Nov 11, 2026 · Shoot planning guide · 4 min read
Plus size model rates and what a catalog shoot really costs
Plus size model rates for non-union catalog and commercial work in the United States typically run about $75 to $250 an hour and about $500 to $1,500 for a full day. Campaign work, a known face and wide usage rights price above that. The rate is only part of the bill, because hours, changes, travel and where the images run all move the total. Here is how to build a real budget before you book.
Six things that move the price
Two models on the same shoot can cost very different amounts. The gap comes from a short list.
| Factor | Why it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Shot type | Ecommerce stills are quick, a campaign with video takes longer and costs more |
| Experience | Someone with a strong catalog portfolio works faster and often prices higher |
| Hours and changes | Twenty outfit changes need more hours than six |
| City | Large fashion markets such as New York and Los Angeles tend to price higher |
| Usage | Paid ads, print or retail displays add a buyout over web only |
| Exclusivity | If a competitor category is blocked, the fee rises |
These ranges match the bands in our model rates guide. They are orientation, not a quote, and a real person can sit outside them.
A one day ecommerce shoot, line by line
Say a clothing brand books one model for a day of 24 looks for product pages and email, in a studio in Chicago. The day is 8 hours, with a one hour break.
The numbers are illustrative, using the middle of the typical band. They show how to build the sum, not a price list.
Model, full day
- Basis
- 1 day at $900
- Illustration
- $900
Web and email usage, 1 year
- Basis
- Included in the day rate in this example
- Illustration
- $0
Paid social add on
- Basis
- 12 months, US
- Illustration
- $450
Travel and parking
- Basis
- Local
- Illustration
- $40
Lunch
- Basis
- 1 person day
- Illustration
- $25
Total
- Basis
- Illustration
- $1,415
Two lessons come out of that sum. First, the usage line can be half the day rate, so decide where the images run before you compare people. Second, shooting 24 looks in 7 working hours needs a tight plan, and a model who hits that pace saves more than a cheaper one who does not.
For the rights options, read usage rights and buyouts.
When to book by the hour and when to book the day
Short blocks suit a few hero shots or a video clip. Full days suit a catalog run with many changes, because the pace is set by wardrobe, not the camera. Most people on ShootModel list hourly, half day and day rates, so you compare the real total for your schedule instead of guessing from a headline number.
- 01Book the full day above 12 looks
- 02Book half days for a lookbook of 6 to 8 looks
- 03Add an hourly block for a short video cut down
- 04Keep breaks in the plan, since a rushed afternoon costs retakes
Costs that are not the model's rate
- 01Fit samples in the right sizes, so nobody is pinned into the wrong garment
- 02Hair, makeup and steaming, if you do not have a stylist
- 03Travel, parking and a meal on long days
- 04Usage buyout for paid media
- 05Overtime when the plan runs long
Agencies add a markup for managing the booking, which is fair for large campaigns with a casting director. For one to three models on a fixed date, booking direct usually costs less and lets you see each profile first. See the model agency alternative for a side by side.
Brands that sell on subscription and lose revenue to declined cards can look at Revrescue for recovering failed payments.
How to book plus size models on ShootModel
Enter the shoot city, date and hours, choose Model and compare the rates shown for your hours. Pick people whose portfolio and travel radius fit, then book instantly or send a request. The booking agreement, release and usage license are created with it, and payment is held until the shoot. ShootModel's 15% fee comes out of the talent payout, so no booker fee is added at checkout.
Start from hire plus size models for the steps and a brief checklist, or from hire models for a clothing brand for lookbook planning. For consent and likeness rules, see the US Copyright Office guidance on rights, and pair it with a signed model release.
FAQ
01How much do plus size models cost per hour?
Typical non-union catalog and commercial work runs about $75 to $250 an hour, with campaign work higher. Each person sets their own rate, so compare the total for your hours and usage rather than the headline number. On ShootModel the all in rate for your hours is shown before you book.
02How much do plus size models cost per day?
A full day typically runs about $500 to $1,500 for catalog and commercial work. Add usage for paid media, travel and any extra hours to get the real total. Longer bookings usually bring the hourly cost down.
03Do plus size models charge more than other models?
No standard premium exists. Pricing follows experience, shot type, city and usage, the same as for other commercial models. Compare profiles on those points rather than on size.
04Do I pay extra for paid social ads?
Yes, a usage buyout is added when images run in ads. On ShootModel you choose media, territory and term at checkout, and that total is what you pay.
05Is it cheaper to book direct than through an agency?
For one to three models on a fixed date, booking direct is usually cheaper because there is no agency markup, and you see each profile first. An agency fits large campaigns better.