The average cost of commercial photography sits between $350 $500 nationwide. Commercial photography cost is based on a few factors, including the reputation of the photographer, purchasing and maintaining professional photo equipment, studio time, final photos requested, models used, travel expenses, and retouching fees.
Businesses use commercial photography for editorial purposes, print or catalog advertising, online advertising, websites, large displays (for trade shows) and internal business uses.
Many commercial photographers dont offer a standard pricing menu, and instead, consult with potential clients and then provide a quote based on the requirements, time and labor necessary to complete the project. Working with a commercial photographer will elevate the quality of your photos to professional status. The photographer may also come to the table with some great ideas that you havent even thought of! So, what do you need to know before hiring a commercial photographer? Lets get into it.
As we mentioned, the cost of commercial photography is based on a few factors, including purchasing and maintaining professional photo equipment, studio time, final photos requested, models used, travel expenses, licensing fees, and post-production retouching fees. Typically, a commercial photography business doesn't offer a standard pricing menu. Instead, they consult with new clients and then quote a price based on the requirements, time and labor necessary to complete the project to the customers satisfaction. Commercial photographers specialize in editorial, print or catalog advertising, online advertising, websites, and large displays, so if you're looking for event or wedding photography, look elsewhere.
Independent commercial photographers with high-profile clients or a long-standing career as well as those who have shot for well-known ad campaigns may charge higher rates than photographers who dont carry the same caché. Some commercial photographers may even be members of the NPPA, an American professional association made up of still photographers, television videographers, editors, and students in the journalism field. Members of the NPPA abide by a strict code of ethics and professionalism in their field.
The cost of purchasing and maintaining professional photo equipment affects a commercial photographers rates. Photographers with the right space, equipment, and experience can deliver a much more polished end product than someone who is just starting out or working with lower quality photography gear. In general, photographers with more equipment or a large studio to manage have more overhead, and overall costs to clients are higher.
For example, Jim Greipp of Pau Hana Productions in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, works out of a 5,000-square-foot studio and shoots with a $20,000 Hasselblad camera. He also carries $2 million in liability insurance and has enough lighting equipment for almost any photography job.
Expect to pay around $350 to photograph a product in studio, according to Pau Hana Productions in Conshohocken, PA. Straightforward product photography (without complex sets or models) is typically the least expensive type of commercial photography. Photo sessions are generally either held in the product photographers studio or at the clients location. Rates vary widely, depending on the reputation and overhead of the photographer.
Some commercial jobs require live models or other elements that typically cost more than basic product photography. The number of final photos requested, models used, travel expenses, retouching fees and specifics all can increase pricing.
For example, here are two professional photography projects with price breakdown from Pau Hana Productions in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania:
Job | Cost |
---|---|
Photography | $300 |
Travel | $85 |
Photo retouching | $40 |
Grand Total | $425 |
Job | Cost |
---|---|
Photography | $1,200 |
Male and female model | $600 |
Photo retouching | $300 |
Grand Total | $2,100 |
Some commercial photographers charge half- or full-day rates for their services. This type of pricing model works well for event photography and some product photography services.
For example, WestBoundary Photography in Rio Vista, California, charges the below prices:
The company also adds 20% of the total cost of the session if the photographer is required to file a permit. Many national parks require a permit to shoot commercial photography in the park. These fees can vary based on the logistics and degree of difficulty of the job for WestBoundary Photography.
Some commercial photographers charge a minimum rate for services, especially for projects on location. This minimum rate covers the labor, equipment and transportation costs of the professional.
For example, WestBoundary Photography charges a minimum rate of $650, which covers two hours of onsite work.
There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision making and to ensure that you hire a commercial photographer who will be the right fit for you or your business:
The cost of a commercial photography shoot can add up fast, so here are some helpful tips on how to save a little cash:
Commercial photography is used for sales, branding and marketing purposes. That means that in order to attract more customers to your business, you need professional-quality photos to stand out and market your business. When you hire a commercial photographer, youre paying for their skill, professional-quality equipment, and their know-how in the industry. A lot of time, equipment and labor goes into producing high-quality commercial photos, and it pays to hire a professional photographer to create the best final product possible for your photography needs.
A commercial photographer is not an event or wedding photographer. A professional commercial photographer will bring years of experience to produce the right photo content for your business needs. A seasoned photographer will also use the right lighting, props, and shooting equipment to ensure that the highest quality photos are produced for you and your business. Yes, professionally-shot photos will be more expensive but the production value of the project will end up exponentially greater. The end goal, of course, is presenting your brand in the ideal light, and professional commercial photographers have years of experience doing just that.
Whether you're hoping to share your company's professionally-shot photography for editorial purposes, print or catalog advertising, online advertising, websites, large displays (for trade shows) or internal business uses, you certainly won't be disappointed with the final product. From real estate photography to retail photography, to even a small business or local newspaper, every business can benefit from working with a professional commercial photographer.