How much does a commercial photographer cost in the US?
The VouchQuote team ·
This guide is for United States. Also available for:United KingdomIndia
Commercial photographers in the United States usually charge between $600 and $2,000 for a half day. Product photography is often priced per image, from $25 for plain shots to $150 for styled ones.
Typical price ranges in the US
- Headshots: $150 to $600 a session
- Product photos: $25 to $150 per image
- Half-day shoot: $600 to $2,000
- Full-day shoot: $1,200 to $4,000
Figures are typical ranges in US dollars for independent freelancers and small agencies in the United States, before any sales tax. They are our own estimates, not quotes.
What pushes the price up
Experience, studio and equipment hire, assistants, models and stylists, retouching, and licensing.
What to know for the US
Licensing is a separate line in many US quotes: using an image in paid advertising costs more than using it on your website. Ask for a model release if people appear in the photos.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask for the number of final edited images, the usage rights and what is extra. A cheaper day rate with paid retouching per image can end up costing more. On VouchQuote every quote follows the same structure and at most three professionals reply, so you can compare them side by side. Quotes on VouchQuote are shown in US dollars.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How many edited images will I receive?
- Where can I use the photos, and for how long?
- Is retouching included?
- Are travel, studio hire and props extra?
Quick answers
How much does a headshot cost?
Usually $150 to $600 a person, with lower rates for a team booked together.
Do I own the photos?
The photographer usually keeps the copyright and licenses the images to you. Check the licence covers how you plan to use them.
How soon will I get the images?
One to two weeks for edited images is typical.
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Prices are typical ranges in United States, in US dollars, for independent freelancers and small agencies, before sales tax. How we work out price ranges.