The real estate industry continues to evolve and change. Now, agents market their properties online with stunning real estate images and captivating listing descriptions. As listings require more visual marketing efforts, new opportunities for non-real estate agents are available for those wanting to break into the industry. Professional real estate photography, for example, is a highly desirable career path for many creative types.
Are you looking to get into the world of real estate photography but aren’t sure where or how to begin? Here’s a crash course on how to get into real estate photography. With this guide, discover techniques to help you enter the real estate industry. You will also learn how to market your services and find job opportunities.
How to Get Into Real Estate Photography
For many, real estate photography is a career that blossoms from already being enthusiastic about photography. Professional and amateur photographers both tend to have passion for their equipment and for deepening their photography skills. If you’re already a skilled photographer, learning real estate photography is not a giant leap. Also, it’s often a freelance role, which means you get to create your schedule.
Over the last several decades, digital photography slowly leveled the playing field. Professional gear is more accessible and affordable. Additionally, online courses make the photography profession available to everyone with talent and a desire to improve. Unfortunately, competition is increasing every day for those very reasons.
The good news is your skills and technique can set you apart. There are also enough jobs and opportunities for skilled real estate photographers nationally. So if you master your game and build your profile, nothing can stop you from success!
That said, there are some things you need to do before you earn the name of a professional real estate photographer.
Buy Photography Equipment
The first thing is to buy some professional photography equipment. With the right camera equipment in your hand, you can practice while learning. Sometimes, you can even find some bookings to supplement your fees.
Some essential real estate photography equipment includes a camera, a wide-angle lens, and a tripod. You can make it with only this equipment because you’re shooting static objects. In some circumstances, you may benefit from offering aerial photography.
Using your phone instead of buying a camera won’t cut it in this case. You want your images to meet the quality grade for successful listings. Professionals use DSLR cameras, which are the best cameras for real estate photography.
Finding the Best Camera for Real Estate Photography
Full-frame DSLR cameras with a large sensor are the best for real estate photography. Larger sensors mean more light and better image quality.
Full-frame cameras also allow you to try out different lenses. If you can’t afford high-end lenses to state, you can buy inexpensive ones and move up as you grow into your career.
Some DSLR cameras for real estate photography include:
Study Real Estate Photography
You can dive into real estate photography and excel without going to a photography class, but taking a course gives you a technical edge and reduces the time it takes to become a professional. You also get to learn from experts who help you understand practical photography skills.
Photography requires proper knowledge of equipment use, branding, and marketing. Hobbyists might be good in the field, but they tend to struggle with growing a client base. A course that arms you with skills and essential industry tips is vital for success.
Practice While Studying
A great foundation is always necessary for success in any career. Unless you have a strong photography background, practice your new skills prior to taking the plunge.
Practice sharpens your skills, boosts confidence, and is the key to a great portfolio. Top professionals don’t just sit on their laurels. They use all of their real estate photography jobs as learning opportunities.
The sooner you start practicing, the earlier you get accustomed to the industry. Practicing in concurrence with studying allows you to apply and reinforce the skills you’re gaining.
Create Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is proof that you have what it takes to flourish as a photographer. A portfolio demonstrates your level of expertise and skills to clients. A solid real estate photography portfolio is the very reason practicing your skills is helpful. Every shot is an opportunity to outsell yourself.
Your portfolio is a collection of your best projects. It can also include your resume, certifications, accolades, and testimonials.
Organize it professionally and make it visually appealing for an effective first impression. You only have a few chances to impress potential clients.
Also, make your portfolio digital to allow for easy access and to reach a wider audience.
Create a portfolio website and format it with slide presentations. Include some testimonials and references for social proof.
Find Real Estate Photography Jobs
As a real estate photographer, you can work as a freelancer or partner with a real estate firm. You can promote your skills by sharing your portfolio and networking. Local homeowners and agents can also refer you to real estate photography jobs.
How to Find Real Estate Photography Opportunities
Some courses might teach you real estate marketing skills to help you find clients. These are the skills you need to promote yourself and give yourself a competitive edge.
Making your portfolio website SEO-friendly is another way to boost your job opportunities. Most property owners search “real estate photographer near me” online to find photographers.
Social media channels are excellent real estate marketing platforms. 47% of realtors say social media provides higher quality leads than other channels. According to the National Association of Realtors, the top real estate social media marketing platforms are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Create optimized social media profiles when looking for real estate photography jobs. Add your bio, contacts, and a link to your portfolio website. Stay active by sharing your work and interact with other professionals.
Most photographers use job boards to look for new opportunities. Job boards might seem crowded, but they can be the quickest way of finding your first gig. They are faster because you apply to vacant positions and opportunities, which cuts out any guesswork.
At Virtuance, you can find flexible photography jobs across various cities in the US. You can land exciting projects and focus on your passion without worrying about marketing, networking, and client relations.
Are You Ready to Dive Into Real Estate Photography?
A real estate photography career is ideal for many reasons. You can work and make money from nearly anywhere. The barriers to entry are lower than they used to be, which means you can start your career quickly.
You might feel hesitant to start because of all the moving pieces. At Virtuance, we deal with all of the operational tasks so our photographers can focus on what they love: taking awesome pictures.
Want to start your real estate photography career at Virtuance? Click here!
