Budgeting for a Product Shoot: What Costs to Expect and How to Prepare
Whenever I hop on a call with a new brand, one of the first questions I hear is: “So… how much does a product shoot cost?”
And honestly, I get it. As a founder or marketing director, you’ve got a million numbers swirling around already—ads, production, distribution, retail margins—and then there’s content creation. The truth is, a good product shoot isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment. According to studies, product photos can fuel your ecommerce site, social ads, email campaigns, and retail decks all at once.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with brands like Truff, Elmhurst 1925, and SkinnyDipped, and what I’ve seen across the board is that the best shoots are built on preparation, clarity, and a realistic budget. So let’s break it down.
What’s Included in a Product Shoot?
A product shoot is a lot more than someone with a camera showing up. Here’s what you’re really getting:
Pre-production planning: From moodboards to shot lists, this is where we align on creative direction.
Photography studio and equipment: Lighting setups, backdrops, props, and gear that make your food photography look polished and professional.
Food styling: Whether it’s a chocolate truffle or a foamy latte, styling makes products look irresistible.
The shoot itself: All the setup, shooting, and directing to capture a mix of food images, product photos, and drink photography.
Editing and retouching: High-quality photo editing is where good turns into great. Colors pop, textures shine, and your brand looks cohesive across every platform.
What You Can Expect to Pay?
When you book a shoot with MisaHungry Media, here’s what you can expect as part of our most popular package:
12 professional photos (delivered in both high-res and web formats)
3 stop motion GIFs for social media and ecommerce (because subtle movement grabs attention)
And then there are the bonuses:
Custom moodboard tailored to your brand aesthetic
Creative direction so you’re not left guessing
Project Portal with real-time updates (no endless email chains)
Photo gallery for easy review & selection
High-end retouching and editing to polish every detail
Professional product styling so your product looks its absolute best
Variety of surfaces to match your brand look
One-on-one pre-production call where we talk through ideas and get on the same page
If this package doesn’t fit exactly what you need, that’s completely fine. Just let us know, and we can build a custom package for you. Whether you need more, less, or something different, we’ll create a solution that matches your brand’s needs and your budget.
How to Prepare (and Make the Most of Your Budget)
Budgeting is one thing, but preparation is the real secret sauce. Here are a few tips I give my clients:
1. Be clear on your goals.
Do you need product photography for ecommerce, or a mix of food and drink photography for a campaign? Your end use helps guide the shoot.
2. Think about variety.
Combining static images with stop motion videography gives you more value from a single shoot.
3. Collaborate early.
That pre-production call isn’t just about logistics. It’s where we brainstorm and spark ideas. With clients like Jade Leaf Matcha and Cantina Monarca, that upfront clarity has made all the difference.
Why Investing in a Professional Product Shoot Pays Off?
I know it can feel like a big investment, but here’s what I’ve learned: professional food photoshoots pay for themselves. I’ve watched brands use one set of polished beverage photos across their website, ads, retail decks, and socials—and suddenly, everything feels consistent and elevated.
Budgeting for a product shoot doesn’t have to be scary. It just takes a little transparency. When you know what’s included, what to expect, and how to prepare, the process feels much more exciting and a lot less stressful.
At MisaHungry, I call myself your Creative Partner Guru (CPG), because I’m not just creating content. I’m helping you tell your story.
Your Brand, Your Budget, Your Shoot
Every brand has different needs, that’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing. If our package doesn’t fit exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll create something tailored just for you.
Give us a call today, and we’ll put together a personalized quote for your brand’s next product shoot. Whether you need more photos, an extra stop motion video, or a flexible package that matches your budget, we’ll find the right solution to make your products shine.
