How much does product photography cost?
How much does product photography cost?
$40 – $200 average cost per photo
$200 – $2,000 average total cost (5 – 10 photos)
Average product photography pricing
Professional product photography costs $40 to $200 per photo. Depending on how many pictures your package or contract includes, you'll pay $200 to $2,000 total or more. Product photography pricing also depends on the photographer's experience, customizations, and whether they charge any usage right fees.
| Pricing method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Average total cost | $200 – $2,000 |
| Per hour | $100 – $300+ |
| Per photo | $40 – $200 |
Per photo
Most product photographers and studios charge $40 to $200 per photo for a finished, edited picture. The more experience a photographer has or the more time they expect to spend on your project, the more they're likely to charge.
Per hour
Instead of charging per photo, some photographers charge $100 to $300+ per hour. An hourly rate allows them to collect a fair price for their labor if the shoot takes longer than expected or if you need to make adjustments.
Some professional photographers have per-day fees of $1,000 to $3,000. These rates are geared towards larger businesses or high-end ad campaigns.
Product photography fees by volume
Since prices vary depending on the number of pictures you buy, use the table below to get an idea of how much you're likely to spend:
| Number of pictures | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $40 – $200 |
| 5 | $200 – $1,000 |
| 10 | $400 – $2,000 |
| 20 | $800 – $4,000 |
Product photography cost factors
Several factors can affect the cost of a product photo shoot:
Number of pictures: Many photographers include 5 to 10 edited pictures in their standard package, but this number varies from person to person. Some photographers will sell you a single photo for a smaller fee, but it's not as common.
Experience: Professional photographer studios often charge more than independent or freelance photographers. Amateur or student photographers have lower fees, but their photos may not look as professional.
Hand or product models: Some studios have models or hand models to hold your product during the photo shoot, although they charge extra for this service.
Background: A photo with a simple white backdrop costs less than a complex or custom background.
Editing: Many photographers include editing in their pricing, while others charge a modest fee separately.
Setup fees: If the photo shoot takes place outside of the photographer's studio, they may charge a setup fee that covers their time to prepare for the shoot.
Travel: Most photographers charge a travel fee if they have to drive or take pictures in multiple locations.
Usage rights
Many professional photographers and studios charge separate licensing fees for the right to use their photos to promote your product. These fees vary widely and can be anywhere from $50 to $3,500 or more, depending on the type of project and company:
A printed photo costs $150 to $200 per image.
Digital photos cost $50 to $100 per image.
Editorial photos cost $150 to $600 for single-use pictures.
Commercial photos cost $1,000 to $3,500+ for single-use pictures.
A cover space costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a magazine.
Commercial photography rates
Commercial photography costs $1,000 to $5,000 per day or $500 to $10,000+ total on average, depending on the company and campaign size. Product photography falls under the broader commercial photography umbrella, which includes other categories, like fashion or lifestyle photos. Commercial photos often promote a company or brand without isolating a specific product.
Product photography FAQs
What is product photography?
Product photography is the act of taking professional photos for commercial purposes. The photographer creates images of products to properly promote, display, and sell them. People use product photos on social media, in online and print ads, and on e-commerce websites like Etsy or their own sites.
How long does it take to get product photos back?
A photographer should get your photos back to you in 2 to 6 weeks on average. The exact time depends on how many pictures you asked for, whether you ordered them around any holidays, how in-demand the photographer is, and how many clients they had before you.
Some photographers offer rush services and deliver photos in 2 to 7 days for an extra fee.
Is professional product photography worth it?
High-quality images of your product are worth it if you're trying to advertise your product on social media or an e-commerce site and want your product to stand out. Good product photos can help you generate more sales and attract future customers.
Getting quotes from product photographers
When looking for a product photographer near you, follow these steps:
Ask colleagues or family members for referrals when possible.
Look for photographers with positive reviews on Fash and Google.
Focus on photographers and studios with transparent pricing.
Ask photographers about any extra fees they may charge.
Questions to ask photographers
Before hiring a product photographer, ask them these important questions:
How much experience do you have with product photography?
Can I see a portfolio of recent pictures?
Do you have any testimonials from clients whose sales have increased after using your photos?
Do you charge by the hour, day, or photo?
Do you have a private studio? If not, where will you take the pictures?
Do you offer any discounts?
How long do you usually spend editing after the shoot?
If there's inclement weather, will we need to reschedule?
What kind of models or backgrounds do you have available?
How long should it be before I get the pictures?
If you charge a travel fee, how much is it?
What precautions do you take while handling products?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.