Pricing in product photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. Materials, lighting changes, styling, quantity, and post-production all shape the final quote. Here’s how I build accurate, value-driven estimates for brands in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington.
Understanding Product Photography Pricing: What Determines the Cost?
Short version: Pricing in product photography isn’t flat—each product needs its own lighting, styling, and retouching approach. Below I explain the factors so you can plan an accurate budget and get images that convert.
At Photography by George, I create high-end e-commerce and advertising images across the GTA (Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington). Here’s what drives cost—and how we keep quality high and surprises low.
1) Nature of the product
- Jewellery & glossy items: highly reflective, require precision lighting and pixel-level retouching.
- Glassware: clear glass needs gradients, flags, and extra cleanup; opaque glass/ceramics are simpler.
- Leather goods: staging matters—shaping, stuffing, strap placement, and inside views add time.
2) Lighting & setup adjustments
Every setup change (background swap, modifier change, camera height/angle) adds time. Examples:
- Sport wrist wrap: controlled contrast to show fabric texture and logo clarity.
- Decorative wreath: soft, even light to preserve colour accuracy and depth.
- Model ship: layered lighting and careful angles for rigging, sails, and wood details.
3) Size & handling
Tabletop products move quickly. Large or heavy items (furniture, machinery) require extra assistance, larger sets, or on-location work.
4) Styling & staging
Great photos are crafted. Mannequins, live models, props, and lifestyle scenes improve results and influence timing.
5) Quantity & efficiency
Multiple similar SKUs let me standardize lighting for consistency and better per-image value.
6) Editing & post-production
Retouching ranges from quick corrections to advanced cleanup, colour matching, reflection control, and background removal
(Shopify/Amazon-ready white or transparent PNGs). Transparent or glossy items typically require extra time.
How to get an accurate quote
- Number of products and angles per product
- Materials & surface (reflective, textured, transparent)
- Background or scene (pure white, coloured, lifestyle, on-location)
- Usage (website, marketplace, print, large banners)
- Deadline and delivery format (JPG, PNG, TIFF, clipping paths)
Result: a transparent estimate aligned to your goals, with images that lift conversions and brand trust.
Sample portfolio items
Leave a comment
0 Comments