Pricing Guide: What Fashion Photography Actually Costs
If you’ve ever Googled “Pricing Guide: What Fashion Photography Actually Costs,” you know it’s surprisingly hard to find honest information about what goes into fashion shoot pricing—especially for catalogs, lookbooks, and branded editorial work. I’m Kristine Di Grigoli Paige, an experienced Philly and London-based fashion photographer, and I’ve seen every side of the business: agency gigs, high-volume e-commerce, local boutique shoots, and splashy lookbooks with big teams. Here’s what I tell brands, designers, and agencies who want to budget (and get real value!) for their next campaign.
Why Fashion Shoot Pricing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Every brand, collection, and photoshoot is different—which means pricing can vary. Here are the main factors behind what you’ll pay for fashion photography:
Type of shoot: E-commerce (catalog/ghost mannequin), lookbook, creative editorial, lifestyle campaign, or a blend?
Studio vs. on-location: Will you shoot in a controlled studio (like mine in Center City, Philadelphia), or do you want lifestyle/environmental shots around Philly or London?
Number of looks or pieces: More looks and products require more time, models, and stylists.
Team size: Will you need professional models, stylists, hair/MUA, assistants, set decorators—or bring your own?
Volume of images delivered and level of retouching: Some projects need just a handful of hero images; others call for 100+ consistent, color-corrected web and print files.
Usage rights: For websites only? Print? Billboards? Social? Larger campaigns often require broader licensing.
Typical Fashion Shoot Pricing Ranges
E-commerce & Catalog Shoots:
Hourly rates: $250–$500+ per hour, typically with a 2-hour minimum.
Half-day/full-day rates: $900–$2,500+ (covers shoot time, setup, test shots, basic team).
Per-look or per-piece rates: $50–$150+ per look or product, includes basic retouching and gallery delivery.
Lookbook or Editorial Shoots:
Half-day/full-day rates: $1,200–$3,500+ depending on concept, production, team, and location.
Creative/editorial campaigns (on location or with multiple models): $2,000–$7,500+
Costs include planning, pre-production, casting, creative direction, and more hands-on retouching.
Add-ons and Influencers:
Models via agency: $400–$1,200+/model, per day (can be more for experienced talent)
Wardrobe stylist & hair/MUA: $350–$800+/each, per day
Location fees, permits, prop styling: Varies (often $150–$500 per location)
Rush delivery or extended licensing: +15%–25%
What’s Included in My Fashion Photography Rates
As someone who specializes in fashion catalog, lookbook, and editorial photography, I like to be transparent about what you get working with me:
Flexible studio time in Center City, Philadelphia (+ London location shoots by request)
All major equipment (lighting, backdrops, stands, modifers)
Access to agency models, stylists, and my creative team
Online gallery delivery, with clear usage licenses
Polished retouching (standard for catalogs; advanced for select finals)
Full project planning and creative direction: shot list, schedule, moodboarding, and support every step of the way
I work with a range of budgets and creative ambitions, from small indie brands to larger campaigns with teams and models. My typical catalog/branding sessions start at $1200, while creative editorial campaigns generally fall between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on complexity.
Why Investing in Pro Fashion Photography Pays Off
You’re not just paying for pretty pictures. You’re buying:
Professional project management and experience (so shoots go smoothly)
Consistent, conversion-focused images tailored for your sales channels
Creative direction that aligns with your brand
Access to a trusted production network (models, stylists, assistants, even a dog model!)
High-impact visuals that boost engagement, sales, and industry buzz
The right images WILL get you more customers, magazine features, and better partnerships. Cutting corners with DIY photos almost always leads to reshoots, headaches, and missed opportunities.
How to Get a Custom Quote
Curious about what your fashion shoot will actually cost? The best next step is to book a discovery call or send your wishlist (number of looks, campaign type, locations, team needs). I’ll ask questions, suggest ideas, and outline a custom package that fits your needs—no surprises, no hidden fees.
