Visually appealing and high-quality photographs can make all the difference in the real estate industry. Buyers often depend on photos to determine whether or not they want to view a property in person, so professional real estate photos can significantly influence the marketing process. But how much does real estate photography cost?
The cost of real estate photography varies based on several factors, including the size and location of the property, the number of photos needed, the extent of services provided, the photographer’s expertise and equipment, and the amount of post-production necessary. Generally, real estate photography can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
While some agencies may consider expert photography unnecessary, investing in high-quality photographs can be wise. It can result in a quicker selling process and a higher price, ultimately covering the photographer’s service charges. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that influence the cost of real estate photography, providing a better understanding of what to expect when investing in professional photography for real estate.
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Real Estate Photography Cost-Setting Factors
There is no standard cost plan for employing a real estate photographer. However, most photographers have hourly rates and fees based on the number of images provided and the house size. Additionally, the photographer should consider their experience level, proficiency, and equipment expenses.
They must also take into account the time it takes to capture and edit the pictures and any extra costs, such as fuel and travel. In addition, photographers may want to provide packages with varying service levels to accommodate different budgets and requirements. By considering these aspects, photographers can establish reasonable and affordable prices while providing high-quality services to their customers. Real estate photography cost-altering factors include:
Photographer’s experience level
Photographers’ expertise levels can significantly affect the final price of a real estate photography shoot. Generally, a photographer with more expertise and a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality results will charge a higher fee for their services. On the other hand, photographers with less experience may offer more affordable pricing packages.
For instance, a photographer with no professional expertise might charge only $60-$100. Most expert photographers charge between $110 and $300 for the photography section of a project.
According to the photographer’s experience level, real estate photography costs include:
- Amateur photographers: $110- $170
- Average photographers: $170- $230
- Professional photographers: $230- $300.
Ultimately, deciding which photographer to hire will depend on a client’s needs, preferences, and budget.
The number of photos
The cost of real estate photography can also vary depending on the number of images the client requests. Photographers usually offer their services in packages with a set number of photographs and additional options, such as a drone-captured aerial view and a 3D floor plan. Generally, a basic package may include 10-15 photos, while a premium package may offer up to 25-35 photos. The cost of each package will differ appropriately, with more pictures typically costing more money.
Driving distance
Traveling distance can be significant in real estate photography prices, particularly for photographers who charge by the hour or have a restricted service area. That may lead to higher costs for the customer, as photographers may charge for their time and travel fees.
Equipment
A real estate photographer’s equipment can also play a crucial role in real estate photography costs. Professional-grade cameras, wide-angle lenses, and lighting tools can be costly to buy and keep; these costs are frequently reflected in a photographer’s prices. Photographers may also engage in other technologies, such as drones or virtual tour software, which can raise the total cost of their services. Clients should consider the quality of the photographs they need and whether or not it is worth spending on higher-end equipment, even though they can find cheaper shooters who use less costly equipment.
Post-production and editing
Post-processing work, such as editing, will also impact the final cost of your real estate photography sessions. Some photographers may include basic editing in their package prices. Still, more expert editing, such as color correction, retouching, and HDR processing, requires additional time and skill, affecting the final price. Additionally, clients may require specific editing services, such as virtual staging, day-to-dusk editing, or item removal, which can further increase the cost of the service.
Size of the property
The size of the estate also modifies the price of professional real estate photography. Larger properties will likely need more time and effort to adequately photograph and potentially capture more photos to highlight all the features. Furthermore, more extensive estates may necessitate more advanced equipment or editing methods, raising the overall cost of the service. As a result, photographers may charge more for such cases.
Turnaround time
In the real estate business, like most businesses, time is money. So, brokers need the photographs as soon as possible after the shoot. Since new houses on the market always need to be listed, they often have little time to schedule a picture session. Some photographers charge higher prices for expedited services or shooting during weekends or holidays. Clients may also have particular time limits, such as needing photographs to be provided within a specific timeline for an ongoing listing. In these cases, photographers may need to adjust their plans or employ another staff to meet the customer’s requirements, which can result in increased costs.
Premium services
Some real estate photographers provide premium services in their packages, which can impact the ultimate price. These services may include aerial photography or videography, virtual staging, 360-degree virtual tours, item removal, day-to-dusk editing, photo enhancement, and more. While these services require specialized equipment, software, and expertise, they can increase the overall cost of the photography session.
Real Estate Photography Costs in the U.S.
In the United States, the price of real estate photography can differ significantly based on several factors, including the cost of homes in each city, location, the type and size of the property, and the quality of service required. A basic real estate photography package can cost from $100 to $300 and usually include 10-20 edited images. However, this price range can be considerably higher in more costly areas or for larger, more complex properties.
The table below contains the average hourly costs of real estate photography by city:
The cost can increase substantially for premium services, such as aerial photography, virtual staging, or 360-degree virtual tours. Aerial photography, for example, may cost an additional $200 to $500, while virtual staging can range from $: Likertual tours can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity and detail required.
Remember that engaging in high-quality real estate photos can often result in a quicker sale and a higher selling price, making it a beneficial investment for many homes and real estate brokers.
Real Estate Drone Photography Costs in the U.S.
Real estate drone photography has gained popularity in recent years because it provides a unique viewpoint and better highlights the features of an estate than traditional photography. However, drone photography is more expensive due to the specialized equipment and training required, the size of the property, the number of images produced, etc.
Real estate drone photos can range in price from $50 to $200 per session, based on the size of the house, duration of the shoot, level of post-processing needed, and location of the property.
The table below contains the average hourly costs of real estate aerial photography by city:
These estimates only apply to photographs. If aerial photographers produce a property video, they can charge a higher fee. Aerial footage can be a beneficial investment because it enables potential buyers to understand the property’s layout and surroundings, increasing interest and offers. Additionally, drone photography can be combined with traditional real estate photography for a comprehensive marketing package that showcases a property from every angle.
Real Estate Videos Costs in the U.S.
Video tours are one of the best ways to present a property more immersively and convince homebuyers to make an offer. Some factors, such as the length of the video, the level of post-production required, the property’s location, the amount of footage needed, and the editing required, can affect real estate video costs.
A basic real estate video package can range in price from $200 to several thousand dollars. The cost of producing a 1-minute real estate video includes:
- Low budget: $200- $400
- Mid budget: $400- $800
- High budget: $800- $5000
Real Estate Virtual Tour Costs in the U.S.
Virtual tours are the most accurate and engaging method for prospective buyers to view a home online. The cost of a real estate virtual tour can vary based on several factors, such as the type of virtual tour being created, the kind of software used, the size and complexity of the property, and the level of customization required.
The following are the price ranges for a virtual tour of a house:
- Low budget: $100- $200
- Mid budget: $200- $800
- High budget: $800- $2000
Conclusion
The real estate photography costs differ according to the property’s size and complexity, the photographer’s experience and skill, and the level of post-processing and equipment required. On average, 1-minute real estate videography costs $530, a virtual tour costs $350, and a package of 10- 25 photos costs $230. While choosing the cheapest option available may be tempting, it’s important to remember that quality photography can significantly attract potential buyers and ultimately sell the property. Therefore, investing in a professional photographer who can showcase the property’s features in the best possible light is advisable and help maximize its value.
