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.
Table of Contents
- Quick Snapshot: Product Photography Pricing
- Pricing Models Explained
- What Impacts the Cost of Product Photography?
- Pricing by Type of Product Photography
- Traditional vs. Virtual Product Photography
- Sample Pricing Scenarios
- What to Ask Before Hiring a Photographer
- Conclusion: Match Your Budget to Your Goals
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
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!
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!
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.
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