Why Real Estate Photography?
Real estate photography is one of the most accessible and profitable niches for photographers. With millions of homes sold each year and nearly all of them needing professional photos, the market opportunity is massive.
Getting Started: Essential Equipment
Camera Body
Any modern mirrorless or DSLR with good dynamic range will work. Popular choices:
- Sony A7 series
- Canon R series
- Nikon Z series
Must-Have Lenses
- 16-35mm f/2.8 or f/4 - Your workhorse lens
- 24mm tilt-shift - For advanced perspective control
- 70-200mm - For exterior details
Lighting
- Off-camera flash - 2-3 speedlights or strobes
- Light stands and modifiers
- Radio triggers
Accessories
- Sturdy tripod
- Remote shutter release
- Color checker or gray card
- Lens cleaning supplies
Pricing Your Services
Real estate photography pricing varies by market, but here's a general framework:
Per Property Pricing
- Basic (< 2000 sq ft): $150-250
- Standard (2000-3500 sq ft): $200-350
- Large (3500+ sq ft): $300-500+
Add-On Services
- Aerial/drone photos: $75-150
- Twilight shoot: $150-300
- Virtual tour: $100-200
- Video walkthrough: $200-500
Volume Discounts
Offer package deals for agents who book regularly:
- 5 properties/month: 10% off
- 10 properties/month: 15% off
- 20+ properties/month: 20% off
Shooting Techniques
Before You Arrive
- Check the listing for property details
- Review the weather forecast
- Confirm access and timing with the agent
- Plan your shot list
On-Site Workflow
- Walk through - Scout every room, note best angles
- Prep the space - Declutter, turn on lights, open blinds
- Shoot exteriors first - Best light is often early
- Work systematically - Room by room, consistent heights
- Bracket everything - For HDR processing flexibility
Technical Settings
- Aperture: f/7.1 to f/11 for sharpness
- ISO: As low as possible (100-400)
- White balance: Daylight or custom
- Format: RAW always
Editing Workflow
Software Options
- Lightroom Classic - Batch editing, organization
- Photoshop - Advanced retouching, compositing
- Capture One - Color grading, tethering
- LR Enfuse / Photomatix - HDR blending
Editing Checklist
- Lens correction applied
- Verticals straightened
- White balance corrected
- Exposure balanced
- Windows properly exposed
- Minor blemishes removed
- Colors accurate and pleasing
Time-Saving Tips
- Create presets for common scenarios
- Batch process similar images
- Use AI tools for sky replacement
- Consider outsourcing bulk editing
Building Your Client Base
Finding Your First Clients
- Network at real estate events - Local association meetings
- Offer a free or discounted first shoot - Build your portfolio
- Partner with new agents - They need to differentiate
- Connect with staging companies - They know who needs photos
Marketing Strategies
- Professional website with local SEO
- Google Business Profile optimized
- Social media (Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Email marketing to agent lists
- Referral program for existing clients
Keeping Clients
- Consistent quality and turnaround
- Easy booking and delivery process
- Responsive communication
- Loyalty pricing for regulars
Scaling Your Business
When You're Too Busy
- Raise your prices
- Hire second shooters
- Outsource editing
- Invest in faster equipment
- Streamline with better systems
Expanding Services
- Aerial/drone photography (get licensed)
- Virtual staging partnerships
- 3D Matterport tours
- Property websites for agents
- Video walkthroughs
Common Challenges
Weather and Scheduling
- Always have rain dates
- Shoot exteriors when conditions are best
- Be flexible with timing
Difficult Properties
- Small spaces: Wide angles, door frames
- Dark interiors: Flash blending techniques
- Occupied homes: Work around the clutter
Client Expectations
- Set clear expectations on edits
- Show examples of your style
- Don't over-edit or mislead
Tools for Success
The right tools make all the difference in running an efficient real estate photography business:
- Booking/scheduling software
- Automated delivery galleries
- Invoicing and payments
- Client communication
PhotoProOS combines all of these into one platform built specifically for photographers.