Architectural and Interior Photography Process & Rates | Matt Mansueto Photography
Collaborative & Detail-Oriented Architectural Photography Process
My architectural and interior photography process is rooted in precision, storytelling, and collaboration. Every project is an opportunity to craft a visually compelling narrative that highlights the design, materials, and atmosphere of a space. By working closely with architects, interior designers, and developers, I ensure that the final images align with your brand identity and marketing goals while showcasing the unique character of each project.
Step 1: Understanding Your Vision
We begin with a conversation to discuss your specific needs, creative direction, and project goals. I take the time to learn about the design intent, challenges, and solutions that make your project stand out. This ensures that the images we create tell a cohesive and impactful story.
Step 2: Site Walkthrough & Shot Planning
A pre-shoot walkthrough allows us to assess the space, analyze natural lighting conditions, and determine the best time of day for optimal results. We’ll also create a strategic shot list to ensure we capture all essential architectural elements and interior details with precision.
Step 3: On-Site Photography & Live Review
On the day of the shoot, my camera is tethered to an iPad, allowing us to review images in real time. This collaborative approach ensures that every composition is meticulously staged, with impeccable lighting and styling to highlight the space’s best features. Adjustments can be made on the spot to achieve the highest-quality results.
Step 4: Professional Editing & Fast Delivery
Each selected image undergoes detailed post-processing, including color correction, exposure balancing, and retouching to maintain accuracy and consistency. Final high-resolution images will be delivered via Dropbox, optimized for print, web, and social media use.
Transparent Architectural Photography Pricing & Licensing
I believe in clear and straightforward pricing to help you understand the value behind professional architectural and interior photography. My pricing structure consists of two main components:
Creative Fee – Expertise, Time & Production
The Creative Fee covers the time, skill, and preparation required to complete your project. This includes:
- Pre-Production & Planning – Client meetings, site visits, and shot-list development to ensure a smooth and efficient shoot.
- On-Site Photography – Thoughtfully composed images with professional lighting and styling, ensuring each shot meets your brand’s vision.
- Post-Production & Editing – Extensive retouching, color correction, compositing, and final image preparation. Post-production often takes as much time as the photography itself to achieve the highest-quality results.
Deposit & Booking: The Creative Fee is required as a deposit to secure your shoot date.
Licensing & Usage Fee – Rights to Use Your Images
The Licensing & Usage Fee grants you non-exclusive, unlimited, and perpetual usage rights for marketing your brand across various platforms, including:
✔️ Print & Digital Marketing – Website, social media, and corporate materials.
✔️ Editorial & Trade Publications – Professional magazines, competitions, and trade show displays.
✔️ Client Presentations & Portfolios – Showcase your work to potential clients and collaborators.
🏢 Third-Party Licensing: If additional stakeholders (e.g., interior designers, contractors, or vendors) want to use the images, they can obtain a separate license or participate in a cost-sharing agreement before the shoot to reduce overall fees.
Maximize Value with Cost-Sharing for Architectural Photography
Lower Your Photography Costs While Expanding Project Exposure
The Cost-Sharing Model allows multiple stakeholders—such as architects, interior designers, developers, and contractors—to share the cost of a photoshoot while gaining full rights to use the images. By bringing in additional parties to license the images, you not only reduce your individual investment but also increase visibility for the project across multiple industries.
How Cost-Sharing Works & How Much You Can Save
The More You Share, The More You Save – Even with just one additional party, you can save over 30% on architectural photography fees. Discounts increase as more partners join the photoshoot.
🔹 Example Cost Breakdown:
- Solo Project Photography Fee: $1,500
- With One Additional Party: $1,950 total ($1,500 + 30%)
- New Cost Per Party: $975 each (A savings of $525 per party)
Who Can Benefit from Cost-Sharing?
Cost-sharing is ideal for:
✔ Architects & Interior Designers
✔ Real Estate Developers & Property Owners
✔ Construction Firms & Contractors
✔ Landscape Architects & Engineers
✔ Furniture, Flooring & Window Manufacturers
✔ Staging Companies & Product Designers
By collaborating with project partners, everyone involved gains access to high-quality marketing images at a fraction of the cost.
Custom Quotes for Every Project
Every project is unique. Factors such as the size of the space, number of final images, and additional services (e.g., drone photography, twilight shots) affect the total cost. We provide tailored quotes based on your project’s specific needs.