Podcast
Questions and Answers
Real estate photography is generally inflexible due to the demand for consistent scheduling and immediate turnaround times.
Real estate photography is generally inflexible due to the demand for consistent scheduling and immediate turnaround times.
False (B)
The primary goal of real estate photography is to make properties appear as they are, accurately reflecting any flaws to potential buyers.
The primary goal of real estate photography is to make properties appear as they are, accurately reflecting any flaws to potential buyers.
False (B)
A telephoto lens is more essential for real estate photography than a wide-angle lens because it captures fine details of the property's architecture.
A telephoto lens is more essential for real estate photography than a wide-angle lens because it captures fine details of the property's architecture.
False (B)
A sturdy tripod is only necessary for advanced real estate photographers who specialize in twilight or HDR photography.
A sturdy tripod is only necessary for advanced real estate photographers who specialize in twilight or HDR photography.
Building a portfolio requires previous professional experience in real estate unless unpaid photoshoots are offered to gain experience.
Building a portfolio requires previous professional experience in real estate unless unpaid photoshoots are offered to gain experience.
When constructing a real estate photography resume with minimal direct experience, it's best to emphasize formal education credentials and theoretical training over practical skills and sample work.
When constructing a real estate photography resume with minimal direct experience, it's best to emphasize formal education credentials and theoretical training over practical skills and sample work.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are not recommended for finding real estate photography clients due to the lack of professional presence.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are not recommended for finding real estate photography clients due to the lack of professional presence.
Initially, undercharging for real estate photography services is a viable strategy to gain experience and attract clients.
Initially, undercharging for real estate photography services is a viable strategy to gain experience and attract clients.
Adjusting white balance in post-processing is about personal preference, and does not affect the perceived accuracy of a room's color.
Adjusting white balance in post-processing is about personal preference, and does not affect the perceived accuracy of a room's color.
Minor distractions like wires and outlets are acceptable in professional real estate photos because they showcase the authenticity of the property.
Minor distractions like wires and outlets are acceptable in professional real estate photos because they showcase the authenticity of the property.
When delivering photos to clients, it’s better to send each image individually via email to ensure they receive the files.
When delivering photos to clients, it’s better to send each image individually via email to ensure they receive the files.
Delivering photos to a client within a week is acceptable, as it allows ample time for thorough post-processing and quality assurance.
Delivering photos to a client within a week is acceptable, as it allows ample time for thorough post-processing and quality assurance.
Offering enhanced services like drone photography is a way to increase value to clients.
Offering enhanced services like drone photography is a way to increase value to clients.
Advanced real estate photography requires formal education and years of experience; otherwise, it is not possible to become successful.
Advanced real estate photography requires formal education and years of experience; otherwise, it is not possible to become successful.
Investing in professional-grade equipment can make up for a lack of knowledge in photo editing because images are captured perfectly.
Investing in professional-grade equipment can make up for a lack of knowledge in photo editing because images are captured perfectly.
Flashcards
Real Estate Photography
Real Estate Photography
Capturing properties to look spacious, bright, and appealing to attract buyers/renters.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
A camera with interchangeable lenses, typically with larger sensors than smartphones.
Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-Angle Lens
Captures a wide field of view, essential for showing the entire room.
Tripod
Tripod
Signup and view all the flashcards
Photo Editing Software
Photo Editing Software
Signup and view all the flashcards
Photography Portfolio
Photography Portfolio
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cold Emailing
Cold Emailing
Signup and view all the flashcards
Exposure & Lighting Correction
Exposure & Lighting Correction
Signup and view all the flashcards
White Balance
White Balance
Signup and view all the flashcards
Straightening Walls & Perspective
Straightening Walls & Perspective
Signup and view all the flashcards
Removing Distractions
Removing Distractions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sharpening & Noise Reduction
Sharpening & Noise Reduction
Signup and view all the flashcards
JPEG Format
JPEG Format
Signup and view all the flashcards
File Sharing Services
File Sharing Services
Signup and view all the flashcards
Asking for Referrals
Asking for Referrals
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Real estate photography is a suitable side job for high school students because it is flexible, well-paying, and does not require a college degree or extensive experience
Understanding Real Estate Photography
- Capturing properties to appear spacious, bright, and appealing is the focus of real estate photography
- The goal is to make properties look their best to attract buyers and renters.
- Strong composition, proper lighting, straight vertical lines, and a clutter-free environment are characteristics of good real estate photos
Equipment
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera from brands like Canon, Nikon, or Sony are needed
- A crop-sensor camera is adequate
- A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing entire rooms
- Full-frame: 16mm-24mm
- Crop-sensor: 10mm-18mm
- A tripod stabilizes images and allows for longer exposures in low light
- A flash balances lighting in dark spaces, but it is optional
- Photo editing software like Lightroom and Photoshop or free alternatives such as GIMP and Darktable are needed
Budget-Friendly Setup
- Used or refurbished cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T7, Nikon D3500, Canon EOS M50, and Sony Alpha a6000 can be considered
- Investing in a good wide-angle lens is just as important as the camera
Building a Portfolio
- Take high-quality photos of different rooms in your home to start a portfolio
- Experiment with lighting, different times of day, and editing styles
- Offer free or cheap photoshoots for family, friends, or Airbnb hosts
- Create an online portfolio using free website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress
- Platforms like Instagram and Facebook serve as good places to show off photos of your work
Resume Writing
- Focus on photography skills and a portfolio, especially with limited experience
- Include contact information, photography skills, equipment, experience (practice shoots), and a portfolio link
- Mention availability, given the student status
Finding Clients
- Reach out to local real estate agents, property managers, and Airbnb hosts
- Use local Facebook groups or ads on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
- Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can be used to offer photo editing services or real estate photography
- Cold emailing real estate agents with a portfolio link is an effective connection method
Pricing
- Beginner: $50-$100 per home
- Improved skill: $150-$250 per home
- Professional: $300-$500+ per home, can be higher for luxury listings
Photo Editing
- Exposure & Lighting: Adjust brightness, contrast, highlights, and shadows
- White Balance: Ensure the room looks neutral
- Straighten Walls & Perspective: Use Photoshop’s Transform tool or Lightroom’s Geometry tool
- Fix Overexposed Windows: Blend exposures or use selective adjustments in Lightroom
- Remove Distractions: Use the Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp for wires, outlets, etc
- Sharpening & Noise Reduction: Apply sharpening and reduce noise if needed
- Exporting: Save in JPEG format at high quality (80-100%), resize to 2000-3000px on the long side
Photo Delivery
- Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer are easy to use
- File Labeling: "123MainSt_LivingRoom.jpg"
- Delivery Time: Within 24-48 hours
Business Growth
- Ask for referrals from past clients
- Offer discounts for first-time clients
- Branch out into virtual tours, drone photography, or twilight shots
To Get Started
- Practice shooting at home
- Edit photos using free trials of Lightroom or Photoshop
- Offer free shoots to friends, family, or Airbnb hosts
- Create an online portfolio
- Reach out to realtors and property managers
- Start charging for shoots with a solid portfolio
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
