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How Much Do Real Estate Headshots Cost in 2024?
Much like other types of photography, the answer to the question ‘How much do real estate headshots cost?’ is going to be based on your skill level and your local market.
The good news is that this article will take both of those factors into account and help you figure out the perfect price to charge.
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How Much Do Real Estate Headshots Cost?
There are two main factors you need to figure out in order to answer the question ‘How much do real estate headshots cost?’:
- Your skill level
- The market price in your area
Both of these factors are relatively easy to figure out. You’ll find a pricing guide below to determine the prices you should be charging when considering both the quality of the headshots and the size of your market.
It’s important to remember that real estate headshots are likely going to be an add-on type service that you’re offering to your clients. Selling headshots is a great way to both raise the invoice price that you’re sending to your clients and network within the real estate industry.
Both of those outcomes will lead to your business performing better, so take it slowly at first and make sure you are producing the best quality headshots you can so you can charge the maximum amount your market will allow.
Beginner Pricing
If you’re a beginner and you don’t have a portfolio of quality headshots to show, the truth is you won’t be able to charge as much as others in your market. This is ok though since you’ll want to get a quality portfolio as soon as possible.
Now, if you’re a beginner it would be a good idea for you to read our article How To Take Real Estate Headshots. It’s extremely important for you to capture the best quality headshots you can so you can raise your prices sooner.
Early on, it makes sense to charge around $40 – $60 depending on your market. If you live and work in a smaller market, stick to ~$40. If you’re in a larger market like LA or NYC, it’s ok to start off at ~$60.
Remember that although these prices seem low, you are building a portfolio and making connections in the real estate industry. You’ll raise your pricing as your skills develop.
Intermediate Pricing
You can raise your prices up a bit once you have a portfolio of real estate headshots to show your clients. You’ll know you’ve reached an intermediate point when you have a portfolio of at least 10 quality real estate headshots.
At this point you can start to charge around $70 – $120. You’ll find that this tends to be what the majority of real estate photographers charge for headshots. It’s the sweet spot where realtors are happy to pay it and you’re getting a nice bump on your invoice.
This price point really starts to become worth it once you can capture a quality headshot in 20 minutes or less. If you live in a larger market and are charing $120 per headshots, that can pretty easily translate to ~$250/hour.
Many real estate photographers choose to stay at this point where they know they can make decent money without needed to put in too much time or effort. However, if you choose to develop your talents even further, it can be worth it.
Expert Pricing
This level of pricing is reserved for those that have a robust portfolio of high quality real estate headshots. You’re likely to have realtors reaching out to you about headshots specifically rather than just offering them as an added service.
So, how much do real estate headshots cost at the expert level? Well, depending on your market size, anywhere between $150 – $500. This is the pricing level where the cost of the headshot is almost as much as the cost of real estate photography.
The upper ends of this pricing level are really only going to be achievable in the most expensive housing markets like Aspen, Colorado or Miami, Florida. However, if you live in a smaller market and you are truly excellent at capturing headshots, don’t undervalue yourself.
Real estate agents need quality headshots. So much of their job is based on perception and confidence. If you are the best in your market, you will find clients that are willing to pay higher prices.
At this skill level, rather than asking how much do real estate headshots cost, it might be better to ask how much real estate agents are willing to pay. These are going to be the best real estate headshots in your market.
Additional Information On How Much Do Real Estate Headshots Cost
The most important thing to remember when asking how much do real estate headshots cost is that you must understand your skill level. As stated before, it’s a great idea to read our article How To Take Real Estate Headshots so you can start off the right way.
You’ll find more helpful articles on real estate photography, as well as other types of photography, in our Beginners Guide. It’s full of articles with helpful answers exactly like this one.
Our Business Resources page has all the resources you’ll need to get your Real Estate, Interior Design, or Architectural Photography business started on the right path.
Finally, go check out our Gear page to get up-to-date reviews and recommendations on todays best gear for Real Estate and Architectural Photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on headshots?
How much do real estate headshots cost is an easy to answer question. Depending on the photographers skill level, you should pay anywhere between $40 – $150.
What should you wear for a real estate headshot?
You should wear exactly what you would normally wear when meeting a client at a house you are hoping to sell. Business casual is very common.
Should you pay for a headshot?
In short, if you want your headshots to look professional, then yes you absolutely should pay for a headshot.
