How Much Does Brand Photography Actually Cost in 2026?

If you landed on this blog post from searching “how much does brand photography cost?” then you’re in the right place. I’m guessing that you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or looking to start a business of your own.

You probably have some idea that brand photos are essential for marketing and growing your business. And if you don’t, then let me be the first to tell you, they are! Especially with the rising prevalence of AI, personal brand photos are going to be more and more important to connect with your clients and customers.

In this post, I’m looking at the cost of brand photography and what you can expect when booking your own brand photographer.

What to Look for in Personal Brand Photography Packages

When you’re in the market for a brand photoshoot, here are some things that you should consider:

• Planning: there should absolutely be some kind of planning involved for your brand session. Whether that’s a brand questionnaire from your photographer, a planning call, a video call, or something. If you find a photographer who does branding photography, but doesn’t have any kind of planning. RUN. Am I being dramatic? A little, but you should get the most ROI for your investment, and the photos should help you make more money, attract aligned clients, and convert leads. So if they don’t have any kind of planning process in place, ask them why not.
• Time: Most brand sessions that yield a library of photos for you will run anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. I know that can sound like a lot, but in order to create a curated, strategic library of photos, you need some time. Most of my clients book a half day session which is 3 hours. If you add on video, that adds another hour. If you’re getting a refresh, (meaning you already have an existing library of photos) that session can range from 1 to 2 hours depending on the photographer. And to be honest, trust your photographer to know how much time is needed. Every photographer works differently.
• Outfits: The more outfits you can work into a photoshoot, the more variety you will have. However, I know that changing outfits can be a little tiring, so I always have my clients have at least 3 solid looks and then anything extra that they want to wear. I advise clients to choose 3 outfits based on their personal style and level of “fancy” (as my kids would say).
• Number of Images Delivered: If you’re marketing on social media, then I’d recommend going for a higher number of images. And if you’re building out a website (or having one built by a web designer) you need a variety of vertical and horizontal photos.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: Is the studio fee included in the package? Some photographers include it, some don’t. Your photographer should help you choose a location if you don’t already have one in mind.
• Hair & Makeup: I include professional hair styling and makeup artistry in my packages so that my clients don’t have to worry about getting camera ready for their photoshoot. When it comes to camera-ready makeup, you do have to apply more makeup than “everyday” makeup, or you’ll look like you’re not wearing any at all.
• Video Content: Does your photographer offer video services? If you market on social media, then b-roll videos or talking head videos could be a great addition to your package. And when you’re already camera ready, it’s a great time to get that done.
• Wardrobe Stylist: Many times, clients will ask me for opinions on their outfits. I’m happy to give my thoughts. However, if you need help choosing outfits from scratch, I often refer my preferred wardrobe stylist to help you. She’s an expert!
• Prop Stylist: During the planning phase, I send my clients a list of what they should bring as props to their photoshoot. While most clients don’t opt for a prop stylist, if you’re going all out already for your brand session, a prop stylist can be a nice add-on. They can supply you with a list of what you need to bring to the photoshoot.

Personal Brand Photography Cost Considerations

Depending on who you find and decide to book a personal brand session with, the pricing may be structured differently. Some photographers offer a lower “sitting fee” and then sell the final images after the session. Other photographers offer hourly pricing. And others offer an all-inclusive flat fee that includes the photos and any of the above options.

Personally, as a photographer and as a business owner, I prefer the flat fee model. It keeps things very straightforward and clear. You can know what to expect to spend and budget for.

However, every photographer is different and you should find the right photographer for you. I highly recommend getting on a discovery call with your top picks (or your only option!) so that you can get a feel for their personality and how they work with clients.

In my experience, I want to make sure that the person I see online or on social media is the same person who shows up to the phone. I want it to be a consistent experience versus a disconnect. I tell my clients often that your personality should be cohesive and consistent across all platforms and places – whether that’s in-person or online.

Why Should I Hire a Personal Brand Photographer (vs. any photographer)

People often think that any photographer can photograph anything. And while that may be true to a degree, some photographers are skilled in certain niches for a reason.

For example, while I could photograph newborns, it’s not my strength. I could photograph products, but it’s not my specialty.

I am, however, an experienced brand photographer who not only takes photos but also provides strategy and and planning. If you want to get the best return on investment for your brand photos (and not just a gallery of pretty photos), then I highly recommend a specialist.

Think about it this way. Would you go see a general practitioner if you had a broken leg? Or heart problem? No, you’d go see a specialist.

How Much Does Brand Photography Cost in 2026?

While it definitely depends on where you’re located geographically, I’ll give you some estimates of how much brand photography costs. If you’re hiring a seasoned and experienced brand photographer who includes not only the photoshoot, but the planning and strategy behind it, you can expect to spend at least $1000 for your photographer. Once you factor in additional costs like location rentals, hair and makeup, wardrobe, and props, you’re looking at another $600-900.

But I like to point out to clients that this isn’t just an expense for a photoshoot. This is an investment in your brand. If you’re really committed to growing your brand, bringing up your marketing to the level that you operate from, and truly showcase your expertise (so your clients see your genius!) then this is an investment well spent.

Brand photos should bring you a return on investment. They aren’t just pretty photos. Done right, brand photos are strategic by design and meant to help you make more money in your business.

How Much Should You Plan to Spend on Personal Brand Photography?

As with everything, it’s going to depend on where you live, your photographer’s experience level, the photoshoot experience level, and deliverables. For your brand photography session, I would budget at least $1000 for an entry-level brand photographer and upwards of $2500 for an seasoned and experienced brand photographer.

I’d recommend adding brand photography to your annual budget and plan for around $3000-$4000 all-in from the photoshoot, outfits, hair and makeup, location, props, and video. If you already have an existing brand photo library, you can adjust your budget for a refresh in the $1000-2000 range. And typically, if you return to the same photographer, they may have a returning client rate. (I do!)

What About AI-Generated Brand Photos?

If you’re thinking about AI-generated brand photos, then you’re in the wrong place. Was that harsh? Maybe a little. But here’s the thing. If you’re the face of your business and the person that your clients will work with directly, then they need to see your actual face.

Not the representation created by an algorithm and artificial intelligence.

There, I said it. If you’re serious about your business, then you should be serious about serving your clients well. And yes, there are online influencers and “business” coaches telling you that you can build a faceless business or use AI-generated images. But I think they are wrong.

In order to have an authentic, trustworthy relationship with your clients, especially if you’re doing something like coaching or mentoring or teaching, you must create a connection. You have to build trust. And that’s impossible (in my opinion) to do with an artificial version of yourself.

*steps off soapbox*

And if brand photos aren’t in your budget yet, that’s okay! That’s why you’re reading a post like this so that you can budget appropriately. But please, if you’re just getting started in business and have a modest budget, get yourself a real headshot of your real face.

Brand Photography Cost: What to Consider

When you’re planning a brand session for your business, here’s what you should consider:

• Photographer
• Location
• Hair & Makeup
• Wardrobe
• Props

Each of these things will either have their own cost, or sometimes the photographer may include things like the location fee and/or hair & makeup fees. This can be a nice benefit to the client because then they don’t have to worry about another expense or scheduling an appointment.

When it comes to wardrobe, many of my clients will shop their own closets first and then go shopping. Some will seek out guidance from a wardrobe stylist (I have referrals). And some will decide to take this opportunity to redo their entire wardrobe while working with the wardrobe stylist. Stylists can range from $300-$3000 depending on the services you book with them.

Ready to Book a Brand Photographer in Dallas?

Okay, you’ve learned about the typical brand photography cost. Are you ready to book your own shoot? If you’re a founder or entrepreneur in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex looking for brand photography for your business, then you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Inquire (or skip straight to Step 2)
2. Discovery Call : a clarity call to make sure that your business is ready for brand photos
3. Proposal + Payment: sign the proposal and make your retainer payment
4. Brand Questionnaire + Strategy Call: this is where the magic happens to make your vision come to life
5. Photoshoot Day: a guided photoshoot where I’ll tell you how to pose and what to do with your hands
6. Delivery + Use Right Away: in just 2 weeks post-photoshoot, you’ll receive your photos to start using right away