The Kardashians Christmas card shoot cost $250,000.

The cost of wardrobe - including Kim Kardashian's show-stopping Yves Saint Laurent dress which emphasises her ample cleavage - and styling was included.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "It wasn't a cheap photo shoot, and the production company of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' paid the $250,000 invoice.

"Hair, make-up, wardrobe, were all paid for by production, and the Kardashians didn't pay one dime for their Christmas card!"

Renowned photographer David LaChapelle was behind the shoot but it took some persuasion from Kim - who is engaged to Kanye West - before he agreed.

The source explained: "At first, David baulked because he does photo shoots for major magazines, but Kim convinced him to do it. [It took] three days just to put the set together. David was extremely involved in all details of the set installation. It was Kim's idea to get David to do the family photo Christmas picture."

The image shows Kris Jenner sitting regally in a cashier booth, while Khloe and Kourtney were pictured posing with the mother-of-two's children, Mason and Penelope, and Kendall and Kylie take centre stage flaunting their new looks.

Meanwhile Bruce Jenner - who recently confirmed his separation from Kris - stood at the edge of the elaborate neon set, looking out forlorn inside a glass case.