How much Does Brand Photography Cost?
Behind The Lens: A Guide to Understanding the Cost of Brand Photography in Austin
At some point, you realized you needed brand photography, and so you went looking for a photographer.
It’s not like you were new to booking photographers. You’ve had family pictures taken enough to know the process.
But, perhaps, as you looked into hiring a brand photographer, you realized you were in a different completely different ballgame from family photography.
Different processes… and different rates.
You’re wondering, “Why does brand photography cost so much?”
Let’s look into it.
Why Is Brand Photography Important?
Brand photography showcases your brand's personality, values, and unique selling propositions. It’s an essential part of improving the overall perception of your business.
Brand photography provides you with consistent and professional images to use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
When done well, brand photography can help you:
build trust with your customers
stand out from your competition
tell your brand's story in a way that resonates with your target audience
Perhaps I don’t need to tell you, but all of those things are what boost revenue and move the needle for your business.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Brand Photography
The cost of Austin brand photography can vary depending on several factors. For one, unlike family, wedding, or senior photography, Brand Photography’s primary role is for business advertising and marketing — brand photography is a form of commercial photography that helps you make more money. Other factors include the photographer's experience, the complexity of the shoot, the number of images needed, and the intended use of the images. Here are some of the main factors that can affect the cost of brand photography:
1 . The experience and skill level of the photographer
That hefty price tag usually indicates a highly experienced and skilled photographer with a proven track record and reputation for being among the best in Austin. They’ve invested a significant amount of time and resources into honing their craft and delivering high-quality work.
2. Their equipment and labor
High-end cameras and lighting equipment cost more to purchase and maintain.
Beyond equipment, photographers may also have a team they’re supporting. Studio cleaning, general space maintenance, hair and makeup teams, assistants, VAs, and more — like any business that is growing would require. These things are factored into their CODB (cost of doing business) and into their rates.
3. Their space and overhead
Photography fees help cover the cost of space. Some photographers rent studio space and storage rooms for their equipment. Other photographers (like me) own their studios, keeping up with the cost of insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, electricity, internet, and so on.
4. The complexity of the shoot
When it comes to ANY kind of photography, the standard rule of thumb is: the more complex the project, the more it will cost. (And brand photography is inherently more complex.)
A brand photographer invests time and resources into helping you achieve your business goals and giving you more images. The more images you have, the more options you have for your website, social media, and marketing materials.
5. The deliverables
Brand photographers all have a unique approach and include various deliverables, which influence their session price. Some brand photographers include strategy, planning, and even other services like hair and makeup, or include the option to add things like video, b-roll, or things beyond photography. (Like us!) The deliverables (like the number of images) all affect what they charge and how they compare to others in the brand photo niche.
6. Their living expenses
Like any employee, every business-running photographer has their own personal and variable living expenses to cover and a household or family to support.
Things that affect a photographer’s rates and their bottom-line include considerations such as:
Do they own a home or are they renting?
Do they have children or do they support other family members?
Are they saving for retirement?
Do they owe student loans or are they in credit card debt?
Do they live in the city or in a lower-cost, nearby surrounding area?
Do they have another job that covers their business/personal expenses?
How much do they want to work or how many hours/clients are they willing to serve in a month?
The Two Main Types Of Brand Photography
Let’s get one thing straight: Not all brand photography is created equal.
By now, you’ve probably come across a lot of options out there labeled “brand photography” but they vary vastly in terms of process and price.
That’s because under the umbrella term “brand photography,” there are really two main types:
1. Standard brand photography - typically includes a photo session with a photographer, a set number of images, and a basic editing process.
With standard brand photography, the photographer is often a wedding or family photographer who occasionally takes brand images on the side.
This type of photography might be a good option if you're just looking for a quick and easy way to get high-quality images for your website or social media.
2. Strategy-led brand photography- an intensive process tailored to your specific brand and designed to help you achieve specific business goals. These partnerships include a consultation with the photographer to discuss your brand identity, target audience, and marketing strategy.
With strategy-led brand photography, the photographer has made branding their sole focus, so they’re likely to provide additional resources and guidance along the way.
Because of a considerably bigger time investment, strategy-led brand photography will cost more, but it can help you attract customers, increase sales, and improve your overall brand perception. These results make it the best investment for any serious business owner.
The Average Cost Of Brand Photography In Austin
As you may have figured out by now, whether the brand photographer you choose uses a standard process or a highly-strategic one will play into costs.
According to our research, the cost of brand photography in Austin can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It all depends on the factors we discussed earlier.
Strategy-led brand photography will cost more, but it can help you attract customers, increase sales, and improve your overall brand perception. These results make it the best investment for any serious business owner.
4 Steps For Choosing A Brand Photographer In Austin
If you're looking to hire a brand photographer in Austin, here are some tips to help you find the right one:
Research: Do your research. Look for a photographer who specializes in strategy-led brand photography and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work.
Portfolio: Browse their portfolio to get a sense of their style, the type of work they've done in the past, and the clients they serve.
Reviews: Read online reviews to see what other clients have to say about their experience working with the photographer.
Communication: Try reaching out. Are they responsive and easy to work with? Communication is key.
Advice For If You’re Thinking of DIYing Your Brand Photography…
If you’re feeling (or have felt) tempted to save money by taking your own brand photos, you wouldn’t be the first business owner to think that way.
DIYing looks like an easy, cost-effective solution.
But remember this: brand photography should be an investment in your business, and that means you deserve to expect a return on that investment. You may save now, but you lose out on that return later.
High-quality brand photography can improve your brand image, help you draw in the kind of clients who get you excited, and increase your overall sales. That’s something worth paying for.
TL;DR – Brand Photography In Austin Is An Investment, Not An Expense.
Brand photography should be an essential part of your overall marketing strategy.
While the cost of hiring a brand photographer in Austin can vary depending on several factors, it's important to view it as an investment in your business's long-term success – one that you’re likely to reap the returns on in dividends.
If you're looking for high-quality brand photography in Austin, we're here to help. We specialize in creating custom, strategy-led photoshoots that showcase your brand's personality and values.
Contact us today to book a brand photoshoot that will take your business to the next level.