Architectural Photography Pricing: What You Need to Know
Every building has a story — your images should tell it.
When it comes to pricing architectural photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and for good reason. Photographing architecture isn’t just about pointing a camera at a building; it’s about interpreting design, showcasing spatial functionality, and aligning visuals with the client’s goals — whether they’re architects, interior designers, developers, construction companies, or real estate marketing teams.
That’s why I approach every project individually. I listen carefully, evaluate the scope, and create a proposal that delivers the most value for your investment. If you’re wondering how much architectural photography costs, this page is designed to help you better understand what goes into the pricing — and what you’re getting in return.
What Affects the Cost of Architectural Photography?
To price a project accurately, I consider several key factors. The more you can tell me about your needs, the more tailored and efficient I can make your quote.
Location & Access
Where is the building located?
Is it a high-rise in downtown Dallas, a remote warehouse, or a corporate campus in the suburbs? Will I need special permits, early access, or coordination with a security team?
Travel time, logistics, and potential crew needs can affect costs — especially for multi-day shoots or buildings with access restrictions.
Time on Site
How many hours — or days — do you need me on location?
Some clients need just a few polished exteriors; others want full-day coverage capturing interiors, elevations, and design vignettes across different lighting conditions. I work efficiently, but quality architecture photography takes time — especially when lighting is involved or staging is required.
Number of Final Images
How many finished photos will you need?
I charge based on delivered retouched images rather than how many I shoot. Each image includes color correction, vertical alignment, exposure blending, lens correction, and small distractions removed. These are high-end deliverables meant to showcase your project in the best possible light.
Typical clients request anywhere from 5 to 30 final images, depending on the scope of the project.
Lighting Needs
Some shots require natural light only; others need supplemental lighting, multi-exposure layering, or complex time-of-day scheduling to get the perfect shadows and reflections. I have the gear and knowledge to create editorial-quality light across interiors and exteriors.
Let me know if you need dusk shots, sunrise exteriors, or interior lighting enhancements — and I’ll plan accordingly.
Styling & Staging
Are the spaces fully styled? Will furniture be arranged? Does anything need to be removed or cleaned before shooting?
If I’m working alongside a designer or marketing team, great — but if you need help staging a space to look camera-ready, we can add that to the scope.
Licensing and Image Use
Licensing is a huge part of commercial architecture photography pricing — and it’s often misunderstood.
When I shoot a project, the client purchases usage rights to the images. Licensing defines how and where those images can be used: is it just for your portfolio? A marketing campaign? Print ads? National publication? Social media?
By default, most clients purchase standard commercial use — ideal for websites, presentations, and light marketing. If you want exclusive rights, third-party use, or large-scale campaigns, we’ll create a license agreement that fits.
Each party using the images should have their own license. For example: if an architect, a builder, and an interior designer all want to use the same images, each will need their own licensing agreement — often at a discounted rate through bundled pricing.
Local vs. Regional vs. National Use
Is this for your Dallas-based firm’s portfolio? Or will it appear in a national ad campaign?
Wider geographic usage typically commands higher licensing fees. But don’t worry — I’ll walk you through everything in plain language, so you understand exactly what you're paying for.
Turnaround Time
Need images in a rush? I offer standard and rush turnaround options, depending on availability. Standard delivery is typically 5–7 business days. Same-day or 48-hour delivery can be added for a fee.
Sample Architectural Photography Rates (Estimates Only)
Note: These are general estimates. Final pricing depends on usage, number of images, and licensing requirements.
PACKAGE | WHAT'S INCLUDED | STARTING RATE |
| Essential Coverage | Up to 5 fully retouched images, ideal for smaller projects or limited coverage (e.g., exteriors only). Includes standard web and marketing usage. | $850 |
| Expanded Coverage | 10–15 high-quality images covering both interior and exterior highlights. Includes standard usage license and light styling guidance. | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Comprehensive Showcase | 20–30 curated and retouched images designed for award submissions, publications, and marketing campaigns. Includes bundled multi-party licensing options. | $2,800–$4,500+ |
| Multi-Phase Project | Ideal for new builds, large commercial projects, or recurring visits (e.g., before/after, staged occupancy). Custom estimate includes multi-party use and elevated licensing. | Custom Quote |
Add-ons:
Twilight/Dusk Coverage – Add moody golden hour visuals that create dramatic impact – + $400 per scene
Advanced Retouching – Object removal, sky swaps, and perspective enhancements – Inquire for pricing
Third-Party Licensing – Builders, designers, architects, and stagers can split costs by licensing the same set of images
Drone Coverage – Aerial imagery available depending on location and FAA clearance
Rush Delivery – 25–50% depending on turnaround
Who I Work With
My architectural clients span a wide range of industries and project types, including:
Architects & Interior Designers
Developers & General Contractors
Real Estate Marketing Teams
Hotels & Hospitality
Retail & Office Spaces
Industrial, Mixed-Use, and Multifamily Properties
Custom Home Builders & Remodelers
I shoot both residential and commercial architecture with a consistent, polished look that helps elevate your brand.
My Process: What You Can Expect
Discovery Call – We chat about the project, your goals, and timeline.
Proposal – I send a customized estimate and licensing outline.
Pre-Production – We schedule, plan the lighting, review styling needs, and scout if needed.
Shoot Day – I show up early, shoot with care, and make sure we get everything.
Post-Production – You get a curated gallery of high-resolution, professionally retouched images.
Delivery & Licensing – Files delivered via secure download, with a clear license summary.
FAQS
Because architectural photography is often licensed to multiple parties (e.g., architect, builder, designer), most clients find that standard or extended usage licenses meet their needs — and they save substantially in the process.
If you’re considering a full buyout or RAW delivery, let’s talk through what that includes and whether it’s the right fit for your project.
Ready to Get a Custom Quote?
Every building is different. Every shoot is unique. Let’s talk about your goals, and I’ll create a quote that reflects your exact needs — no fluff, no guesswork.
Contact Me Today or call 214-440-6335 to get started.
Want to explore my work first? Head over to my Architectural Photography Portfolio to see examples of past projects.