How Much Does Product Photography Cost in 2026?

Feb 15

The real cost of product photography in 2026? It depends — and we’re explaining exactly why (and what’s actually worth paying for). ♡

Scott Social team members are sitting on an orange background in a photo studio. They are wearing a blue linen monochrome outfit, a light pink matching set, and a black set.

If you’ve ever searched “how much does product photography cost” and immediately felt overwhelmed… same. In 2026, product photography costs can feel all over the place — and that’s because they kind of are. The options are endless.

Between AI tools, DIY setups, and full-scale branded shoots, there’s no single price tag that fits every brand. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing. Different businesses need different levels of support. We’re breaking down what actually impacts cost, why pricing varies so much, and how to invest in visuals that don’t just look good — they work.

93% of consumers consider visual appearance the deciding factor in purchasing decisions.

According to Mastercard, 95% of purchasing decisions also happen when the subconscious brain is processing visual information. All that to say, product photography matters.

Why Product Photography Pricing Is All Over the Map

Here’s the thing: product photography isn’t priced like a standard service because it isn’t standard. Two brands could be shooting the same product and walk away with very different quotes — and both could be totally valid.

Pricing depends on your goals, how polished your visuals need to be, and where those images will live. A few clean website photos require far less planning than a lifestyle shoot built for social, ads, and a product launch. The more strategy and intention behind the shoot, the higher the investment — and the bigger the payoff.

What Actually Goes Into the Cost

Product photography pricing in 2026 is about way more than showing up with a camera.

The biggest cost drivers include:

Shoot scope, including the number of products, scenes, and/or variations
Usage rights for the ongoing use of the photos
Creative direction
Additional costs like stylists or makeup artists, props, talent, location, and post-production

You’re not just paying for photos — you’re paying for planning, execution, and visuals that align with your brand and your goals. When it’s done right, those images can work across your marketing for months (or years).

Typical Product Photography Cost Ranges in 2026

Let’s talk numbers — with the important reminder that these are ranges, not rules. Pricing can (and does) vary based on scope, deliverables, and creative complexity.

This image says "Breaking Down Pricing" and shows a photo of a laptop, phone, and a camera sitting on top of a chair. It's a low cost product photoshoot.

Option #1: User Generated Content

Estimated Cost: $300 to $2,000

If you’re tight on funds but need beautiful visuals, contract some UGC creators. While you may not have as much control over the product styling and final product, this will be your most cost effective option.

The cost range of $300 to $2,000 represents your end goal. To find your estimate, answer these questions:

Your Involvement: Do you want to send the product to the creator or host the photoshoot near you?
Location: Do you want the creator to shoot in their home or would you prefer that they rent a studio for $75 to $150 per hour?
Quantity: Do you want just a few pieces of content or a medium-to-large-sized gallery?
Editing: Do you want the photos and videos edited, or will do you do this yourself?

There are three images that show User Generated Content (UGC), a great low product photography cost production for those on a budget. The images show simple e-commerce set ups with natural lighting and few props.

Option #2: Basic Studio Product Photography

Estimated Cost: $1,500 to $3,000

Think clean, minimal, and straightforward with minimal props, styling, and crew. These shoots usually range from $1,500 to $5,000 and are great for very small companies or self-funded brands just getting started.

If you consider a two-hour product photography shoot, you may find that a less experienced photographer will cost around $600-$1,000. A studio may be around $100-$150 per hour, unsigned models may be around $50-$100 per hour, and the props vary on your vision.

To reach this lower price point, you may find yourself doing a majority of the work – and hey, if you’re on a budget, it’s worth it.

For a two hour lifestyle photoshoot, you may find these costs:

Photographer: A less experienced photographer may charge between $600 to $1,000 and as a beginner, likely won’t be charging usage rights
Location: A studio may charge around $75 to $150 per hour
Talent: Beginner, unsigned models will charge around $50 to $100 per hour
Props: Your props may cost between $100 to $500. Go all out, props make a big difference!

There are two images, one that shows a lifestyle product shot and one that shows a more typical product shot. Both exist to show the big differences in product photography cost in 2026.

Option #3: Lifestyle Product Photography

Estimated Cost: $3,000 to $7,500

Lifestyle shoots bring your product to life — styled scenes, intentional props, and sometimes models. These typically fall between $3,000 and $10,000+ and are perfect for social media, websites, and storytelling content. Our current obsession? Beauty photography.

For a four hour lifestyle photoshoot, you may find these costs:

Photographer: An intermediate photographer could cost around $1,500 to $2,500 and may charge usage rights
Location: Venues will range in cost from around $500 to $2,000 depending on your setting of choice (we love a PeerSpace rental or Airbnb)
Talent: Experienced unsigned models will charge around $100 to $250 per hour
Props: Your props will cost anywhere between $100 to $1,500. Go all out, props make a big difference!
Optional: If you’re hiring a creative director, stylist, or makeup artists, those fees will bring you to the upper range of $7,500 for the full shoot.

Psssst – Click here to find our ultimate guide on how to plan a styled photoshoot

There are two images and one video. All three show a lifestyle photoshoot at a boutique model. This image seeks to show that Lifestyle photoshoots have a higher cost than simple photoshoots.

Option #4: High End Brand Photoshoot

Estimated Cost: $5,000 to $20,000+

These shoots usually range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are great for e-commerce listings, catalogs, or brands that need to make a statement.

Likely, this shoot will need to be a minimum of four hours long, but eight hours is recommended. You may want to extend the photoshoot over multiple days.

For an eight-hour lifestyle photoshoot, you may find these costs:

Photographer: An intermediate photographer could cost around $2,500 to $6,000 and will likely charge usage rights ranging from $50 to $500+ per image for limited commercial use. Usage rights can be thousands per image for perpetual or exclusive rights.
Location: A studio will cost around $75 to $150 per hour. High end photographers may have their own studio, including in your package with them.
Talent: Experienced unsigned models will charge around $100 to $250 per hour. Signed agency models will charge around $100 to $300 per hour.
Props: Your props will cost anywhere between $500 to $5,000+. Go all out, props make a big difference!
Makeup Artist: Plan for between $200 and $500+ per person
Food Stylist: Plan for between $500 to $1,200+ for the day
Optional: If you’re hiring a creative director, stylist, or other talent, consider those costs as well.

This image shows high end images for e-commerce brands, showing that a high end photoshoot is the most expensive out of most product photography options. There are over 12 examples of photoshoots on this image.

How to Know What’s Worth the Investment

Instead of asking “What’s the cheapest option?” try asking:

Where will these photos be used?
Do they need to convert or just exist?
Are they supporting a launch, ads, or long-term brand growth?

If your visuals need to stop the scroll, build trust, and sell your product, professional photography is usually worth the investment. Planning ahead — with clear goals and a solid shot list — helps you get the most out of your budget.

The Aesthetics should marry Metrics

At the end of the day, product photography isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about impact. The right visuals help your brand stand out, feel credible, and connect with your audience.

Looking to level up your brand’s visual identity? We can help.

From concept to shoot day execution, we partner with brands to create visuals that feel elevated, strategic, and totally on-brand.