How Much Does a Professional Photographer Cost in Brisbane?

If you’re searching for a professional photographer in Brisbane, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is:

“How much does a professional photographer actually cost?”

It’s a completely fair question — and one that doesn’t have a simple answer.

Unlike buying a product off the shelf, professional photography is a tailored service. Each shoot is different, every business has different goals, and images are often used in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single fixed price that applies to every photography job.

In this article, I’ll explain typical photography costs in Brisbane, why pricing varies so much, and what you’re really paying for when hiring a professional photographer.

Why Photography Pricing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Professional photography isn’t charged like casual hourly labour.

A photographer doesn’t just arrive, take photos, and leave. Each job involves planning, creative problem solving, lighting design, technical execution, and post-production — much of which happens before and after the shoot itself.

That’s why most professional photographers price work on a per-project basis, rather than offering a flat price list.

If you look through professional commercial portfolios — including my own work at
👉 https://www.dylanpukallphoto.com — you’ll notice that projects vary enormously in complexity.

Because of this, photographers usually work from base half-day and full-day rates, which are then adjusted depending on the requirements of each job.

Typical Photographer Rates in Brisbane

While pricing varies based on experience and specialisation, the following ranges are common for professional photographers working in Brisbane.

Half-Day Photography Rate (3–4 hours)

$800 – $2,000

A half-day shoot is often suitable for:

  • Small commercial shoots

  • Brand photography sessions

  • Basic product photography

  • Short lifestyle shoots

Many photographers have a minimum booking period to ensure enough time for setup, lighting, and consistency.

Full-Day Photography Rate (7–8 hours)

$1,500 – $3,500

A full-day shoot is commonly used for:

  • Commercial campaigns

  • Multiple locations

  • Advertising photography

  • Lifestyle brand shoots

  • Larger ecommerce content days

Full-day bookings allow creative flexibility and reduce pressure — which almost always leads to stronger images.

You can see examples of full-day commercial shoots throughout my commercial photography portfolio here:
👉 https://www.dylanpukallphoto.com

What’s Usually Not Included in the Base Day Rate

This is where many clients feel confused — and it’s completely understandable.

In most cases, a photographer’s day rate covers time spent shooting only. The work required to turn raw files into polished, professional images is usually quoted separately.

Editing & Retouching

Professional editing can include:

  • Colour correction

  • Exposure balancing

  • Image consistency across a set

  • Skin retouching

  • Product cleanup

  • Jewellery retouching and polishing

For specialised work such as high-end jewellery photography, retouching can take significant time per image. You can see examples of this level of detail in my jewellery photography work here:
👉 https://www.dylanpukallphoto.com

Editing may be charged per image or per hour, depending on the project.

File Management & Image Delivery

Professional photographers invest heavily in:

  • Redundant backup systems

  • Secure file storage

  • Structured naming conventions

  • Long-term archiving

This ensures your business assets are protected and easily accessible — something particularly important for ecommerce and ongoing marketing.

Location Scouting

Lifestyle and commercial shoots often require scouting locations in advance to:

  • Assess natural light

  • Plan shooting times

  • Ensure visual consistency

  • Improve shoot efficiency

This preparation is part of delivering professional-level results.

Production & Crew Costs

Larger shoots may require additional production elements such as:

  • Photography assistants

  • Stylists

  • Hair and makeup artists

  • Props or set design

  • Studio hire

These costs are usually itemised clearly within a custom quote.

If a studio environment is required, this is often discussed early in the planning process — especially for product photography and ecommerce imagery, which you can view here:
👉 https://www.dylanpukallphoto.com

Travel Costs

Travel is commonly added when shoots take place outside the photographer’s local area, particularly for:

  • Regional Queensland locations

  • Multi-location commercial shoots

  • Extended lifestyle campaigns

Image Usage & Licensing: One of the Biggest Cost Factors

One of the most important — and least understood — parts of photography pricing is image usage.

Photography pricing isn’t just about how long the shoot takes. It’s also about how the images will be used.

Usage may include:

  • Website content

  • Social media

  • Digital advertising

  • Print advertising

  • Packaging

  • National marketing campaigns

An image used for a homepage banner has very different commercial value to one used in a large-scale advertising campaign.

Professional photographers price fairly based on the value the imagery brings to your business, not simply the time spent capturing it.

Why Professional Photography Costs More Than Expected

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re not just paying for images — you’re paying for:

  • Years of experience

  • Technical lighting expertise

  • Professional-grade equipment

  • Business insurance

  • Reliable backup systems

  • Consistent results

  • Creative direction

  • Brand understanding

For businesses, photography is often used across multiple platforms for years — making it one of the most cost-effective marketing investments available.

This is especially true for businesses investing in commercial and brand photography, where consistency and quality directly impact customer trust.

Cheap Photography vs Professional Photography

Lower-cost photography can sometimes be suitable for personal or casual use, but for business applications it often comes with risks such as:

  • Inconsistent lighting

  • Unreliable delivery

  • Minimal editing

  • No redundancy or backups

  • Limited understanding of branding

  • Poor reproduction across platforms

Professional photography reduces risk — and that reliability is often just as important as the final image itself.

How Much Should You Budget for Photography in Brisbane?

As a general guideline:

  • Small commercial shoots: $1,000 – $2,000+

  • Full-day commercial photography: $2,000 – $4,000+

  • Larger productions: Custom quotes based on scope

Every project is different, which is why professional photographers rarely advertise fixed pricing online.

Working With a Professional Photographer

When you enquire with a professional photographer, you’ll typically be asked questions such as:

  • What is the shoot for?

  • Where will the images be used?

  • How many final images do you need?

  • Are multiple locations involved?

  • Is this for ecommerce, marketing, or advertising?

These questions help ensure the quote is accurate, transparent, and aligned with your goals.

If you’re planning a shoot in Brisbane or South East Queensland, you can learn more about my approach and view recent projects at:
👉 https://www.dylanpukallphoto.com

Final Thoughts

Professional photography in Brisbane typically ranges from $800 to $3,500 per shoot day, with additional costs depending on editing, production, travel, and image usage.

While there’s no universal price, understanding how photography pricing works allows you to budget confidently and make informed decisions for your business.

If your images represent your brand, products, or services, professional photography isn’t simply an expense — it’s a long-term business asset.

The Ultimate Guide to Jewellery & Product Photography in Australia: Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Sydney

By Dylan Pukall – Commercial Jewellery, Product & Advertising Photographer


In today’s visually driven world, professional jewellery and product photography is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a fine jewellery brand launching a new collection, a boutique e-commerce store selling lifestyle products, or a major advertising agency creating a national campaign, high-quality imagery is the key to standing out online and in print.

I’m Dylan Pukall, a commercial photographer based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and I specialise in jewellery photography, product photography, and advertising photography for brands and companies across Australia. My clients range from Sunshine Coast start-ups to Sydney-based jewellery designers, and even large brands in Melbourne and Brisbane. Thanks to modern technology and streamlined production processes, I often work remotely with brands nationwide, providing stunning product imagery no matter where you’re located.

This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about jewellery and product photography in Australia—from why it matters, to how to hire the right photographer, to the specific services I provide for brands on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane, and in Sydney.

Why Professional Jewellery Photography Matters

When it comes to selling jewellery, first impressions are everything. Your potential customers can’t touch or try on a piece when shopping online, so the photograph must do all the work. A well-executed jewellery image captures sparkle, detail, and emotion, transforming a ring or necklace into a must-have luxury item.

Here’s why professional jewellery photography is critical for your business:

  • Trust & Credibility: High-resolution images make your product look premium and legitimate.

  • Increased Sales: Clean, well-lit images with accurate colour representation reduce return rates and increase conversions.

  • Consistency: A professional photographer ensures your brand’s visual style remains consistent across websites, e-commerce platforms (like Shopify, Etsy, or Squarespace), and social media channels.

Whether you’re based on the Sunshine Coast, running a jewellery label in Brisbane, or shipping Australia-wide from Sydney or Melbourne, professional product photography can dramatically improve your brand image.

The Challenges of Jewellery Photography

Jewellery is one of the most technically demanding subjects a photographer can tackle. Tiny gemstones, reflective metals, and intricate settings create a host of challenges, including:

  • Reflections and Glare: Gold, silver, and platinum surfaces are like mirrors. Without the right studio setup, unwanted reflections can ruin a shot.

  • Capturing Sparkle: Diamonds and gemstones need precise lighting to showcase their brilliance and fire.

  • True-to-Life Colour: From rose gold to emerald green, accurate colour is critical for customer trust and satisfaction.

As a photographer who specialises in jewellery photography, I use a combination of macro lenses, controlled lighting setups, and advanced retouching techniques to highlight every delicate detail. Whether it’s a high-end diamond engagement ring or a minimalist silver necklace, the goal is always the same: to make your jewellery look stunning and sellable.

Product & Advertising Photography for Brands

While jewellery is my specialty, I also provide product photography and advertising photography for brands and companies across Australia. From skincare and cosmetics to homewares and lifestyle products, I create high-end e-commerce imagery and creative advertising campaigns that bring your brand vision to life.

My services include:

  • Studio Product Photography: Perfect for e-commerce, catalogues, and social media.

  • Lifestyle Advertising Photography: Creating aspirational images that showcase your product in real-world settings.

  • Flat Lay Photography: A popular style for social media campaigns and online shops.

  • Creative Campaign Shoots: Full-scale advertising photography with models, props, and art direction.

Whether you’re a Brisbane fashion brand, a Sydney advertising agency, or a Sunshine Coast small business, I can help produce content that is on-brand, high-quality, and ready to convert.

Working with Clients Across Australia

One of the best parts of my work is the ability to collaborate with brands across Australia, even if we’re in different cities.

  • Based on the Sunshine Coast: I’m ideally positioned between Brisbane and Noosa, with easy access to major transport hubs.

  • Frequent Travel to Sydney & Melbourne: Many of my jewellery photography and advertising projects come from Sydney and Melbourne, where I can travel for shoots when needed.

  • Remote Product Photography: Many clients simply ship their products to my studio on the Sunshine Coast, where I handle all photography and editing. Finished images are then delivered digitally, making the process seamless and efficient.

This flexibility means that whether you’re a jewellery designer in Sydney, a product start-up in Melbourne, or a boutique brand on the Sunshine Coast, you can work with a trusted professional photographer without worrying about location barriers.

Sunshine Coast Jewellery & Product Photography

The Sunshine Coast is not just my home base—it’s also a hub for creative businesses and innovative brands. From Noosa to Caloundra, I work with local jewellers, fashion labels, and lifestyle companies to create high-end product photography that competes on a national scale.

  • Perfect for Sunshine Coast e-commerce brands looking to elevate their online presence.

  • Local studio access with a full corner cyclorama at Sunshine House Creative Studio, ideal for larger product shoots or advertising campaigns.

  • Fast turnaround for brands in Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and Coolum who need quick, high-quality content.

Brisbane Jewellery & Advertising Photography

Brisbane is booming with creative agencies, start-ups, and established brands, all of whom need exceptional photography to stand out. I regularly travel to Brisbane for:

  • Jewellery Campaign Photography for luxury and boutique brands.

  • Advertising Photography for agencies and businesses needing on-location shoots.

  • Corporate Product Photography for e-commerce, catalogues, and marketing materials.

Whether it’s a high-end jewellery shoot in Fortitude Valley or a lifestyle advertising campaign along the Brisbane River, I bring the same attention to detail to every project.

Sydney Jewellery & Product Photography

Sydney remains Australia’s fashion and jewellery capital, and I frequently work with Sydney-based brands—often remotely.

  • Remote Jewellery Photography: Products can be shipped securely to my Sunshine Coast studio for high-end photography without the cost of a full Sydney shoot.

  • On-Location Advertising Photography: For large campaigns, I travel to Sydney to shoot in studios, showrooms, or outdoor locations.

  • Ideal for high-end jewellers, e-commerce start-ups, and creative agencies.

This flexibility allows Sydney businesses to access premium jewellery and product photography without the overhead of maintaining an in-house photography team.

What to Look for in a Jewellery Photographer

Hiring a photographer is an investment. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right professional for your jewellery or product shoot:

  1. Specialised Experience: Jewellery photography requires technical expertise and dedicated equipment.

  2. Studio Setup: Look for a photographer with a professional studio capable of handling complex lighting setups.

  3. Attention to Detail: Macro photography demands patience and precision to capture every gemstone facet.

  4. Retouching Skills: Post-production is critical for removing dust, scratches, and reflections while maintaining natural beauty.

  5. Communication & Flexibility: Especially if working remotely, clear communication ensures your vision is executed perfectly.

As someone who has spent years perfecting the art of jewellery, product, and advertising photography, I provide not only the technical skills but also a collaborative approach that ensures every shoot aligns with your brand’s goals.

Behind the Scenes: My Process

To give you a clearer idea of how a typical jewellery or product shoot unfolds, here’s a brief overview of my workflow:

  1. Consultation & Planning: We discuss your brand, target audience, and desired outcomes.

  2. Creative Direction: Mood boards and shot lists are developed to guide the shoot.

  3. Photography Session: Using professional lighting, macro lenses, and precision tools, I capture every angle and detail.

  4. Editing & Retouching: Each image is meticulously edited for colour accuracy, clarity, and polish.

  5. Delivery: Final images are provided in multiple formats optimised for web, print, and social media.

This process ensures that whether you need e-commerce-ready images, luxury advertising content, or social media visuals, the results will exceed expectations.

Recent Projects & Experience

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of jewellery and advertising photography projects across Australia, including:

  • High-end jewellery e-commerce shoots for national brands.

  • Creative advertising campaigns for lifestyle products.

  • Remote photography projects for Sydney and Melbourne-based businesses who ship products directly to my Sunshine Coast studio.

  • Large-scale commercial shoots for companies looking to launch or rebrand their product lines.

These projects have appeared in online stores, glossy print catalogues, social media campaigns, and national advertising initiatives, showcasing my ability to adapt to different styles and industries.

How to Book a Jewellery or Product Shoot

Working with me is simple, whether you’re based on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane, or in Sydney.

  1. Get in Touch: Visit www.dylanpukallphoto.com to view my portfolio and send an enquiry.

  2. Discuss Your Project: We’ll chat about your goals, timeline, and budget.

  3. Ship or Schedule: Products can be shipped to my Sunshine Coast studio, or we can plan an on-location shoot in Brisbane, Sydney, or beyond.

  4. Receive Your Images: Professionally retouched images are delivered digitally, ready for use across websites, e-commerce platforms, and marketing campaigns.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Sunshine Coast jewellery brand, a Brisbane advertising agency, or a Sydney e-commerce company, investing in professional jewellery and product photography is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your brand. High-quality images don’t just showcase your products—they tell your story, build trust, and drive sales.

As a photographer passionate about jewellery, product, and advertising photography, I bring years of experience, technical precision, and creative vision to every shoot.
If you’re ready to create stunning images that sell, I’d love to help.

👉 Let’s create something extraordinary together.
Visit www.dylanpukallphoto.com to view my portfolio or get in touch to discuss your next project.