Product photography is challenging. It takes considerable time to make photographs pixel-perfect. Plus, you must invest a reasonable amount to get your desired results. The key is getting the best quality images at the best price. So, how much does product photography cost? It can be anywhere from $30 to $500+ per hour. The pricing depends on expertise level, complexity, style, and other factors. Professionals charge per item image, per hour, or for the entire project.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a small business owner or an e-commerce seller. You must have a clear idea of product photography pricing. It helps you create a proper budgetary plan for your business.
Why Is It Important to Know Product Photography Cost?
Quality and cost are the two highly correlated attributes when considering e-commerce photography costs. You must have a clear idea about e-commerce photography pricing for each photo or the entire project. It must align with their brand reputation, capabilities, experience, expertise, market rate, project complexity, and product type. Knowing the exact cost helps you make an informed decision that is best for your business. You can decide whether to hire a professional or manage photography in-house.
You can’t expect top-notch images from a too-cheap e-commerce photoshoot service that charges the lowest. In contrast, a prominent company may charge higher than the typical market rate for delivering crisp, clear, professional-quality product images.
Is Product Photography Expensive?
A product photographer needs to be creative to produce high-quality images quickly and efficiently. S/he must have an in-depth understanding of the client’s needs. This includes e-commerce photo type (lifestyle, flat-lay, etc.), number of pictures, and style. It helps him/her take better pictures. Product photography rates vary based on what clients want. If a business owner wants you to capture item images in a constant layout or controlled environment, there will be a lower cost. After all, it cuts down the capturing time. You can charge per hour as you face less hassle in processing and delivering the images.
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However, some clients may want a new arrangement for each item. You have to charge fees based on the number of items and the time taken to prepare the photos.
How Much Does Product Photography Cost?
The cost varies depending on the expertise level and what they offer. Let’s learn about the different categories of product photography prices.
Basic Product Photography
Average companies charge $30 to $100 per hour for basic ecommerce photoshoots. These items are mainly used for online listings, catalogs, and marketing materials. Some may also charge per day. The rate can be anywhere from $300 to $800.
Mid-level Product Photography
Here, professionals use more advanced techniques, setups, and professional equipment than basic photography. Most agencies charge around $100 to $250 per hour. Their daily price ranges from $800 to $1500 per day.
Advanced-level Product Photography
Highly experienced and top-skilled photographers and production members are involved in advanced-level e-commerce photoshoots. They use specialized lighting, creative compositions, and extensive post-processing approaches to provide high-end images. The cost can be anywhere from $250 to $500+ per hour. Their per-day cost ranges from $1500 to $2000+.
How Much Does Each Product Photograph Cost?
The cost per product photograph varies. You can’t expect similar pricing for basic images and highly complex visuals. This type of pricing is ideally suitable for a few high-quality product photos. You pay the service provider per shot.
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How Much Does Different Product Photography Cost?
Different types of e-commerce product photography have different price points. You also have to consider whether you want single or group shots. Let’s learn the price of different types of item images.
Clothing Items
Jewelry Items
Automobile Items
Electronics Items
Accessories Items
Additional Product Photography Costs
Regardless of what e-commerce photoshoot services you choose, you are more likely to pay additional fees. However, make sure you get extra value for bearing additional costs.
01. Editing
Most companies offer basic photo editing. But if you need advanced photo editing, like fixing major imperfections, complex retouching, etc., there are additional fees to pay.
02. Reshoots
Sometimes, the captured photos may not align with your business goal. In such cases, you need to reshoot them. Unless the company clearly mentions free reshooting services, you have to bear additional fees.
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03. Stylist
You may need to hire a professional product stylist separately to help the photographer arrange and present items compellingly. Their tasks include selecting appropriate props, backgrounds, and lighting to create cohesive and attractive compositions. A product stylist can charge anywhere from $50 to $250 per hour or even higher for specialized work.
04. Props
You may have hired a photoshoot agency that doesn’t have the special props you need. In such cases, buy your preferred props separately to add to your item background. This will cause additional costs.
05. Studio Rental
Some companies may not have a studio. You have to rent a studio. The price of renting a studio varies depending on the location, space, and other attributes. It can be anywhere from $50 to $500 per hour. Additional registration and license fees might also be added.
06. Modeling Fees
Items like jewelry, apparel, footwear, or beauty items need real-life models for action shots and to connect customers personally. The cost of hiring professional models ranges from $200 to $1,500 per day.
Product Photography Costs: Studios vs. Freelancers vs. In-House
You incur different costs for taking services from professional product photography studios, freelance photographers, and in-house photographers.
Product Photography Studios
They are known as e-commerce product photography companies or agencies. Most of them charge higher prices than independent photographers. After all, they have an expert team. Plus, their collections include a good number of advanced photographic equipment and tools to take better photos. Most renowned companies prefer to hire them due to their high market demand. Plus, they can handle bulk e-commerce photos within a reasonable time. The price can be anywhere from $20 to $500 or more per item image. It varies on different attributes that we have already discussed.
Pros
- 100% professional quality guarantee
- Well-equipped with high-end equipment and technology
- Highly expert in product photography
- Easy to track work progress and quality standards
- Professional studio setup to suit various product photography
Cons
- More expensive than freelancers and in-house photographers
- Higher shipping costs for far-off studio locations
Freelance Photographers
Independent photographers are much cheaper to hire. However, they charge different rates based on their experience level and project requirements. Their cost ranges from $10 to $150 per photo. Some photographers offer discounts on bulk orders. Their workload fluctuates during various seasons. For example, late fall/early winter is considered the peak season for e-commerce photographers. They charge higher during this period than at regular times.
Pros
- Negotiable pricing system
- Easy-to-find alternatives
- Lower shipping costs for local photographers
- Easy to hire during emergency or rush periods
Cons
- No professional studio setup
- Less likely to be an expert in all categories of e-commerce photography
- Limited availability during peak times
- Lack of high-end equipment and technology
- No system to track work progress and quality
- Potentially inconsistent quality
In-house Hire
Some businesses may need a vast number of commercial photos per week. It is best to hire in-house photographers to align with company goals directly. They can create tailored and cohesive visual content.
However, you must set up a professional studio. The cost ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 or more. You will also have to bear various monthly costs, including the photographer’s salary, rental fees, utility bills, etc.
Pros
- Long-term cost savings for high-volume needs
- Full control over photography style and quality
- Easier communication and collaboration
- Faster turnaround time
- Long-term cost savings for high-volume needs
Cons
- High upfront salary and benefits costs
- Limited flexibility for scaling up
- Requires ongoing training and development
- Space and equipment investment
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What Factors Affect Product Photography Cost?
Different attributes contribute to the rate of professional e-commerce photoshoots. We have already discussed “How much does product photography cost?” Let’s learn the main points affecting product photography pricing.
01. Experience
The more experienced they are, the higher they charge. Better skills, bigger bills! Beginners usually have 1-3 years of experience, whereas mid-level companies have 4-8 years of experience. However, those with more than 8 years of experience are considered advanced professionals.
02. Product Type
There are a hundred types of product photography available. You can’t expect the same pricing option for clothing, jewelry, footwear, sports items, and beauty stuff. The size of an item can affect the photography cost, too. For instance, photographing a bulky washing machine or dishwasher may add extra costs due to different sizes, weights, studio setup, unique styling and preparation, etc.
03. Number of Product Images
Some clients may want only a few images, whereas some may need hundreds. More photos mean a higher total cost. However, the price per image may decrease for bulk orders. Some may create an agreement as a project, too.
04. Product Image Type
Not all types of e-commerce images need the same level of skills and effort. You can’t expect similar pricing for white background images, styled photography, and 360-degree photography. For instance, fashion, apparel, and beauty items are the best choices for lifestyle or in-action photography. The cost of this type of photo shoot is higher as you have to hire models, set up the studio, and create a plan.
05. Complexity of the Shoot
The more complex the e-commerce photoshoot is, the higher the cost will be. Some businesses may need complex lighting setups to capture e-commerce items from unique angles and show different perspectives.
Likewise, taking images of jewelry requires high-end macro lenses and other equipment. It helps photographers capture the fine details of jewelry.
06. Day or Hour Basis
Some agencies charge on an hourly basis, and some on a daily basis. There is a price difference between them. Companies that need to shoot only a few e-commerce images will benefit from hour-based services.
However, daily-based services are the best choice if they want to shoot a bulk amount of images.
07. Location
The cost of shooting e-commerce stuff indoors and outdoors varies. For instance, a company has to bear higher equipment and setup costs for indoor photography. It also includes rental fees, utilities, and maintenance expenses.
On the other hand, an outdoor photoshoot requires portable gear. The cost also includes travel expenses and location fees.
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08. Seasons and Festivals
The price of product photography varies during seasons and festivals. For instance, the cost of clothing photography rises during fashion cycles, which generally occur in spring/summer and fall/winter permits and potential. You can also see peak demand for e-commerce photoshoots during the holiday season (October – December). If you hire a professional agency during these periods, they will charge a higher price than the standard period.
09. Turnaround Time
Most professional photographers follow a standard delivery schedule to hand over images. But if you need photos urgently or set a strict deadline, you may have to pay an additional charge. After all, the photographer will have to focus more on your project to deliver the files on time.
10. White Background
Some photography companies may not charge any additional fees for using a white background in the images. But if it is not included in their standard package, you will have to bear additional costs.
How to Choose the Right Product Photography Services Within Your Budget
Product photography is highly diverse. Hence, the skill, technique, and equipment will vary depending on the specific type of shot. You have learned the question, “How much does product photography cost?” Let’s discuss an effective way to pick a professional photographer.
01. Define Clear Goals
Before searching for an e-commerce studio, define what features and perspectives you want to highlight through an e-commerce photoshoot. Setting up a clear message helps you find a suitable production agency that aligns with your business goals.
02. Research Thoroughly
Look for authentic sources to get trusted information about the service quality of the e-commerce photoshoot entity. Go through their portfolio and customer reviews to learn about their experience and expertise. Make sure it meets your specific requirements.
03. Ask for Referrals
Take suggestions from your family, friends, or colleagues who have expert knowledge about product photography. They may help you find a credible company for photoshooting e-commerce stuff. Ask for genuine reviews if they used any of them.
04. Compare Pricing Packages
Don’t rush into selecting an e-commerce photography company. Create a shortlist and compare how much value they offer against the price they charge. Select the best option that can fulfill your unique needs, even if it is a bit pricey.
05. Check Availability and Flexibility
Make sure the photography agency is available when you need them. Plus, they must be able to adjust if you change your project plan. Have clear ideas about how they will respond when any emergency arises.
06. Review Contract Terms Carefully
Read the contract paper carefully. Have a clear understanding of what is included in the entire package. Ask them if you have any confusion about any terms and conditions and whether there are any additional fees or hidden charges.
FAQs
What is a good price to charge for photography?
Average product photography rates for new photographers are $50-$150 per hour. However, experienced photographers are expected to charge at least $200-$500 per hour.
How much does 360 product photography cost?
A standard 360-degree spin can cost around $75 to $200 per item. However, the rate can be $1200 or more for complex items or high-end images.
How much do brands pay for photoshoots?
It depends on their experience. Beginners may charge around $150-$500 per hour, whereas the rate of experienced professionals can be $800-$1500 per hour.
Why do product photographers charge so much?
E-commerce photography involves special skills and techniques to capture high-quality images. Plus, photographers use high-end professional equipment to take perfect shots. All these elements cause a higher price tag.
Why Is Product Photography Costing So Crucial?
High-quality visuals play a key role in helping businesses drive more sales. It also shows professionalism. Considering the cost of photographs is vital to ensure they align with the company budget and overall business goal.
Conclusion
While looking for the best product photographer, you may see some are offering an exceptionally lower price than the market rate. Please take it as a red flag. They are either not experienced or don’t have the professional equipment to capture high-quality images. After all, good work costs money. However, carefully choosing the best option is crucial to aligning your business goal and budget. Hopefully, you got a clear answer to the question, “How much does product photography cost?”
