Product Photography Pricing in Dubai: What to Expect in 2026

If you've ever tried to get a straight answer on product photography pricing in Dubai, you know the frustration. Most studios respond with "contact us for a quote" or "WhatsApp for pricing." This lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible to budget properly or compare options.

This guide changes that. We've compiled real pricing data from Dubai photography studios, freelancers, and service providers to give you actual numbers. Whether you're launching a new e-commerce store, expanding your catalog, or planning a fashion lookbook, you'll know exactly what to expect before you make that first inquiry.

The Quick Reference: Dubai Photography Pricing at a Glance

Here's what product photography typically costs in Dubai as of 2026:

Service Type	Price Range (AED)	What's Included
Basic product shot (white background)	75-200 per image	Single product, edited, white background
E-commerce package (10 products)	1,500-3,000	3-5 images per product, basic editing
Fashion lookbook (20-30 items)	3,500-8,000	Model, multiple poses, professional editing
Jewelry photography	200-800 per image	Focus stacking, detailed retouching
360° product spin	300-800 per product	24-72 frames, web-ready output
Lifestyle/contextual shots	150-400 per image	Props, styling, scene setup
Half-day studio session	2,500-5,000	4 hours, photographer, basic editing
Full-day studio session	4,000-10,000	8 hours, photographer, full editing

Important: These are baseline prices. Actual costs can vary significantly based on complexity, volume, urgency, and additional services. Keep reading to understand exactly what affects your final bill.

Understanding Pricing Models

Dubai photographers use different pricing structures depending on the type of work. Understanding these helps you compare quotes accurately.

Per-Image Pricing

Most common for e-commerce and catalog work. You pay a fixed rate for each final, edited image delivered.

Best for: Small batches, simple products, predictable budgeting

Typical rates:

• Basic product on white: AED 75-150 per image
• Complex products (reflective, detailed): AED 150-300 per image
• Jewelry and watches: AED 200-800 per image

Watch out for: Some photographers quote low per-image rates but exclude editing, background removal, or color correction. Always confirm what "per image" includes.

Hourly Rates

Common for lifestyle shoots, creative sessions, or projects where output quantity is flexible.

Best for: Lifestyle photography, creative direction, uncertain scope

Typical rates:

• Freelance photographers: AED 300-800 per hour
• Studio photographers: AED 500-1,500 per hour
• Specialist photographers (jewelry, luxury): AED 800-2,500 per hour

Watch out for: Hourly rates don't include editing time. Post-production is typically billed separately or included in package pricing.

Day Rates and Session Fees

Best value for high-volume shoots. You book the photographer and studio for a set time block.

Best for: Large catalogs, full collections, multiple product categories

Typical rates:

• Half-day (4 hours): AED 2,500-5,000
• Full day (8 hours): AED 4,000-10,000

What you can expect to shoot:

• Simple products (white background): 50-100 items per day
• Styled products (props, lifestyle): 20-40 items per day
• Fashion with models: 15-30 looks per day
• Complex products (jewelry, watches): 10-20 items per day

What Actually Affects Your Final Price

The quote you receive depends on several factors. Understanding these helps you negotiate better and avoid surprises.

Product Complexity

Not all products are equally difficult to photograph:

Complexity Level	Examples	Price Impact
Simple	Clothing (flat lay), books, boxes, simple electronics	Base rate
Medium	Shoes, bags, home décor, beauty products	+20-40%
Complex	Jewelry, watches, glassware, reflective surfaces	+50-100%
Highly complex	Fine jewelry with gemstones, luxury watches, chrome surfaces	+100-200%

Why complexity matters: A simple t-shirt needs one light setup and minimal editing. A diamond ring requires focus stacking (multiple shots merged for sharpness), careful reflection control, and extensive retouching. The skill, time, and equipment differ dramatically.

Volume Discounts

Most Dubai studios offer significant discounts for larger orders:

• 1-10 products: Full per-image rate
• 11-50 products: 10-20% discount
• 51-100 products: 20-30% discount
• 100+ products: 30-50% discount (negotiate custom rates)

Pro tip: If you have ongoing photography needs, negotiate a retainer or monthly package. Studios often provide better rates for guaranteed recurring work.

Turnaround Time

Speed costs money. Standard turnaround is typically 5-10 business days for edited images.

Turnaround	Price Impact
Standard (5-10 days)	Base rate
Express (3 days)	+25-50%
Rush (24-48 hours)	+50-100%
Same day	+100-150% (if available)

Additional Services

These are often quoted separately or added to base rates:

• Model fees: AED 500-2,000 per session (fashion models), AED 200-500 (hand models)
• Styling and props: AED 300-1,500 depending on complexity
• Studio rental: AED 500-2,000 for half-day (if not included)
• Advanced retouching: AED 50-200 per image beyond basic editing
• Ghost mannequin editing: AED 30-80 per image
• Background removal/replacement: AED 20-50 per image
• Color correction: Often included, but verify

Category-Specific Pricing

Fashion and Apparel

Fashion photography in Dubai ranges widely based on presentation style:

Flat lay photography:

• Per item: AED 50-150
• Includes: Styling, steaming, basic editing
• Best for: Casual wear, basics, large catalogs

Ghost mannequin (invisible mannequin):

• Per item: AED 100-250
• Includes: Multiple shots, mannequin removal editing
• Best for: Structured garments, professional appearance

On-model photography:

• Per look: AED 200-500 (plus model fees)
• Lookbook package (20-30 items): AED 3,500-8,000
• Full campaign: AED 8,000-20,000+
• Includes: Model, styling, multiple poses per item
• Best for: Premium positioning, lifestyle brands

Model costs to factor in:

• Amateur/new models: AED 500-1,000 per session
• Professional models: AED 1,500-3,000 per session
• Agency models: AED 2,500-5,000+ per session

Jewelry and Watches

This is the most expensive category due to technical complexity:

• Simple jewelry (pendants, basic rings): AED 200-400 per image
• Complex pieces (gemstones, detailed settings): AED 400-800 per image
• Luxury watches: AED 500-1,500 per image
• Full collection (mid-sized catalog): AED 3,000-6,000

What makes jewelry expensive to photograph:

• Focus stacking required (multiple shots merged for full sharpness)
• Reflection control on metal surfaces
• Color accuracy for gemstones
• Extensive retouching to remove dust and imperfections

Food and Beverage

• Packaged products (bottles, boxes): AED 100-200 per image
• Prepared food (restaurant menus): AED 200-500 per dish
• Styled food shoots: AED 300-800 per image
• Full menu photography: AED 3,000-10,000 depending on items

Note: Food photography often requires a food stylist (AED 500-1,500 per session) for best results. Fresh ingredients and preparation time add to costs.

Electronics and Tech

• Simple devices: AED 100-200 per image
• Reflective surfaces (phones, laptops): AED 150-300 per image
• 360° spins: AED 400-800 per product
• Lifestyle context shots: AED 200-400 per image

Comparing Your Options

Professional Studios vs. Freelancers

Factor	Professional Studio	Freelance Photographer
Pricing	Higher (AED 150-300/image)	Lower (AED 75-150/image)
Consistency	High (standardized processes)	Variable (depends on individual)
Equipment	Professional-grade, specialized	Good to professional
Capacity	High volume, quick turnaround	Limited capacity
Reliability	Established, accountable	Individual-dependent
Best for	Large catalogs, luxury products	Small batches, budget-conscious

DIY vs. Professional Photography

Factor	DIY (Smartphone/Basic Setup)	Professional Photography
Cost per image	AED 0-10 (your time)	AED 75-300+
Quality	Good for simple products	Professional, consistent
Time investment	High (learning curve)	Low (you deliver products, they shoot)
Scalability	Limited by your time	Highly scalable
Best for	Starting out, testing products	Scaling, premium positioning

Traditional Photography vs. AI-Powered Services

A newer option in the market: AI-powered product photography services.

Factor	Traditional Photography	AI-Powered Services
Cost per image	AED 75-300	AED 25-100
Turnaround	5-10 days typical	24-48 hours typical
Model photography	Requires hiring models	AI-generated models included
Background options	Limited by physical setup	Unlimited variations
Best for	Luxury products, complex items	Fashion, standard products, high volume
Limitations	Cost, scheduling, logistics	Complex reflective surfaces

When AI makes sense:

• Fashion and apparel (virtual models)
• High-volume e-commerce catalogs
• Lifestyle/contextual backgrounds
• Quick seasonal updates
• A/B testing different presentations

When traditional photography is worth the investment:

• Fine jewelry and watches
• Luxury brand positioning
• Complex reflective products
• Food photography
• Campaign-level creative work

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When comparing quotes, make sure you're not surprised by:

• Editing not included: Some quotes are for "raw" images only. Editing, color correction, and background work cost extra.
• Minimum order requirements: Many studios have minimums (e.g., AED 1,500 or 10 images minimum).
• Revision fees: Some photographers charge for changes beyond the first round.
• File format charges: Getting images in multiple formats or resolutions may cost extra.
• Product handling: Large, heavy, or fragile products may incur handling fees.
• Reshoot costs: If you're not satisfied, reshoots typically cost 50-100% of the original session.
• Rush fees: Always confirm turnaround time and rush pricing upfront.
• VAT: Confirm whether quoted prices include 5% VAT.

How to Get the Best Value

Before You Contact Studios

1. Know your exact needs: How many products? How many images per product? What style (white background, lifestyle, model)?
2. Have reference images: Show examples of what you want. This helps photographers quote accurately.
3. Understand platform requirements: If shooting for Amazon UAE or Noon, share the specifications upfront.
4. Set a realistic budget: Know your maximum spend before you start comparing.

When Comparing Quotes

1. Compare like for like: Ensure all quotes include the same services (editing, background removal, etc.).
2. Ask about minimums: What's the minimum order? Are there any setup fees?
3. Clarify turnaround: What's standard delivery time? What are rush options and costs?
4. Request samples: Most reputable studios will shoot 1-2 sample images before committing to a full order.
5. Check portfolios carefully: Look for experience with your specific product type.

Negotiation Tips

• Bundle services: Photography + editing + retouching packages often cost less than separate services.
• Commit to volume: Promise larger orders for better per-image rates.
• Offer flexibility: Being flexible on timing can unlock lower rates during slow periods.
• Build relationships: Long-term partnerships with photographers often yield better pricing than one-off jobs.

Sample Budgets for Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: New E-commerce Store (50 Products)

Option	Estimated Cost (AED)	What You Get
DIY (smartphone)	500-1,000	Basic equipment, your time, learning curve
Freelancer	3,750-7,500	3 images per product, edited, white background
Professional studio	7,500-12,000	Premium quality, guaranteed consistency
AI-powered service	2,500-5,000	3 images per product, multiple backgrounds

Scenario 2: Fashion Lookbook (30 Items, On-Model)

Option	Estimated Cost (AED)	What You Get
Traditional studio + model	6,000-12,000	Full day shoot, professional model, 2-3 shots per item
AI-powered (virtual models)	3,000-6,000	AI models, multiple poses, quick turnaround

Scenario 3: Jewelry Collection (20 Pieces)

Option	Estimated Cost (AED)	What You Get
Specialist jewelry photographer	4,000-10,000	Focus stacking, premium retouching, 2-3 angles per piece
General studio	2,500-5,000	Good quality, may lack specialist expertise

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Use this checklist when contacting photographers or studios:

1. What's your per-image rate for [my product type]?
2. What's included in that rate? (Editing, background removal, color correction?)
3. Do you have a minimum order requirement?
4. What's your standard turnaround time?
5. What are your rush delivery options and pricing?
6. Do you have experience photographing [my product category]?
7. Can I see samples of similar work?
8. Will you provide test shots before the full order?
9. What file formats and resolutions do you deliver?
10. What's your revision policy?
11. Do prices include VAT?
12. What happens if I'm not satisfied with the results?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there such a wide range in pricing?

A: Product photography pricing reflects skill level, equipment quality, studio overhead, and specialization. A freelancer working from home has lower costs than a professional studio in Business Bay. Jewelry specialists charge more than general product photographers because of the technical expertise required.

Q: Should I always choose the cheapest option?

A: Not necessarily. Your product images directly impact conversion rates. Poor images can cost you more in lost sales than you save on photography. Consider the value of quality images for your specific business case.

Q: How do I know if a photographer is worth the price?

A: Review their portfolio for work similar to what you need. Request references from other e-commerce businesses. Ask for test shots of your products before committing to a large order.

Q: Can I negotiate photography prices?

A: Yes, especially for larger orders. Volume commitments, flexible scheduling, and long-term partnerships can all unlock better rates.

Q: Is it worth investing in expensive photography for Amazon UAE?

A: Amazon requires specific technical standards (white background, 85% frame fill, etc.) more than artistic excellence. For basic compliance, mid-range options work well. Invest more heavily if you're selling premium products where image quality differentiates you from competitors.

Q: How often should I update product photos?

A: At minimum, when products change. Beyond that, consider seasonal updates if you're in fashion, or A/B testing different images to optimize conversion. This is where AI services offer cost advantages—easy to regenerate variations without reshoots.

The Bottom Line

Product photography in Dubai typically costs:

• Basic e-commerce: AED 75-200 per image
• Fashion with models: AED 3,500-10,000 per lookbook
• Jewelry: AED 200-800 per image
• AI-powered alternatives: AED 25-100 per image

The right investment depends on your products, volume, positioning, and budget. Premium products warrant premium photography. High-volume e-commerce benefits from efficient, cost-effective solutions.

Whatever you choose, don't let poor images limit your sales potential. In e-commerce, your photos are your storefront. They're worth investing in properly.