Real estate photography costs vary depending on the company/person doing the job. Some companies charge per photo, $8.5-$11.6. Others charge per square footage, $129-$205 for properties under 2,000 square feet. Read through this guide to learn all you need about real estate photography costs.
Average Cost of Real Estate Photography
Before digging deeper, it’s better to take a quick look at the numbers. The table below shows the average cost of real estate photography offered by well-known companies in the US. However, they each have several different pricing packages like standard, plus, or professional real estate photography. For more information, you can check the full list of their pricing plans.
| Company | Price Per Photo/ Square | |
| 1 | Pro Property Shots | $8.5 per photo |
| 2 | True Place | $9.95 per photo (HDR) |
| 3 | FotoSold | $10.9 per photo |
| 4 | Perfect Real Estate Visuals | $10.41 per photo (HDR) |
| 5 | HomeJab | $11.6 per photo |
| 6 | Shoot2Sell | $129/ under 2,000 sqft |
| 7 | 154 Photography | $125/ under 1,300 sqft |
| 8 | 95 Shoot | $149/ under 1,500 sqft |
| 9 | The Home Aesthetic | $225/ under 2,000 sqft |
| 10 | Square Foot Photography | $205/ under 2,000 sqft |
Different Providers, Different Packages
Real estate photography costs are calculated using various methods, depending on the service provider and the specific needs of each project. Some companies charge per photo, while others base their pricing on the square footage of the property.
Additionally, costs can vary by state, meaning that photographing two identical properties in different states may have different price tags. Furthermore, the pricing structure can also differ between real estate photo editing companies and independent real estate photographers. In both cases, the experience of the provider also plays a role in determining costs, with more experienced providers usually offering their services at higher prices.
Understanding the Factors That Impact Real Estate Photography Cost
Knowing about the factors that influence real estate photography pricing can help real estate agents and homeowners to make more informed decisions. Let’s take a look at the key elements that could affect your budget.
Who’s behind the camera?
The expertise and reputation of your chosen photographer or company significantly influence pricing. Seasoned photographers with robust portfolios and years of capturing eye-catching photos tend to command higher fees. Likewise, well-established companies known for their exceptional results and reliability might also reflect their pedigree in their pricing.
Photo quantity and property size
How extensive is your project? The size of the property and the number of photos needed also matter in determining the cost. Naturally, larger properties or those requiring more photos carry a higher price tag. For example, a basic photo package for a compact apartment might cost something between $200 and $400. In contrast, capturing a sprawling luxury home with a premium package can run anywhere from $500 to $1,200 if not more!
Travel and location considerations
Location matters, not just for property values but also for the cost of real estate photography. Travel expenses can indeed affect the overall price. If your property is tucked away in a remote location and the photographer has to travel a considerable distance, expect an added fee for their time and mileage. This is an important aspect to think about when choosing a photographer, especially for properties that are off the beaten path.
Do you want a bird’s eye view?
Apart from shooting the interiors, some agents opt for drone photography to showcase their properties from unique aerial perspectives, which can greatly enhance a listing’s appeal. This advanced technique provides potential buyers with a comprehensive view of the property, including its layout, surrounding area, and landscape, which can be especially beneficial for large estates or properties with notable outdoor features, but as you may imagine, aerial photography entails added costs.
Turnaround time and pricing
The speed at which you need your photos can also play a role in how much you’ll pay. If you’re in a rush and require quick delivery, this urgency can increase the costs. Photographers often have varying schedules and priorities, and accommodating a fast turnaround might necessitate shifting their existing commitments.
As a result, they may charge more for expedited services. This is particularly true for projects with very tight deadlines, where photographers might offer specialized ‘rush’ options at an additional fee to meet your swift needs. It’s wise to discuss timing upfront to ensure the photographer can meet your schedule without hidden fees or surprises.
Details on post-processing edits
But when it comes to more complex modifications such as advanced image enhancements, removing unwanted items, or adding virtual furnishings, these tasks require additional time and expertise, which means they cost more. Two highly recommended edits that most agents desire are virtual staging and 3D virtual tours.
Virtual staging is a preferred choice for many real estate agents because it allows them to present a property in its best light without the need for physical furnishings. This technique enhances the visual appeal of an otherwise empty space, making it easier for buyers to see themselves living in the home.
3D virtual tours are also popular among real estate professionals. They provide a virtual reality experience, enabling potential buyers to tour a property online as if they were walking through it in person. This type of editing is particularly useful for giving a comprehensive view of the property, showcasing every angle, and allowing for a detailed inspection without a physical visit. These specialized edits enhance the visual appeal of your listings but require skilled hands or advanced technologies which is reflected in their pricing.
In Closing
To save on their expenses, some may choose to photograph a property themselves, bypassing professional help. However, this approach carries certain risks as without professional training and equipment, it can be challenging to capture the property in the best light. Poor-quality images may fail to highlight the property’s best features and deter potential buyers which means the property will most likely remain on the market for a longer time.
Though we do not recommend this, if you want to take the risk, make sure to read our guide on how to take real estate photos to avoid the most common mistakes in this regard.
FAQs
The majority of buyers begin their home search online. The quality of the photos utilized in your listing can make or destroy a potential buyer’s interest. High-quality images not only draw more views but also build a stronger emotional connection, which can result in quicker sales and higher offers.
Online property listings require at least one photo from each room plus a few shots for the exteriors. This means, with most properties, not more than 25 images are required unless your property is really big and has lots of rooms. Here’s more on preparing your property for multiple listings.
The cost of drone real estate photography also depends on the provider. It typically ranges from $150 to $500 per session. But, keep in mind that this pricing can vary depending on the location, and the level of detail required in the footage.
