How Much Should Real Estate Photography Cost in the DMV Area?
When it comes to selling or renting a home in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) area, first impressions are everything. And more often than not, the first impression your listing makes will happen online—through the photos.
So here’s the big question: how much should real estate photography actually cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but let’s walk through the real costs, the red flags to watch out for, and why hiring the cheapest option on the list might not be the bargain you think it is.
What’s a Reasonable Price Range?
For quality real estate photography in the DMV area, you're typically looking at $250–$900 for basic services such as HDR or bracketed photos without advanced lighting and it can vary depending on:
The size and type of property
The number of edited images
The level of editing (color correcting vs advanced retouching such as removing things, changing skies, adding pictures on screens, removing glare, adding fire in fire places, etc
Additional services like drone footage, twilight shots, or virtual staging
Turnaround time
Some photographers offer bundled pricing, while others charge à la carte—but in most cases, if you're quoted $100–$150 for a full shoot, you should ask yourself why.
What Happens When You Go Too Cheap?
We’re not here to bash anyone’s pricing. Everyone can charge what they want—but as a client, you need to understand what’s likely included (and what’s not) in those budget rates.
Common issues with low-cost providers:
Inconsistent image quality
Limited number of final photos unless you pay more
Watermarked images unless you buy full rights
Upsells for high-res files
Delayed or no delivery at all
Late arrivals or last-minute cancellations
It’s not always the case—but it happens more often than most realtors will admit out loud. And once you’ve got a time-sensitive listing and a seller breathing down your neck, saving $100 won't feel worth it.
The Bigger Problem: What It Says About Your Brand
Let’s be real—if you’re a realtor selling a $700,000 home and you hire a $125 photographer off Craigslist, that choice may reflect more than just your budget. It can suggest:
A willingness to cut corners
A lack of investment in the visual presentation of your listings
An inconsistent client experience
More importantly, you’ll feel it in your own confidence. If you wouldn’t trust the cheapest electrician to wire a home, why trust the cheapest photographer to visually represent a six-figure asset?
It’s not about spending thousands. It's about being smart in the hundreds—especially when the right photographer helps your listing stand out, sell faster, and possibly for more.
What You’re Really Paying For
When you hire a professional real estate photographer like here at C King Media, you’re getting more than just pretty photos. You're investing in:
Consistent visual branding for all your listings
Fast, reliable turnaround
Clear licensing and file delivery
Insured and licensed to actually do business in case something happens
A partner who shows up on time, every time
It’s not just about camera gear—it’s about how your brand is perceived by sellers, buyers, and future clients.
Final Thoughts
We get it. Budgets matter. But if you're in this industry to make serious moves—your visuals need to match the level of service you promise.
Choose someone who respects your time, understands your market, and delivers quality work without surprises. And yes, that might cost more than a $150 pop-up gig. But your business—and your clients—are worth it.