Do you have an eye for architecture, detail, and composition? Do you get a thrill from framing the perfect wide-angle shot? A career in real estate photography may be the right fit for you!
In the real estate photographer industry, you’ll collaborate with realtors and real estate agencies to photograph various properties. Your work will help potential buyers envision their dream homes and determine if they’re willing to make that final purchase.
Our Expert Consultants
Marcus Payne, Visuals By Marcus
Payne is a real estate photographer and small business owner in Denver, Colorado. His real estate media business helps agents and homeowners bring their listings to life with professional, engaging content.
Eric Peterson, Lexar Homes
Peterson is the Director of Marketing for Lexar Homes. He brings a unique blend of industry expertise and creative talent to the forefront of home building marketing. His work emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in making complex concepts accessible and compelling to Lexar Homes’ target demographic.
How to Become a Photographer for Real Estate
No matter where you are in your photography journey, these tips and expert advice can set you up for success.
1. Find Your “Why” (and Keep The Passion Burning)
Real estate photography drew you in for a reason — be it seeing stunning property photos online, thumbing through a home magazine, or hearing about it from a friend or colleague. Ask yourself what interests you most about real estate and architecture photography.
As you consider your next career move, ask yourself questions like:
- Do I enjoy photographing buildings and interiors?
- Do people compliment my still photography skills?
- Do I feel comfortable working with clients who have specific requests for their listings?
- Am I curious about home design trends and how they evolve?
- Do I want to expand my business model or am I just looking for a side gig?
Real estate photography balances your artistic vision with client expectations. If you’re comfortable with fast turnarounds and organizing shoots, this industry offers a steady stream of work. Plus, you gain satisfaction knowing your photos made a difference in clients finding their dream homes.
Take it from a pro…
“I spent my free time capturing local landmarks, waking up for sunrise shoots, and experimenting with unique perspectives, sharing my work on Instagram just for fun. Eventually, realtors started reaching out, asking if I could take drone photos of their listings. I’ve always had a passion for architecture and interior design” — Marcus Payne
If you’re still on the fence about going all in, experiment with freelance real estate photography first. Try out these freelance photographer tips to enhance your photog toolkit.
2. Master the Basics of Real Estate Photo Composition
Real estate photography differs slightly from other industries in terms of purpose and composition.
Photojournalism tells stories with candid moments, fashion photography showcases form and design, and nature photography zeroes in on the details we might otherwise miss.
A real estate photographer must do all of these things and more! You need to capture the full scope of a home and the important details that make it special. This requires a mastery of lighting, framing, and perspective.
Composition is essential if you want to succeed as a real estate photographer, which means you need a firm grasp on these concepts:
- Wide-angle lenses to capture more space
- Rule of thirds to visually divide photos into equal sections
- Depth and dimension for photographing from different corners
- Leading lines for curb appeal
- Naturally framing photos from doorways or windows for better focus and depth
- Use of natural light by opening doors or curtains because light makes properties “shine”
In addition to these timeless techniques, modern technology provides even more possibilities in real estate photography. Many photographers offer additional services, such as floor plans, videos, and aerial drone footage, that give them a boost in the industry.
Take it from a pro…
“In today’s market, video and floor plans have become almost standard with every listing I shoot. Since I run a full-service real estate media company, a shoot can involve anything from standard photography to video, drone work, 3D tours, or floor plans.” — Marcus Payne
Are you interested in learning photography techniques from professional real estate photographers? Check out these tutorial videos and learning materials from the pros:
3. Study Listings Like a Photographer
Studying different property photos is similar to filmmakers watching movies from different cinematographers — you’re actively absorbing and noting what works and what doesn’t.
Build your real estate photography chops by studying real estate listings. Visit real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin and thumb through their photographs. Take notes on what you like or dislike about each snapshot. Take a close look at the most successful and eye-catching listings to identify what makes them stand out.
Take it from a pro…
“It’s not just, ‘Hey, this is a cool feature of the home.’ Go beyond that — have knowledge of the market, a buyer profile, who we’re trying to market to in the future, and who we’re trying to sell this home to now. Those are pretty invaluable things. I know for myself, most realtors, and most companies don’t have or want to take the time to train a photographer.” — Eric Peterson
4. Build a Beginner Kit (Without Breaking the Bank)
Capturing great real estate pictures means using the right gear.
Here’s a shortlist of recommended photo equipment to consider for your business. You may even have some of these items in your photography toolkit already:
- DSLR or mirrorless cameras
- Shutter remotes
- Wide-angle lens
- Tripods
- External flashes or lighting equipment
- Editing software
- Lens cleaning kit
- A backpack
Payne says his photography gear includes the Canon R6, a DJI Mavic Air Drone, a 14-35 mm wide-angle lens, a 50 mm lens, and an on-camera flash.
Take it from a pro…
“While it isn’t necessary, I use an on-camera flash to help get better color balance in my images. Drones add a unique perspective for photos and an engaging element in videos. It allows viewers to see the entire home in the context of its neighborhood or environment.” — Marcus Payne
Pro Tip: If you use commercial drones for photography, you need a remote pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
5. Practice in Places You Know to Build Confidence
You know the saying: Practice makes perfect. The countless trials and errors reveal what worked and what flopped.
How can you improve? Practice photographing familiar real estate properties, such as your own house or apartment. You could even practice in other spaces like your family or friends’ homes.
When you photograph in these familiar places, keep these ideas in mind:
- Pretend that you’re doing a shoot for a client, so you can photograph professionally and pay attention to the details.
- Think about photos that your clients or buyers want to see first. Capture snapshots for size and functionality, not just for flair.
- Edit photos like a pro by taking inspiration from real estate websites. The better the edits, the better your chances are of grabbing a realtor’s or buyer’s attention.
- Vary your range with different properties like large homes, small apartments, or condos. This variety shows clients that you know how to work in different spaces.
Take it from a pro…
“Reaching out to friends and family members with homes that would show well is a great way to start putting together a portfolio. When I was starting out I even rented an Airbnb to shoot content in because it was a well-curated space” — Marcus Payne
6. Build Your Photographer Network
If you want expert opinions or learning opportunities to boost your photography skills, network with other real estate photographers.
You can join local or national photography associations to talk shop and learn from others in the field. Or, you can join LinkedIn, Facebook, or Reddit groups.
Creating relationships with other photographers in this niche can also lead to more job opportunities via word of mouth for you and them.
Take it from a pro…
“During peak seasons, like spring and summer, I often refer new clients to other photographers if I’m fully booked, or if a shoot is outside my service area. Over time, this reciprocity leads to referrals coming my way as well, helping us all get more business while staying closer to home.” — Marcus Payne
7. Get to Know Your Local Realtors
The National Association of Realtors reported the top social media platforms real estate agents use to gain quality leads:
- Facebook: 87%
- Instagram: 62%
- LinkedIn: 48%
- YouTube: 25%
Leverage these social media channels to follow and introduce yourself to realtors and agencies.
Ask what they look for in real estate photography and show off your online portfolio. If you don’t have a portfolio, you can ask an agent to do a trial photography session on one of their properties to put your skills to the test, which can open the door for more real estate photography jobs.
Take it from a pro…
“Even if I feel like I’m paying a bit of a higher price, if I’m getting the consistency and the value of it, it doesn’t really concern me to find other bids. But once things, like availability [or] flexibility, start to be inconsistent with the photographer, I would probably bid other projects. But otherwise, stick with what you got if it’s working.” — Eric Peterson
Take it from a pro…
“It’s crucial to create multiple touchpoints with real estate agents, whether through email campaigns, engaging with them on social media, or running paid ads. The more visibility you have, the better. Since I’m new to the Denver area, leveraging all three of these strategies has been essential in getting my business up and running in a new market.” — Marcus Payne
8. Create a Simple Portfolio to Show What You Can Do
A portfolio tells real estate agents and companies why they should hire you.
Here are a few portfolio-building tips to try out:
- Display your range with numerous snapshots of commercial and residential properties at different angles and times of day.
- Organize your photos by categories, such as interior (kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms) or exterior (front and backyards, porches, etc.). Choose the top five snapshots for each category.
- Play with website builder templates on Square or Wix to create an online portfolio and website.
Take it from a pro…
“The usual photos are great to include in your portfolio — things like wide-angle shots of the interior and exterior — but it’s important to get creative with your photos to help yourself stand out more. Highlight each service that you offer. If you offer twilight photos or advanced edits like grass replacements, virtual twilights, or item removal, you need to be sure to include all of those in your portfolio.” — Marcus Payne
Need a little more inspiration? Check out these real estate photographer portfolio ideas.
9. Protect Your Career With Real Estate Photography Insurance
Now that you have your portfolio and a few meetings with real estate agents under your belt, you need to protect your passion with real estate photographer insurance.
You might be thinking: “I’m just taking pictures of empty houses. Why do I need insurance?”
But sometimes things can go wrong while photographing houses, such as:
- A realtor accidentally spills coffee on your camera gear, leaving you to repair or replace your equipment
- Your tripod scuffs a property’s wood flooring, and the realtor sends you the repair bill
- One of your heavy tripods tips over and crushes a realtor’s foot during a shoot
- A realtor accidentally knocks a camera out of your hand, and it breaks after hitting the ground
You’re stuck paying for claims and damages like these out of pocket without insurance, which can financially drain your business.
Take it from a pro…
“You never know when it’s going to be the last moment with you and your gear. For me, I walked into a restaurant and came back out a few minutes later to see all my stuff stolen from the car. Without insurance, I would’ve been on the hook to replace EVERYTHING. I don’t think I’ll ever go without insurance, it’s too risky.” — Ben Bluhm, nature photographer.
10. Get Comfortable With Scheduling and Fast Turnarounds
There are two qualities you need to keep your real estate photography business afloat: flexibility and speed.
Take it from a pro…
“We’re really the general contractor for the builds. So, we don’t have as much control over the timeline of when the home gets done. We might say, ‘Hey, photographer can you please go out on April 30 to this home and get pictures, video, and a 3D tour?’ Then we might have to say a couple days before, ‘Sorry, it’s just not ready. Can we reschedule?’” —Eric Peterson
When you capture, edit, and send in property images on the same day or within 24 hours, it shows realtors that you’re serious about your work. Plus, the quicker realtors can post your photos online, the easier it is for potential customers to review the properties, set up appointments, and make final purchases.
Take it from a pro…
“Speed is everything in this industry, and next-day photo turnaround has become the norm. Having an efficient workflow in place ensures I can meet that expectation consistently.”— Marcus Payne
Pro Tip: Effective communication is also vital in real estate photography. Having online forms with a checklist allows realtors to list important property information, so you can have smoother photo sessions without delays or interruptions. Make sure to include fields for important info, such as:
- General directions and addresses
- Property Identification Numbers (PINs)
- Door or gate codes (if applicable)
FAQs About How to Become a Certified Real Estate Photographer
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Real Estate Photographer?
You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a real estate photographer — however, you can obtain a photography degree to boost your credentials and learn photography fundamentals through online or in-person classes at community colleges, universities, or art schools.
Some photographers also teach themselves, learning through experience and by building strong portfolios. You can also take certification courses through MasterClass, Udemy, or other online programs.
How Much Can You Charge as a Real Estate Photographer?
The average rate for real estate photography services is between $150 and $300. Prices can vary based on your experience and credentials, property size, location, and package types (i.e., deluxe, black-and-white, or day-and-night).
Do You Need a Business License to Start a Real Estate Photography Business?
Yes, you need a business license to operate as a professional real estate photographer. State and local laws vary throughout the country. Most areas may also require a photography license and sales tax permit.
What’s the Best Way to Market Real Estate Photography Services?
Some real estate photography marketing ideas to try out include:
- Building a strong website
- Using social media platforms
- Networking with local real estate agents and companies
- Creating paid ads
- Sending email newsletters
- Connecting with other real estate photographers
- Offering add-on services like floor plans, drone photography, and 3D tours
Is Real Estate Photography Seasonal?
Yes, real estate photography can be seasonal. While realtors list properties year-round, Zillow says May is the best time to sell homes. Most sellers and realtors will book photographers a month or two before homes go on the market.
Plus, spring and summer weather are better for outdoor photoshoots.
