20 Real Estate Photography Hacks To Turn a Beginner into a PRO! [You need this]

[@RickyRayPhotography]

I started up my REP business for the second time this month since there was a prominent photographer that left and I have been offering a 24 hour turn around time. I am breaking my back to make things work for my agents and in my first month back I made $7k. Can’t wait to watch it grow!

[@semmywap2916]

Congrats!! Can I ask how you found customers, how to contact them and what to say?

[@rodevo9353]

K0

[@musselmanmedia5236]

damn nobody in virginia beach has listings its so bad the market here sucks

[@Andredelapaz07]

Where do you outsource your photo editing at?

[@shawnhall6803]

what is a good company to out source for editing?

[@StevenTamburello]

I have been selling real estate for 15 years and started shooting real estate photography about 5 years ago. I can say I had it easy as I built the business within my own real estate office, then grew it simply by word of mouth referrals to working with agents outside of my company. It's definitely not full time as my real estate business always comes first, however it does earn me an additional $20-30k/year which is nothing to complain about. I completely agree that flash is not necessary at all with quality editors. Hiring out my editing was the best decision ever!! I shoot, upload, download, then deliver. So easy.... I also learned early on to not go down the rabbit hole of wanting the best gear. I shoot on a 5 year old Canon 5DMKIV, 16-35mm, polarizer and tripod. Before that I used a Canon SL2 crop sensor. I honestly can not tell the difference in photo quality (when it comes to real estate photos). One thing I will definitely say to those starting out.... EVERY real estate office has weekly sales meetings. Call around and get yourself into those meetings to pitch your services. Bring a resume of your best photos and agents will be blown away. Also... remember!!!! You are an extension of the Realtor you are shooting for. You are a part of their real estate business. When you enter a home with a realtor, be professional. Dress professional. Don't be annoying and don't be chatty. You are there to shoot as quick as possible, get out quick and deliver great photos. There are SO MANY agents that still shoot listings themselves. It's unbelievable! Focus on them, not getting other agents who use a photographer to switch to you. Do a good job for them and your business will take off. Rant over.... Great video...

[@SteveandLaurieAdventures]

who do you use for your editing?

[@deenam3317]

That was awesome advice Thanks!

[@thetianamelvina]

This is extremely informative and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@dbpike]

Informative and sincere. Thanks for this. I’ve recently retired, moved to Spain and am now helping my spouse as she ventures into the world of real estate here in Valencia, Spain. Practices here are generally different than my experience with Real Estate in North America. One of those differences is in the area of photography. While larger firms are here, small local owner/operator “inmobiliaria” and private sales are the norm. As such, there is less focus, generally speaking, on good photographs. This means there is a good competitive edge for agents who invents in good photography and market that has incredible growth potential. I am not sure I want to start working full time again but watching videos like this one inspires me to think it might be possible to take the leap. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@JeffreyJDavis]

Really balanced assortment of good advice, thanks for sharing!

[@martinwinkler584]

Thank you for the tips! Can you recommend a agency for editing pics please? Thank you!

[@PatrickMFay]

I agree with most points, except for the “don’t use flash” argument. I have tried both techniques, but I just prefer the flamboyant look. Once you get your technique down, you can shoot a property as fast as an HDR shoot the editing, isn’t that hard either.

[@mediamannaman]

I don't use flash, but I agree with you. You can shoot just as fast as HDR. And the same editors who edit my HDR shots are really good at flambient too.

[@SteveDab317]

If you don't mind my asking, in an unoccupied home, let's say 2,500 square feet, how much time does it take you from the time you get out of your vehicle until you are completely finish and return to your vehicle? With HDR I'm right at the 30 minute mark. As far as editing, I guess I'll factor about 10ish minutes (uploading the photos, maybe a couple small tweaks when they return from the editors)

[@adriengremaud9797]

I agree it just take literally 3 seconde, i always use flash when there is windows to avoid those ugly dark windows frame and flares covering it

[@hogg1media627]

I'm looking to start shooting real estate... this video was SUPER INFORMATIVE

[@CottoncandycreativesTas]

Thankyou my dude ,, all great advice 😊😊

[@LooeyvilleSlugger]

I see your packages offer a set amount of photos per package. Do you ever find yourself having to look for extra things to shoot in the house and end up with filler? Or run into people buying the lower package and being limited to 25 photos you end up culling something that might be necessary? Thanks for the tips I found the video interesting.

[@cyberjet2004]

thats me. i am a heavy over thinker and i edit myself cause im very critical and im a perfectionist. but at the cost that i dont have a life. i edit sunday to sunday. i miss out on normal things like get togethers or funerals or parties. im always working. and it is. i must admit. its difficult to change

[@kakegarcia8056]

Awesome advise!!! Some of them can not apply here where I am. Here is very different, I have to shoot photos, video and do floor plans in every property, it is a VERY DIFFERENT MARKET but I agree with most of what you are saying in this video. Bests regards from a Venezuelan in Panama!

[@marv3728]

Which company would you recommend for outsource editing?

[@Wheatty]

Good stuff. Thank you!

[@jayboogie27]

Thanks for sharing the wealth! : )

[@mediamannaman]

Great tips! I'm not completely on board with the "Don't be a perfectionist" advice. I don't waste time sweating every detail, but the 80-20 rule is not the way to go here because many of the clients look at the shots carefully and will call you if you missed a shot or if you failed to shoot something the way they expected, and you have to go back. Also, some of them will see 10 or 20 percent mediocre shots (not vertical, focus not sharp, poor composition, whatever) and they just won't use you again. It is worth the few extra minutes to stay focused and get the shots complete and correct, before leaving the site.

[@SteveDab317]

I get what you are saying, but if the verticals are off, the composition is poor and/or they are not sharp, those are just bad photos overall, and those photographers don't deserve to be used again. IMO, the goal is to find a system and be consistent. Every photo that I take is consistent with every photo in my portfolio. If they didn't like my style I don't think they would bothered scheduling with me. (Every once in a great while I may have an agent make a unique request, but it's always discussed prior to the photoshoot)

[@tiuvarta]

I agree with @steveDab317. Really good photos are the standard. perfectionism would be to spend hours editing when you can find someone to do it at $1 - $1.5 per photo. Yes, make sure to grind and know how to edit the photos in YOUR style, then find someone to do it and take that off your plate. I don't want to 4 - 5 hours taking photos, then another 8 - 10 in post. I'd rather have 15h days where I shoot, then network and work on marketing and sales, which is where the money is....

[@rhettroden4073]

Nice video buddy!

[@brianrodriguez6897]

I think last min cancellations should be held accountable. If someone cancels last minute, that means I lost that money for that time because I could have booked another shoot but blocked it off because of them. Maybe just a percentage.

[@yawnahkay7362]

I agree after having quite a few I added a cancellation fee and now it’s rare. Still get business too

[@semmywap2916]

Really good video. Idk why but you seem very credible 💜

[@MunozPhoto1]

Thanks for the tips! I’m in SoCal and have been watching for a while! Thinking of picking up your course this weekend 🙏🏼

[@michaelfletcher2089]

I went back looking and I don’t remember you ever talking in depth about how you make blueprints! can that be a future video? or a link if you already have lol

[@itselijones]

Hey! 👋 Here are a few valuable resources you may find helpful! Real Estate Photo Workshop: repplaunch.com/workshopsignup?el=youtubect My Gear Kit: kit.co/itselijones The Platform we use for Editors: pixlmob.com/repp?el=youtubect Real Estate Photo Cheat Sheets repplaunch.com/cheatsheets?el=youtubect Here’s my real estate photography scaling roadmap: repplaunch.com/advancedtrainingsignup?el=ytdes

[@FilmmakerAbigail]

Thanks Eli!

[@kennycrandell]

I disagree that the Part 107 drone test is as easy as he said. I studied for two weeks and got a 90%, but no way could I have passed that in one day of studying. You have to know a lot about airspaces, weather, night flight, Metar, TAF, air density, rules, etc, etc.

[@robertking7589]

yea, if it was just about flying the drone then it would be fine but 85% is prolly about reading aeronautical maps, weather, no grid coordinates and more

[@LooeyvilleSlugger]

totally. no way are most people passing that with any sort of real understanding after 1 day of studying. it really is like getting a "lite" pilot license with the type of material they expect you to grasp.

[@Cheese-Head]

Do you learn how to actually fly a drone?

[@kennycrandell]

​@Cheese-Head Nope. The part 107 only teaches rules and laws about flying. You have to go out and learn on your own with your drone.

[@Cheese-Head]

@@kennycrandell thank you. One more question. Where do you take the exam at? Is it online or proctored at an exam center?

[@SienaMedefind]

Where do you hire your outsourcing from?

[@aftereffectsguy1313]

Where do you source editors that edit $1 a photo? Thank!

[@Adi.angel61]

what's your opinion on the Sony 20mm 1.8 for real estate?

[@CalebSDavis]

I only have the budget to use my Nikon D3200 at the moment-what would you recommend to make the most out of it?

[@Cheese-Head]

How do you get a portfolio started to show your first client? Take pictures of my own home (it’s not nice enough to show lol)

[@rickrose4865]

Yo very specific question but what should I do to handle the strong reflections/glares in the kitchen or just any room such as counters/ floors/fridges/microwaves etc?

[@bensilvers3625]

Polarizing filter

[@ivanhadianto8767]

do you have any recommendation photo editor?

[@cbrandon60]

I there. I am writing to see if you still feel the M50 is a viable camera for an upstart real estate business. I am 62 and have found myself unemployed, and am working toward of getting a business started Northeast of the DFW area. I had an R in the budget, as well as a Mavic 3, but after watching your videos and going through your list, have replaced those with an M50 and a DJI mini, saving about 3,000. Thanks

[@itselijones]

Hey! 👋 Here are a few valuable resources you may find helpful! 🫡 Real Estate Photo Workshop: repplaunch.com/workshopsignup?el=youtubect My Gear Kit: kit.co/itselijones The Platform we use for Editors: pixlmob.com/repp?el=youtubect Real Estate Photo Cheat Sheets repplaunch.com/cheatsheets?el=youtubect Here’s my real estate photography scaling roadmap: repplaunch.com/advancedtrainingsignup?el=ytdes

[@jacenburchell683]

Great tips! Did I hear you say you shoot 3 to 5 houses a day? That's impressive! Almost seems unreal lol! After travel, I could maybe do 3. Also, I wouldn't say that getting your Part 107 license is easy. You have an understanding of air space along with several other ever-changing laws.

[@wallemmedia]

I agree with the license comment, it's not super straightforward. A big part of flying has to do with safety, which involves NOT memorization of laws and rules word by word, but rather understanding of those and remembering what those said laws and rules are made to restrict or enforce.

[@SampsonBert]

Do you ha e videos on how to edit bracketing clips?

[@droneinspectionimaging]

So amazing, I need all tips I can get. Strong info here thanks

[@itselijones]

🙏🙏

[@JoshxIZ]

Good tips. But i would say not learning flash is a flaw for the photographer because flash photography is needed in many homes. Hdr can make darker rooms look horrible and the colors are all wrong. Hdr has its place..when u see you can get away with hdr then do it. Id say.

[@itselijones]

Bad HDR can do that, but good hand blended HDR never has those problems. We've shot well over 10,000 homes without flash! :)

[@sheenagolani3067]

what's a good wide angle lens you would recommend to use with a canon R5

[@chompski617]

Eli, would you ever consider doing in person training?

[@heythere6983]

Canon m50 capable enough? Also can iPad photoshop do twilight photo edits with stacking images and boosting things and also swapping skies etc? It would be huge if I could pull that off but I’m thinking the iPad version can’t do this kind of stuff

[@heythere6983]

Wait you mention smaller sensors aren’t good enough but the eos m50 is suggested and used by your workers?

[@CMFW68W]

Yo. What’s it gotta take to get a hand blending hdr tutorial from ya!?

[@itselijones]

Going to take a lot considering I don't know how to do it well. Not worth learning, HUGE waste of time. Outsource it for $1 per image and focus on what actually matters in your business which is getting clients! 🙌

[@SabeTheApple]

People get confused between architecture photography and real estate. They're two different things. These are going in magazines to show off homes and interior designs.

[@inaflashnetworkinaflashpro918]

What online service do you use for $1. Editing hdr?

[@SteveandLaurieAdventures]

great video. How do find editors that will only charge $1 per photo??

[@otgoozol8592]

hello? i edit photos for $1 per photo. if you are interested, please reply here :)

[@ladynoelle84]

I’m definitely making a big deal on my drone test 😢. I’m just so scared I’m going to fail it.

[@Cr_airbnb]

How do I find the editor?

[@ContrerasRuizHoldings]

What its a good 10-11 lens for my Sony a7iii?

[@jonathansalazar1174]

For the a7iii you can use a 16-35 lens since it is full frame

[@richryanphotography]

Great advice, but I disagree with a dont be a perfectionist, for me and my business, thats what works and thats why the agents I work with hire me.... Otherwise, awesome video as always!!

[@itselijones]

I would encourage you to really dive into what that actually means! What does perfectionism look like to you? Do you want a bigger business than you currently have? Are you willing to be "perfect" for your current clients at the expense of having a bigger business? Could you get your business to $50k a month the way you currently do things? The quote I always go back to is "what got you here won't get you there". Just some things to consider, no hate at all!

[@richryanphotography]

@@itselijones I agree with that, except, I don't want to become a huge corp. with multiple employees, I want to keep it just me, so I can continue to be personal with my clients. I figured out what I needed to make per shoot to live comfortable. I wont get to 50k a month, but that was never my intention. SO I do agree if thats what people want in their business good enough is good enough, for me, good enough is never good enough! :) Thanks for all the great advice and the best program out there, and for being true to your word and continuing to answer questions and comments!!! you are the real deal!!

[@adriengremaud9797]

But how you do with lens flares around bright windows without flash. its just look ugly. And there is no way around it without spending hours in post. HDR blending will not work most of the time if inside is too dark and windows flares are covering windows frame etc...

[@LoneskyImagingLLC]

Real shyt

[@itselijones]

Thank you 🙌🏼

[@bryanvieira]

you mention keeping pricing simple, with a specific example of not pricing based on the sq footage. Yet, you have a YT short showcasing your own website where you show off your pricing scheme with so many options, specifically based on sq footage... could you explain why this is fine for you but recommend others not to do so? its this vid: kzbin.infov5O9l5dYan0

[@minoqwe]

After 1:40 saying no flash is needed and HDR is enough, I turned off the video.

[@djcrash77]

Same!! Well, I went to the comments after that

[@Star-Collector70]

So bracketing 3 to 5 images is not good enough for you.

[@Marcus_Visbal]

Your business grows because you’re cheap compared to flash photographers. Flash will be out AEB every time

[@caprarola26able]

A lot of disagreeing going on here.

[@maciejgk]

Terrible advice. This is aimed at employees, not photographers. You are a volume businessman, not a photographer. Don't get me wrong, you can follow this advice and be somewhat successful. Obviously building a relationship with clients and selling your services is important and it is good advice. Someone who can do those things and actually is capable of delivering great photos will always win the business over someone who can't. Outsourcing images can be a good idea, but it can kill your business too. Learn to edit the photos yourself, for when your extorted editor from Thailand will get sick or disappears. Also learning the editing will teach to capture better source material. I don't mean learn to edit HDR, learn the craft for the love of Zeus. "Don't learn flash" - that is bizarre... If you are a goddamn photographer, you have learn the light in every form.

[@dirtyweapon]

so your gonna shot a 3,000 sqft home and price it the same as a 1,500 sqft home?