What’s Included in Food Photography Cost ?

Hiring a food photographer is an exciting step, whether it's for a new product launch, business branding, or revamping your existing website. To ensure smooth collaboration and avoid surprises, here’s what you should expect during the process, along with important Food photography cost considerations when requesting an estimate.

1. Planning - Moodboard

• Time Commitment: 2 hours

• Overview: This is the foundation of the entire shoot. The planning phase involves developing a moodboard based on your vision, including colors, styles, and reference images. It’s crucial to have this approved before moving forward, as it sets the tone and direction for the shoot.

• Why It’s Important: Proper planning helps ensure a cohesive and well-executed shoot, aligning the photography with your brand’s identity.

• Key Deliverables:

  • Moodboard with color palette and visual references.

  • A plan for props and backgrounds that match the desired aesthetic.

2. Props and Backgrounds

• Time Commitment: Part of the prep time

• Overview: Props and backgrounds are integral to creating a visually appealing shoot. Depending on the project, backgrounds may be custom-made, sourced, or hired. Vinyl backgrounds are commonly used for smaller shoots, while larger sets may require custom flatlets or boards. Props like plates, utensils, and food items add layers to the shoot, enhancing the visual appeal.

• Why It’s Important: Proper props and backgrounds bring depth and complement the food, reflecting your brand’s message.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Rental or purchase of props and custom backgrounds.

  • In-house props may help reduce costs.

3. Stylist Involvement

• Time Commitment: Project-dependent

• Overview: A food stylist may be necessary, especially for larger shoots where detailed styling is essential. A stylist ensures that the food looks its best under the camera. Some photographers provide styling services within their package, especially when the project has a limited budget.

• Why It’s Important: A stylist enhances the presentation, ensuring the food aligns with the moodboard and brand image.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Hiring a food stylist or additional creative help.

  • Combination packages may be available for smaller shoots.

4. Prep Day

• Time Commitment: half Day to full Day

• Overview: The prep day involves sourcing props, backgrounds, and fresh ingredients, as well as packing equipment. This is a crucial step to ensure that everything is in place for the shoot day. It includes organizing essential gear such as lights, cameras, and backgrounds.

• Why It’s Important: Prepping everything the day before minimizes delays and ensures the shoot proceeds smoothly.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Labor for prop sourcing and ingredient gathering.

  • Packing and transportation of equipment.

5. Shoot Day

• Time Commitment: 1 Day (or more, depending on the scope)

• Overview: The shoot day is where everything comes together. The photographer and stylist ( if needed ) will execute the plan using the mood board as a guide. Typically, on-location shoots include an artificial light setup, equipments, and a camera tethered to a laptop for live viewing of the photos, allowing for immediate feedback and approval.

• Why It’s Important: Real-time feedback ensures that the shots match the vision, avoiding the need for extensive reshoots.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Photographer’s day rate or project-based fee.

  • Location and travel costs (if applicable).

#BTS What Food Photography Costs to Expect When You Hire a Food Photographer

What Food Photography Costs to Expect When You Hire a Food Photographer

6. Retouching and Editing

• Time Commitment: 1+ Days (depending on the complexity)

• Overview: After the shoot, the photographer will provide a contact sheet for you to select the final images. Retouching can range from basic color correction to extensive editing and Photoshop work. Some projects may require external retouching for advanced work.

• Why It’s Important: Retouching enhances the final images, ensuring they are polished and professional.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Retouching time based on the number of images and complexity.

  • External retouching services may incur additional costs.

7. Final Delivery

• Overview: Once the images are fully retouched, they will be delivered digitally, typically via a Google Drive link. Files are usually provided in two formats: high-resolution for print and web-resolution for online use.

• Why It’s Important: Ensuring you have the correct formats for different uses saves time and hassle in the future.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Cost of storage, file delivery, or cloud services (if applicable).

Summary of Line Items to Expect in Your Food Photography cost / estimate :

• Planning/Moodboard: planning, including the mood board and props list.

• Props/Backgrounds: Cost of hiring, sourcing, or custom-making props and backgrounds.

• Stylist: If necessary, the cost of hiring a food stylist or additional creative team members.

• Prep Day: Time spent sourcing props, gathering ingredients, and preparing equipment.

• Shoot Day: Photographer's rate and any location/travel costs.

• Retouching: and Final Delivery - Time and external help for post-production editing. and Digital delivery of images in various formats.

By understanding these elements, you can better prepare for the process and create a strong collaboration with your food photographer. Each step contributes to the final product, ensuring your brand or product is represented in the best light.