When it comes to interior design, photography is key. Capturing the right angles, the perfect light, and the most inspiring moments of your work can be what makes or breaks a project. So how much should you be paying for quality photography?
Of course, interior design photography pricing will vary depending on your industry and the specific services you require from your photographer. However, we’ve put together some general guidelines to help you get started.
Types of photography pricing
Before talking about specific industry pricing, it’s worth knowing that when it comes to pricing their services, photographers often use a variety of pricing models. The most common are:
1. Hourly Rate
This type of pricing is usually used by photographers just starting out, as it puts the majority of the risk on their shoulders and is based on how long you and the photographer believe it will take to complete the job. This is usually a good option for projects that don’t require much effort and are a simple “get-in and shoot”. However, it can end up becoming much more expensive for you if complications come up on set, so you’ll have more up-front legwork to ensure everything goes to plan.
2. Per-Image Fee
This type of fee is based on the number of images that will be delivered from the shoot. This can be a good option for projects that have a specific number of images they need, or for shoots that are more straightforward. Usually, if you’re starting a specific marketing or PR campaign, this would be the right choice for you.
3. Flat Fee
This type of fee is a set price for the entire project, regardless of how long it takes or how many images are delivered. This can be a good option for simpler projects, flexibility or for businesses that want more certainty about their budget. It requires a bit of finessing and negotiation in the beginning but leaves everyone knowing exactly where they stand at the end of the shoot and deliverables start coming through.
4. Day Rate
This type of rate is based on the number of days it will take to complete the project and a set number of edited and completed photos. This can be a good option for larger projects that require multiple days of shooting.
5. Usage Fee
This type of fee is based on how the images will be used and how many of them you’re using and can be complicated to calculate. This is usually only applicable for commercial jobs, where the usage rights of the images need to be carefully specified and normally include royalties for the photographer. If you’re hiring for a shoot that requires one of these, then you probably don’t need this article!
Industry-Specific Interior Design Photography Pricing
Of course, the type of project you’re working on will also play a big role in how much you pay for interior design photography. Here are some general industry guidelines. Do note – these are not my prices, please get in touch with me for a bespoke quote for your project:
1. Architecture/Interior Design – $500-$2000 per shoot
This type of shoot is all about angles, light and composition. The photographer will need to be able to capture the space in a way that shows off its best features and tells a story. For smaller projects, you can expect to pay around $500, while larger shoots with more complex requirements can cost upwards of $2000.
2. Real Estate – $300-$4000+ per shoot
Real estate photography is all about making the property look as attractive as possible. The photographer will need to be able to show off the space in the best possible light and highlight any features that will make it stand out to potential buyers. Prices usually start at around $300 for a small property and increase all the way to $4000 or more for luxury homes and mansions.
3. Hospitality – $200-$600 per shoot
Hospitality photography is about making the space look inviting and appealing to potential customers. The photographer will need to be able to show off the space in the best possible light and highlight any features that will make it stand out. Prices usually start at around $200 for a small project and increase to $600 or more for larger projects.
4. Resort/Vacation Rental – $250-$1000 per shoot
Much like hospitality photography above, Resort and vacation rental photography is all about selling the space and atmosphere to visitors. The photographer will need to be able to create images that speak to a target audience and give a flavour of the kind of experience they can expect. Prices usually start at around $250 for a small project and increase to $1000 or more for larger projects.
5. Commercial Office Space – $200-$2000 per shoot
Commercial office space photography is all about making the space look like it fits the requirements of potential customers or tenants. The photographer’s main tasks with office space is showing the layout in a way that appeals, without being too overly ‘showy’ and giving it a true account. Prices usually start at around $200 for a small project and increase to $2000 or more for larger projects.
6. Event Space – $500-$5000 per shoot
Event space photography is all about showing off the features of the space to people that might want to hire it. Event spaces run a gamut of shapes, sizes and specialist abilities so the photographer will need to adapt to the type of space they’re photographing and pay special attention to the target audience of the event space. Prices usually start at around $500 for a small project and increase to $5000 or more for larger projects.
7. Retail Space – $250-$2500 per shoot
Finally, retail space photography runs two kinds: those with businesses already in them that want to show off their Front of House, and those where a landlord/property manager is looking for a business to hire the space. These type of shoots normally need clear guidelines and requirements. Prices usually start at around $250 for a small project and increase to $2500 or more for larger projects.
As you can see, when it comes to interior design photography pricing, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question. The price will vary depending on the type and size of project, as well as the specific requirements of the shoot. However, by keeping these general industry guidelines in mind, you should be able to get a good idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing.
If you’re looking for a specific quote for your project, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact a few different interior design photographers in your area and request a custom quote based on your specific needs. If you’d like to get in touch with me and get a quote for your project, I’d be more than happy to hear from you!
