Several factors can influence real estate photography costs. Understanding the expenses can help you make well-informed decisions when hiring a real estate photographer. Depending on various elements, real estate photography prices can vary significantly.
For a basic package, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for 10 to 20 photos, ideal for smaller properties. A mid-range package, typically priced between $300 and $600, will provide you with 20 to 40 photos along with basic editing, making it a good choice for properties that need a bit more attention. If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, premium options–ranging from $600 to over $1,500 and including an average of 40+ photos, drone shots, and even virtual tours–are there for larger or high-end listings.
What Factors Impact Real Estate Photography Cost?
Below are the most important elements that determine the final costs of real estate photography:
Location & property size
The real estate photography cost differs substantially depending on your location. In high-demand urban areas, where real estate markets are highly competitive, photographers may demand higher rates. On the contrary, in smaller towns or rural areas, you might find more budget-friendly options.
In addition, larger homes obviously usually need more time and effort, which can lead to higher real estate photography costs. A small apartment might take an hour to photograph, while a large estate could take several hours or even a couple of sessions. The number of rooms, outdoor spaces, and distinct features, such as a pool or garden all influence the time and effort needed.
Experience and skill of the photographer
Photographers with immense experience and a strong reputation in the real estate industry usually charge higher rates. Their skill and expertise can be invaluable, particularly if they have a portfolio that exhibits success in photographing homes similar to yours.
However, if you have a limited budget, you might consider working with a less experienced photographer who can still create high-quality photos. Alternatively, you can take matters into your own hands by shooting the property yourself and opting for tech-based services, like AI HomeDesign’s suite of real estate photo editing tools!
Equipment and technology
Real estate photography cost also depends on the equipment and technology required. Photographers use professional equipment and tools, such as cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, tripods, and editing software to deliver excellent results. The cost of renting, purchasing, and maintaining this equipment, including regular maintenance and upgrades, is included in the pricing.
In addition, photographers who provide specialized services such as drone photography might charge extra because of the higher costs and skill level needed to operate such equipment.
Usage and licensing
Though not always the case, how you plan to utilize the photos can also impact the real estate photography cost. If you only make use of them for one property listing, it might be less expensive than using them for several listings, ads, or commercial goals.
Consult with the photographer about your needs to perceive any additional costs or restrictions for using and licensing the photos. Different photographers might have different professional frameworks and principles regarding how and where their artwork is used.
Number of images and type of services
Different packages or photographers may provide different options for the number of photos they deliver. Moreover, while some packages offer basic editing and retouching, others might come with extra services such as virtual staging, twilight photography, or aerial shots. The greater the number of photos or the more various the services required, the higher the cost is likely to be.
Additional services
Many real estate photographers offer extra services that can improve your listing like:
- Twilight Photography: Twilight photos are captured at dusk, demonstrating your home in a warm, inviting glow. These photos can make your listing attract attention in online searches.
If you think a photographer for a dusk or twilight photo is an added expense, why not use our day-to-dusk service for a fraction of the cost? - Photo Editing and Improvement: Professional editing can rectify lighting, eliminate small imperfections, and enhance the overall attraction of your photos. Some photographers add this to their packages, while others may charge more.
Similarly, you can find all kinds of property photo editing tools, such as AI Image Enhancement, for easy, affordable, and quick improvements on all kinds of real estate photos.
Tips for Hiring a Professional Real Estate Photographer
Hiring a professional real estate photographer is a sound decision that saves you time and makes a huge difference in creating real estate leads. With their skills, you’ll accelerate the listing process and sell properties more quickly.
Creating a good relationship with a photographer will provide you with high-quality real estate photos and videos that effectively showcase your listings.
When hiring a real estate photographer, the following photography tips and practices can help you considerably:
- Specialization in real estate: Hiring a real estate photographer with specialized skills can help you prevent potential issues with third-party listing sites.
- Portfolio assessment: Checking the photographer’s previous works to assess the quality and style of their photos can help you determine whether they are an ideal choice.
- Value over affordability: Avoid choosing a photographer for your listings based on the affordability factor. If you do, you might get low-quality photos that could damage your marketing. When considering real estate photography pricing, it’s essential to focus on the return on investment.
- Consider multiple photographers: It’s a good idea to have several photographers on your list for flexibility. Test different ones and dedicate more time to the ones you like best.
- Turnaround time: Considering the turnaround time for the post-production and photo file delivery is crucial. A photographer’s skills may be excellent, but slow turnaround times can prevent your ability to list the property immediately.
- Clear expectations: Your photographer must be aware of your marketing ideas and desired style before the photo shoot. After you get the photos, give them feedback to make sure future sessions meet your expectations.
- Suitable equipment: When hiring a real estate photographer, ensure they have the necessary professional equipment to handle different environments and lighting conditions for high-quality photos.
It Pays to Pay a Photographer!
Investing in professional real estate photography is one of the best decisions you can make as a home seller. While the real estate photography cost is not fixed, the potential return on investment is significant.
High-quality photos can draw more purchasers, sell your home faster, and even drive up your final sale price. By understanding the factors that affect the cost and picking a skilled photographer, you’re making yourself ready for a successful home sale.
