How Much Is Product Photography?

How Much Is Product Photography? 

Prices typically range from $25 to $500+ per image, depending on style, complexity, and who you hire.

Basic white-background shots may start at $25–$75 each, while lifestyle images or detailed edits can reach $150–$500+.

Factors like image count, props, retouching, and usage rights all affect the final cost.

This guide breaks down every option so you can budget with clarity—no surprises.

 

Product Photography - Product Photographer - E-commerce Photographer - Brand Photography

Quick Snapshot: Product Photography Pricing


Pricing ranges from $25 to $500+ per image, depending on complexity, deliverables, and who’s doing the work.

Here’s a fast breakdown:

Service Type Average Price Range
White-background images $25 – $150 per image
Lifestyle product photos $150 – $500+ per image
Hourly/day rate photographers $100 – $400/hour or $800–$2,000/day
Models, props, and stylists $75 – $500+ (varies by scope)
Basic editing Often included
Advanced retouching $50 – $150/hour
Product photography pricing depends on the content and complexity of the image. For examples, this model shot shows three different pieces jewelry. It required a model, a photographer, makeup artist, and styling, all of which added to the cost of the shoot.

Pricing Models Explained

 

Product photographers typically charge in one of four ways:

 

1. Per Image

  • Ideal for e-commerce.
  • Starts around $25 per image, can exceed $150 for more involved scenes.

2. Per Product

  • Includes multiple angles or stylings of the same product.
  • Common range: $75–$250 per product.

3. Hourly or Day Rate

  • Useful for larger shoots or custom creative direction.
  • $100–$400/hour or $1,000–$2,000/day is typical for studio photographers.

4. Project or Package Pricing

  • Often customized to include a fixed number of images, usage rights, editing, and more.
White background images can also vary price wise, this jewelry bracelet required a bracketed macro shot to keep everything sharp from front to back, along with high end editing to merge the "in focus" sections into one seamless e-commerce photo.

What Impacts the Cost of Product Photography?

 

Several key factors drive pricing:

 

Image Complexity

  • A single white-background shot is cheaper than a lifestyle setup with props, models, or location rentals.

Quantity of Images

  • Bulk discounts often apply if you’re shooting dozens or hundreds of SKUs.

Retouching Needs

  • Simple color correction is often included.
  • Advanced edits like reflection cleanup, shadow sculpting, or focus stacking increase costs.

Styling and Props

  • Sourcing props, building sets, or arranging a flat lay takes time and budget.

Models

  • Hand model: $75–$150/hr
  • Full-body: $150–$500/hr depending on licensing

Turnaround Time

  • Rush fees can add 25–50% to your total.

Licensing/Usage Rights

  • Most professional work includes basic commercial use.
  • Broad campaigns or large-scale print ads may require extended licenses.
Candle product photography for Etsy.

Pricing by Type of Product Photography

 

Type Description Price Range
White Background For ecommerce, Amazon, catalogs $25 – $150 per image
Lifestyle Styled scenes with props or models $150 – $500+ per image
Macro/Detail Shots Extreme close-ups, jewelry, textures $100 – $400 per image
360° or Spin Photography Interactive image sets $300 – $1,000+ per set
Stop Motion / Video Animated or live footage $500 – $2,500+ depending on length and complexity
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Traditional vs. Virtual Product Photography

 

With virtual tools and 3D rendering, clients now have a choice:

 

Approach Pros Cons
Traditional Real textures, detail, authenticity Higher cost, longer timelines
Virtual/3D Fast, scalable, lower cost per asset May lack realism for tactile products

 

Virtual photography works best for tech, packaging, and CPG brands at scale.

If you’re selling handcrafted or luxury items, live photography often creates a stronger emotional connection and helps in building your online brand.

Sample Pricing Scenarios

 

These estimates help put things into perspective:

 

  • Small e-commerce brand:
    15 white background shots + basic editing → $750 – $1,800
  • Lifestyle shoot with props & models:
    10 images, full-day shoot → $2,000 – $5,000
  • Jewelry shoot with macro and sparkle control:
    8 products, multiple angles each → $1,500 – $3,500
  • Stop motion short for social ads:
    One looping animation → $750 – $2,000+

Learn more about Stop Motion Animation and techniques here!

 

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What to Ask Before Hiring a Photographer

 

  • What’s included in the price—editing, props, delivery format?
  • Do I own the images or need to license them?
  • Are model or location fees separate?
  • How many revisions are allowed?
  • What is the turnaround time?

Bonus: Ask to see work from similar industries or products. That ensures you’re aligned on style.

To discover more questions to ask a photographer before hiring them, click here!

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Conclusion: Match Your Budget to Your Goals

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “how much is product photography.”

It comes down to what you need your images to do.

Are they driving conversions on a product page? Making scroll-stopping ads? Elevating your packaging?

Clear communication, knowing what drives pricing, and aligning on expectations upfront saves you time, stress, and budget surprises later.

Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand

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Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.

You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com

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