Why are product and branding photo sessions so pricey?!
Well, it’s not simply lifting a camera and taking a quick snap or video clip.
So much more goes on behind the scenes of that 4 to 5-figure session$.
Let’s talk about it!
First up:
Location
Locations are super important. If you’re looking for a solid backdrop – those can be taken pretty much anywhere. Your background won’t matter too much because we’ll be putting up our own backdrop.
I’ve done shoots in industrial kitchens w pans and people and mess everywhere.
But the little corner I carved out created a clean calm beautiful space to create, without the clutter.
But if your hope is to have a location match the vibe and feel of your business brand – you’ve got to account for that.
And, you’re gonna have to pay for it.
Location rentals can go from a few hundred dollars for an hour to 1000-2000k for a full day or two.
If you’re in a major city, you may need to tack on more to that hourly or daily fee.
And don’t forget the parking!
Lots of city sites and non-city sites don’t have free parking.
A parking rate can eat another few hundred from your budget.
Booking with me means that I will help you find locations, narrow them down, even book for you! I’ll take all that off your hands so the only thing you’ll need to do is choose which location you want. I’ll take care of the rest!
Models
Professional models are important. They can make or break the look and feel of your shoot.
I know it’s important to showcase real people – and models ARE real people.
There are models of all shapes, sizes, looks, ethnicities, etc.
Model doesn’t refer to only the way a human looks.
It means a professional human who understands the flow and energy of the photo shoot and can provide the expressions and feelings you are hoping your visuals will encapsulate.
Models are hard-working humans who give their all.
And to get that professional investment in your photoshoot you’re going have to pay for it.
You might get lucky w some models who will work for trade, but I’m going to tell you right now:
people will back out.
Without an investment in them – why should they invest in you?
Also being inclusive of all humans is important.
But what’s equally important? Paying for that inclusivity. With dollars.
If a brand comes to me asking for inclusive models – awesome, I am ALL for it. That’s the way it should be.
But I will make sure the models are properly compensated.
Model fees can range from a couple hundred dollars per hour to 1K+ more for full day shoots.
When you book with me, I will help with the whole model hiring process based on your budget for models. I have a wealth of amazing talent I’ve worked with before and they are always happy to be part of new shoots.
They are totally reliable and extremely professional humans who do this work for a living.
Booking with me means you get access to all of these awesome pros!
Stylists:
Styling a photoshoot and creating content during a photoshoot are two totally different jobs.
Not all photographers are stylist. And even if they have a great eye, a pro stylist can really make your images SING.
They’ll keep an eye on all those little details that may get overlooked during the rush of capturing a scene. They’re there to adjust and make on the fly suggestions that can truly make your campaign scroll stopping.
They also bring heaps of calming energy to the set. Which is important when there are a ton of moving parts!
Stylist fees can again range from a few hundred dollars an hour (most have minimum hours they will work) to a few thousand for a full day.
When you book with my studio, we will help you find the best stylists for your specific photoshoot.
Food and Hydration:
Having water and snacks is important. Offering more substantial food to your vendors, including models, is also very important.
Keeping people fueled is necessary. It’s a human need. It keeps people happy and helps keep the workday upbeat and flow easier. We don’t want anyone becoming HANGRY!
There are lots of ways to go about this: ordering from a local catering business or restaurant.
Some people have a chef on hand.
Others make food themselves and offer it buffet-style.
I’m here to help guide you through this process and give suggestions for what we should have on hand during your specific session. I’ll typically poll all of the humans involved in the shoot to find out dietary restrictions and then make suggestions for food items based on that. That’s all part of the shoot plan we create prior to your photoshoot session.
Makeup artists, nail artists, and hair stylists:
If you’re having models on set, even if you’re going for the no makeup, natural look – the pros above will take that into consideration and help you achieve a very polished professional look.
Having these pros on hand also helps with creating images that will need minimal retouching.
Having someone there to help me get it right in camera means you can pull those files and use them as-is (quick turn around!) or with very minimal retouching (less cost!).
Makeup, hair and nail artists will be able to keep your models, hand models, and subject picture ready at all times during the session. It’s also great to have these pros on site during your photoshoot so they can adjust and then create new looks as the shoot goes on. Variety is the spice of life!
These professional typically charge more to be on set: you can expect to pay a couple hundred for an hour or so to more if you’re hoping for them to be on set all day. Some of these professionals will have a minimum.
And some pros can do all the work (hair, make-up and nails) while other specialize in specific areas.
Based on the type of shoot you will have and if the artists will be for yourself or models, I’ll recommend the best artists for you.
When you book with me, I will help align you with the best artists in the area to be on-set during your session.
Props:
Holy crap you can spend a ton on props – but they’re important.
Depending on the style of shoot, you may have items readily available, like your phone, laptop or a notebook and pen.
Other props you may not; if you want an office feel, you’re gonna need office-type items. Like a desk or chair.
Even if you’re working against a solid backdrop, the items need to make sense and feel authentic.
If you’re slapping together cups and bags and other items because they’re all pink and it looks good because the colors all match, but if a client goes to visit you or zoom with you and none of that is present in your working life – then no matter how cute and matchy those items are, they won’t make sense. It’s inauthentic.
Don’t AI your session. Building trust is so important and once you lose that trust it’s next to impossible to get back.
Props are also something your professional photographer is really skilled at finding.
I am always searching and sourcing items: from thrift stores, Etsy, craft stores, yard sales, heck even the free spaces on Facebook have offered up some fabulous props for sessions.
I’m always collecting and setting things aside for future photoshoots.
When you book with me you get access to the wealth of backdrop papers, fabrics and props I have available.
And my lovely secret places I go to source some amazing and fun props.
I can also build sets too! From tile walls, to wood floors, to creating a fake window.
I’ve got you!
There are other items that go into great photo sessions, especially if you’re looking to add in video and sound.
Depending on what we are going to be photographing will determine the different aspects we’ll need to have available for your photoshoot.
Editing, processing files, retouching files, processing videos and sound, it all requires time and costs will vary depending on those elements.
And that in turn will determine the final estimate or cost of your photoshoot.
If you have any questions or any additions to this list, please reach out! I’d love to hear from you.
And no matter where you are on your business journey, you have this.
Keep going!
I’m rooting for you 🙂
xo,
Stacey
