Real Estate Photography Pricing Explained: Rates, Packages, and Trends for 2025
If you’re selling a home or working in real estate, you already know that great photos can make all the difference.
A well-lit, beautifully composed image doesn’t just showcase a property – it grabs attention, sparks interest, and gets buyers through the door.
But how much does professional real estate photography actually cost in 2025?
There’s no one-size-fits-all package – it depends on factors like location, the size of the home, and even extra services like drone photography or virtual tours.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about real estate photography pricing in 2025.
We’ll cover what influences the cost, common pricing models, and what trends are shaping the industry this year.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect, whether you’re hiring a photographer or pricing your own services.
TL;DR: Real Estate Photography Pricing in 2025
| Package | Average Cost | Description / Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Photography | $150 – $300 | 25 – 50 photos, standard shooting and editing |
| Luxury Photography | $300 – $600 | 25 – 50 photos, high-quality, artistic editing, virtual twilight & staging |
| Standard Photography & Video | $300 – $900 | 25 – 50 edited photos, 1 – 2-minute walkthrough video |
| Twilight Photography | $200 – $300 | 2 – 15+ photos, shot at dusk for optimal exterior lighting |
| Drone Photography | $100 – $400 | Aerial shots of the property, best for large estates & commercial spaces |
| Virtual Tours & 3D Walkthroughs | $150 – $500 | 360° interactive tours, 3D virtual walkthroughs for online listings |
| Floor Plan & Measurements | $100 – $300 | Basic floor plan images, room dimensions & layout mapping |
| Social Media Video Clips | $150 – $400 | Short 15–60 sec clips optimized for Instagram, TikTok, etc. |
| AI-Enhanced Editing & Virtual Staging | $50 – $200 (add-on) | AI-powered virtual staging, sky replacement, and object removal |
Factors Influencing Real Estate Photography Pricing
The cost of real estate photography isn’t set in stone – it varies based on several key factors.
From the size of the property to the photographer’s expertise and even the location, many elements come into play when determining pricing.
Let’s break down the biggest factors that impact what you’ll pay for professional real estate photos.
1. Property Size and Type
One of the biggest drivers of pricing is the size and type of the property.
A small one-bedroom condo takes far less time to photograph than a sprawling luxury estate or a large commercial space.
Photographers typically charge more for larger properties because they require more photos, additional time on-site, and extra post-processing work.
- Small homes (under 1,500 sq. ft.) generally cost less to photograph, as fewer images are needed.
- Larger homes (3,000+ sq. ft.) often require more angles and wider shots to showcase the space effectively.
- Commercial properties may have different pricing structures altogether, as they often require extensive lighting setups and detailed shots of business interiors.
In short, the bigger the space, the higher the cost – especially if it involves multiple floors, outdoor areas, or specialty shots.
2. Photographer’s Experience and Expertise
Photographers with a solid track record and a recognizable brand may offer premium pricing, while newer photographers might have more budget-friendly rates as they build their portfolios.
If you’re looking for top-tier quality, expect to pay more for expertise – but it’s often worth it when you’re trying to attract serious buyers.
3. Geographic Location
In high-demand urban markets like New York or Los Angeles, prices tend to be higher because photographers face greater competition and a higher cost of living.
In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas may have lower rates due to reduced demand and lower overhead costs.
Additionally, regional real estate trends can influence pricing.
If a city is experiencing a hot housing market, photographers may raise their rates due to increased demand.
On the flip side, in slower markets, you might find more competitive pricing as photographers work to attract more clients.
4. Additional Services
Basic real estate photography usually includes high-quality still images, but many photographers offer extra services that can enhance a listing (and these come at an added cost).
- Drone photography: Aerial shots provide a unique perspective, especially for large properties, waterfront homes, or commercial spaces. This can add anywhere from $50 to $300+ to the overall cost.
- Virtual tours & 3D walkthroughs: With more buyers shopping online, interactive 3D tours have become popular. These typically range from $150 to $500, depending on the complexity.
- Twilight photography: Photos taken at sunset or dusk can give a property a warm, inviting look. Since these require extra planning and time, they often come with an additional fee of $100 to $300.
- Video walkthroughs: Some photographers offer short cinematic-style videos, which can add another $200 to $1,000+ to the total price.
The more services you add, the higher the cost, but these extras can make a property stand out.
Common Real Estate Photography Pricing Models
Real estate photographers structure their pricing in different ways, and understanding these models can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a quick shoot, a customized package, or pricing based on deliverables, here are the most common ways photographers charge for their services.
1. Hourly Rates
Hourly pricing is still a common option, especially for high-end properties or complex shoots.
However, in 2025, more photographers are increasing their hourly rates due to rising operational costs, including better camera equipment, software, and travel expenses.
- Typical rates in 2025: $150–$400 per hour, with luxury property shoots costing even more.
- New trend: Some photographers now offer tiered hourly pricing, where rates decrease slightly for longer bookings (e.g., $350 for the first hour, then $250 for each additional hour).
- Best for: Luxury listings, commercial properties, and shoots requiring extensive staging or special lighting.
2. Per Image Pricing – AI-Edited Photos Impacting Costs
Per-image pricing is still widely used, but artificial intelligence (AI) editing tools have streamlined post-production, reducing turnaround times.
Per image pricing example
As a result, some photographers are lowering per-image rates while offering AI-enhanced edits as a premium add-on.
- Typical rates in 2025: $10–$40 per image for standard edits; AI-enhanced or retouched images may cost $50+ each.
- New trend: AI-generated sky replacements, virtual staging, and minor object removals are now offered as a per-image add-on ($5–$15 per image).
- Best for: Budget-conscious agents who only need a few polished images, or sellers looking for specific high-impact shots.
3. Package Deals – More Customization Options
In 2025, real estate photography packages have become more customizable.
Instead of rigid pre-set bundles, many photographers allow clients to pick and choose from a range of services, tailoring packages to specific needs.
- Typical pricing in 2025:
- Basic Package (15–20 images): $200–$400
- Standard Package (25–35 images, basic edits): $400–$700
- Premium Package (40+ images, drone shots, video, or virtual tour): $800–$2,000+
- New trend: Subscription-based pricing for real estate agencies. Some photographers now offer monthly plans where agents pay a flat fee for a set number of listings per month, helping to reduce costs per shoot.
- Best for: Agents with multiple listings who need consistency in their marketing visuals.
Emerging Pricing Trends in 2025
- Subscription-based pricing: Some photographers now offer monthly or yearly plans for real estate agents, making high-quality visuals more accessible while ensuring consistent branding across multiple listings.
- AI and virtual enhancements: AI-powered image processing, 3D virtual tours, and augmented reality tools are adding new value to real estate photography – often at an extra cost.
- More demand for vertical video: With social media platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok influencing home marketing, some photographers are now offering vertical video packages for an additional $150–$500.
While traditional pricing models still dominate, real estate photography pricing in 2025 is becoming more flexible, with AI tools, subscription plans, and social media-friendly services influencing rates.
Whether you’re an experienced or beginner real estate agent, seller, or photographer, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions when budgeting for real estate visuals.
Average Real Estate Photography Pricing Across Major U.S. Cities
Real estate photography pricing varies widely depending on location, with costs influenced by market demand, cost of living, and competition among photographers.
Below is an overview of what you can expect to pay for professional real estate photography in 2025 across different U.S. cities.
High-Cost Markets (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami)
In large cities with high-value properties, real estate photography comes at a premium. These markets demand top-quality visuals, often including drone shots, video tours, and twilight photography.
- Basic photography (15-20 images): $300–$600
- Standard photography (25-35 images + basic editing): $600–$1,200
- Premium services (40+ images, drone, video, 3D tour): $1,500–$3,000+
Luxury homes in these cities often require extensive post-production editing, virtual staging, and specialized lighting techniques, further increasing costs.
Mid-Cost Markets (Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle)
Mid-sized cities with active real estate markets tend to have more moderate pricing. While costs are lower than in New York or Los Angeles, competition among photographers keeps prices relatively high.
- Basic photography: $200–$400
- Standard photography: $400–$800
- Premium services: $1,000–$2,000+
These cities also see a growing demand for video walkthroughs and social media-friendly content, which photographers may offer as add-ons.
Lower-Cost Markets (Phoenix, Nashville, Charlotte, Denver)
Smaller cities and suburban areas tend to have lower real estate photography prices, although premium services are still available for high-end listings.
- Basic photography: $150–$350
- Standard photography: $350–$700
- Premium services: $800–$1,500+
While standard pricing is more affordable, photographers in these areas often offer competitive package deals that include drone footage or minor retouching at no extra cost.
Rural and Small Town Markets
In less densely populated areas, real estate photography pricing is generally the lowest, as demand for high-end visuals is lower. However, photographers may charge travel fees if a property is located far from a major city.
- Basic photography: $100–$300
- Standard photography: $300–$600
- Premium services: $700–$1,200+
Many rural photographers also offer additional services like virtual staging to compensate for limited in-person showings.
Regional Pricing Trends in 2025
- Coastal and luxury markets are driving up prices, especially for premium listings requiring advanced editing and video production.
- Midwest and Southern cities remain more affordable, though demand for high-quality visuals is increasing.
- Subscription-based pricing is gaining traction, allowing real estate agents to pay a monthly fee for a set number of shoots instead of per-property pricing.
Real estate photography pricing continues to reflect local market conditions, so agents and homeowners should consider these regional differences when budgeting for listing photos.
Make the Right Choice for Real Estate Photography
Real estate photography is a key investment when selling a property, but understanding how much to budget can be tricky.
Prices vary based on location, the size of the home, the photographer’s experience, and any additional services you may need.
If you’re comparing photographers, here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating pricing:
- Know the pricing model: Some photographers charge by the hour, while others charge per image or offer package deals. Make sure you choose an option that aligns with your needs and budget.
- Factor in additional costs: Drone photography, virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and twilight shots can enhance a listing but will come at an extra cost. Be clear on what’s included in the base price and what’s considered an add-on.
- Consider local market rates: Real estate photography pricing differs by region. Major cities tend to have higher rates, while smaller markets may offer more affordable options.
- Weigh cost vs. quality: Cheaper isn’t always better. A highly experienced photographer may charge more, but their ability to deliver eye-catching, well-edited photos could mean a faster sale and better offers.
- Ask about licensing and usage rights: Some photographers charge extra for extended use of images, so clarify how long you can use the photos and for what purposes.
While real estate photography pricing in 2025 varies depending on multiple factors, the investment is often worth it.
High-quality images help listings attract more attention, generate more interest, and can even lead to higher selling prices.
By understanding the factors that influence cost and comparing different pricing models, you can confidently budget for real estate photography and choose a professional who will provide the best value for your needs.
