The True Cost of Fashion Photoshoots

Introduction

Jasmine, a newly minted fashion designer, finally saved up $2,000 to launch her dream collection’s first photoshoot. She enlisted a friend as a model, borrowed lighting gear, and even used her living room as a makeshift studio—only to realize her budget was evaporating faster than she anticipated. If an ultra-frugal shoot felt this expensive, she wondered how established brands burning through five-figure budgets ever manage to break even.

But Jasmine’s story isn’t unique. The financial strain of producing stunning images impacts everyone in the fashion world, from fledgling labels with minimal funds to major household names shelling out tens of thousands per campaign. According to The Business of Fashion & McKinsey’s “State of Fashion” controlling overhead through digital transformation has become a key priority for fashion executives. As traditional photoshoot expenses continue to climb, it’s easy to see why more brands are exploring cost-saving, tech-driven solutions.

Traditional Photoshoot Costs in the U.S.

Inspired by Anna Kosichenko’s insightful LinkedIn post, we decided to explore the average costs associated with fashion photoshoots in the US. Even if you cut corners, the numbers add up quickly. Below is a snapshot of two common scenarios: a mid-tier or big-brand campaign, and a budget/lean setup. 

The data also incorporates Snappr’s latest product photography pricing insights, which note that the average cost for professional commercial photography in major U.S. markets frequently starts around $150–$250 per hour, with specialized or advanced-level shoots often exceeding $300–$500 per hour.

A mid-tier shoot often runs to about $12,000 or more when you factor in professional fees, set design, and logistics. Meanwhile, even an ultra-basic approach can hover around $2,000—no trivial sum for many independent designers or small labels. And for luxury campaigns involving celebrity talent or high-end studio sets, budgets can spiral beyond $50,000 in no time.

The AI Alternative: Enter FASHN

As production costs climb, AI platforms like FASHN have emerged to help brands produce top-tier visuals without blowing their budgets. By leveraging powerful AI-driven features, FASHN eliminates many of the biggest cost drivers—expensive physical sets, extensive lighting crews, and endless styling overhead.

AI Model Generation

FASHN’s cutting-edge algorithms generate photorealistic virtual models aligned with your brand aesthetic. You can tweak details like body type, skin tone, and facial features, effectively reducing the need for in-person castings. Best of all, you can choose or generate custom backgrounds at the same time—no separate location required.

Background Studio

For even greater control over your images, FASHN’s background studio enables you to remove, replace, or modify backgrounds with ease. Whether you’re changing the setting via a text prompt or adjusting its color through photo-editing tools, this streamlined workflow gives you complete freedom in crafting the perfect environment.

Virtual Try-Ons

Instead of needing every garment in multiple sizes and colors, you can fit clothing digitally. This not only cuts down on the number of physical samples but also opens up endless styling options at the click of a button.

Video Creation

Finally, to keep pace with today’s video-centric platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, FASHN employs AI to animate your virtual models. Whether you’re producing short clips or showcasing dynamic product walkthroughs, you can seamlessly reuse the same digital assets—ensuring cohesion across all your brand’s content.

FASHN try-on generation in the studio.

AI-Driven Campaign Budget

With FASHN, you bypass the biggest budget line items—studio rentals, extensive staffing, and real-world location constraints. 

A Pro Subscription often costs around $49 per month for unlimited usage, making it possible for both startups and established brands to produce high-quality imagery at scale.

Even if you account for other creative elements—like specialized graphic design work or a professional consultant to fine-tune final visuals—the overall expense remains a fraction of a real-world photoshoot. In many cases, these saved dollars can be funneled into upgraded fabrics, better brand packaging, or influencer partnerships that directly impact your bottom line.

Cost Comparison:

Mid-Tier/Big-Brand: ~$12,000 vs. $49/month with FASHN → Up to 98% savings

Budget/Lean Setup: ~$2,050 vs. $49/month with FASHN → About 90% savings

Naturally, AI isn’t yet a one-stop solution for every creative need. If your vision calls for complex set pieces or wants to capture an unusual garment in specific lighting, human expertise and some on-the-ground logistics can still be indispensable. However, the cost saved using FASHN allows you to invest in those specialized touches more strategically, ensuring you get the best out of both the digital and physical worlds.

Path Forward for Every Brand

From Jasmine’s living-room campaign to top-tier brands with $100,000 budgets, the fashion imagery landscape is evolving. The Business of Fashion & McKinsey’s underscores the importance of digital innovation, and AI-driven solutions like FASHN are fast becoming industry staples.

This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about unlocking new creative possibilities and staying agile in an era when consumer trends shift at lightning speed. With AI taking on most of the heavy lifting, you can refocus on what matters most: designing unique products, forging authentic customer connections, and telling a compelling brand story.

Curious how AI might elevate your next shoot? Sign up now to try the FASHN platform for free!

Whether you’re a budding designer like Jasmine or a seasoned executive at a global label, there’s no better time to embrace the future of fashion photography.