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Real estate photography and videography pricing varies by market, photographer experience, services provided, and property size. Understanding typical pricing helps clients budget appropriately and evaluate proposals. Fees vary significantly by location and provider. The information below represents general industry ranges where available, but actual costs depend on your specific market and photographer.
Photography and videography fees vary significantly by location, provider, property size, and services included. Always get quotes from multiple photographers for accurate pricing in your area.

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Pricing Models

Most common pricing structure:
  • Set price for defined service package
  • Based on square footage ranges or property type
  • Includes specific number of photos and services
  • Clear upfront cost
  • Additional services priced separately
Example tiers:
  • Small (under 1,500 sq ft)
  • Medium (1,500-3,000 sq ft)
  • Large (3,000-5,000 sq ft)
  • Estate (over 5,000 sq ft)
Cost based on property size:
  • Charge per square foot
  • Includes standard services
  • Scales with property size
  • Add-ons priced separately
Less common than flat rate packages.
Time-based pricing:
  • Charge per hour of shooting
  • Plus editing time
  • Less predictable total cost
  • Used for unique situations or custom requests
Rare for standard real estate work.
Individual service pricing:
  • Base photography fee
  • Add-ons for each additional service
  • Build custom package
  • Pay only for what’s needed
Allows flexibility but requires understanding options.

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Service Pricing

Entry-level photography services.Pricing varies significantly by market, property size, photographer experience, and services included. Request quotes from local photographers for accurate pricing.
Most common package for typical listings.Pricing varies significantly by market, property size, photographer experience, and services included. This is the most popular package for residential real estate sales.
Comprehensive photo coverage.Pricing varies significantly by market, property size, photographer experience, and services included. Used for higher-end properties or competitive markets.
Aerial still images add-on.Pricing varies significantly by market and provider. Includes multiple aerial shots from various angles and heights. Requires FAA Part 107 licensed pilot.
Aerial video footage add-on.Pricing varies significantly by market and provider. Includes edited aerial footage, typically 30-90 seconds.
Walkthrough video of property.Pricing varies significantly by market, property size, video length, and production quality. Includes shooting, editing, music, and delivery of final video.
Interactive 3D property experience.Pricing varies significantly by market, property size, and platform used. Includes scanning, processing, hosting, and shareable link. May have ongoing hosting fees.
Dusk or evening exterior shots.Pricing varies significantly by market and provider. Requires separate shoot at golden hour or after sunset.
2D property layout drawings.Pricing varies significantly by complexity, detail level, and whether created from measurements or existing plans.

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Factors Affecting Cost

Larger properties cost more:
  • More rooms to photograph
  • More time required
  • More photos delivered
  • More editing work
  • More complex logistics
Pricing tiers typically based on square footage.
Market location affects pricing:
  • Major metro areas: Higher costs
  • Suburban markets: Moderate costs
  • Rural areas: Lower costs
  • High cost-of-living regions: Higher costs
  • Competitive markets: Varied pricing
Expertise level impacts pricing:
  • Established photographers: Higher rates
  • Newer photographers: Lower rates
  • Specialized expertise: Premium pricing
  • Portfolio quality: Reflected in pricing
Experience often correlates with quality and reliability.
Speed affects cost:
  • Rush delivery (24 hours or same day): Premium fee
  • Standard (24-48 hours): Normal pricing
  • Extended turnaround: May offer discount
Rush fees often add substantial cost.
Location of property:
  • Local service area: No additional charge
  • Extended service area: May include travel fee
  • Remote locations: Higher travel charges
Most photographers have defined service areas with flat rates.
Special circumstances:
  • Occupied homes: More challenging
  • Cluttered properties: Difficult to photograph well
  • Unusual architecture: Requires more skill
  • Limited access: Complicates logistics
  • Special requests: May incur additional fees

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Additional Fees

Cancellation or change charges:
  • Last-minute cancellation: May forfeit deposit
  • Rescheduling: May incur fee
  • Weather cancellation: Usually no fee
Review cancellation policy before booking.
Additional editing charges:
  • Minor adjustments: Often included
  • Extensive re-editing: Additional fee
  • Additional photo selection: May cost extra
Clarify what revisions are included.
Expedited delivery charges.Rush fees vary significantly by photographer and timeline. Same-day delivery typically commands highest premium.
Extended rights fees:
  • Standard marketing use: Included
  • Extended duration: May require additional fee
  • Commercial use beyond property marketing: Extra
  • Transferring copyright: Rare and expensive
Standard packages include marketing rights for selling property.

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Who Pays

Most common arrangement:
  • Listing agent pays photographer
  • Cost built into agent’s marketing budget
  • Or deducted from commission at closing
  • Agent selects photographer
Standard practice for full-service listing agents.
Direct seller expense:
  • For Sale By Owner situations
  • When agent doesn’t provide photography
  • When seller wants premium services beyond agent offering
  • Seller selects and hires photographer
Shared expense:
  • Agent covers basic package
  • Seller pays for premium add-ons
  • Negotiated as part of listing agreement

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Value Considerations

Photography impacts sale outcomes:
  • Listings with professional photos receive more views
  • Quality photos generate more showing requests
  • Properties with good visuals may sell faster
  • Professional presentation may support asking price
Cost is small relative to property value and agent commission.
Evaluating pricing:
  • Very low prices may indicate inexperience
  • High prices should reflect expertise and quality
  • Mid-range often offers good value
  • Review portfolio relative to price
Cheapest option rarely provides best results.
Compare services, not just price:
  • Number of edited photos
  • Turnaround time
  • Additional services included
  • Revision policy
  • Usage rights
More comprehensive packages provide better value even at higher price.

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Budgeting Guidelines

Reasonable budget expectations:Photography costs are typically a fraction of a percent of the property value and represent a small portion of overall marketing and transaction costs.The investment is justified by improved marketing performance and buyer attraction.
Match services to property value:
  • Lower-priced properties: Basic photography sufficient
  • Mid-range properties: Standard package appropriate
  • Higher-end properties: Premium package with video and drone
  • Luxury properties: Comprehensive multimedia package
Spend proportionally to expected return.

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