June 21, 2025
.webp){kind=icon}
Last updated: December 2025
If you're selling products online, professional photography isn't optional — it's essential. But the question everyone asks is: how much does it actually cost?
The answer depends on what you're shooting, how many images you need, and where you're shooting. This guide breaks down the real costs of product photography in Australia, from per-image rates to studio hire — so you can plan your budget and get the best results.
There's no fixed price for product photography. A simple white-background shot of a bottle is very different from a styled lifestyle scene with props, models, and creative lighting.
Pricing depends on:
Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately — and avoid paying for things you don't need.
Here's what you can expect to pay in 2025.
This is the most common model for e-commerce photography. You pay a set fee for each final, edited image.
Per-image pricing works best when you know exactly how many shots you need and the style is consistent.
Some photographers charge for time rather than deliverables. This suits shoots with more creative direction or unpredictable scope.
Day rates often make sense for larger product ranges or when you need flexibility on set.
For campaigns requiring multiple deliverables — e-commerce shots, lifestyle images, and on-model content — you'll usually get a custom quote.
Project pricing typically starts around $1,000 and can exceed $5,000+ depending on complexity, team size, and deliverables.
One factor that significantly affects your budget is where you shoot.
Many photographers work from home studios or small setups. That's fine for basic shots, but if you need:
...you'll need a proper photography studio.
In Melbourne, professional photography studio hire typically ranges from:
Some studios charge extra for equipment, lighting, or backdrops. Others like Bohemia Bay Studio, include everything in the hourly rate.
If your photographer has their own studio, the space is often included in their rate. But if they don't — or if their space isn't suitable — you'll need to factor in studio hire separately.
Pro tip: Booking a self-access studio and hiring a freelance photographer separately can sometimes be more cost-effective than an all-inclusive package — especially for larger shoots.
The style of imagery you need dramatically affects cost.
Best for: Online stores, Amazon, Shopify, catalogues
Best for: Website hero images, social media, advertising, brand campaigns
If you're launching a new product line, you might need both: clean e-commerce shots for your store, plus a few hero images for marketing. A professional product photography studio with the right equipment can handle both in a single session.
When comparing quotes, check what's included:
Studio hire is the most commonly overlooked cost. If it's not included in your photographer's quote, budget an additional $100–$150 per hour for a professional space.
Instead of paying separately for lighting, backdrops, and modifiers, choose a studio that includes everything. At Bohemia Bay Studio, every booking includes:
No equipment hire fees. No surprises.
Shooting 30 products in one session is far more efficient than three separate 10-product shoots. Setup time is the same — you're just making better use of it.
Products should arrive clean, steamed, and ready to shoot. Time spent fixing wrinkles or wiping dust on set is time (and money) wasted.
Know exactly what you need before you arrive. How many angles per product? Any detail shots? Lifestyle scenes? A clear shot list keeps the shoot efficient.
Studios with staff on-site often charge more. A self-access model — where you receive a door code and work independently — typically offers better rates without sacrificing quality.
Bohemia Bay Studio offers self-access photography studio hire from $109/hour, with all equipment included and no weekend surcharges.
If you're booking studio space for product photography, here's what matters:
A curved white wall-to-floor surface that eliminates corners and shadows. Essential for clean e-commerce shots. Our 4.5m × 3m cyclorama handles everything from small products to full-length model shots.
You'll want both strobe (flash) and continuous lighting options. Strobes give you power and control; continuous lights let you see exactly how the light falls. See our full equipment list.
South-facing windows provide soft, consistent daylight — ideal for lifestyle and beauty photography. Our 7-metre garage door floods the studio with natural light, or blacks out completely for controlled setups.
You need room to lay out products, set up multiple scenes, and work efficiently. At 160m², our studio has space for large product ranges and simultaneous setups.
If you're shooting furniture, large products, or bulk inventory, ground-floor access and drive-up loading makes a huge difference. See our location and access details.
Here's what real product shoots might cost in Melbourne:
Whether you're photographing 5 products or 500, the right studio makes the difference. Professional lighting, a clean cyclorama, and space to work efficiently — all included in one simple hourly rate.
Bohemia Bay Studio is a self-access photography studio in Bayside Melbourne, built for product photography. No hidden fees, no weekend surcharges, all equipment included.
Explore More Insights from The Studio
