Why Commercial Photography Costs More Than Real Estate Photography
If you’ve ever wondered why a professional photoshoot for your custom home build or Airbnb costs more than listing photos for a real estate property, you’re not alone! At first glance, it might seem like they’re the same service—a photographer captures beautiful images of a space. However, there are a number of key differences between these types of photography. Let’s break them down.
The Purpose of the Photos
Real Estate Photography
When a home is photographed for a real estate listing, the goal is simple: to help sell the property. These photos are usually used for a short period (until the house is sold) and typically on limited platforms, such as the MLS or real estate websites.
Commercial Photography
For home builders, Airbnb’s, interior designers, etc., the photos are used in a completely different way. These images often showcase a businesses best work and are used to market their services or properties long-term. They might appear on a website, social media, brochures, or even large-scale advertising campaigns. Essentially, these photos are part of that business’s public image and marketing strategy.
The Role of Licensing
When you hire a photographer, you’re not just paying for their time and talent; you’re also purchasing the rights to use the images they create. This is where licensing comes in.
Real Estate Photography Licensing
For real estate, the licensing is limited because the photos are used for one purpose: selling a specific property. Once the home is sold, the photos are no longer relevant. This makes the licensing straightforward and relatively affordable.
Commercial Photography Licensing
With commercial projects, the licensing is broader because the images have a longer lifespan and a wider range of uses. For example, an interior designer might use photos of a completed project to market their services for years. The value of these images increases because they directly contribute to attracting new clients and building a brand.
Why Licensing Affects Cost
When a photographer sets their pricing for commercial photography, they consider the potential value those images bring to a business. Think of it like this: the same photo might be worth $500 in one context (a real estate listing) and $5,000 in another (a national advertising campaign). Licensing ensures that both parties are fairly compensated for the photo’s actual use.
Other Factors That Add to the Cost
Commercial shoots often require more planning and effort to deliver the highest quality results:
- Pre-shoot consultation: Communicating with the client before the shoot to determine the types of photos needed, discuss goals, and address any necessary preparations like staging or styling. This ensures the shoot is efficient and the results align with the desired vision. In real estate, the photographer often photographs the space “as is” without prior planning with the agent or homeowner.
- On-site collaboration: Unlike real estate shoots, commercial projects often involve the photographer working closely with the client on-site to ensure the photos align with their vision. This collaboration takes additional time but ensures the final product meets your exact needs.
- Post-production: Enhanced editing and retouching is done to commercial photos as they will shown to a wider audience and are intended to show the clients best work.
Commercial shoots often require more planning and effort to deliver the highest quality results:
Final Notes
While commercial photography may cost more than real estate photography, the difference lies in how the images are used, the time it takes to create them, and the value they bring to your business. By understanding the role of licensing and the extra effort involved, you can see why this investment is worth every penny.
So, the next time you’re planning to showcase your work or property, remember: you’re not just paying for photos—you’re paying for a powerful marketing tool that can showcase your work for years to come.