Good photos make every part of your marketing work better: your website, ads, social media, recruiting and sales materials. But if you have never hired a commercial photographer, it can be hard to know what to budget. Here is what drives the cost of commercial photography in Kansas and how to plan a shoot that pays off.
What affects the price
- Time on location. A one-hour headshot session costs less than a full day photographing a manufacturing plant.
- Number of people, products or locations. More setups mean more time and more editing.
- Travel. Shoots close to the photographer’s home base cost less. A central Kansas photographer can often save Hutchinson, Salina, McPherson and Wichita clients travel fees.
- Editing. Basic color correction is different from detailed retouching or background removal for product photos.
- Number of final images. Ten headshots and 150 brand photos are very different jobs.
- Usage. Make sure the price includes the rights to use photos in your marketing and advertising.
- Drone work. Aerial photos require an FAA Part 107 certified pilot and may add time for airspace checks.
Typical shoot types
Headshots and team photos
Individual or team headshots on location at your office. Pricing usually depends on the number of people and whether you want consistent backgrounds across the team.
Brand and lifestyle photography
Photos of your people at work, your customers and your community. These are the images that make your website and social media feel real, and they usually take half a day or more.
Product and facility photography
Clean product shots, equipment, facilities and job sites for catalogs, sales materials and recruiting.
Event photography
Conferences, galas, fundraisers and community events, often priced by the hour.
How to get more from your budget
- Plan one bigger shoot instead of several small ones. A half-day can cover headshots, team photos and brand images.
- Make a shot list. Know where every photo will be used before shoot day.
- Prepare your people and spaces. Clean up, schedule people in blocks and have wardrobe ready.
- Add video to the same day. If you need video too, combining them saves time and money.
- Ask about usage rights. Commercial use should be included for marketing photos.
At Observant Media, commercial photography sessions start at $500, and every shoot is quoted based on what you need.
Frequently asked questions
How much do professional headshots cost?
It depends on the number of people, location and editing. Group sessions at your office are usually the most cost-effective way to photograph a team.
Do I own the photos?
Usually the photographer keeps the copyright and grants you a license to use the photos. Make sure that license covers your website, social media, print and advertising.
How long does it take to get photos back?
Most commercial galleries are delivered within one to two weeks.
Need better photos?
Observant Media offers commercial and branding photography across Kansas: headshots, team photos, brand, product, facility, drone and event photography. Sessions start at $500. Request a quote.