How Much Should I Pay for Real Estate Photos

In the contemporary world where the properties are many and well selected pictures are mandatory for the success of the deals. Properties with well-taken photos attract interested buyers and have the possibility to generate greater revenues. But when you’re looking to hire a real estate photographer, a common question arises: Real Estate Photographers, Price range of real estate photos.

This guide provides detailed information about the factors that influence the price, the cost one is likely to encounter and how to avoid being left with substandard prices for your money.

Why Real Estate Photos Matter

Entering the age of online house hunting, impressions matter increasingly more than ever before. A National Association of Realtors’ study finds that listing photos are the most helpful to homebuyers at 87%.

Professional real estate photos can:

  1. Highlight the best features of a property.
  2. Attract more potential buyers.
  3. Reduce the time a property stays on the market.
  4. Potentially increase the sale price.

Given these advantages, hiring a skilled photographer is a worthwhile investment. But how do you determine what’s a fair price?

The Average Cost of Real Estate Photos

The cost of real estate photos varies significantly based on factors like location, the size of the property, and the photographer’s experience. Here’s a general breakdown of typical pricing:

  1. Basic Packages
    A basic real estate photography package typically includes 10–25 high-resolution images and costs between $100 and $300. This package is ideal for small properties like condos or apartments.
  2. Standard Packages
    For medium-sized homes, photographers may charge $300 to $500, offering 25–50 images. This package often includes wide-angle shots, a virtual tour, or minor editing.
  3. Luxury Packages
    For high-end or large properties, expect to pay $500 to $1,500 or more. These packages may include advanced editing, aerial drone photography, twilight shots, and floor plans.

real estate photos

Factors Influencing the Cost of Real Estate Photos

1. Location

The cost of living and competition among photographers in your area greatly affect pricing. Urban areas typically have higher rates than rural locations. For example, real estate photography in cities like New York or Los Angeles might start at $500, while in smaller towns, it could be as low as $150.

2. Property Size

The larger the property, the more time and effort required to capture all its features. For properties over 3,000 square feet, photographers may charge additional fees, typically $50 to $150 per 1,000 square feet.

3. Number of Photos

The more photos you require, the higher the cost. Most packages include a set number of images, with additional photos priced between $10 and $25 each.

4. Additional Services

Enhancing your listing with extra services like virtual staging, drone photography, or twilight photography can increase costs. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Virtual Staging: $30 to $150 per image.
  • Drone Photography: $100 to $400.
  • Twilight Photography: $100 to $250.

5. Experience and Expertise

An experienced photographer with a proven track record often charges more than a newcomer. While their rates might be higher, they usually offer better quality and consistency.

What Do Real Estate Photo Packages Include?

When comparing photographers, look closely at what’s included in their packages. Typical inclusions are:

  • High-resolution digital photos.
  • Basic editing (color correction, exposure adjustments).
  • Fast turnaround times (24–72 hours).
  • Licensing for marketing use.

Some photographers also offer premium services, such as:

  • 3D Virtual Tours: Using tools like Matterport to create interactive property tours.
  • Video Walkthroughs: Dynamic video content for social media and websites.
  • Advanced Editing: Removing objects, replacing skies, or virtual renovations.

DIY vs. Professional Real Estate Photos

While smartphones and affordable cameras make DIY photography tempting, the difference in quality is undeniable. Professional real estate photos:

  • Use advanced equipment like DSLR cameras and wide-angle lenses.
  • Showcase proper lighting techniques for bright, inviting images.
  • Feature post-processing for polished, professional results.

DIY photos might save you $200–$500, but they could cost you thousands in missed opportunities if your listing fails to attract buyers.

real estate photos

How to Choose the Right Photographer

When hiring a real estate photographer, keep these tips in mind:

1. Check Their Portfolio

Review their past work to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Look for clear, well-lit images that emphasize space and design.

2. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews from previous clients can give insight into the photographer’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work.

3. Ask About Equipment and Techniques

A good photographer uses high-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. They should also have experience with post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.

4. Discuss Turnaround Times

In real estate, time is of the essence. Confirm how quickly you’ll receive your images – most photographers deliver within 24–72 hours.

5. Clarify Licensing Terms

Understand how you can use the images. Most photographers grant a license for marketing purposes but retain ownership of the photos.

Budgeting for Real Estate Photos

To allocate a reasonable budget, consider the following:

  • Type of Property: A luxury home may require more advanced photography than a starter condo.
  • Marketing Goals: If you’re targeting high-end buyers, investing in premium photos can yield a higher return.
  • Volume Discounts: If you’re a real estate agent with multiple listings, some photographers offer discounted rates for bulk projects.

The Value of Premium Services

If your property has unique selling points, premium photography services can set your listing apart:

Aerial Drone Photography

Drone shots are perfect for showcasing large properties, scenic views, or unique layouts. They’re particularly effective for estates, waterfront properties, or homes near golf courses.

Twilight Photography

Twilight shots highlight a property’s exterior lighting and ambiance. They create a sense of warmth and luxury, ideal for high-end listings.

Virtual Staging

Virtual staging transforms empty rooms into inviting spaces, helping potential buyers visualize themselves in the home.

real estate photos

Conclusion

The cost of real estate photos depends on various factors, including location, property size, and the services you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $1,500 for professional photography. While this might seem like a significant expense, the return on investment often makes it worthwhile.

When hiring a photographer, prioritize quality and experience over cost. Professional real estate photos can make your property stand out, attract more buyers, and ultimately lead to a faster, more profitable sale.

Investing in high-quality real estate photos is an investment in your success. Make the right choice, and watch your listings shine!

FAQs

  1. How much do freelance real estate photographers charge?
    Freelance real estate photographers typically charge between $100 and $500, depending on the property size, location, and services provided.
  2. How much should I charge per photo?
    Charging $10 to $30 per photo is common, but rates vary based on your expertise, editing quality, and market demand.
  3. Do realtors charge for photos?
    Some realtors include photography costs in their commission, while others may charge homeowners separately or recommend hiring a photographer directly.

 


You may also like

Is It Hard to Get Real Estate Photography Clients in NYC?

Read More

How to Quickly Prepare For a Listing Photo Shoot 

Read More

Why Virtual 360 Tours Are Important for Your Business

Read More