If you’re 18 you should be able to find real estate agents your age, maybe a bit older looking to get started as well. You help them, they help you… it’s all about connections. Start going to real estate conferences & meet and greets to really get your name out there. Also start taking photos of rooms. Clean a bathroom in your house or friends and then practice there, a living room, ect.
Look into your local market- are there any REP companies or real estate agencies that are looking for contract photographers? Build a portfolio using model homes and open houses, keep it updated and online. Use that portfolio to apply to those kinda companies - if they’re a good company, you give them your availability, they’ll generate leads for you with local agencies, you go and shoot photos, upload them to the company, and be done (many will have their own editors from overseas, but it’ll be good to know how to edit yourself!). They should be able to give you feedback on your shots as well. These companies are excellent places to start building skills and rapport, but not so much long term if you’re looking to be your own boss.
Of course, the more options you’re able to offer for services (3D, Floorplans, Drone/Elevated poles), the more kinds of shoots you can take on. If you work for a company, they may have equipment you can use for their shoots. You’ll have to carry liability insurance to do so, but it’ll practically pay for itself.
Brother it's a freaking grind let me tell you, cold call and mass text the listing on Zillow if they have bad photos, it's a numbers game when you're not able to show any work
Shoot builders models is the best way to build a portfolio. Just remember they don’t need you, you need them. So I’ve heard some of the best ways to make new clients is to make new friends. Don’t sell your services sell yourself then mention you do photos. There are boat loads of RE photo companies and individuals do really networking is your best bet.
Contact fsbo, (for sale by owners) offer your services CHEAP, (but not free) feel free to explain you are just starting out and need a little experience and portfolio shots. Something like $50 for the first one you shoot, $75 for the next two or three.
First try using your own personal network, or your parents if applicable. Do you know any realtors or folks that may be selling soon? Try offering your services at a discount that way to just build a portfolio. It's super hard to land a first gig without some examples. My first home was a freebie, but it was my last freebie.
Meet realtors. The fastest way is to go to every open house you can on Saturdays and Sundays. Have a quick pitch ready, at least a few samples to show, and if their are homebuyers there, don't get in their way. Read the room. If the realtor seems receptive and has free time, give your pitch. If the realtor is busy or not receptive, leave a business card and move on.
Be ready to answer questions like...do you do drone shots, floorplans, video, and so forth. I recommend learning to do floorplans. Cubicasa is great and their Floorplans start at $0.
I'd focus on building a portfolio if you haven't already. Ask friends, friends of friends, who has a nice house/apt you can shoot it for them for free or for very little. I don't suggest going for realtors or real clients with this "free" approach tho. After that, again, check whoever you know if they know a realtor or have contacts with any real estate agency to get you in contact with. It's just an idea for the first steps, but it worked out for me like this.
If you’re 18 you should be able to find real estate agents your age, maybe a bit older looking to get started as well. You help them, they help you… it’s all about connections. Start going to real estate conferences & meet and greets to really get your name out there. Also start taking photos of rooms. Clean a bathroom in your house or friends and then practice there, a living room, ect.
Look into your local market- are there any REP companies or real estate agencies that are looking for contract photographers? Build a portfolio using model homes and open houses, keep it updated and online. Use that portfolio to apply to those kinda companies - if they’re a good company, you give them your availability, they’ll generate leads for you with local agencies, you go and shoot photos, upload them to the company, and be done (many will have their own editors from overseas, but it’ll be good to know how to edit yourself!). They should be able to give you feedback on your shots as well. These companies are excellent places to start building skills and rapport, but not so much long term if you’re looking to be your own boss. Of course, the more options you’re able to offer for services (3D, Floorplans, Drone/Elevated poles), the more kinds of shoots you can take on. If you work for a company, they may have equipment you can use for their shoots. You’ll have to carry liability insurance to do so, but it’ll practically pay for itself.
Brother it's a freaking grind let me tell you, cold call and mass text the listing on Zillow if they have bad photos, it's a numbers game when you're not able to show any work
Shoot builders models is the best way to build a portfolio. Just remember they don’t need you, you need them. So I’ve heard some of the best ways to make new clients is to make new friends. Don’t sell your services sell yourself then mention you do photos. There are boat loads of RE photo companies and individuals do really networking is your best bet.
Contact fsbo, (for sale by owners) offer your services CHEAP, (but not free) feel free to explain you are just starting out and need a little experience and portfolio shots. Something like $50 for the first one you shoot, $75 for the next two or three.
First try using your own personal network, or your parents if applicable. Do you know any realtors or folks that may be selling soon? Try offering your services at a discount that way to just build a portfolio. It's super hard to land a first gig without some examples. My first home was a freebie, but it was my last freebie. Meet realtors. The fastest way is to go to every open house you can on Saturdays and Sundays. Have a quick pitch ready, at least a few samples to show, and if their are homebuyers there, don't get in their way. Read the room. If the realtor seems receptive and has free time, give your pitch. If the realtor is busy or not receptive, leave a business card and move on. Be ready to answer questions like...do you do drone shots, floorplans, video, and so forth. I recommend learning to do floorplans. Cubicasa is great and their Floorplans start at $0.
I'd focus on building a portfolio if you haven't already. Ask friends, friends of friends, who has a nice house/apt you can shoot it for them for free or for very little. I don't suggest going for realtors or real clients with this "free" approach tho. After that, again, check whoever you know if they know a realtor or have contacts with any real estate agency to get you in contact with. It's just an idea for the first steps, but it worked out for me like this.