A great real estate photo isn’t just a picture—it’s a first impression, a selling tool, and often the deciding factor for potential buyers. In fact, studies show that homes with professional real estate photography sell 32% faster than those without.

That’s not just an interesting statistic. It’s proof that high-quality visuals drive real results in real estate.

Yet, one of the first questions agents ask when considering professional media is: “How much does a real estate photographer cost?”

The short answer? It depends.

The long answer? Prices vary based on location, the photographer’s experience, the number of images, and whether additional services like drone photography, cinematic walkthroughs, or virtual staging are included. Some agents opt for the cheapest option, while others invest heavily in marketing packages designed to make their listings stand out.

So, what’s the right move? How much should you budget? And more importantly, what’s the return on investment of hiring a professional?

Let’s break it all down.

Key Factors That Affect Real Estate Photography Pricing

No two real estate photographers charge the same rates. Pricing depends on several key factors that impact both the cost and quality of the final product.

1. Location & Market Demand

Just like real estate prices vary by region, so do photography rates.

• Major metro areas (NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago, etc.) → Expect to pay $300–$800+ per shoot due to high demand and experienced professionals.
• Smaller cities & suburban areas → Prices typically range between $150–$400 per shoot, making them more affordable.
• Rural areas → With fewer photographers available, prices can range anywhere from $100–$300, depending on travel requirements.

If you're in a luxury market, expect to pay a premium for high-end real estate photographers who specialize in million-dollar listings.

2. Photographer Experience & Quality

Not all real estate photographers are created equal. A seasoned professional will charge more than a beginner, and for good reason.

• Entry-Level Photographer → $100–$200 per shoot
• Experienced Photographer → $250–$600 per shoot
• Luxury/High-End Photographer → $700–$2,000+ per shoot

What sets an experienced photographer apart?

✅ Composition & Lighting: They know how to frame a home in the most flattering way.
✅ Advanced Editing: They enhance photos to bring out rich colors, correct lens distortions, and remove unwanted distractions.
✅ Marketing Expertise: They understand what makes a listing stand out online and in print.

If you’re selling a $700K home, investing in high-quality marketing is non-negotiable—because bad photos could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

3. Number of Photos & Property Size

Most real estate photography packages are based on:

📸 The number of images delivered (e.g., 25 vs. 50)
🏡 The size of the home (a 1,200 sq. ft. condo takes less time than a 7,000 sq. ft. estate)

Here’s a general pricing breakdown for standard real estate photography:

• Small condos & townhomes (under 1,500 sq. ft.) → $150–$300
• Standard single-family homes (1,500–3,500 sq. ft.) → $200–$500
• Luxury homes & estates (4,000+ sq. ft.) → $500–$2,000+

If you need twilight photos, drone shots, or additional angles, expect to pay extra.

4. Add-On Services (Beyond Photos)

Basic photography is just the beginning. Many real estate photographers offer premium marketing services to enhance listings.

🚀 Add-on services & their typical costs:

📹 Cinematic Video Walkthroughs → $300–$1,500
🚁 Drone Photography & Video → $100–$500
🌅 Twilight & Sunset Photography → $150–$400
🏡 Virtual Staging → $30–$100 per image
📲 Single Property Websites → $50–$200

5. Turnaround Time & Urgency Fees

Most professional photographers deliver edited photos within 24–48 hours, but if you need same-day delivery, expect to pay a rush fee of $50–$150.

Breaking Down Real Estate Photography Packages

Basic Photography Package ($150–$300)

✅ 20–30 high-resolution images
✅ Standard editing
✅ 24–48 hour turnaround
Best for: Budget-conscious agents, rental properties, and lower-priced listings

Standard Photography & Video Package ($300–$800)

✅ 30–50 high-quality images
✅ Drone photography (5–10 aerial shots)
✅ Cinematic video walkthrough (1–3 minutes)
✅ Floor plans & single-property website
Best for: Mid-range listings ($400K–$900K homes)

Luxury & Full Marketing Package ($1,000–$3,000+)

✅ Magazine-quality HDR images (50+)
✅ Full cinematic video tour (3–5 minutes)
✅ Aerial drone photos & video
✅ Twilight & sunset shots
✅ Virtual staging or 3D tours
✅ Custom social media content
Best for: High-end & luxury real estate

Is Hiring a Real Estate Photographer Worth It?

Short answer? Yes.

Long answer? Professional photography pays for itself in higher sale prices, faster transactions, and a stronger agent brand.

📊 Homes with professional photos sell for $3,000–$11,000 more on average.
📊 Listings with high-quality images get 61% more online views.
📊 Agents who invest in marketing consistently win more listings.

Would you hire a wedding photographer based solely on price? Probably not. You’d want the best within your budget.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Photographer

When hiring a photographer, look for:

✅ A strong portfolio → Crisp, well-lit, properly composed images
✅ Good reviews & recommendations → Check agent testimonials
✅ Fast turnaround times → 24–48 hours is the industry standard
✅ Transparent pricing & packages → Beware of hidden fees

Pro Tip: If a photographer’s pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap photography often means rushed shoots, poor editing, and low-quality images.

Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Budget?

If you're listing a $500K+ home, skimping on marketing is a mistake. Spending $300–$1,000 on professional photography and video can help you:

✅ Sell faster
✅ Attract more buyers
✅ Close at a higher price

So, how much does a real estate photographer cost? The better question is:

🚨 How much is bad photography costing you? 🚨

Ready to elevate your listings? Book a professional media shoot today!

For More information on Professional Real Estate Media visit:  www.MarkJacobsProductions.com Online Booking available at www.markjacobsproductions.com/booking Check out Residential Real Estate Media  and our Commercial Real Estate Media today.  We also offer AirBnB and VRBO photography and Commercial Media Services  

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