Real estate photography can absolutely be a full-time income. Many photographers in our network have made the transition from side hustle to primary career. Here's how the path typically unfolds.
The Numbers
Let's start with realistic income expectations:
- Average job payout: $150-$250 (varies by market and services)
- Shoot time: 1-2 hours per property
- Part-time (5-10 shoots/week): $750-$2,500/week
- Full-time (15-20 shoots/week): $2,250-$5,000/week
With a network like LensLooper handling editing, invoicing, and client acquisition, you can focus entirely on shooting—maximizing the number of properties you can photograph.
Phase 1: The Side Hustle (Months 1-3)
Most photographers start while keeping their day job. This phase is about learning and building confidence.
Goals
- Complete your certification training
- Shoot your first 20-30 properties
- Develop a consistent workflow
- Get comfortable with equipment and settings
Typical Schedule
- 2-4 shoots on weekends
- Occasional weekday shoots (taking time off work)
- 3-8 shoots per week total
Income Range
$400-$1,500/week (supplemental income)
Phase 2: The Transition (Months 4-8)
As you get faster and more confident, you can take on more shoots. This is when many photographers start thinking about going full-time.
Goals
- Increase weekly shoots to 10-15
- Add specialty services (360 tours, drone if certified)
- Build savings for the transition
- Optimize your workflow for efficiency
Key Decisions
- Get Part 107 certified: Drone jobs pay more and add variety
- Expand service area: Willing to drive further = more job options
- Improve availability: Weekday availability opens up more work
Income Range
$1,500-$3,000/week (approaching full-time equivalent)
Phase 3: Full-Time (Month 9+)
The leap to full-time is significant but achievable. Here's what it looks like.
When to Make the Jump
- Consistently earning 70%+ of your day job income from photography
- Have 3-6 months expenses saved as a buffer
- Strong demand in your market (jobs available when you want them)
- You genuinely enjoy the work and want to do more of it
Full-Time Schedule
- 3-5 shoots per day is achievable
- 15-25 shoots per week
- Shoot mornings and early afternoons (best light)
- Use late afternoons for admin, travel to next day's first location
Income Range
$3,000-$5,000+/week ($150k-$250k annual potential)
Keys to Success
1. Reliability
Show up on time, every time. Communicate clearly. Meet deadlines. This sounds basic, but reliability is the #1 factor in getting repeat work and priority routing.
2. Quality Consistency
Every shoot should meet the same standard. Agents need to trust that every listing will look professional. One bad shoot can cost you a long-term client relationship.
3. Efficiency
Time is money. The faster you can complete a shoot (without sacrificing quality), the more you can earn. Develop systems:
- Consistent shot list for each room type
- Efficient camera settings that rarely need adjustment
- Streamlined workflow from arrival to departure
- Fast upload process when you get home
4. Availability
More availability = more opportunities. If you're only available weekends, you're competing with every other side-hustler. Weekday availability sets you apart.
5. Service Expansion
Adding services increases your earning potential:
- 360 tours: Adds $50-$100 per job
- Drone/aerial: Adds $75-$150 per job
- Floor plans: Adds $50-$75 per job
- Twilight shoots: Premium pricing ($200-$400 per shoot)
Common Challenges
Seasonal Fluctuation
Real estate has seasons. Spring and summer are busiest. Winter slows down in many markets. Plan for this by:
- Saving during busy months
- Expanding service area in slow months
- Adding commercial/rental photography
Physical Demands
You're carrying equipment, climbing stairs, and shooting for hours. Take care of yourself:
- Good shoes (you'll walk miles)
- Comfortable camera bag/backpack
- Stay hydrated
- Watch your back when lifting gear
Isolation
Unlike office jobs, photography can be solitary. Combat this with:
- Join photography communities (like LensLooper's network)
- Attend local photographer meetups
- Connect with agents—they're often chatty
Is Full-Time Right for You?
Full-time real estate photography isn't for everyone. It's a great fit if you:
- Love photography and want to do it all day
- Prefer active work over desk work
- Are self-motivated and organized
- Don't mind variable income
- Enjoy meeting new people and seeing different homes
The path from side hustle to full-time career is proven. Thousands of photographers have made this transition. With training, dedication, and a network that supports you, there's no reason you can't be one of them.