Understand product photography pricing in Australia. Learn about per-image costs, hourly rates, studio hire, and what impacts your final quote so you can budget smart and choose the right service.
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If you’re a business owner, marketer, or creator looking to sell products online, professional photography isn’t a luxury — it’s a must. But when it comes to getting great images, the question that always comes up is: how much does it cost?
The truth is, pricing for product photography varies a lot. This guide will help you understand the different ways product photography is priced, what affects the cost, and how to choose the best option for your brand.
There’s no one-size-fits-all price for product photography. The price depends on what you’re shooting, how many images you need, and how the shoot is set up. For example, taking one photo of a bottle on a white background is very different from creating a lifestyle scene with models, props, and studio lighting.
That’s why you’ll often see rates for product photography broken down by type, time, or number of images. Some photographers charge per hour, others by the project, and some per photo.
Understanding what goes into the price helps you make better decisions — and avoid paying for things you don’t need.
There are a few main ways photographers set their rates. Here’s a breakdown.
This is one of the most common pricing structures. You pay a set fee for each final image. It's simple and easy to scale depending on how many photos you need.
Average product photography price per image in Australia ranges from $30 to $150, depending on the complexity and setup. If you're getting clean ecommerce shots on a white background, expect to pay on the lower end. For hero shots, styled scenes, or reflective products (like glass or jewellery), the price increases.
Some photographers charge for their time, not the number of images. This works best for shoots with more creative direction or where the scope is less predictable.
Typical rates in Melbourne start around $99 per hour for studio photography and go up to $250+ per hour for specialised work. A half-day shoot (4 hours) might cost around $400–$800. A full-day shoot can range from $800–$2,000 depending on the team and gear involved.
If you need a range of deliverables — like campaign images, on-model shots, and ecommerce photos — you’ll often get a custom quote. This might include shoot planning, creative direction, studio hire, editing, and more.
Project pricing for product photography might start at $1,000 and go well beyond $5,000 depending on what’s required.
Knowing what’s included helps you understand the value — and avoid surprises.
If you’re just looking for ecommerce product photography, pricing is often lower. These images are fast to shoot, have consistent lighting, and usually feature products on a white background.
Campaign or lifestyle photos — showing the product in use, styled in context, or with models — require more planning and often a creative team. This affects the cost.
Ecommerce product photography:
Campaign/lifestyle product photography:
360 product photography involves shooting dozens of images of a single product from every angle, then stitching them into a rotating visual.
It’s more time-consuming, both in shooting and editing, and requires special equipment.
Typical pricing:
If you're on the other side — a photographer setting rates — this section is for you.
Start by thinking about your time, costs, and experience. Then consider:
Freelancers in Australia often charge:
Keep in mind that pricing for product photography also includes pre-production, admin, gear, and insurance — not just shoot time.
Not sure what you should be paying? Here's a step-by-step to get a quick estimate.
What kind of images do you need? How many? Will they be styled or simple? Do you need models, props, or creative direction?
Look at portfolios and get a feel for their style. A professional product photographer should be able to show examples of similar work.
Most professional photographers will send a tailored quote once they know your brief.
Don’t just compare prices — look at the quality, what’s included, and how well they understand your brand.
To give you an idea, here are some typical packages from photographers and studios around Melbourne and Australia:
Example 1:
Example 2:
Example 3:
Shooting jewellery, reflective packaging, or cosmetics takes longer than shooting a box or bottle. These details matter.
Many photographers offer discounts for bulk image sets or full product ranges.
Do you need cut-outs, lifestyle imagery, or creative scenes? The more complex, the higher the cost.
Some studios include their space in the cost, while others charge separately. If you're working with a Melbourne photography studio, check whether the studio fee is included.
If your shoot requires a stylist, set designer, makeup artist, or retoucher — that all adds to the final rate.
Working with a pro means more than just getting good photos. A product photographer understands angles, lighting, and how to present a product for e-commerce or advertising. They’ll often advise on what works best — especially if you’re unsure what you need.
When looking for someone to hire:
Pricing for product photography isn't just about picking the cheapest option — it's about getting value.
If you're selling a product online, your photos are your storefront. Better images convert better. It's worth investing in the right style of imagery for your brand.
Whether you're after a few clean ecommerce images or a full lifestyle campaign, understanding the different product photography pricing models helps you make smarter decisions — and ensures you get what you actually need.
Read more about our Product Photography Services we offer to Melbourne and interstate visitors.
