Remember that one real estate listing that piqued your curiosity in an unparalleled way? So much so that you felt an urge to capture the essence of properties, too.
Let’s be real, not all real estate listings are that captivating. It is always those with absolutely stunning images that captivate buyers and sell like hotcakes. Enter the real estate photography business, the core element behind such captivating listings. Research highlights that images by a proficient real estate photographer speed up the selling process by 32% for real estate listings.
If you have a hankering for capturing the unique charms of real estate properties, real estate photography is a lucrative career path for you. A single shoot for residential real estate advertisement in the US typically costs between $150 and 300 US dollars.
If you are someone who has a knack for storytelling through visuals, read along as we explore the maze of the real estate photography business. Doesn’t matter if you have no idea about how to get into real estate photography yet. Our step-by-step guide will cover everything you need to know:
Step 1: Comprehend what is Real Estate Photography
Before we get down to how to start a real estate photography business, understanding What is Real Estate Photography? is imperative.
Simply put, real estate photography is all about capturing images of real estate properties in a way and lighting that highlights their best features and attracts potential buyers.
Its importance can’t be understated in today’s digital age where home buyers look for listings online before visiting sites. A remarkable 87% of them deem photographs “very useful” in their home searching process.
Variations in the Realm of Real Estate Photography Business
Residential Real Estate Photography Business:
If you step into residential real estate photography, you will capture images of homes and residential buildings to portray their coziness and charm. Like a proficient real estate photographer, you will focus on elements like curb appeal, roomy interiors, and attractive designs to make people see themselves living in the properties you capture.
Commercial Real Estate Photography Business:
If you step into commercial real estate photography, you will be photographing office buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial complexes to attract businesses and investors. You will focus the most on the size, location advantages, infrastructure, and functionality of spaces.
Step 2: Pick Out One Niche
It is futile being a jack-of-all-trades, master of none especially when it comes to the real estate photography business. Understand How to Start a Photography Business then choose a real estate photography niche.
This will enable you to tailor your photography mood and shooting style and attract the right customers in the competitive market. Some niches worth exploring are:
Luxury Homes:
If you specialize in luxury homes, you will be capturing posh elements, opulent details, and stunning decor of luxury homes. You will target wealthy customers who prefer stunning visuals to show their real estate’s uniqueness and sophistication.
Commercial Properties:
If you specialize in commercial properties, you will focus on capturing the functionality, spaciousness, and professional environment of commercial properties.
Vacation Rentals:
If you specialize in vacation rentals, you will highlight the allure, amenities and distinctive experiences of the spaces you capture. It will require you to have an eye for making vacation rentals exude relaxing and holiday vibes to attract travellers searching for memorable lodging.
Step 3: Explore Legal Requirements and Compliance
You cannot just start driving the moment you grow fond of cars, right? You have to have licenses, etc. The same goes for starting a real estate photography business. Here is how you can comply with them:
Register Your Business:
If you want to become a real estate photographer, register your real estate photography business in any of the following structures:
- LLC; Limited Liability Company
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
Obtain Licenses:
Obtain the necessary permits or licenses required in your country of residence.
Read about the local rules and regulations for photography business licenses and comply with them for successful application and processing.
Secure Insurance
Secure general liability insurance for property damage or bodily injury.
Get your real estate photography equipment insured for gear protection.
Additional Tips:
- Comply with data protection laws.
- Do not trespass in any restricted zone while capturing estates.
- Get the hang of Compliance and Regulations in Photography.
Step 4: Take Care of Your Finances
How well you manage the cash flow will set the tone for how your real estate photography business grows. To avoid any inconveniences down the road, you can take a proactive approach by following these steps:
Manage Finances
Use different digital tools and spreadsheets to keep an eye on your savings, investments, and revenue.
Dedicate a Bank Account to Your Business
Exclusively open a bank account for your photography business to track cash flow.
Plan your Taxes
Explore what taxes you will have to pay, such as sales, income, or self-employment tax. Set aside an amount of your earnings to pay them. If you feel overwhelmed at any stage, consult a local tax professional for guidance or learn more about finances by reading our How to Start a Photography Business guide.
Step 5: Invest in the Best Gear
To ace your real estate photography game, you will need high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and accessories.
Here is a list of the best ones you can buy to kickstart your business:
Cameras:
Wondering what is the best camera for real estate photography? It is one that best suits your style, level, and photography niche. Get high-resolution images and videos while capturing the essence of homes with good-quality gear. Also, invest in a drone camera to get appealing aerial shots.
Recommendations:
Lenses:
Lenses are as crucial as cameras for exceptional real estate images. They can help you adjust to different lighting situations. Want to buy the best lens for real estate photography? We have got you covered with our recommendations.
Recommendations:
Lighting Equipment:
Lighting can truly change the image features. Invest in good quality lighting equipment to keep your visuals stunning even in low-light conditions or at night time.
Recommendations:
- Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL On-Camera
- NEEWER Drone Strobe Light with 4 Flash Modes
- ULANZI LED Video Light with Color Gel Filters
Accessories:
After you have invested in gear, buy some key accessories for real estate photography.
Recommendations:
To explore more options, read our Best Photography Gear for Real Estate Photography guide and see more recommendations for Real Estate Photography Equipment here.
Step 6: Make a Robust Portfolio
Your portfolio will serve as the window to your photographic gallery. In a world where newbies are claiming to be professionals and different people scamming clients, having a robust portfolio is a surefire way to showcase your skills, attract clients and build their trust.
Portfolio Building Tips:
Trade Quality with Quantity
Compile your best real estate photography shots in the portfolio only. Don’t overcrowd the portfolio with below-par images.
Showcase Different Estate Types
Include images of different residential, commercial, and luxury real estate properties to show your diverse skill base. You can also include any one kind if you have already decided on a niche.
Portray your Unique Style
Edit your pictures along the same lines to portray your unique photography style.
Make it Accessible:
Make your portfolio mobile-friendly and easily accessible so potential clients can easily look at your work.
Update and Update:
Don’t be rigid. Update and improve your portfolio every once in a while. Seize opportunities for different photography trends.
Impressive Portfolios:
Here are some great portfolios you can source inspiration from:
- Jack Bardhamre’s Portfolio
- Mindaugas Lapinskas’s Real Estate Photography Portfolio
- Scott Thomas’s Residential and Commercial Real Estate Photography Portfolio
You can also learn more about How to Build a Strong Portfolio for Your Photography Business and garner additional Real Estate Photography Portfolio Tips to set yourself up for success.
Step 7: Become a Pro at Marketing and Finding Clients
With the advent of digitalization and social media, marketing your business has become as easy as baking a pie. You can employ several ways of marketing and finding clients to generate sales for your real estate photography business like:
- Create different social media handles across various social media platforms.
- Create a website for your business with an active blog and portfolio. Include contact details and information about real estate photography pricing to offer a one-stop service.
- Write blogs on real estate photography.
- Write real estate photography equipment reviews and user guides on your blog.
- Invest in PPC or Pay-Per-Click advertisements.
- Network with local real estate agents and property managers to find opportunities.
- Offer free consultations to increase your business’s popularity
- Invest in targeted advertising.
- Use different Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Photography.
- Develop a thorough understanding of How to Market Your Photography Business Effectively.
Step 8: Put a Price on Your Photographic Capabilities
Learn How Much to Charge for Real Estate Photography and explore different Pricing Strategies for Real Estate Photographers.
Price your services appropriately to reap monetary benefits from your photographic capabilities. There are several pricing models and packages you can use to give your clients a quote:
- Hourly pricing
- Per shot pricing
- Total number of captures-based pricing
- Area based pricing
- Package pricing
Tips and Tricks:
Ensure your real estate photography pricing is justified by following these tips and tricks:
- Factor in the cost of your gear and travel expenses.
- Keep a tab on your competitors’ pricing and offer competitive quotes.
- Charge your clients according to the location.
- Keep your experience in mind while you decide on prices.
- Charge clients according to the type of photography they require
- Give quotes to clients per number of photos. Don’t click 1000 photos for someone by changing them on an hourly basis. It will waste both time and resources.
- Charge extra fees for a shorter turnaround time.
Be Mindful of Compliance and Regulations
While starting a real estate photography business, your business must comply with the following requirements:
- Make sure your business is registered.
- Carry your necessary photography licenses.
- Receive written and signed consent from property owners.
- When shooting exteriors, ensure no signage or road signs are included in listing photos.
- Make sure you protect your clients’ privacy.
- Ask for local authorities’ permission when capturing larger areas of land to showcase the location advantage of commercial properties.
- Get a remote flying pilot certificate from the FAA, Federal Aviation Agency, to fly drones for business purposes.
- For commercial real estate drone photography in the US, you must apply for Section 333 Exemption.
- Do not include private estate images in your portfolio without consent.
- Comply with MLS, Multiple Listing Service guidelines during editing.
- Strictly adhere to Compliance and Regulations in Photography.
Wrapping up
Now that you know the ins and outs of the real estate photography business wait no longer.
Register your business, buy the recommended gear, comply with the rules and regulations, and set yourself up for success. Plus, you will make money as you turn your passion into profits and sell dreams in the lucrative niche of the real estate photography business.