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Producing the best edited real estate images for property listings does not come cheap. But, it is neither too expensive.
This is why photo retouching cost is always a subjective topic for most photo editors worldwide, regardless of the niches.
So, how to determine the fair amount to charge your clients?
If you are a photo editor, this can be challenging. But, you need to be confident with your rates, backed by your skills and expertise.
Many clients usually ask “how much is the cost?” beforehand. However, before you give a quote, you need to consider a few things such as the following:
- The niche – What is the type of images to edit? Is it real estate photo editing? Portraits? You need to know this because it will determine the time you need to spend in editing.
- The number – Check with the client the total number of photos to edit. It will help you calculate the number of hours to spend on everything.
- The time – Your real cost must factor in time, from the beginning till the end of the whole process.
- The skills and expertise – You know how expert you are as an editor. This means there is always something you can offer to the table.n fact, you should use this as the main factor when setting the amount of your real estate or wedding photo editing service for every client..
Now, check on how you want to do the project. Do you want to charge per image or per project?
To be honest, having per image pricing is a nice way to get started, but you have to know that it does not always give you the most, especially if there are way too many images to edit. This is because it will take more time to finish everything.
So, to be safe, try having flexible rates. After you have discussed things with the client, weigh all the factors and see which option is better: per image, project, or hourly.
How to calculate the total retouching cost?
Here are some tips to calculate photo editing cost:
Per image:
If it is a per-image price, do it right. Factor in things like the time needed to finish one image, the deadline, the kind of software to use, and the level of modifications needed.
Per hour:
A per-hour photo editing gig is more applicable if your client wants you to work on a regular basis and produce outputs within those hours you worked. In this case, think carefully if the demands are justifiable. Otherwise, you may end up overworking without being paid well.
Per project:
This is most suitable if your client needs several modifications and revisions. It is a fixed-price contract that allows you to work comfortably, deliver outputs, and do necessary new edits based on your client’s needs.
Do you need actual figures? Take a look at the following:
Most hourly rates depend on your skill level and demand for your services. Anywhere between $50 and $150 USD per hour is a fairly reasonable amount to ask, but the final rate still depends on what you demand and what the client can pay. In other words, fees can be outside of this bracket. You just have to prove you deserve it.
For per project contracts, you have a flat rate, which only you can decide. The benchmark differs from one editor to another so getting exact figures is tricky. Just remember to not overcharge or undercharge your client.
Lastly, for per image gigs, most forums say that $5 per image is already reasonable. However, if you think this is not justifiable, then tell your client and let him understand the reasons why you should have a higher rate.
In the end, what you earn as a photo editor depends on how well you negotiate and do your craft. You just need to be confident enough to say: “I know my skill, experience, and worth. If you do too, let’s work together.”
