Caption: Real Estate Photography Prices
Are you considering hiring a real estate photographer but unsure about the cost? Look no further! The RubyHome team has conducted extensive research on real estate photography prices across the United States, providing you with a comprehensive guide on what to expect when hiring a residential real estate photographer.
Real Estate Photography Pricing Models
There isn't a one-size-fits-all pricing model for real estate photography. However, most photographers charge based on the following three methods:
- By the hour
- By the number of images delivered
- The size of the home
Additional variables come into play within these pricing models. Factors such as the photographer's experience level, the number of images produced, and the extent of services provided can affect the overall cost. Additionally, photographers may 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 the photographer plays a significant role in determining the cost of real estate photography. New photographers with little or no experience may charge as low as $60-$100 per project. On the other hand, professional photographers with more experience typically charge between $110-$300 for photos alone. It's important to note that editing and post-processing are usually included in the price quote.
Average Real Estate Photography Prices in the U.S.
We analyzed data from leading real estate photography marketplaces, Snappr and Thumbtack, as well as top Google search results. Based on our findings, we estimated the average prices for various 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. 
Caption: Real Estate Photography Prices by City
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 |
As expected, real estate photography prices align with the local real estate market prices. Los Angeles tops the list as the most expensive city, charging $318 for a basic shoot. New York and Seattle tie for second place at $285.
We also compared prices from Thumbtack and Snappr for cost-conscious home sellers. Thumbtack's average price was $200, while Snappr offered a value package priced at $149.
Two-Hour Photoshoots
For a more involved and higher-quality photoshoot, we looked at Snappr's premium two-hour photoshoot package. 
Caption: Snappr Two-Hour Photo Shoot
Here are the prices for two-hour photoshoots by city:
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $636 |
| New York | $559 |
| Miami | $538 |
| Seattle | $524 |
| Denver | $440 |
| Philadelphia | $425 |
| Atlanta | $422 |
| Dallas | $400 |
| Chicago | $399 |
| Phoenix | $356 |
| National Average | $440 |
How Much Does Real Estate Drone Photography Cost?
Drone usage in real estate photography is becoming increasingly popular. Drone photographers typically base their prices on factors such as experience level, home size, and the quantity of images produced. Many photographers who specialize in traditional photography also offer aerial photography as an add-on for an additional $50-$200, depending on the home's size.
Here's an estimate of what drone photographers charge 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
Remember, these prices are for photos only. For an additional fee, aerial photographers can also provide video footage of the property. Opting for drone photography as an add-on is often more cost-effective than hiring separate photographers.
How Much Do Real Estate Videos Cost?
In addition to photography, videos are an impactful way to showcase a property. The cost of real estate videos can vary widely depending on factors such as the amount of footage needed, editing required, video length, equipment used, the videographer's experience level, and location. 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 a highly immersive and realistic experience for potential buyers. Matterport is a leading provider in the virtual tour space, offering an all-in-one 3D data platform and camera systems for accurate digital representations of homes.
The cost of a virtual tour can vary depending on the software used, home size, and the provider. For example, Zillow 3D Home is a more affordable virtual tour option starting at $99. On the other hand, a Matterport virtual tour for a larger home can cost over a thousand dollars.
Here's a breakdown of the price ranges for a virtual tour:
- Low Budget: $100-$200
- Mid Budget: $200-$800
- High Budget: $800-$2000
Conclusion
While real estate photography, videography, and virtual tours vary in price, let's compare the average cost of each service:
Caption: Real Estate Photography Cost Comparison
And here's a table summarizing the prices for various photography services:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Videography (1 minute video) | $530 |
| Virtual Tour | $350 |
| Photography (10-25 Photos) | $230 |
Standard property listing photos are relatively affordable, while video and virtual tours offer a richer presentation of the property but come at a higher cost. Keep these prices in mind when considering your real estate marketing strategy.
Now that you have a better understanding of real estate photography prices, you can make an informed decision when hiring a photographer for your next property listing.
