How Much is Architectural Photography in Australia and in particular, Sydney? The cost of architectural photography in Australia varies greatly depending on several factors, including the photographer’s experience, the size and complexity of the building, and the number of final images required.
Let’s break down the costs and prices here.
Architectural Photography Costs in Sydney
Here’s a quick rundown of architectural photography costs in Sydney. The chart below shows a comparison of professional architecture photographer rates and amateur rates.
| Pricing Method | Novice/Amateur Rates | Professional Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Per Image | $20 | $85 to $500 per image |
| Per Project | $100 to $600 | From $1,000-$5,000 |
| Hourly | $60 to $100 per hour | $250 to $500 per hour |
| Day Rate | $400 to $900 per day | $2,500 – $5,000 per day |
Unfortunately, there isn’t one average cost for architectural photography in Sydney as there are a lot of variables that effect the cost. These variables include the size of the building, the photographer’s pricing model, the building location, the number of final images, the retouching requirements, the complexity of the shoot.
If you’d like a personalised quote for your architecture photoshoot, please get in touch.
How Do Architectural Photographers Charge in Sydney
Architectural photography rates in Sydney can be calculated in various ways. Some photographers charge by the hour or day, while others prefer a per-project or per-image rate. The rights and usage of the images can also affect the final price. These rates below are based on professional architecture photographers in Sydney, not amateurs or part-time photographers.
By the Hour or Day Rate: In Sydney, architectural photographers may charge by the hour or day. Hourly rates can range from $250 to $500, depending on the photographer’s experience and skill level. Architectural photographer day rates in Sydney are between between $2,500 and $5,000.
Hourly or daily rates provide flexibility but may lead to higher costs and an uncertain final cost. As the client, you have to rely on the photographer’s estimate of the project time, which is not always correct, and their honesty.
Per Project: Some architecture photographers may prefer to charge per project instead of an hourly or daily rate. Architecture photography project rates are from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Opting for this pricing model provides clients with upfront predictability and a well-defined set of deliverables.
However, it’s worth noting that architectural shoot briefs may undergo changes on-site, and this method lacks the flexibility to adjust the scope once the shoot has commenced.
Per Final Image: Architectural photographers in Sydney may also charge per final image. Architectural photography prices per image range from $85 to $500, depending on the photographer’s skill level and the amount of post-processing required.
This architectural photography pricing is my recommended method as it provides transparency and flexibility for the client. Need more or less images than originally planned, no problems, the photographer can do that. You also only pay for the “best” images.
Rights & Usage: In addition to the shooting fee, there may also be charges for rights and usage. This is essentially a fee for the client’s right to use the photographs. This can vary widely depending on the intended use of the images, but it typically ranges from nothing to 200% of the project cost.
Factors That Affect Architectural Photography Rates
Several factors can influence architecture photography rates in Sydney. These include the planning and coordination involved, the complexity of the shoot, the size of the building, the photographer’s experience, the number of images required, and the amount of retouching needed.
Planning & Coordination: The more planning and coordination required for a shoot, the higher the cost. This could involve scouting locations, setting up equipment, and coordinating with other professionals.
Complexity of the Shoot: A simple shoot of a small building will cost less than a complex shoot involving large structures or detailed architectural features.
Size of the Building: Larger buildings require more time and effort to photograph, which can increase the cost. For large buildings, the photographer may need to stand back several hundred meters or use an adjacent building to capture the shot. Obviously larger buildings also have more rooms, which adds to the time taken for the shoot.
Architectural Photographer’s Experience: More experienced photographers typically charge higher rates due to their expertise and ability to produce high-quality images.
Number of Images: The more images required, the higher the cost. This is due to the additional time spent shooting and editing.
Retouching: Images that require extensive retouching or editing will cost more. Some photographers minimise this and have lower quality standards whereas others, spend a lot of time ensuring every little detail has been taken care of.
Amateur Vs Pro: Architectural Photographers in Australia Rate Comparison
The experience level of the photographer can significantly impact the cost of architectural photography. Novices may charge less, but their lack of experience may result in lower quality images. Experienced professionals, on the other hand, can command higher rates, but deliver superior results.
| Pricing Method | Novice/Amateur Rates | Professional Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Per Image | $20 | $85 to $500 per image |
| Per Project | $100 to $600 | From $1,000-$5,000 |
| Hourly | $60 to $100 per hour | $250 to $500 per hour |
| Day Rate | $400 to $900 per day | $2,500 – $5,000 per day |
Is Cheap Architectural Photography in Sydney Good?
While cheap architectural photography in Sydney may be tempting, it’s important to consider the potential trade-offs. Lower rates often mean less experienced photographers, which could result in lower quality images.
As an architect, product manufacturer or construction company, you’re in the business of making things look amazing. And if your photos don’t look amazing, you risk your client’s not seeing the value in your work either.
It’s better to invest in a professional photographer who can deliver high-quality results that will showcase your property in the best light.
Tips for Finding High Quality Affordable Architectural Photography in Sydney
Finding affordable architectural photography in Sydney doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are a few tips:
- Do your research: Look for photographers who specialise in architectural photography and compare their portfolios.
- What’s Included: Are you comparing the same things? Some architecture photographers will include things like colour cast correction, fixing overexposed windows, retouching rubbish, cleaning marks of floors and walls, replacing skies. Others will not.
- Check reviews: Past clients can provide valuable insights into a photographer’s skills and reliability.
- Ongoing work: Some photographers may be willing to work within your budget, particularly for larger projects or ongoing work.
- Consider less experienced photographers: While experienced professionals typically deliver the best results, less experienced photographers may offer acceptable quality at a lower cost.