Why Commercial Photography Isn't Usually Priced Like a Portrait Session
One of the first questions brands ask is: “How much does a commercial photoshoot cost?”
The answer depends on what you're creating.
A simple content shoot with one photographer is very different from a campaign involving talent, locations, styling, props, assistants, video and advertising usage.
That's why commercial photography is typically estimated based on the scope of the project, not simply the number of hours the photographer is behind the camera.
What Goes Into a Commercial Photography Estimate?
Depending on the shoot, your estimate may include:
Photography + Creative
The photographer's creative expertise and shoot time.
Pre-Production
Creative meetings, shot planning, schedules and production preparation.
Crew + Production
Assistants, producers, digital techs, hair and makeup, wardrobe, prop styling, casting and other crew when needed.
Locations + Equipment
Studio or location fees, permits, lighting, grip and specialty equipment.
Post-Production
Editing, color correction, retouching and final file preparation.
Usage + Licensing
How, where and for how long the final images will be used.
So, What Should You Budget?
There isn't one price that applies to every commercial photoshoot.
A smaller photographer-led shoot may be relatively straightforward, while a larger campaign involving talent, multiple locations, extensive production and advertising usage can require a significantly larger budget.
The best place to start is with a few questions:
What are we creating?
How many deliverables do you need?
Where will the content be used?
Who or what are we photographing?
What production support will be required?
From there, a realistic estimate can be built around the actual project.
More Than Just a Photographer
Tether brings something different to commercial photography: a production background.
Founder and photographer Christine Kelly spent more than two decades in commercial photography and motion production.
That means we're thinking about both sides of your shoot—the images we're creating and everything required to create them.
Depending on your project, Tether can coordinate photography, motion, locations, casting, crew, styling, props and production logistics.
Planning a Commercial Shoot in Miami?
Tell us what you're creating and we'll help determine the right photography and production approach for your project.
Tether Photography
Commercial Photography + Motion
Miami • Fort Lauderdale • South Florida • Available Nationwide
