Real estate photography is one of the most accessible and engaging types of photography imaginable. If you have a passion for creativity and a good eye for photographs, chances are you’ll excel at this career. But what can you do to land the best real estate photography jobs, especially if you’re just getting started? What are the qualities that make a great property photographer?
Well, to stand out from the crowd, you should meet certain character traits that will help you win over real estate agents and score the most desirable real estate photographer jobs available.
4 Character Traits to Land the Best Real Estate Photography Jobs
1) Patience
Of course, having the right gear and knowing what to look for while taking high-quality real estate photos are important factors in snagging the top real estate photographer jobs. But without patience, you’ll find that your career as a property photographer may be short-lived!
Here’s why:
In our recent poll, over 50% of HomeJab’s photographers said that homeowners aren’t ready for the photoshoot “about half” or “more than half” of the time. That’s why it’s important to practice patience: it’s often part of real estate photography jobs to wait for the home to be prepped.
Don’t get us wrong: it’s equally important to be respectful of everyone’s time. But when time permits, a patient real estate photographer will be more successful than one who doesn’t stick around.
Patient property photographers understand that selling a home can be a stressful process. They know that homeowners and real estate agents are juggling many tasks, which makes preparing the home for a photoshoot even more challenging.
But even though some photoshoots are delayed, property photographers can move through vacant homes quickly and make up for lost time. Granted, some shots are a breeze while others take longer to capture. But it all evens out in the end, and that’s why it pays to be patient.
2) Flexibility
Real estate photographer jobs can be unpredictable. It’s hard to know when — and if — a set of homeowners will be ready for their photoshoots.
After all, Life happens: kids get sick; contractors get delayed; pets get into mischief … the list goes on.
So, when you find yourself having to reschedule a photoshoot, can you be flexible?
Top-performing photographers schedule photoshoots on short notice. If the client cancels at the last minute, they can rightfully charge a same-day cancellation fee.
It’s also worth mentioning that photographers who land the best real estate photography jobs don’t penalize their clients unless the cancellation happens on the same day.
This is because real estate agents have little control over the many delays that occur throughout a home sale. Hence why flexible property photographers keep getting booked for the most sought-after real estate photography jobs: they roll with the punches and are quick to reschedule the photoshoot when necessary.
3) Communication
Communication is a crucial component of real estate photographer jobs.
Because the real estate industry is so dynamic, there’s no shortage of personality types involved. Therefore, communicating on a professional level and with a cheerful disposition can help you relate to individuals from all walks of life, no matter how different they may be.
Also, photographers who are proactive at communicating with real estate agents optimize their time and efficiency more so than those who don’t.
For example, when you take the initiative and call the customer the day of the photoshoot, you can confirm the time, learn what the home looks like, and ask if the agent has any special requests.
Many agents prefer that photographers contact them before the shoot to discuss a strategy. This can help avoid missing essential shots of the home, which is the most common complaint we hear from agents.
Being an effective communicator won’t only help you snag the top real estate photography jobs. You’ll also find that homeowners and agents will book you regularly to photograph their listings!
4) Positive Attitude and Infectious Energy
Positive real estate photographers don’t just see the glass half-full, they fill it completely!
This is because homeowners and agents are significantly more likely to book a photographer who’s upbeat and is motivated to do a good job.
It all comes down to having a positive attitude, which can be tough when you’re dealing with such a high-stakes environment. But if your attitude is negative, it can be contagious and detract from the sale.
On the other hand, a positive attitude can help homeowners and agents feel more relaxed during the photoshoot.
Now, you don’t have to dial up your “Positive Energy Bar” to Disney proportions. A simple smile and a little small talk should do the trick. The more amiable you are toward the homeowner, the better it reflects on the agent who hired you, which means more referrals and more business coming your way!
As a side note, the great thing about real estate photography jobs is that you don’t need to show up in a suit and tie or a pantsuit. But keep in mind that some informal clothes, such as hoodies, tye-dye tees, and flip flops, can make homeowners and agents feel a bit uncomfortable. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and shoot for a casual look that’s also professional. For example, you could don a simple collared shirt or blouse, jeans, and closed-toe shoes.
Recap of How to Win the Best Real Estate Photography Jobs
The four character traits that make up a great real estate photographer are patience, flexibility, communication, and a positive attitude. When you live by these qualities, you’ll be able to score the best real estate photography jobs time and again.
Looking to jumpstart your career in real estate photography? Apply now on our real estate photographer jobs page! If you’re still on the fence, then check out our ultimate guide to real estate photography and find out if this career move is right for you.
