angles so customers can see the product's looks from different perspectives.

The same paper mentioned above showed that: Offering multiple photos depicting a product from different angles leads to a 58% increase in sales regardless of the category. 

Close-up shots

These are especially important for jewelry and other items with intricate details, such as watches or handbags.

They give customers a clear idea of what they're buying so they can make an informed purchase decision.

Expert photographers know how to capture these details, and their work will help you sell more products.

Consultations and support

Product photography is a complex task that requires technical skills, so it's important to choose a photographer who not only has the right skills, but also provides consultations and support to help you get the most out of your photos.

Product in context 

Product photos should show items in the context of their intended use, such as a laptop computer on a desk, shoes worn with an outfit, or a camping tent in the forest.

This helps buyers get a better sense of how something looks and feels.

Action shots

These can be especially effective for sporting goods, toys, and other products that are meant to be used by people. Customers like to see what items can do, and action shots give them a sense of how they work.

These are just some of the things to look for in good product photography.

If you're looking for expert product photos that will help you sell more products, be sure to find a photographer who can provide consultations and support, as well as high-quality images.

To find good product photography, start by looking for reputable photographers with a strong track record of success.

What Photo Editing Software is Needed for Product Photography?

Product photography also requires post-processing, which is done with specialized photo editing software.

Popular programs used by product photographers include Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, Capture One Pro, and On1 Photo RAW. With these tools, photographers can take photos that look great straight out of the camera and make them even better by fine-tuning color, sharpening details, and removing blemishes.

Product videos

Product videos can help buyers see and understand how a particular item works in conjunction with product photos or on their own.

Product videos can be helpful for any type of product, but they’re incredibly effective for items that are difficult to understand without a hands-on demonstration. 

For example, how would you know if a camping tent is easy to set up if you haven’t seen it in action?

How Much Does Product Photography Cost?

The prices for Product Photography can range from $500 for a half day shoot and for something basic by amateur photographers to $20,000+ for larger scale commercial shoots. It all depends on what you need and your budget.

Overall, when looking for product photography, it's important to consider several key factors, including quality of images, support and consultations from experienced professionals, pricing, and more.

To find the best product photos for your business, be sure to work with a reputable photographer who can deliver high-quality images, help you choose the right angles and lighting for your products, and provide support and guidance throughout the process.

Product Photography costs and pricing by The Branded Agency start at $250 per product.

Clients can expect a minimum of 3-4 edited photos per product and a minimum of 6-10 products shot in a full-day shoot.

To figure out how much product photography costs, there are several things that you need to consider. The following are some of them:

The Purpose Of Product Photography

The purpose of product photography is one of the most significant factors in determining how much it will cost. 

For example, if you need product photography for a catalog, the price will differ from what it would be if you needed it for an advertisement.

The Number of Photographs for Every Product

Another factor determining how much product photography costs is the number of photographs that need to be taken for every product. 

If you only need one photograph per product, the price will not be as high as if you needed several different angles and views.

However, a survey done by Square and Bigcommerce shows that 78% of customers want more product photos when they shop online. 

The Type Of Products To Be Photographed

The type of products that need to be photographed will also determine how much they cost. 

For example, if you have a collection of jewelry, then the price will be different from what it would be if you were photographing furniture or clothing.

The Location Of The Photoshoot

Another factor determining how much product photography costs is where the photos will be taken. 

It would be more expensive to conduct the photoshoot in a studio than in your office.

However, the price will also depend on whether you need the photos to be taken at a specific location, such as outside in nature or in a particular city.

Overall, when looking for product photography, there are many factors that can influence the cost of the service.

To get the best pricing and quality your needs, it is important to consider a number of factors, such as the purpose of the product photos and the location of the shoot.

In general, if you want high-quality product photos that truly showcase your products to buyers, it is best to work with a skilled photographer who can help you achieve your goals.

The Size Of The Product 

A final factor that will determine how much product photography costs is the size of the product. 

For example, if you want to photograph a large piece of furniture or machinery, it will cost more than shooting some accessories or other small items.

The Complexity of The Product

Another factor that will determine how much product photography costs is the complexity of the product. 

If it’s difficult for you to get a shot with all of the details visible, then this can be more time-consuming and costly than if it were simple.

However, with the right photographer and planning, you can get high-quality product photos that showcase your products in the best possible light.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow your business, professional product photography is a valuable tool that can help you reach your goals.

So if you're looking for great product photos at an affordable price, be sure to contact The Branded Agency today for a free quote!’

Additional Costs

There sometimes are additional fees for product photography. 

These may include additional costs for makeup, hair styling, lighting, and more.

Ultimately, the cost of product photography will depend on a number of factors, including the purpose for the photos, the number of products to be photographed, the type and size of the products being photographed, as well as any additional costs or complexities involved in shooting them.

If you are looking for professional product photography services, it is important to do your research and carefully consider all of these factors in order to find the right provider that can meet your needs at a competitive price.

Licensing Fees

Licensing fees are often required for certain types of products.

For example, if you’re shooting jewelry, you may need to pay a fee to use it in your advertising. This can be done through the production company or by contacting the jeweler directly. 

If you’re unsure whether this applies to your product, then ask before shooting so that you don’t end up paying more than necessary.

Modeling Fees

Some production companies require a model for their product photography. 

If you have a specific image in mind and feel it would be more effective with an actual person, this can be an additional fee. 

Modeling fees can range from free up to $5,000 for well-known models. 

However, it might not be necessary if you want the product to stand alone—or if you’re not sure what type of image would work best. 

Product Photography Examples

Let’s take a look at a Product Photography Example by The Branded Agency

Satisfy Running

Here are some interesting product photoshoot ideas to help you create amazing product photos:

1. Natural Light - Natural light is amazing for product photography because it can bring out the colors and features of a product in a unique way. You don't need expensive lighting equipment to get beautiful shots, just find a well-lit spot near a window or outside and use natural sunlight as your light source.

2. White Background - A white background is a classic look for product photography, and it's also the easiest to work with. You can use a large white sheet, poster board, or even just tape up some white paper. This will give your products a clean look that helps draw attention to them.

3. Food Photography - Food photography is a great way to show off the deliciousness of your products. Try taking pictures of the ingredients or setting up a photoshoot with all of your dishes in front of you.

4. Shoot Product Photos - When it comes to product photos, action shots can be just as effective as static ones. Take pictures of people using your products in everyday settings to give them a sense of realism and show off the product's features.

5. Corporate Lifestyle Photography Pricing - If you need help with corporate lifestyle photography pricing, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you figure out what the going rate is in your area. This will ensure that you get a fair price for the photoshoot.

6. Commercial Photography Pricing Guide - If you're looking to hire an experienced photographer for your product photos, you'll need to know what the going rate is in your area. A commercial photography pricing guide can help you get a better understanding of how much you should be paying for a professional photoshoot.

7. Product Photography Tips - If you want to take your product photography to the next level, there are lots of tips and tricks that you can use to make your photos look even better. Some simple things like shooting from different angles, using a tripod, and setting up reflective surfaces can go a long way towards making your photos look amazing.

Product photoshoots can be a great way to show off your products and get the attention of potential customers.

With these product photoshoot ideas, you'll be able to create incredible photos that will stand out from the crowd.

Book product photography with The Branded Agency, contact us for a quote.

Professional photography will make your product stand out

If you've decided, "I'm ready to take the plunge into product photography," it makes sense to hire a professional. 

That's because product photography takes time and expertise, both of which have a cost when you work with an experienced, specialized photographer with lighting and equipment.

Ultimately, product photography costs will depend on the particulars of your project, ranging from the complexity to the time needed to even a matter of how many different shots you want. 

It's a moving target, but we hope that this post at least gives you an idea of what to expect.

The Branded is a full-service digital branding agency, are you looking for high quality product photography for your business at an affordable price? Contact us for a free custom quote.

We can offer you much more than product photography, campaign photography, campaign strategy, campaign planning, building your campaign and launching your campaign.

Here are some very specific step by step branding guides for: Real Estate, Lawyers, Accounting, Doctors, Dentists, Optometrists, Jewellery, Makeup & Beauty, Skincare, Pet Food, Fashion and Construction.

Other Resources

What is Branding in a Box

Shopify Website Examples

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Brand Identity

Brand Experience

Shopify Blogs

Digital Marketing Blogs