Real estate photography isn't just about having the right gear or knowing how to use it. There are deeper pitfalls that can stall your growth, especially when you're starting. Learning to avoid these mistakes will help you grow your skills and your business.
Coming to you from Nathan Cool Photo, this practical video covers the top five mistakes that new real estate photographers often make. It starts with an issue that many beginners face: undercharging. It's tempting to lower your rates to secure clients, but this strategy can damage your reputation. Low rates may give the impression of poor quality. Cool points out that while some may offer as little as $100 for a shoot, data from Ruby Home in 2024 shows that rates between $200 and $300 are standard, with two-hour shoots fetching up to $640. This suggests that higher-paying clients exist nationwide. Charging what you're worth not only reflects your skill but also attracts clients who value quality.
Another mistake Cool highlights is trying to land clients before you're ready. Many new photographers rush into the market without honing their skills. This is often due to the Dunning-Kruger effect, where people overestimate their abilities. Cool advises that improving your craft first is crucial because real estate photography relies heavily on referrals. A bad first impression can tarnish your reputation quickly, especially in a field where clients spread the word. It’s vital to be confident that your work can compete before actively seeking clients.
A third common issue is taking advice from the wrong sources. Cool explains that friends might praise your work no matter what, but that doesn’t mean your photos are flawless. Likewise, social media can be full of toxic feedback. To truly improve, seek feedback from professionals whose work you admire. Follow them on platforms, study their style, and let that guide your development instead of relying on random advice. Thats just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Cool.
If you would like to continue your real estate photography learning journey, be sure to check out our range of tutorials in the Fstoppers store.
What's interesting about Real Estate Photography and I did do it for a little bit awhile and I made some good money out of it but there was one reason I stopped doing it. It is the least creative Photography you'll ever do. There is virtually zero scope for any creativity in Real Estate Photography as the images have to look a certain way and even the way you edit you can't do anything with it. It has to be that certain look that the Real Estate agents want. If you can handle the boredom of it I say go for it. There's some good money to be made in real estate Photography but it certainly not creative. It's probably the only form of Photography that I would not class art because there's zero creativity in it.
I agree with you, creativity has no place in real estate photography. Well there is one exception and that is the really high end real estate that is going to be marketed nationally or internationally by top tier realtors. However they can spot a new photographer a mile away so plan on shooting laundry rooms and bathrooms the size of a small closet. A bigger problem is the time frame of realtors, once they get a listing they want photos immediately, no matter the weather or condition of the interior, those photos have to go up on MLS today! For a starting photographer it can be quite demoralizing as you pick up wet towels from a bathroom floor. It does build character though and prepares you for the even worse experience of shooting your first wedding.
As I see it, Real Estate Photography is NOT "art", but it IS "documentation". It is not a genre in which to express one's creative vision, but it is a genre in which to use one's skill set to help a realtor to sell a home.
I'm based in Australia and it's very strict here. They actually have laws which state the images actually have to look exactly the same as as if you're walking into the Home even adjusting some of the editing they cracked down on that they have been complaints that people rock up to the Home and it doesn't look like anything like the photo and it waste peoples time so the authority is here. Introduced really strict rules about how the photos look and I stopped doing it after that I thought that I'm out. My photos were good but the scrutiny every time I sent the email with the photos was just ridiculous. It is very different here because what was happening is people would come and view the home and complained that it didn't look anything like the photos not necessarily mine but other people. You couldn't jazz it up in anyway because of the rules.