Paying for professional photos is an expense I undertake for my listings. It's part of the cost of doing business. There is no way I could calculate how many of our listings use professional photos, but it's certainly not the majority.

Damon I would say as an agent get used to paying for everything!

The agent is almost always covers the cost of photo/video service since it is a part of marketing. 

Danon,

We have worked with two wonderful agents who work in different areas in the Las Vegas Luxury market.  They both pay for their professional photos, and do not expect the seller to do so.  I have not heard of any seller doing that.  Here in Santa Barbara, the same happens, and thus far every market we have consulted in the US, Mexico ,Canad and Costa Rica, every agent has paid for the photos.  A

Buyers in my area expect that to be included in the commission so if the property warrants it then the commission should be high enough to cover it. 

My cellphone...is free. They want better pics than that...they get the bill

In my market it's the agent.  It's the cost of doing business.

Most agents here get it in their broker package. Some companies want agents to use XYZ company.

I've never had a seller pay for photos.

The agent and here along the coast in San Diego it's so competitive for listings that almost all photos even $200k condos have professional photos.  

I use professional photos for upscale homes and initial new construction communities, often the agent pays for them. Some times i meet a seller who has a portfolio of pictures already done though

As an agent, I do.

I have no idea of the percentage.

the agent pays for all of the marketing..... the agents for whom I market send me beautiful photos....they have good equipment including expensive drones that take great aerial shots....

It depends, but I think mostly it's the agents that pay. Occasionally the seller thinks they are a professional photographer, or has a friend or relative take some photos that they want me to use.

I pay for the professional photos. Its a service I offer. My sellers feel it's of value.

I do...

Not enough professional photography in our area!

Generally, it's the listing agent that would pay that.  That is part of the marketing cost.

As an independent contractor  the agent should pick up the cost, and in our market place if you are competing for the listing, professional photos better be in your arsenal.

My company picks up the cost of a professional photographer.  I might get some other shots if the pro doesn't get them.  Beach, pool, surrounding areas.  I can use these other photos for marketing pieces. 

This is not for everyone, but many years ago before the digital age, I took up photography as a means for a second income. I do all my own and help my agents when they need it. It would pay anyone interested to take up a photography course. 

From what I understand, most the time the listing agent does.

It depends on the contractual arrangements, if any, between the various parties.

I am not aware of anyone or any organization that tracks the statistics that you want.

The cost is usually part of LA's marketing expense. I want to say that 25% of LA are using the services of professional photographer.

Damon - It is common for agents to pick up the cost for professional photos in my area. However, you still see a lot of non-professional photos on the MLS.

Generally, in our area it's the listing agent that chooses to pay. 

In our office, it is the agent

The agent pays for the photos it is a cost of doing business.

The listing agent pays. Not enough agents spend their money on these services. It is too bad; they are affecting sale prices.

The agent usually pays for their own photographs. 

Some brokers do arrange for photographers to come to the office.

Professional photos are a cost of doing business. Listing agent covers that cost. 

In my market, usually its the agent paying.

I pay for them.  It's part of what differentiates me from others.

We bear the cost of professional photos.

Damon Botticelli The agent pays for professional photos as part of the marketing plan.

The agent

As Associate Brokers, we do.

In our office the agent pays.

I take my own photos and  sometimes sellers like to  take photos and provide them to me.

The listing agent usually pays for professional photos, if they choose to go that route.

Who wants them the most?

We pay for the photos when we hire a professional. Not sure what other agents do.

I pay for them. And we are seeing more and more of them. But there are many who really SHOULD be using them

Absolute use professional photos, and have used the same photographer for years. 

The agent or the broker, depending on how the office is setup.  Seller should NEVER pay for marketing their home!

I pay for professional photos.  I have just started doing professional photos.  I am anxious to see the results.

I don't know of anyone doing professional photo's but with over $2000 in camera equiptment, I do very well