When you’re listing a home in Charleston, professional real estate photography isn’t just a nice touch. It’s a must. From historic properties downtown to new builds in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or Summerville, the quality of your photos directly affects how quickly a property sells and how much it commands on the market.
The average cost of professional real estate photography in Charleston typically ranges from $175 to $350, depending on package size, number of photos, and add-ons like drone or twilight shoots.
But what do Charleston real estate photography prices actually look like? How do they compare to the national average? And what should you expect when hiring a professional?
Why Invest in Professional Real Estate Photography?
- Faster sales: Homes with professional photos tend to sell quicker.
- Higher perceived value: Listings with sharp, well-lit images often receive stronger offers.
- More attention online: In a competitive MLS, Zillow, or Realtor.com feed, photos are what earn that crucial first click.
In Charleston’s dynamic market, professional photography is one of the best investments you can make to stand out.
Average Charleston Real Estate Photography Prices & Rates
Prices vary by property size and services, but here are the most common ranges for professional real estate photography in Charleston and the Lowcountry.
What’s the Typical Real Estate Photographer Cost in Charleston?
Most Charleston real estate photographers charge between $175–$350 for standard packages, while larger or luxury shoots can range up to $700 or more.
Charleston Real Estate Photography Packages & Pricing Breakdown
| Package Type | What’s Included | Typical Price Range |
| Standard MLS Shoot | Up to ~2,000 sq ft, ~20-25 photos, interior + exterior, daytime | $175 – $225 |
| Large Shoot | ~2,000–3,500 sq ft, ~30-45 photos, multiple angles, interior + exterior | $250 – $350 |
| Premium Shoot | ~3,500–5,000+ sq ft, expanded photo coverage, complex exteriors | $350 – $500+ |
| Luxury / Full Media Bundle | Photography + drone + twilight + video or 3D tours | $700 – $1,400+ |
These ranges reflect what’s typical across Charleston and surrounding areas, though each project can vary based on add-ons and property type.
Charleston vs. National Real Estate Photography Pricing
Nationally, the average real estate photography cost sits between $150–$350 for most listings. Charleston aligns closely with this range but tends to lean slightly higher for mid-sized and premium homes due to demand and the unique styles expected here—like twilight shoots, drone angles over marshfront lots, and polished edits that bring out Charleston’s charm.
Luxury listings with full marketing bundles—photos, aerials, video walkthroughs, and virtual staging—regularly cross into the $700–$1,400+ range, placing Charleston on par with other competitive coastal markets.
What Influences Cost in Charleston?
When you see different price points among professional real estate photography Charleston providers, it usually comes down to a few key factors:
- Property Size & Complexity: More rooms, square footage, or unique features mean more photos and time on-site.
- Number of Photos: Entry packages often include ~20–25 photos, while larger shoots expand to 40–50+.
- Add-Ons:
- Drone photography: typically adds $100–$200
- Twilight photography: $25 per conversion photo or $250–$300 for live twilight sessions
- Virtual staging: $30–$40 per photo
- Video tours: $400–$600+ depending on scope
- Turnaround Time: Most pros deliver in 24–48 hours, but same-day rush service may cost more.
How Our Pricing Compares to Average Charleston Rates
At Real Estate Photography for Charleston, our pricing is designed to stay in line with these Charleston averages while keeping things simple and transparent:
| Package | What’s Included | Price |
| Standard Shoot | Up to 2,000 sq ft, up to 25 photos, interior + exterior, 24-hour delivery | $189 |
| Large Shoot | 2,000–3,000 sq ft, up to 40 photos, interior + exterior, 24-hour delivery | $229 |
| Add-Ons | Virtual twilight ($75 for up to 8 photos), virtual staging ($35 per image), floorplans, and more | Competitive & transparent |
Our Standard and Large Shoot packages fit squarely within the average Charleston real estate photographer cost ranges. That means you’re getting professional quality and quick delivery at a price point that’s competitive across the Lowcountry.
National vs. Charleston Value
Compared with the national average, Charleston’s prices are right in step. Sometimes a touch higher for premium shoots, but balanced by the higher market demand and property styles here. For homeowners and agents, this means professional photos are not only affordable but also one of the best ROI-driven marketing investments you can make.
What to Look for in a Charleston Real Estate Photographer
When choosing a Charleston real estate photography provider, price is only one piece of the puzzle. Consider:
- Portfolio Quality: Are images bright, true-to-color, and inviting?
- Experience with Local Homes: Charleston’s mix of historic, coastal, and new-build properties requires adaptability.
- Service Transparency: Clear photo counts, turnaround times, and add-on pricing help avoid surprises.
- Marketing Extras: Drone, twilight, and staging can make a good listing stand out as great.
FAQs About Charleston Real Estate Photography Prices
Q: What’s the typical cost for real estate photos in Charleston?
A: Most listings fall between $175–$350, depending on size. Larger homes or full media packages cost more.
Q: How quickly will I get my photos back?
A: Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours, with many providers (including us) offering next-day delivery.
Q: Are drone or twilight shots worth it?
A: Yes—especially for waterfront homes, properties with big lots, or those where curb appeal shines after sunset.
Q: Do larger homes always cost more?
A: Generally yes, since more rooms and features require more images and time.
Q: Can photos be reused for other marketing?
A: Most photography is licensed for one MLS listing. Always confirm usage rights before reusing.
Q: How much does a real estate photographer cost in Charleston, SC?
A: On average, between $175 for small packages and $700+ for luxury shoots.
Q: What are real estate photography rates per photo?
A: Most Charleston photographers charge by package, but rates often break down to $5–$15 per photo.
Q: Are prices higher in Mount Pleasant or Summerville?
A: Prices are similar across the Charleston area, though luxury homes in Mount Pleasant may cost more due to drone or twilight add-ons.
Q: What’s the difference between real estate photography pricing and packages?
A: “Pricing” refers to cost, while “packages” define how many photos or services (drone, video, staging) are included.
Professional photography is one of the smartest investments you can make when selling or renting a property in Charleston. While Charleston real estate photography prices average $175–$350 for most listings, add-ons and luxury marketing bundles can push costs higher.
At Real Estate Photography for Charleston, we help your listing stand out in a crowded market. Our goal is to provide fast, polished, and competitively priced professional real estate photography services - Book service today!