Most photo shoot projects cost between $150 and $2,000 per job, with a typical price near $500. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical photo shoot cost
$150 – $2,000
per job · typical $500
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Photo shoot cost breakdown
- Product photography (per hour)$100 – $300typical $150
- Corporate headshot session$200 – $600typical $350
- Full-day event coverage$800 – $2,500typical $1,500
What Commercial Photography costs
Commercial photographers charge $150–$2,000 per hour or more, with half-day rates from $500. Packages often include editing, usage rights, and travel. Final costs depend on shoot complexity, equipment, and post-production.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
Why is commercial photography so expensive?
You're paying for professional equipment, expertise, editing time, and licensing. Commercial work also requires business overhead and insurance.
What drives the price up?
Complex setups, multiple locations, extra retouching, usage rights for ads, and rush delivery all add to the cost.
How can I lower photography costs?
Request a shorter session, limit usage rights, provide a shot list, and book on weekdays or off-peak seasons.