One of the first questions agents and sellers ask is simple: What’s the cost of real estate photography? At a glance, it might seem like just paying someone to snap a few photos. In reality, professional real estate photography is an investment and one that often pays for itself many times over.
If you’re listing a home in New York, understanding the pricing, packages, and value behind those costs can help you make the smartest marketing decisions.
Why Professional Photography Matters
Before diving into numbers, let’s look at why this even matters. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, listings with high-quality photos attract more views, spend less time on the market, and often sell at higher prices. That’s because buyers shop with their eyes first. If the photos don’t stop them from scrolling, the listing won’t get a chance.
In a market as competitive as New York, cutting corners on visuals can mean leaving money on the table.
Average Cost of Real Estate Photography in New York
The cost of real estate photography varies depending on property size, package options, and location. In NYC and surrounding areas, you can expect:
- Small condos or apartments: $150 – $250
- Single-family homes: $200 – $400
- Luxury or large properties: $400 – $800+
These ranges typically include 20–40 professionally edited photos showcasing the property’s best features.
What’s Included in the Price
When you book professional real estate photography, you’re not just paying for someone with a camera. You’re paying for expertise, time, and presentation.
Here’s what most pricing covers:
- Pre-shoot preparation: Setting up lighting, staging adjustments, and planning angles.
- On-site shoot: Typically 1–2 hours depending on property size.
- Editing and retouching: Ensuring bright, crisp, magazine-quality images.
- Delivery of high-resolution photos: Optimized for MLS, print, and web use.
Add-On Services and Their Costs
Many agents today bundle additional services with real estate photography to create a full marketing package:
- Drone photography: $150 – $300
- Floor plans: $75 – $150
- 3D virtual tours: $200 – $500
- Video tours: $250 – $600
While these add to the cost of real estate photography packages, they significantly increase engagement and buyer interest.
Factors That Affect Real Estate Photography Pricing
Several things influence what you’ll pay:
- Property size: Larger homes take longer to shoot and edit.
- Location: NYC pricing is typically higher than suburban markets.
- Turnaround time: Rush delivery may increase the fee.
- Experience of the photographer: Seasoned professionals often charge more but deliver consistent, high-impact results.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
It’s easy to focus on the upfront cost of real estate photography, but the bigger question is: What’s the cost of not investing in it? Listings with poor photos sit longer, require price reductions, and attract fewer showings. By contrast, professional visuals build excitement, urgency, and trust.
If a $300 photo session helps a $700,000 listing sell faster and potentially above asking price, the ROI is clear.
Real Estate Photography Packages at NAK Photo
At nakphoto.com, we offer packages designed to meet the needs of New York agents and sellers. From basic real estate photography to bundled services with drone shots, floor plans, and video tours, we customize each package to maximize impact while staying cost-effective.
Insightful & Reflective: The Takeaways
The cost of real estate photography isn’t an expense it’s an investment in faster sales, higher offers, and stronger branding. Whether you’re an agent building your reputation or a seller hoping for top dollar, professional photography is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Want to learn more about packages and pricing? Get in touch and let’s capture your listing in the best possible light.
