Investing in professional product photography can be a significant expense, often posing a challenge for business owners carefully planning their budgets. It’s tempting to postpone this expense until later stages, but it’s crucial to recognize that product photos play a pivotal role in influencing customer purchasing decisions. While brands may allocate substantial funds to logo design, branding, and website aesthetics, product photoshoots are sometimes overlooked.
How Much Does Product Photography Cost?
For e-commerce purposes, basic product photography with a white background typically ranges from ₹400 to ₹1000 per product. However, opting for custom shoots with creative photography services naturally incurs higher costs. Creative shoots are usually priced per day, ranging from ₹35,000 to over ₹60,000.
Product Photography Studios vs. Freelance Photographers vs. In-House Photographers: How to Choose?
Collaborating with a product photography studio provides access to a team of professionals with ample resources and flexibility. In contrast, freelance photographers may have limitations as they operate independently. Hiring an in-house photographer offers unlimited access but entails covering monthly salaries and associated expenses.
Factors Influencing Pricing
Several factors contribute to product photography pricing:
- Image Complexity: Shots with simple white backgrounds are generally cheaper than those with complex setups.
- Location: Expenses may include outdoor locations, set preparation, and travel costs.
- Expertise: More experienced or specialized studios may charge higher rates.
- Type of Product: Factors like transparency, size, and color influence pricing.
- Equipment: Additional equipment requirements can impact costs.
- External Market Factors: Economic conditions and supply and demand dynamics may also affect pricing.
- Number of Images: More images typically result in higher costs, although bulk discounts or long-term contracts may apply.
Different Types of Photography and Their Cost Structures
- Lifestyle Photography: Manipulation costs range from ₹350 to ₹500 per image, while original photography may cost between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per day.
- Creative Photography: Charges vary from ₹500 per photograph to ₹2100 per product, with daily rates ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹60,000.
- White Background E-commerce Photos: Prices range from ₹250 to ₹1600 per product.
- 360-Degree Photography: The average cost is around ₹1000, depending on frame rotation.
- Ghost Mannequin Photography: Costs approximately ₹700 per photograph.
Is Outsourcing Product Photography a Good Idea?
Outsourcing product photography to a professional studio is advisable if you seek high-quality images that can drive sales. With transparent pricing models, studios offer fixed rates per product, allowing for seamless project planning. Some studios even offer a ship-to-shoot service, streamlining the process and saving both time and money for clients.