Want to sell your property faster and at a better price? Professional real estate photography is a must in 2025. High-quality photos attract more buyers, generate more views, and can even increase property value. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
- Average Cost: $230 nationwide for standard packages.
- City Pricing:
- Los Angeles: $318
- New York: $285
- Miami: $256
- Package Options:
- Standard (15 photos): $169
- HDR (15 photos): $219
- Drone Add-ons: $50–$200
- Virtual Tours: $100–$2,000
- Extra Services:
- Twilight Photos: Boost click-through rates by 300%.
- Virtual Staging: $50 per photo.
- 3D Tours: $315–$869.
Key Tip: For homes under 2,500 sq. ft., a 15–30 photo standard package works well. For luxury or larger properties, consider HDR or premium services like drone shots or virtual tours to stand out.
Professional photography isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment that helps your property sell faster and for more money.
Basic Photography Packages
Package Levels and Pricing
Photography services in 2025 come with tiered options designed to suit different property needs and budgets. Standard packages offer professionally edited photos with balanced lighting and composition, while HDR packages take it a step further, making them ideal for properties with tricky lighting or standout architectural features.
Here’s what HomeJab’s packages include:
| Package Size | Standard Photos | HDR Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Photos | $169 | $219 |
| 30 Photos | $189 | $249 |
| 50 Photos | $239 | $369 |
HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography uses advanced techniques to bring out details like window views, room depth, and subtle design features that standard photography might not fully capture. These differences in processing and results are crucial when comparing package options.
Package Price Comparison
When choosing a package, it’s important to weigh the number of images against the level of enhancement. Standard packages are a good fit for most residential properties, especially those with ample natural light or for budget-friendly marketing strategies. HDR packages, on the other hand, shine with luxury listings, homes boasting stunning views, or properties with intricate architectural elements.
The price gap between standard and HDR packages reflects the added time and skill needed for HDR processing. For example, a 30-photo HDR package costs $249, which is about 31.7% more than the $189 standard package for the same number of photos. This extra investment often translates into higher-quality images that can make a big difference in attracting buyers.
Pricing also varies by region. For instance, in Los Angeles, the average package price is $318, while New York and Seattle hover around $285, and Miami averages $256 [2].
What Affects Photo Pricing
Home Size and Layout
The size and design of a property play a big role in determining photography costs. Larger homes or those with intricate layouts take more time to photograph. Most photographers have a base rate for standard homes, but they may charge extra for features like spiral staircases, vaulted ceilings, or expansive outdoor areas [1].
Camera Equipment and Skills
The tools and expertise a photographer brings to the table also influence pricing. High-quality photos require top-notch equipment – think full-frame cameras, wide-angle lenses, and professional lighting – along with advanced editing software. On top of that, skilled photographers know how to handle tricky lighting, complex compositions, and tight deadlines. Their ability to deliver exceptional results is why experienced professionals often charge more. Fun fact: 83% of buyers say the quality of photos is a key factor when choosing a home [1].
Peak Season and Rush Orders
Timing matters too. Prices often rise during busy seasons like spring and early summer when demand for real estate photography is at its highest. Need your photos fast? Rush orders typically come with an additional fee to ensure your listing goes live quickly in competitive markets.
How To Price Your Real Estate Photography in 2025 (full …
Extra Services and Costs
Add-on services can take standard photography packages to the next level, making listings more appealing and visually striking.
Drone Photos and Videos
Aerial shots are perfect for highlighting large properties or unique locations. Drone photography packages typically start at $249 for 10–15 aerial photos. If you want both photos and video, expect costs to range between $249 and $499.
These sweeping views can be paired with other virtual tools to make listings even more engaging.
3D Tours and Virtual Staging
3D tours and virtual staging are great for creating an immersive experience. Interactive 3D tours range from $315 to $869, allowing potential buyers to explore properties online as if they were there in person. Virtual staging, priced at $50 per photo, transforms empty rooms into beautifully furnished spaces, helping buyers visualize the property’s potential.
HDR and Evening Photos
HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography ensures every detail stands out by balancing light and shadows. Twilight or evening photography, on the other hand, adds a dramatic touch to listings. Virtual dusk photography, in particular, has been shown to boost click-through rates by up to 300%, and nearly 90% of buyers under 58 say photos are the most helpful feature when browsing real estate websites [1].
For luxury or high-end properties, many real estate professionals combine several of these premium services to create a truly impressive presentation.
Location-Based Price Differences
Pricing for real estate photography can vary widely depending on location, influenced by factors like market demand and local competition. Understanding these differences can help you plan your budget effectively.
City vs. Country Rates
In urban areas, photography rates tend to be higher due to increased demand and operational costs. For instance, the average cost of a standard real estate photography session in the U.S. is about $230 [2]. However, major cities often show higher rates:
| City | Standard Photo Package |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $318 |
| New York | $285 |
| Seattle | $285 |
| Miami | $256 |
| Phoenix | $208 |
In rural areas, base fees are usually consistent, but travel fees may vary. Interestingly, 72.2% of Realtors report that professional photography helps them secure more listings [4].
These regional price differences also highlight the higher costs associated with luxury property photography.
High-End Market Costs
Photographing luxury properties often requires specialized skills and advanced equipment. Packages for these services typically range from $500 to $1,200 [3]. High-end offerings may include:
- HDR photography with detailed post-production
- Comprehensive coverage, often exceeding 50 photos
- Twilight shots and architectural detail photography
- Advanced editing and color correction
Using professional photos can lead to significant benefits. For example, properties with high-quality images can achieve up to 47% higher asking prices per square foot [4]. Some popular premium services include:
- 50-photo HDR package: $369 [1]
- Virtual staging: $50–$200 per room [3]
- Drone photography: $150–$500 per shot [4]
In competitive luxury markets, professional photography can make a big difference. Homes with professional photos sell 32% faster compared to those without [3].
At HomeJab, base pricing stays consistent across locations, with travel fees added for remote properties.
How to Pick the Right Package
Property Photo Requirements
Start by figuring out what makes your property stand out. Did you know that nearly 90% of buyers under 58 consider photos the most important feature when browsing real estate listings? [1] That means high-quality images showcasing your property’s best features are a must.
For most homes under 2,500 square feet, a package with 15–30 photos should work well. Larger homes or those with distinct layouts might need more photos. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Property Type | Recommended Coverage | Suggested Package |
|---|---|---|
| Small Home (<1,500 sq. ft.) | 15–20 photos | Standard ($169) |
| Medium Home (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.) | 25–35 photos | Standard ($189) |
| Large Home (>2,500 sq. ft.) | 40–50 photos | Premium ($239) |
| Luxury Property | 50+ photos with HDR | Premium HDR ($369) |
Once you know how many photos you’ll need, compare the package options to see which one fits your budget while delivering the most value.
Cost vs. Value Analysis
Think about your return on investment when choosing a package. Following the recommendations above, focus on how the photos will help you sell the property faster and for a better price. Professional photography isn’t just about pretty pictures – it’s about creating a story that grabs buyers’ attention.
As HomeJab Real Estate Photography puts it:
“Investing in professional real estate photography isn’t just about getting better pictures. The goal is to create a compelling story for your property. Quality photos can make all the difference in attracting buyers and closing sales faster.” [1]
If your property is vacant, virtual staging (around $50 per room) can help buyers picture what it could look like as a home [1]. After weighing the cost and value, make sure your photographer can meet your expectations by asking the right questions.
Before Booking, Ask:
- What cameras and lighting do you use?
- Can you deliver the photos by the next business day?
- What’s included in each package?
- Do you offer HDR photography or drone services? If so, are you certified and equipped?
- How should I prepare the property before the shoot?
A photographer’s experience plays a big role in both the quality of the photos and the price. Take time to review their portfolio and client feedback. Asking these questions will help you choose a package that balances quality and cost effectively.
2025 Photography Market Summary
Price Trend Review
In 2025, advancements in technology and changing buyer preferences are driving the real estate photography market. Pricing trends vary by region, with emerging markets gaining traction alongside established hubs:
| City | Average Package Price |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $220 |
| National Average | $230 |
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos have become a game-changer, helping listings sell 50% faster and attracting 118% more online views. Twilight photography is also making waves, increasing views by 76% [6]. These shifts highlight how photography continues to shape the real estate landscape.
Industry Changes Ahead
The industry is embracing new technologies to meet market demands. Virtual tours are now the norm, with 90% of buyers more likely to view homes offering them. Listings with virtual tours also see 87% more views compared to those with just photos [5].
Drone photography is becoming a must-have. Properties featuring aerial shots sell 68% faster, with pricing ranging from $150 for a single image to $5,000 for comprehensive coverage [4]. Video content is equally impactful – 73% of homeowners favor agents who use video, and listings with videos see a staggering 403% increase in inquiries [5].
AI tools are simplifying post-production tasks, while 3D floor plans are proving indispensable. A striking 93% of buyers spend more time exploring listings with 3D layouts [5]. These trends underline the importance of choosing photography packages that align with the evolving preferences of today’s real estate market.
