Getting Started in Real Estate Photography

Have you ever considered entering the business of real estate photography? In this video I speak with Rich Baum, a veteran in the business. Rich gives some valuable tips on how you can get started in this lucrative business.
Rich Baum is a Northern California-based professional photographer with experience shooting a broad range of subjects including real estate, sporting events, weddings and executive head shots. Whether producing images for Fortune 500 companies, small locally-owned businesses or a bride and groom on the day, Baum’s mission remains the same: to exquisitely capture the subject matter’s true essence and spirit, while also providing for outstanding service and a truly fun experience.
Baum began his career as a prop master in Hollywood, working on television commercials and a number of well-known films including “Hoosiers,” “Gandhi,” “Beaches” and “The Naked Gun.” Over the course of twenty-five years working in the film business, Baum developed a keen eye for detail, framing and composition - skills that would serve him well when he transitioned to professional photography more than a decade ago.
A resident of Fair Oaks, Baum also loves traveling, windsurfing, snowboarding and spending time with his wife Melissa and teenage children, Taylor and Sidney.
Rich Baum - www.richbaum.com
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[@RealHankShill]

When I started in RE photography, I saw the quality of photography that a realtor was using. I sent them an email and basically said, hey, I'm starting out, and I see that you have three houses on the market that could use some photography. I offered to shoot all three for free so I could build up my portfolio. She agreed and asked what I would charge in the future. I picked up a Tokina 11-16 and shot the first house as soon as it came in. She paid me for it when I delivered, and I have been shooting with her ever since. She also hooked me up with a developer who also became a returning customer. Point is, when you start, why not shoot for free? Are you doing anything better that day? Why expect a client to pay for an unknown, and if you dont have a portfolio, how are they to know if you are worth it? No photographer would hire a portrait photographer to take their headshots, when they dont have a single image in their portfolio, at least not any headshots. That is what a portfolio is for. The clients you can get, are based on the quality of your work. If you dont have any work, its gonna be hard to get a client.

[@ahenry6171]

I am so glad i seen this reply. I have been looking to see how i can help my husband word the email.

[@relaxwithme__]

Thanks for sharing. What camera/lenses do you shoot with?

[@southerncharity7928]

No portfolio = family and friends

[@NSNorfolk]

Logan Cressler you make some great points. I started a business which went on for 35 years. I say that to support your comments by saying that to be truly successful, one must promote every day, sell your talents but above all, sell integrity. Do that, continue to always educate and improve and the business will come.

[@Garbid]

Not a big deal to find few houses (friends or relatives) to shoot for free. Plus no stress, no hurry. Result good photos for portfolio and job for money from first day when you will go to real estate agents with portfolio)

[@JustoShowCartoons]

This has sparked my interest! I've made money photographing people, but Real Estate. Time to learn!!!

[@raw3239]

JustoShow how is that coming along?

[@n8tiveashii]

So how did it go?

[@travelintexas2492]

first thing I noticed was GREAT audio! So crisp! Now to watching the rest of the video! Cheers and thank you for the video

[@TWIP]

You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

[@femibranded469]

The flow of this interview is absolutely amazing. Great job Federick and Rich Baum

[@TWIP]

Thank you Femi! I appreciate that.

[@tintin69rr]

Great video I’m just on the turning point at looking at getting into real estate just getting the gear together while soaking up info from great videos like this brilliant 👍👍👍🍻

[@TWIP]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@TurnerCommaCarson]

I’m just getting started into real estate photography and I love watching Rich’s videos. He’s so clear and easy to understand with his videos. Awesome interview!

[@chiltonjamesgabilan8821]

in case you need a photo editor just inbox me . ;)

[@stanleylink3554]

Great Job man! I'm a Realtor in Kenya but honestly have learned a lot from this video.

[@nxkstmedia7385]

Stanley Link shout out to Kenya! You should do video too man! It will set you apart from the other agents!

[@chiltonjamesgabilan8821]

In case you need a photo editor just inbox me

[@mbnyus]

Fantastic interview, great questions and love the honesty and advice from Rich, he is a great guy..!!

[@eaglejp6122]

Glad i found that person.

[@HobbyDad1989]

Just discovered your channel. Absolutely love all of your conversations with architectural and real estate photographers! Thanks for you thoughtful and really great questions! Suuuper informative and helpful. I'll be a permanent subscriber from now on!

[@TWIP]

Welcome Nubar!

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

Not only is it not easy but to make it work, one must be able to process images quickly.

[@NSNorfolk]

You a superb interviewer and this was a very helpful 30 mins. The opinion of a 30 year photographer. Started with a Canon AE-1.

[@TWIP]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[@daniellerochford3790]

I want a career change. Real Estate photography may be the one.

[@izzyh.3581]

Hey Danielle, did you make the move? I've been a gig worker for almost a year and thinking about this too since my schedule is all mine to make. Let me know how you're doing ☺️

[@ZapytajFotografa]

Good questions, thank you for that video

[@MTNPANTS]

What a great interview! I’ve followed Frederick and TWIP for over 6 years and am a member of Rich’s FB group. Both fantastic resources. Thank you both!

[@exaniahislop7040]

Very great information. My questions have been answered, you have a new subscriber!

[@Fotozones]

This is great! Thanks for putting this out.

[@1988LM]

Awesome interview! Helpful to get started:)

[@richardjleonard6199]

Great show....

[@ExperimentoPhiladelphia]

You have an amazing voice, my friend. Great info and tips, thanks for the video!

[@christiancarl9851]

Thank you so very much for the great information Guys! 🙏💯🤙

[@celebrityphotography6738]

Very informative. Thanks for posting.

[@atalipsos9799]

Great video, thank you!

[@BYOOx5]

Can someone explain the benefit of having a high resolution camera for real estate photography? MLS only accept very small file sizes (less than 10mb) and do not understand. Thanks

[@RealHankShill]

Because MLS is not the only place real estate photos are posted, facebook is very popular, and if you upload a 640px image to facebook, they will butcher it and no one will buy the house. Because sometimes you need to shoot wide and crop in to eliminate distortion. Because most real estate togs also do other photography gigs and do not make 100% of their income solely from MLS listings, especially in the off season.

[@gordonmack7766]

10mb is high resolution. dont confuse mb for megapixel

[@candipererson5179]

I was a wedding photographer from 2002- 2010 and shot film all during that time. I still have all my gear,and would like to use that until I can switch over to digital. Your thoughts would be helpful, . Thanks, Rich! P.S. I am also a new subscriber and I'm lovin' your videos!

Using film would be too time consuming. Get a digital DSLR.

[@Sasan_Guitar]

What's s Frederick's podcast name?

[@TWIP]

This Week in Photo (TWiP)

[@charlesludwig9173]

Now some reality, the typical Realtor entertains professional photography for listings in the $250,000 plus range. Their budget is about $100 for 50 images. For the photographer to realize a $50 per hour rate means about 1 hour allowance for shooting and another hour processing. For workflow at that demanded speed, the photographer must master handheld shooting, TTL on-camera flash, presets, art elements, composition and color theory enough to get awesome results, without need for PS, tripod, or tilt-shift lens to deliver the product. Bottom-line is about two minutes per image for a result which will WOW the Realtor. Just looking at MLS images makes me believe Realtors are inclined to just use their cell phones, since few folks delivering professional photography have the knowledge and skill to get 50 images mostly in camera with single on camera flash in a 2 hour period. Also, keep in mind even if a two hour schedule can be mustered, drive time to and from listing , and other time obligations will still usually preclude the photographer to just one outing per day, meaning maybe $600 a week income. One more thing, the most meaningful craft in real estate photography is not camera or editing mechanics but rather art/architecture/interior design credentials. In other words graphic arts may be the best background for success as a real estate photographer. sterlingimagesphotography.com

[@kuttykathir3244]

I am real estate photography editor My mail,,,, [e-mail]

[@VisualAFMedia]

keep that lowball shit in kentucky

[@hotwireman49]

That looks like a Taylor hanging there on the wall.

[@BrianKurtzRealtor]

Real-tor. Not Real-a-tor. There is no “a” in between the l and the t. Some may say I am nit-picking...but this is a big area of irritation to agents. So NOT doing things that irritate the customer is usually a good approach to business.

[@Brando-_-440]

Mr Kurtz gtfo tomato potato

[@50antigua50]

.... I couldnt care less if they call me a real-toor or Real-ah-toor..... because even I say Real-a-toor from time to time...

[@payupich]

I’m an architect… Just sell the house no one cares and cool realtors don’t care either there’s enough in life to be irritated about

[@chrisa7672]

You say that as if the English language is phonetically consistent. It is not. It's not obvious how to pronounce Realtor regardless of how it's spelled.

[@chiltonjamesgabilan8821]

Good day, Im a RE photo editor just inbox me if you need an Editor