Product Photography FAQ
How large are the images that I will get?
Customers receive a jpeg image that is 1500 pixels along the longest edge at 150 dpi resolution. This is plenty of resolution for the web, apps, digital signage and video use.
Do you do “Hero” Shots?
If you need a “Hero Shot” as required by Amazon and other online retailers, the cost is 100.00 per image. The product in the hero shot will also be cut out as a transparency and separated into layers. This service is only performed in conjunction with lifestyle photography and not offered alone.
What if I need print sized images?
There are very few circumstances that you would actually require print quality images. A physical paper catalog, or ultra high resolution (4k and above) digital signage.
How long can I use these photos? Do I need to pay royalties?
No royalties ever. You own the rights to use these images to sell you products, forever.
The only restriction is that you may not resell or license the images themselves for profit. This is extremely rare, but some examples would be entering them into a photo contest, selling prints of the images, or licensing them through a service such as istockphoto or shutterstock.
What affects the cost of product photography?
A quote for completing the entire project is based on:
Total number or products to be photographed
Number of photographs required of each product
Number of setups
Styling hours, Set pieces and expendables (if applicable)
Special considerations need to be given for:
Reflective or shiny surfaces
Large size or weight
Fragility/ difficulty handling
Shipping/ Returns
How do we get started?
Every project is unique and deserves attention to detail. It all starts with a phone call to talk about your product photography needs.
From here, it can go one of two ways:
Scenario One: The customer knows how many products they have and how many pictures they want of each product. In this case, a quote can be provided, and work can begin as soon as the products are in the studio. Call, Text or Email to get started.
Scenario Two: The customer does not know exactly what they need yet, but they are willing to pay to test out some different ideas. This “retainer” style working scenario begins at $650 and is a lot more common than you think. Sometimes you just need to see a few of your products in a few different setups to know what you want. Truthfully, this is where creativity and years of experience really shines through. Many clients pay for experiments in the studio when they need fresh product content for their website and social media.
What are the stages that my project will go through, and what happens in each stage?
Preproduction Stage - Begins after deposit payment is made
Phone/ Zoom to talk about goals of images and share any thoughts on inspirations.
Customer collaboration on inspiration images/ mood board
Customer ships a limited amount of product or pickup is arranged (at additional cost)
Testing Stage - Begins once product(s) are in the studio
Products are shot/styled on different backgrounds as tests
Customer reviews and offers feedback/direction on images
Products are shot/styled second time as tests
Customer reviews and critiques images
Final Stage - Begins once customer approval has been given
Products are shot/styled for final images
Edits are made
Full size and Web sized images are delivered to the client electronically
Products are returned to the client