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Real estate photography and videography are professional services that create high-quality images and videos of properties for marketing purposes. These visuals are used in MLS listings, websites, social media, and print materials to attract potential buyers. Professional photography is now standard for most real estate listings, as the majority of homebuyers begin their search online.

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What This Section Covers

Types of Services

Photography, video, drone, virtual tours, and specialty services

The Shoot Process

What happens from scheduling through delivery

Costs and Pricing

What photography and video services cost

Comparing Photographers

Questions to ask and what to look for

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Why Professional Photography Matters

The vast majority of homebuyers begin their search online. Properties with professional photos receive significantly more views and engagement than those with amateur photography.First impressions are visual. Quality photos determine whether buyers click on a listing or scroll past.
Professional photography generates more showing requests. Buyers are more likely to schedule in-person visits when they can clearly see and evaluate a property through quality images.Better photos lead to more qualified showings with genuinely interested buyers.
Research suggests homes with professional photography sell faster and often for higher prices than comparable homes with poor-quality photos. The National Association of Realtors reports that buyers consider photos the most useful feature of real estate websites.Professional presentation signals that the property and transaction are handled professionally.
Professional photos are used across multiple marketing channels:
  • MLS listings
  • Real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
  • Agent and brokerage websites
  • Social media marketing
  • Email campaigns
  • Print materials and signage
One professional photo shoot provides content for all marketing needs.

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What Photographers Provide

Professional photos of property:
  • Interior room photos
  • Exterior and curb appeal shots
  • Detail shots of key features
  • Lifestyle or staged scenes
  • Properly exposed and color-corrected
  • Straightened and leveled perspectives
  • High-resolution images for various uses
Walkthrough videos of property:
  • Smooth, professionally shot footage
  • Transitions between rooms
  • Highlighting key features
  • Background music
  • Optional voiceover or text
  • Edited and polished final product
  • Optimized for web and social media
Aerial shots of property and surroundings:
  • Elevated exterior views
  • Neighborhood context
  • Lot size and boundaries
  • Surrounding amenities
  • Unique perspectives
Requires FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot.
Interactive 3D or 360-degree property experiences:
  • Immersive walkthrough capability
  • Room-to-room navigation
  • Dollhouse or floor plan view
  • Measurement tools
  • Viewable on desktop or mobile
Technologies include Matterport, iGuide, and 360-degree photography.
Additional visual offerings:
  • Twilight or dusk photography
  • Virtual staging
  • Floor plans
  • Photo editing and enhancement
  • Branded marketing materials
  • Social media content creation

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Who Hires Photographers

Most commonly, listing agents hire photographers as part of marketing the property. Photography costs are typically built into agent marketing expenses or paid by the seller.Professional agents recognize photography as essential marketing investment.
Some sellers hire photographers directly:
  • For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings
  • When agent doesn’t provide photography
  • For premium photography beyond agent offering
  • For portfolio or archive purposes
New construction and development companies use professional photography for:
  • Model homes
  • Spec homes
  • Community marketing
  • Development websites
  • Sales materials
Rental property marketing:
  • Vacancy marketing photos
  • Portfolio documentation
  • Website content
  • Rental listing platforms

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Photography vs Amateur Photos

Trained photographers provide:
  • Proper lighting and exposure
  • Wide-angle lenses showing full rooms
  • Straight, level shots
  • Color accuracy and balance
  • HDR or exposure blending for challenging lighting
  • Professional editing and retouching
  • Understanding of composition
  • Consistent quality across all images
Issues with non-professional photos:
  • Poor lighting (too dark or blown out windows)
  • Tilted or crooked perspectives
  • Cluttered or unflattering angles
  • Phone camera limitations
  • Inconsistent quality
  • Unflattering colors
  • Rooms appearing smaller than reality
  • Distracting elements not noticed
Lower-stakes situations:
  • Rental property in very hot market
  • Property being sold for land value
  • Very low price point
  • Listing agent with strong photography skills
For most sales situations, professional photography is worthwhile investment.

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Timing Considerations

Photography should occur:
  • After property is prepared and staged
  • Before MLS listing goes live
  • After any necessary repairs or improvements
  • When property is clean and decluttered
  • In appropriate weather (for exterior shots)
Photographers typically need 2-5 days notice for scheduling.
Most photographers prefer:
  • Late morning to early afternoon for interiors
  • Natural light without harsh shadows
  • Clear weather for exterior shots
  • Twilight hour for dusk photography
Photographers advise on optimal timing for property.
Delivery of edited photos typically takes:
  • Rush service: 24 hours
  • Standard: 24-48 hours
  • Slower: 2-5 days
Video and virtual tours often require longer processing time.

Find Photographers

Research real estate photographers in your area.