Real estate photography is one of the most accessible ways to start earning money with your camera. Unlike wedding or portrait photography, you don't need years of experience to produce professional results. With the right equipment, techniques, and workflow, you can be shooting properties within weeks.
Why Real Estate Photography?
The real estate market is massive, and every property that goes on the market needs photos. That's millions of potential jobs every year. Here's why it's a great starting point:
- Consistent demand: People are always buying and selling homes
- Repeat clients: Agents list multiple properties per year
- Predictable workflow: Every shoot follows a similar process
- Daytime hours: Most shoots happen during business hours
- Quick turnaround: Shoots typically take 1-2 hours
Essential Equipment
You don't need the most expensive gear to get started, but there are some non-negotiables. Here's what you'll need:
Camera Body
A full-frame mirrorless camera is ideal, but an APS-C sensor will work fine when you're starting out. Look for good low-light performance and dynamic range. Popular choices include the Sony a7 III, Canon EOS R6, or Nikon Z6 II.
Wide-Angle Lens
This is arguably more important than your camera body. You need a lens that can capture entire rooms in a single frame. A 16-35mm zoom lens is the standard. The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 is an excellent budget option.
Tripod
A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. You'll be shooting at low ISOs with longer shutter speeds to get clean, noise-free images. Any camera shake will ruin your shots. Invest in something solid like the Manfrotto 190X.
360° Camera (Recommended)
Virtual tours are increasingly requested by agents. The Ricoh Theta Z1 is the industry standard and can significantly increase your earning potential.
Core Techniques to Master
1. Composition
Good composition makes the difference between amateur and professional photos. Key principles include:
- Shoot from corners to show maximum space
- Keep vertical lines straight (no converging walls)
- Position the camera at chest height (about 4-5 feet)
- Include two walls in most interior shots
- Lead the eye through the space
2. Lighting
Real estate photography is all about balancing different light sources. You'll deal with natural window light, artificial interior lights, and sometimes mixed color temperatures. Learn to:
- Turn on all lights in the home
- Assess the natural light direction
- Use bracketed exposures for HDR blending
- Balance interior and exterior exposure
3. Camera Settings
For most interior shots, you'll want:
- Aperture: f/7.1 to f/9 (sharp throughout)
- ISO: 100-400 (keep it low for clean images)
- Shutter speed: Whatever the scene requires (tripod handles blur)
- White balance: Auto or 5500K
The Typical Shoot Workflow
Understanding the workflow will help you shoot efficiently. Here's what a typical property shoot looks like:
- Arrive and assess: Walk through the property, note any issues, plan your shots
- Prep the space: Turn on lights, open blinds, quick declutter if needed
- Exterior shots: Start outside while the light is good
- Interior shots: Work room by room systematically
- 360° tour: Capture virtual tour if included
- Final walkthrough: Check you haven't missed anything
- Upload and deliver: Transfer files, notify team
Getting Your First Jobs
The hardest part of starting any photography business is landing those first clients. Here are your options:
Option 1: Join a Network (Recommended)
Platforms like LensLooper connect trained photographers with agents who need shoots. You get training, consistent work, and don't have to worry about marketing, editing, or invoicing. This is the fastest path to earning.
Option 2: Direct Outreach
Contact local real estate agents directly. Offer a discounted or free first shoot to build your portfolio. This takes time but gives you full control over pricing and client relationships.
Option 3: Partner with Established Photographers
Many busy real estate photographers need second shooters. Reach out to offer your services as an assistant or backup shooter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crooked verticals: Nothing screams amateur like tilted walls. Always straighten in post.
- Blown windows: Overexposed windows look unprofessional. Learn HDR techniques or window pulls.
- Shooting too wide: Ultra-wide angles distort rooms unrealistically. Stay around 16-20mm equivalent.
- Missing key features: Always capture what sells the home—kitchen, bathrooms, backyard, special features.
- Poor timing: Arrive on time. Agents are busy and delays hurt your reputation.
Next Steps
Ready to get started? Here's your action plan:
- Get your equipment sorted (check our equipment guide)
- Practice shooting homes of friends and family
- Study professional real estate photos online
- Consider formal training to fast-track your learning
- Build a small portfolio of 10-15 properties
- Start reaching out for paid work
Real estate photography is a learnable skill with real earning potential. The photographers in our network average $190 per job, with many completing 3-5 shoots per week. With dedication and the right training, you can be there too.