Start digging for brand photographers and you’ll notice that prices can range a lot. There are also a number of features that aren’t included in regular photographer packages but what do they mean, exactly? In this blog, we’ll look into how much does a brand photographer cost and how to make sure you are making the right investment for your business.

Brand Photographer Price Range 

Many factors come into play when pricing brand photo services – which we’ll get into – but the range is $500-$3000.

Of course, there will also be the outliers, such as brand mini sessions or special promotions that are cheaper.

While planning your brand shoot it’s important to keep in mind that brand photography is very different from other types of photography in the fact that you’ll want more images than standard portrait sessions. 

As business owners, we need so much content to promote ourselves these days and this quantity and planning is what is reflected in the price of brand photography.

Understanding the Investment

1. Session Duration:

The length of your photography session plays a significant role in determining the overall cost.

If you only need a couple headshots, then a 30-minute shoot time will be sufficient, but brand photography is a whole other ball game. 

With brand photography, most business owners are looking for content they can post back-to-back on social so including enough time for outfit changes, various props, and settings is crucial so all the photos don’t look the same.

If you need images for social media, a longer session time is best, and this can affect price.

2. Support and Planning:

The level of planning and support offered by your photographer will also affect price. 

For example: photography mini sessions can be offered at a lower price because the location and logistics are the same for back-to-back shoots.

Because the goal of brand photography is to grow your business, the shoot needs to be much more intentional and detail-oriented. 

Look for photographers who offer comprehensive support and planning services. From concept development to location scouting, a photographer who guides you through the process ensures that your vision is captured effectively, which adds value to the investment.

3. Number of Images:

The quantity and variety of images you receive impact the cost. Consider your needs and think about how many images you require for your marketing efforts across various platforms.

If you’re just wanting to update your website then maybe 10-15 images will do. If you’re looking to use social media heavily then 40-60 might be a better fit.

A great way to calculate how many images you need is to look at how often you post a week (or how often you’d like to post a week). Let’s say this number is 3 so you’re posting 12 times a month. This means that 30 images would last you around 2.5 months whereas 60 images would last you 5 months.

Now begs the question: how often do you really want do to a brand shoot? Some business owners love having a shoot planned every couple months while others would rather get content done for the whole year!

4. Turnaround Time:

Faster turnaround times may come at a premium but can be crucial for businesses with time-sensitive marketing campaigns.

If you have a website or launch coming up, you’ll want to consider how long it takes to plan and execute the shoot, and get your images back.

Factor in the urgency of your needs when discussing timelines with your photographer.

Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)

When contemplating the cost of brand photography, it’s vital to view it as an investment rather than an expense. 

When done correctly, brand photography will help bring in more business. Consider the return on investment by estimating how many clients or sales using your new photos can bring in.

For example, if your signature coaching program costs $3,000, landing just one client through the use of compelling brand photos could offset a photography service that costs $1,000.

By leveraging your brand imagery effectively, you’re not only enhancing your brand’s perception but also attracting more clients, ultimately increasing revenue.

Longevity and Value

The longevity of your brand photos should also be factored into the cost equation.

While opting for a lower-priced package may seem tempting initially, consider how long those images will last before needing another photoshoot.

Moreover, beware of hidden costs, such as ‘session fees’ that only cover shooting time without including edited images. This means that you will have to pay for each image that you want edited, and this can add up quickly.

Asking the Right Questions

To ensure that you’re investing in brand photography that delivers tangible results for your business, ask your photographer questions such as:

• Can you provide examples of past work that have directly contributed to clients’ success?
• How do you ensure that the images captured align with my brand’s vision and resonate with my target audience?
• What is included in the package, and are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

For a comprehensive list of questions and red flags to watch out for when selecting a brand photographer, download our free guide to make an empowered decision that benefits your business.

Conclusion

Investing in professional brand photography is about more than just getting pretty photos; it’s about strategically positioning your brand for growth.

By considering factors such as session duration, support and planning, image quantity, turnaround time, and long-term value, you can make a great investment that yields returns for your business.

If you’re looking for brand photography in Toronto and GTA, we help small business owners build their dream brand. Our brand photographer services are designed to empower small business owners with elevated content that serves their highest vision and attracts their ideal clients.

Check out our brand photography services here and get in touch.