Are you searching for a way to build your career in professional real estate photography? But not sure how to go in this direction. Well, don’t worry! Somehow the Universe is probably helping you out in this because you have come to the right place.
In this article, you will learn how you can find success when looking for opportunities in real estate photography jobs. So without wasting your precious time, let us begin.
Becoming a Real Estate Photographer
If you are planning to begin a career as a photographer in real estate so you can start looking for real estate photography jobs then you should follow these steps to begin:
Study Photography
Photographers possess a deep understanding of camera gear, composition, and lighting techniques, along with a strong artistic sense. These abilities can be refined through formal education at a college, university, or art school, where you can earn a bachelor's degree in fine arts focusing on photography.
Learning under experienced professionals can provide valuable insights into best practices and help you become proficient in the field. Having a degree can enhance your career prospects and boost your confidence. However, becoming a real estate photographer does not need a degree if you already have technical skills and natural talent. Many photographers are self-taught, and continual practice can help you enhance your skills over time.
Purchase Camera Equipment
When talking about clicking real estate photos, it is all about capturing a static subject (a subject that is fixed and doesn't change), so you just need to spend your money on basic photography gear. To be successful as a real estate photographer you don't necessarily have to buy costly gear, all you need is a good camera, lens, a tripod, and proper lighting. Here is what you need to know about photography gear:
- Cameras:
When it comes to still photography, like real estate, you don't need a high-end camera loaded with features to take quality photos. It's important to find a camera that fits your needs and budget. Make sure it has two essential features: multiple exposure bracketing and the option to trigger a remote flash.
A beginner-friendly digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera can offer these capabilities and the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, making it easier to capture various building sizes and room layouts.
- Camera lens:
Investing in a wide-angle lens will be a smart choice. A wide-angle lens enables you to fit more in your frame, which can make it the perfect investment that later on will help you a lot when you are doing a real estate photography job. Clicking photographs with a wide-angle lens makes the houses appear more spacious.
Note: You should buy a lens with a focal length between 10 and 24 millimeters or 16 and 35 millimeters for the best results.
- Tripods:
When selecting a tripod, two key aspects to keep in mind are its stability and maximum height when extended. A robust tripod capable of supporting the weight of your camera and lens will provide stability during your shots, helping to prevent blurry images. It's also beneficial to choose a tripod that can extend to eye level, allowing you to use the camera's viewfinder comfortably without needing to bend down.
- Lighting:
When natural lighting is available in a location, remember to use it to your advantage. However, if you shoot indoors, you can use lighting tools like a softbox and flash. A softbox helps fill shadows and illuminates a room without overexposure, while a flash can be attached to your camera body or used off-camera as well.
Learn your Camera & Start Shooting
Once you've acquired your equipment, spend time mastering the various features and settings of your camera. Familiarize yourself with how to change lenses, adjust flashes, and set up your tripod. Experiment with photographing properties from different angles and in various lighting conditions.
As you refine your style, share your photos with friends to gather their feedback. When you feel more confident in your skills. Regular practice with your gear will also help you establish a routine, making you a more efficient photographer.
Join A Company
Once you have everything you need and have practiced enough with your camera, then the next main thing to begin your career is joining a company that provides real estate photography jobs.
Some good companies don't even ask you to be experienced in real estate photography as they offer training through online programs and will test you before going out on location with one of their instructors for about 5 houses to shoot before working on your own.
You can earn between $40 to $60 per hour shooting in some real estate photography jobs. Most jobs take an hour, so in the busy seasons, photographers can get up to five jobs a day.
Good real estate photography companies believe in a lasting relationship with their photographers and invest a great deal in your startup training and continued education in real estate photography and also in furthering all of your photographic skills.
It’s one of the many benefits you receive from working with a good company. As a result, they would require you to sign a six-month non-compete agreement, applying only to real estate photography in their working area.
Conclusion
That's all you need to know about real estate photography. Now you know what it takes to become one: study photography, invest in basic camera equipment, start practicing with your camera, and then join a company that offers real estate photography jobs.
