How Much to Charge for E-commerce Photography? A Complete Guide for 2025
E-commerce has become the backbone of modern retail, and with millions of products sold online every day, product photography has never been more important. High-quality images are often the deciding factor that pushes a customer to make a purchase. But for photographers and business owners, the big question is: How much should you charge for e-commerce photography?
Pricing can be tricky. Charge too little, and you undervalue your work. Charge too much, and you risk losing clients. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence e-commerce photography pricing and help you find the right balance.
Why E-commerce Photography Matters
Before we talk numbers, let’s understand why e-commerce photography is so valuable:
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Boosts conversions – Clear, professional photos increase customer trust and sales.
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Builds brand identity – Consistent and high-quality images strengthen your brand presence.
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Improves SEO – Optimized images make your online store more visible on search engines.
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Reduces returns – Accurate, detailed product photos help customers make informed decisions.
With so much riding on visuals, businesses are willing to invest in quality photography.
Factors That Affect E-commerce Photography Pricing
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your pricing will depend on several factors:
1. Type of Product
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Small products (jewelry, accessories, cosmetics) usually cost less because they’re easier to shoot.
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Large products (furniture, electronics, appliances) require more equipment, space, and editing, so they cost more.
2. Number of Products
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Bulk orders often come with discounted rates. For example, shooting 100 products will likely cost less per product compared to shooting 10 products.
3. Style of Photography
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Basic white background shots – Common for Amazon, eBay, or Shopify.
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Lifestyle/product-in-use shots – Cost more as they involve models, props, and location setups.
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360-degree/ghost mannequin photography – More editing and technical expertise required.
4. Photographer’s Experience
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Beginners may charge £10–£30 per image.
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Professional photographers often charge £50–£150 per image or £300–£800 per day, depending on complexity.
5. Editing and Retouching
Post-production plays a big role in e-commerce photography. If advanced photo retouching services (such as background removal, color correction, or ghost mannequin effects) are included, the price will naturally increase.
Average E-commerce Photography Rates in the UK
Here’s a general idea of what photographers charge in 2025:
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Per Image: £20 – £100
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Per Product (multiple angles): £50 – £200
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Half-Day Shoot: £250 – £500
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Full-Day Shoot: £500 – £1,000+
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Lifestyle/Model Photography: £800 – £2,500 (depending on complexity and location)
These prices vary based on the product type, photographer’s expertise, and whether retouching is included.
Tips for Setting Your E-commerce Photography Rates
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Know your costs – Factor in equipment, studio space, editing time, and travel expenses.
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Understand the client’s needs – Ask if they want plain background shots, ghost mannequin effects, or lifestyle images.
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Offer packages – Many clients prefer bundled deals (e.g., “50 products for £1,000”).
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Be transparent – Always include editing and revision policies in your pricing.
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Consider your skill level – If you’re just starting out, keep your rates competitive, then raise them as your portfolio grows.
Should You Include Photo Retouching in the Price?
Most e-commerce clients expect their images to be retouched before delivery. This includes:
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Background removal
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Color correction
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Shadow creation
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Ghost mannequin effects (for apparel)
Some photographers include basic editing in their price, while others charge separately. If you don’t want to spend hours editing, you can outsource to a professional photo retouching company like Retpix, which specializes in e-commerce photo editing. This allows you to focus on shooting while ensuring your clients get flawless images.
Final Thoughts
So, how much should you charge for e-commerce photography? The answer depends on your experience, the type of products, and the scope of work. On average, UK photographers charge £20–£100 per image or £500–£1,000 per day.

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