How to choose the right photography package for your handmade business

You’ve got your new product launch ready to go, the website pages set up and all the content written for it too! However, you’re still missing the final piece: the photography. Of course, it could be a task you want to do yourself, but you will probably find that you keep putting it off.

However, it’s also one of the most important jobs to get done so you can actually sell your products. Why not let the photography do them justice by outsourcing. Before you do, here are a few pointers to show you how to choose the right photography package for your business. 

1. The number of items you have

Obviously, the more items you’re planning on launching, the more complex the package will be. Between your website, social media and other marketing materials, these images will be seen everywhere. Not only will you need multiple images of each product but also white background, model, group and lifestyle shots of multiple items.

2. You want the same style

If you’re launching one collection, you want the entire shoot to be cohesive as well as on-brand. By buying a photographer’s package means they will spend anywhere between a couple of hours to a full day just on your collection. They will source backgrounds and props that are in keeping with the style you’re going for. You may have this pre-planned but every package includes a styling consultation if you need some inspiration or my help and guidance in defining your brand’s visual style!

3. How much work you have to do 

If you’re really short on time, you might want your photographer to fully take the reins. Not only will they take care of the images but editing, styling and purchasing backgrounds and props. They might also sort out arranging models, hair and make-up, scouting locations or hiring studios if need be. Make sure to check if these are included or if they are additional features you have to pay for. However, if you’re swamped with your business already, paying extra for those tasks to get done for you can be a blessing in disguise!

4. Timeframes

Do not leave it until the week of your launch to hire a photographer. Plan ahead!. Some have at least a month in advance booked up so try to get in as early as you possibly can. If you’re delayed in getting products from your own supplier, it is easier to move a shoot back a little if you are already booked in. Or, your photographer might be able to offer two shorter photoshoots, rather than shoot your products all in one go.

5. Control

Do you want to be at the shoot and help out with creative decisions on the spot? Would you rather ship off your products and let the photographer decide what to do? Either option is completely fine but it’s worth checking just to make sure. However, collaboration is always important for any shoot. Make sure you communicate well with your photographer so they know exactly what you want.

Which package is for you? 

If you’re unsure about what you’re looking for, here’s a quick rundown of the current services I have on offer. This should help with how to choose the right photography package of mine for your new launch!

Mini styled shoot

This is perfect for start-ups or businesses who release smaller collections of up to 10 products. You could also use it as a top-up shoot if you release additional items to your product range. With this service, you can either have two shots per product or 1 per product with 5-10 group or lifestyle shots of which you choose your 25 favourites to keep. You can purchase the entire gallery for an additional fee. I also offer this service in bundles for those who produce regular collections and require new photography at multiple points over 18 months.

Half-day styled shoot

Have a larger collection to launch or require more images? The half-day shoot is aimed at those with up to 20 products to shoot. You’ll get around 70 product photos in total including a handful of group or lifestyle shots. I create a bespoke mood board for the shoot including colour schemes, backgrounds, props and much more. I use two different set-ups for this package so you have more choice to use in your marketing. You can add on white background images and model shots as an extra package to this shoot too if required.

Full-day styled shoot

You might be lining up a rebrand or have one large product launch planned. The full-day styled shoot is designed to give you a larger bank of photography. This gives you lots of choice to use across your website and social media channels. You receive around 120 images in total, including a couple of each product as well as group and lifestyle shots, perfect for when you don’t need to advertise one particular product online. I also ask that as well as the products, you send me any packaging, wrapping and printed materials that showcase what you do. Pretty packaging goes a long way with small businesses! Again, you can upgrade with white background images and model shots if you’re after a complete image overhaul!

White background photography

As you’ve seen above, this can be an add-on for any package or a standalone option. I offer this service in multiple packages depending on how many products you need shooting, with a minimum of five products. White background photos are perfect for website product pages so customers can see clear images without any background.

Visual style consultation

This is included in my half-day and full-day shoots packages but I also use it as a feature on its own. If you enjoy taking photos yourself but need some guidance, we can hop on a call to discuss your struggles. We can talk about styling your photos, technical tips or how to achieve consistent branding across your images. I even throw in the recording, 2 weeks of email support, a styling mood board as well as checklists and eBooks to help you along the way.

Hiring a photographer for your product shoots can be as collaborative as you like. That’s why I love discovery calls so I can make sure we’re the right fit. Getting to know about what you do and what you want to achieve through your photography is a great first step. My discovery calls are free of charge so you are under no obligation to purchase a shoot afterwards. 

I hope this helped you think about how to choose the right photography package for your next business launch. If you want to start working together, click here to book a discovery call today or explore my services straight away! I’m currently booking for November so you’ll have to be quick to book a session!