Have you ever wondered why branding photoshoots seem more expensive compared to other types of shootings? While it might appear to be a simple process of taking photos, there’s a wealth of value behind the Pricing of Brand Photography.

As a brand photographer based in Sacramento/CA, I’ve seen firsthand how professional branding can transform a business. It’s more than just having pretty pictures; it’s about creating a cohesive visual identity that resonates with your target audience, builds trust, and drives results.

In this blog post, I’ll break down the true cost of brand photography and explain why it’s a worthwhile marketing investment for your business.

The Value of Market-Minded Brand Photography

Unlike casual family or engagement photoshoots, brand photography involves a comprehensive process that goes far beyond simply snapping pictures. To create strategic and impactful images that align with your brand’s mission, values, and aesthetic, a specialist brand photographer will invest significant time and effort into understanding your business and developing a tailored approach.

This involves in-depth consultations, brand strategy development, location scouting, wardrobe and prop recommendations, and creative direction during the entire photoshoot. The goal is to capture your brand’s unique story and personality in a way that resonates with your target audience and makes your marketing stand out and your business thrive.

Unveiling the Costs of Branding Photography

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that contribute to the pricing of brand photography:

• Pre-Production: Before the photo shoot, your brand photographer will invest time in understanding your brand through questionnaires and strategic calls. They’ll develop a tailored approach, including exploring colors and aesthetics, location scouting,  wardrobe tips, referrals, and shot and prop lists.

• Moodboard Creation: To ensure you’re aligned on the brand’s aesthetic and mood, your photographer will also provide you with a vision board as inspiration.

• Photoshoot Planning: Your photographer will strategize the session, creating a timeline that includes breaks, outfit changes, and travel time. This ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for you. 

• Creative Direction and Staging: Throughout the photoshoot, your photographer will act as a creative director, guiding you to capture the most impactful images. This involves posing, lighting, and staging each scenario, which can contribute to the longer duration of brand photography sessions compared to other types of photography.

• Post-Production: After the shoot, your photographer will carefully edit and retouch the images to align with your brand’s style and messaging. Some photographers offer proof galleries, allowing you to review and select your favorite photos before the final editing begins. I do this!!!

• Time Investment: A typical brand photography session can last anywhere from 3-8 hours. However, the total time investment is much greater, as your photographer will spend a few hours preparing for the shoot, and providing additional support. On average, a single client can keep a photographer busy for 20-30 hours for a single project.

How much does a brand photoshoot cost?

Given the extensive time, effort, and expertise involved, it’s understandable that brand photography sessions are more expensive than casual photo shoots.

The pricing of brand photography sessions ranges from $1000-$5000 or even more, depending on factors such as:

1. Scope of the project: The number of hours and quantity of images required.

2. Location: The number of locations, whether the photographer needs to travel, whether paid permits are required, and whether you’ll stick with free locations or rent locations through sites like Peerspace or Airbnb.

3. Photographer’s Experience: Photographers with specialized expertise in brand photography may charge higher rates.

4. Services Included: Some photographers offer additional services, such as B-roll Clips (short videos ready to be used on social media) or extra images beyond the chosen initial package, which can increase the cost.

Investing in professional brand photography may seem like an initial expense, but it’s a strategic decision that offers a significant return on investment. By investing in high-quality brand images, you can enhance your brand’s credibility, attract your ideal clients, strengthen your online presence, and differentiate yourself from competitors. Believe me, a strategic brand photoshoot can transform your online presence!!

And don’t forget that professional branding photography is a tax-deductible expense. This means it can help you reduce your taxable income and save money 😉

If you are curious to learn more about the costs and benefits of investing in brand photography, book a free discovery call with me. I offer a variety of packages to suit different budgets and requirements, and I can also customize a collection to meet your specific business needs.

Xo,

Geise