Real estate photography plays a crucial role in showcasing properties and attracting potential buyers. If you're a homeowner or a real estate agent looking to hire a professional photographer, it's essential to understand the cost involved. In this article, we will explore the different pricing models for real estate photography, the impact of experience level on pricing, and the average prices in ten major U.S. cities.
Real Estate Photography Pricing Models
When it comes to hiring a photographer for real estate photography, there is no standard pricing model. However, most photographers charge based on one of three ways:
- By the hour
- By the number of images delivered
- The size of the home
Additional variables come into play within these pricing models, such as the experience level of the photographer, the number of images produced, the extent of services provided, and more. Some photographers may also charge an additional fee for properties located far away to account for travel time and fuel costs.
Real Estate Photography Prices by Experience Level
The experience level of a photographer significantly impacts the pricing. New photographers with little or no experience may charge as low as $60-$100 for a project. As photographers gain more experience, the prices also increase. Most professional photographers with some experience charge between $110-$300 per project for photos only. Here's a breakdown of the average prices based on experience level:
- Less experience: $110-$170
- Average experience: $170-$230
- More experience: $230-$300
It's important to note that the photography session is just one aspect of the photographer's job. Editing and image post-processing also take time, but these tasks are generally included in the price quote.
Average Real Estate Photography Prices in the U.S.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of real estate photography prices, we analyzed data from Snappr, Thumbtack, and top Google search results. This analysis allowed us to estimate the average prices for different real estate photography projects in ten major U.S. cities.
How Much Do Standard Listing Photos Cost?
A standard photoshoot typically includes 10-25 MLS-ready photos for a 1,500-3,000 square foot home. Here's a table showcasing the average real estate photography prices by city:
| City | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $318 |
| New York | $285 |
| Seattle | $285 |
| Miami | $256 |
| Philadelphia | $240 |
| Denver | $229 |
| Atlanta | $222 |
| Chicago | $220 |
| Dallas | $212 |
| Phoenix | $208 |
| National Average | $230 |
Real estate photography prices tend to correlate with home prices in each city, with higher prices in areas where real estate is more expensive. For example, Los Angeles is the most expensive city we analyzed, with an average price of $318 for a basic shoot. New York and Seattle tie for second place with an average price of $285.
We also compared prices for cost-conscious home sellers, using Thumbtack and Snappr packages. Thumbtack's average price ranged from $150 to $200 across our top cities, while Snappr's value package averaged at $149.
How Much Does Real Estate Drone Photography Cost?
Drone photography is becoming increasingly popular in real estate, offering unique perspectives and stunning aerial shots. Drone photographers typically base their prices on factors such as experience level, the size of the home, and the quantity of images produced. Many photographers also offer aerial photography as an add-on for an additional $50-$200, depending on the home's size. Here's an overview of the estimated costs for aerial photography in various states:
- Arizona: $100-$200
- California: $100-$250
- Colorado: $80-$180
- Florida: $50-$200
- Kentucky: $50-$120
- Massachusetts: $50-$150
- New York: $100-$200
- Texas: $50-$180
- Virginia: $55-$150
- Washington: $100-$200
Drone photographers can also produce videos of the property for an additional fee. Purchasing drone photography as an add-on is often more cost-effective than hiring separate videographers.
How Much Do Real Estate Videos Cost?
Videos can enhance the presentation of a property and provide a more immersive experience for potential buyers. The cost of producing a real estate video can fluctuate based on factors such as the amount of footage needed, editing requirements, length of the video, equipment used, experience level of the videographer, and location. Video prices can range from as low as $200 to several thousand dollars. Here's a breakdown of the price ranges for a 1-minute real estate video:
- Low Budget: $200-$400
- Mid Budget: $400-$800
- High Budget: $800-$5000
How Much Do Real Estate Virtual Tours Cost?
Virtual tours offer an immersive and realistic way for buyers to experience a property online. The cost of a virtual tour can vary depending on the software used, the size of the home, and who performs the work. For example, Zillow 3D Home offers a more affordable option, starting at $99 for a virtual tour. On the higher end, Matterport virtual tours provide a more accurate representation of the property, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Here's an overview of the price ranges for virtual tours:
- Low Budget: $100-$200
- Mid Budget: $200-$800
- High Budget: $800-$2000
Conclusion
While real estate photography prices can vary widely, it's important to consider the value it brings in showcasing properties. Standard listing photos are relatively inexpensive, while videos and virtual tours offer a more immersive experience for potential buyers. Understanding the average costs and pricing models can help you make informed decisions when hiring a real estate photographer.
Here's a quick comparison of the average costs for different real estate photography services:
- Videography (1-minute video): $530
- Virtual Tour: $350
- Photography (10-25 Photos): $230
Keep in mind that these are average prices, and actual costs may vary based on various factors.
