10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Product Photographer

Finding the right product photographer for your brand can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. I know you want someone who can capture the essence of your brand and make your products look amazing, but where do you start?

I get it, and I’m here to help! Choosing the right product photographer isn’t just about picking someone with a good camera—it’s about finding a partner who can bring your vision to life and help your products stand out.

To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a list of 10 must-ask questions. These will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect product photographer for your next project. Let’s dive in and make your search a breeze!

1. What is Your Experience with Product Photography?

Experience matters. Ask your potential photographer about their background photographing products and, if possible, their experience photographing products similar to yours. For instance, I specialize in food and beverage photography. While I have the equipment and skills to photograph other products, I might not be the best fit for a client looking to photograph high-end watches. Watch photography is a highly specialized niche, and if you’re selling watches worth thousands of dollars, you’ll want to hire a photographer who excels in that specific area.

Although many photographers are excellent at capturing everything from weddings and babies to watches, you’ll get better value by working with someone who truly understands your product and niche. Choosing a product photographer with relevant experience ensures your products are captured in the best possible way.

2. What is Your Photography Style?

Every photographer has a unique style, and it’s important to find one that matches your vision. Take a close look at their portfolio—do the images align with what you’re envisioning for your products? Make sure they have experience with brands similar to yours and can deliver the style you need. Their style should reflect the quality and image of your brand.

Remember, a photographer’s style isn’t just about aesthetics. Choosing someone whose style resonates with your brand’s message ensures that your product photos will be visually appealing and effective in connecting with your target audience.

I define my photography style as clean and minimalistic. I believe the product should always be the star of the show, which is why I don’t rely heavily on props or complex compositions. My work is characterized by a premium look, focusing on details, high contrast, and moody lighting. While I’m capable of photographing different styles (and I do it often!), I’m passionate about working with brands that want to convey a sophisticated and moody aesthetic.

3. How Much Does Your Product Photography Service Cost?

Understanding the cost of product photography services is essential for budgeting and planning. Ask your potential product photographer about their pricing structure. Do they charge per product, by the hour, or is it a flat fee for the entire project? It’s also important to know exactly what’s included in the price. Does it cover retouching and props, or will those incur additional charges?

In my case, I typically charge on a per-project basis, which is why I custom-quote each project. Every project is unique, and I tailor my pricing to fit the specific needs and scope. Not all clients need the same number of images or videos, and the complexity can vary widely. Some projects might take just a day to complete, while others could take weeks. Some factors that affect pricing include the number and type of photos or videos needed, the type of product (shiny products might need more work than a matte one), the level of retouching required, and the usage the client will make of the final assets.

That’s why it’s key to either jump on a discovery call or provide a detailed creative brief. This helps the photographer understand exactly what you need so they can provide a quote that fits your specific project, avoiding any overcharging or undercharging.

Keep in mind that professional photography is an investment. While it might be tempting to choose a cheaper option, remember that high-quality images can significantly impact your sales. A higher price often reflects a photographer’s experience and expertise, which can lead to better results. Make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money, and choose a product photographer who provides great value and can deliver the quality your products deserve. Check out our previous post on Why is Professional Product Photography So Expensive?

4. What are Your Payment Terms?

Clear payment terms are essential for a smooth working relationship. Ask your potential photographer about their payment structure: Do they require a deposit? When is the full payment due? What are the terms if you need to cancel or make changes to the project?

I require a 50% upfront deposit for my projects before starting any work. The remaining payment is due once the images are delivered.  I accept various payment methods, including direct deposits, checks, Zelle, and wire transfers. If the client prefers to use a credit card, a 3% commission fee is added to cover processing costs.

Having these details sorted out upfront helps avoid misunderstandings or surprises later on. Knowing exactly when and how payments are expected ensures that everything runs smoothly and helps you stay on track with your budget and timeline.

5. When Will the Product Photographs Be Ready?

Timing is crucial, especially if you’re planning a product launch or a major campaign. Ask the product photographer about the turnaround time for the photos. When can you expect to receive the final images?

Understanding the timeline ensures you can plan your marketing and launch schedules effectively. A reliable photographer should provide you with a clear delivery date so you’re not left waiting or scrambling at the last minute. If you have specific deadlines, make sure to communicate these upfront to ensure everything is completed on time.

For my projects, the turnaround time depends on the number of final images or videos and the complexity of the editing and retouching required. On average, I take about seven (7) business days to retouch and deliver the final images. However, if there are many images or videos to be edited, or if I have a high volume of work, this timeframe may extend up to 2-3 weeks.

6. Is there a licensing fee?

It is very important to understand the licensing terms because they will dictate how you can use the photos and for how long. Ask your product photographer whether the licensing fee is included in the price of the service.

I usually include a digital license in my fees. This digital license allows you to use the images for your website, social media, e-commerce platforms, digital advertising, and other online purposes. However, if the client needs the photos for print or other non-digital uses, this must be requested separately and may incur additional fees.

Typically, I do not work on a work-for-hire basis or release the copyrights of my images. As the creator, I retain all copyright ownership of the photos and videos I produce. The client receives a Limited Commercial Use License for specific uses. If a full copyright buyout is required, it can be arranged for an additional cost. Please note that releasing the copyrights would significantly increase the price of the services. For more information on copyright laws and the rights of creators, you can refer to U.S. Copyright Office – Copyright Law.

7. How Does the Product Photography Process Go?

Ask your product photographer about their workflow: Will there be a pre-production meeting to discuss your vision and preferences? How will you be involved during the shoot? What does the post-production process look like?

When working with me, we will have a discovery call or a detailed creative brief to understand your needs and vision. Once all the paperwork is done (contract and invoice), we’ll have a pre-production call to dive into the specifics of the shoot, such as props, background choices, mood boards, and shot lists. Once we’re aligned and have a clear plan in place, we’ll schedule the photoshoot. During the shoot, I ensure open communication so you can provide feedback and make adjustments as needed. If the client is not in the studio, I’ll do my best to keep them informed and involved at every step to ensure the final images meet your expectations. Finally, I will handle all the editing and retouching to ensure the final images are perfect.

8. How do You Handle Revisions or Additional Requests?

It’s crucial to understand how a product photographer manages revisions. Here’s how I handle this:

My fee includes one round of revisions, allowing the client to request changes within the agreed-upon style. If we agreed during pre-production to use a particular background color, specific use of props, or a particular lighting style, changes must stay within these guidelines. The client can’t request something completely different from what we initially discussed; in this case, that would be considered a reshoot. For reshoots, the client is responsible for paying 100% of the creative fee. This is why the pre-production phase is so important!

If the client is present during the shoot, we’ll decide which images to select for retouching as we shoot. For remote photoshoots, I’ll send a gallery of the photos to gather feedback from the client.

Additional retouching or extensive modifications beyond the initial agreement will be billed at $100 per hour. Extra revisions may incur additional fees, and the turnaround time for these changes might be longer than the initial delivery timeframe. I always communicate any revised timelines beforehand.

9. Do you Have a Photo Studio?

When choosing a product photographer, it’s crucial to ask whether they have their own studio or if they would need to rent one. Does the photographer shoot mostly on-location or in-studio? Are there additional charges for studio space?

I typically shoot in my home studio, which means the client saves on rental studio expenses! My studio can comfortably accommodate up to two people, plus myself. If you have a larger team, renting a larger studio would be a better option. Shooting in my studio allows me to maintain a high level of control over the lighting and other elements, ensuring that the final images meet a premium quality. However, if your product would benefit from an on-location shoot, I’m happy to accommodate that as well. Just let me know your preference, and we can plan accordingly!

10. What’s Your Availability?

Last but not least, it’s important to ask about the photographer’s availability. Even if a product photographer is a great fit in terms of style, budget, and workflow, ensuring they are available when you need your photos delivered is crucial.
To avoid any last-minute surprises, discuss your project’s timeline and any key deadlines you have. I typically work on a first-come, first-served basis and can provide an estimated timeframe based on my current schedule and your specific requirements.
As I mentioned before, my usual turnaround time for retouching and delivering final images is around 7 business days. However, for larger projects or more images, it could extend to 2-3 weeks. I keep my clients informed throughout the process and update them on any potential delays.
If you have a specific launch date or event, let’s plan ahead to make sure everything is ready in time. Reach out with your preferred dates, and we can coordinate to fit your project into my schedule!

And there you have it! These are 10 must-ask questions you should have in mind the next time that you’re hiring a product photographer. 

I hope this blog post helps you navigate the process of finding the right photographer for your business. If you have a project in mind and think we might be a great fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a discovery call. I’d love to discuss your vision and how we can bring it to life. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!