2 thumbs up Nathan, lots of good points. IMHO opinion the 2 most important things are: #1 - Be personable and fun to work with, at the end of the day you are selling yourself. Be that guy or girl that realtors look forward to working with because you carry yourself in a friendly, professional manor and provide a quality product along with top-notch service. Your best clients will be referrals from your current clients. I've never done any marketing from day 1. Started with one agent that I offered my service to for free (I know Nathan, I know...lol). 6 years later I have over 125 clients...100% word of mouth. I'd like to think it is because I am an awesome photographer, but it's more because I am easy to work with and don't sweat the small stuff. #2 - NEVER stop trying to improve. Whether its the quality of your photos, your workflow, or just going the extra mile, it will all pay off. If I was to give a tip to a "green" aspiring Real Estate photographer as to where to find business to get started, Try going to FSBO.com and look for listings that have the crapiest photos and then send a postcard to the owner detailing how professionally photographed properties sell faster and at a better price and that professional photography is an investment, not an expense. You may not get repeat business from this type of client, but if you are just starting out it is a way to hone your craft and make a few bucks in the process as you build a client base.
I have a feeling that a lot of folks have careers because of your solid teaching, advice and guidance ...I for one couldn’t have done it without your teachings. Thank you for another solid tutorial.
Thank you Nathan. I am a real estate photographer in south Florida. I have been watching and learning from you videos and books for about the past year. Between Rich Baum, Wayne Capelli and you there are plenty of great videos on real estate photography, but this particular video is important for all photographers who want to succeed. We spend a lot of time on technique, tips and tricks but far too little time on good business practices. This video clearly communicates components of business success that do not involve gear or how we use gear. But good business practices are vital to the success of any business and too many talented people fall far short of their potential only because they lack understanding or fail to practice sound business methods. Thanks again Nathan, and please keep the books and videos coming.
Did my first shoot yesterday and the client seems very happy with the photos, so that's exciting! Like you said I'm hoping to slowly ramp things up and get more and more houses from this agent to build the portfolio and build my photography kit/skills. Thanks for the motivation and making things clear, I've learned so much from your channel.
Thanks again Nathan for sharing. It is good advice to ramp up. I bought your book series and while sometimes I stray to see what others are saying, I always come back to you. Must be the T-Shirt. I sweat a lot on my shoots, so I tend to dress down and try to stay ‘Cool’!
That’s some real world insight right there. Nathan, thanks for this very clear instruction. I have your books and am still at the “getting really good” stage, and I’m not going to rush it.
Thanks Nathan. I have my own electrical/handyman business and being professional and NICE is paramount. I am starting my new real estate photography business - yep, change of career, and I am learning as much as possible from you and others. I believe I am quite lucky as most of my work already comes from realtors. I love this type of photography.
Another great video! I've done some RE work, but mostly with my drones. The interiors that I've done...well, I did the best I could at that time. My biggest question has to do with 'who is responsible for having the house cleaned up and ready for shooting'?? One REA I worked for seemed to be expecting me to do that. One, had asked the home owner to do it...but it wasn't done so we had to go room by room with them cleaning everything up in one room, me taking my photos, and then moving on to the next room. From what you've said in this video, it sounds like I should have just kept charging by the hour. I am really looking forward to getting your books later this month. Thank you again for your videos. They're extremely helpful!
Thanks! This depends on you, but I cover that in the business techniques book, here's a link if you want to check it out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB47JRT
Yeah, Nathan, some of those guys on Rich Baum's Tips and Tricks are brutal! lol But I've met some super nice folks on there too. I usually advise they buy your Real Estate Photography Series of books! I love that I can take your books to the computer and following your instruction real time. Love it!
killer video filled with tons of content. Thank you for being so direct and clear with your communication. Content is easy to digest and well worth the time to listen. Thanks again!
Thanks for all the tips, love this! I have a relator that sold me my home a few years ago who I became close with (she's done it a long time) I might start with her and see if she or someone she knows needs a photographer. Maybe even if she has a few homes I could just photograph to help build a portfolio :)
Thank you, Nathan! It has been 5 months since I started with the real estate photography, I liaise with two local agencies on regular basis. I was wondering how I would go forward to get more work and checked your channel just couple of days ago to see if you had posted any videos on that subject. And found it today. Thank you so much for the idea of presentations!
Thank you Nathan, I have been using your techniques and books to get going as a photographer after leaving real estate sales. I really appreciate and enjoy your approach to the subject and skill of real estate photography.. sincere thanks.
A very welcome video chock full of practical advice. Having purchased two of your books I looked forward to using this info in conjunction with your business book. Thank you for sharing.
I find your videos always inspiring and informative. This episode is no exception. I have one request. Can you also talk about pricing? I know it's different from state to state and it varies from one photographer to another. I'd like to know your thought about pricing in general.
Thanks Daniel. If you're still struggling, I'll throw it out there that I do offer remote photography coaching. If you're getting stuck then a session or two with me may help. You can email me for more info at Nathan@NathanCoolPhoto.com
Nathan, it would be interesting to hear your experience and tips at the part time stage of the game. I’m also an engineer getting my toes wet and am interested what you went through.
I love this thank you for sharing. Do you have a more in-depth video about how to find agents or an updated video to this after a business relocating to another state into a new market for real estate photography when their work is industry standard?
Great video. You touched briefly on "time" and "fast". My work is fairly good but it takes me 2.5 hours to do a fully developed 1500 sq. ft. 2 story. Is this average?
Where your skill is now (and the time it takes to shoot and edit) won't be where it will be a year from now. Anything that's good takes time and practice to refine and optimize, so it's something to consider as you move forward and set your "current" pricing. It's something I touch on in my business techniques book: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB47JRT/
Actually, I cover what to charge in the business techniques book www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB47JRT ...and it is a loaded question with a lot of variables, which is why it's often not discussed. I break down he complications surrounding price setting, tiers, markets, etc., and I plan on having a video in the coming months to talk about it as well.
Brilliant - helpful and a treat to watch. Thanks, Nathan. What about learning and employing basic sales techniques? We are, after all is said and done, in the Sales business. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks Keith. I think all businesses can benefit from "some" sales techniques, but in REP it's more a matter of landing long-term clients, whereas many traditional sales approaches target one-offs. Marketing, on the other hand (not sales) is where the long game comes into play, so by working on long-term relationships versus concentration on sales (per se) is where I've found the biggest benefit: branding my name attached to my reputation.
@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks, Nathan. I understand what you're saying - I come from a traditional and long sales background so I see what you mean. Maybe you could make a video on how to deal with difficult clients? How to smooth things over? Best wishes, Keith
Hi Travis, that's a commonly asked question, and a good one too. The thing is, it depends on not just shooting real estate, but instead your investment into the totality of the work you may do. I discuss that throughout my REP series, here's a link if you want to check that out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NLRKNM?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf
curious, after watching the video you mentioned reaching out to agents for houses in my own neighborhood to get my 1-2 agents to try and work with regularly and build with. What are your thoughts on a house that's currently listed as FSBO? it's a flipped house, was remodeled and looks great! inside and out from the photos on it's listing. however, the photos are pretty poor. would that be someone you'd suggest reaching out to as well, even if it ends up being a one-time thing? I suppose if anything it could be good for practice and portfolio building. My other question, You mentioned to get pro critique.. outside of the photog groups on FB and the like... is there anyone you'd recommend? or if you're willing, how could i reach out to you?
about your comment about wedding photographers..I have a similar question. I want to do Pet Photography but also would like to do real estate photography as well. My question is about the company name I had picked "Martin Pet Photography" but think it would put off the agents in choosing me for real estate work, what do you think. Thanks
The free option is from a Google service called "Google My Business". It's something I explain even further in this video: th-cam.com/video/8LVGcTKQJFY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Nathan, I have a question. I recently did a free photo shoot of 2 apartments, fully furnished by a home staging agency. As a feedback, I got a message that they didn't like my photos (I did the photos through flambient Technik and I think they turned out fine). My question is how do you get someone to pay you for the work, because when you do it for free, people instinctively think you're an amateur. I live in Germany and here people think a picture with an iphone is enough. My question is how do I get someone to become my client and pay for it?
These are things I talk about at length in my book "Business Techniques for Real Estate Photography" here's a link if you'd like to check that out: www.amazon.de/dp/B07FB47JRT
Hey Nathan. First of all thank you for all the information you put out there. I have a question. I met a lot of realtors that use companies that not only provide them with good images but also matterport and floor plans all in one package deal. How do I compete with that when I only do photography?
Thanks! I talk about that in the business techniques book. Think about this: would you rather eat at a restaurant that only serves one item or a restaurant that offers more choices? Same goes for any business: the more services you can provide the better chance you have of getting clients. That doesn't mean you need to do all of the services yourself, but with a network you can. Clients would rather not make 5 calls for 5 services...just one. Here's a link to my business technique book if you'd like to check that out: www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB47JRT
Awesome thanks for sharing these tips. I want to start doing RE photography what focal length do you recommend to start super wide angle lens or something in the 24mm? I used to be a Nikon shooter now I am Fujifilm. I will appreciate your feedback 🙏
Hi Juan, in many cases you will want something wider, but it's important to also know when, and also why. Since you are starting out in RE photography, I would suggest giving my interiors e-book a read, which should help answer this and many other questions as well. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755KXSL4
First, take a look at this video which might answer some of that th-cam.com/video/2CNMFSQbSZM/w-d-xo.html Next, consider doing research in your area to find out who is doing what, and if they might be a fit for you.
99% of my shoots are during the week, so I'd say that's a slim chance, not impossible, but not likely. Availability is key to clients, and if you aren't readily available, you likely won't get the call for gigs.
2 thumbs up Nathan, lots of good points. IMHO opinion the 2 most important things are:
#1 - Be personable and fun to work with, at the end of the day you are selling yourself. Be that guy or girl that realtors look forward to working with because you carry yourself in a friendly, professional manor and provide a quality product along with top-notch service. Your best clients will be referrals from your current clients. I've never done any marketing from day 1. Started with one agent that I offered my service to for free (I know Nathan, I know...lol). 6 years later I have over 125 clients...100% word of mouth. I'd like to think it is because I am an awesome photographer, but it's more because I am easy to work with and don't sweat the small stuff.
#2 - NEVER stop trying to improve. Whether its the quality of your photos, your workflow, or just going the extra mile, it will all pay off.
If I was to give a tip to a "green" aspiring Real Estate photographer as to where to find business to get started, Try going to FSBO.com and look for listings that have the crapiest photos and then send a postcard to the owner detailing how professionally photographed properties sell faster and at a better price and that professional photography is an investment, not an expense. You may not get repeat business from this type of client, but if you are just starting out it is a way to hone your craft and make a few bucks in the process as you build a client base.
Think Nathan covered it pretty well
I have a feeling that a lot of folks have careers because of your solid teaching, advice and guidance ...I for one couldn’t have done it without your teachings. Thank you for another solid tutorial.
Thanks Roxanne, you just made my day...week...month...heck, year for that matter :)
Thank you Nathan. I am a real estate photographer in south Florida. I have been watching and learning from you videos and books for about the past year. Between Rich Baum, Wayne Capelli and you there are plenty of great videos on real estate photography, but this particular video is important for all photographers who want to succeed. We spend a lot of time on technique, tips and tricks but far too little time on good business practices. This video clearly communicates components of business success that do not involve gear or how we use gear. But good business practices are vital to the success of any business and too many talented people fall far short of their potential only because they lack understanding or fail to practice sound business methods. Thanks again Nathan, and please keep the books and videos coming.
Did my first shoot yesterday and the client seems very happy with the photos, so that's exciting! Like you said I'm hoping to slowly ramp things up and get more and more houses from this agent to build the portfolio and build my photography kit/skills.
Thanks for the motivation and making things clear, I've learned so much from your channel.
Excellent. Thank you Nathan. I have been a filmmaker for 30 years and I am just now getting into real estate videography and photography.
Awesome! Glad you liked it Larry. This other video might also be helpful: th-cam.com/video/wm2yoEojQuY/w-d-xo.html
Pure gold. Much appreciated Nathan. Keep up the premium tutorials. I'm addicted.
Thank you so much very informative
The Guru of teaching. Thank you
Thanks again Nathan for sharing. It is good advice to ramp up. I bought your book series and while sometimes I stray to see what others are saying, I always come back to you. Must be the T-Shirt. I sweat a lot on my shoots, so I tend to dress down and try to stay ‘Cool’!
That’s some real world insight right there. Nathan, thanks for this very clear instruction. I have your books and am still at the “getting really good” stage, and I’m not going to rush it.
Awesome! Art is a journey...love that you aren't rushing into things.
Thanks Nathan. I have my own electrical/handyman business and being professional and NICE is paramount.
I am starting my new real estate photography business - yep, change of career, and I am learning as much as possible from you and others.
I believe I am quite lucky as most of my work already comes from realtors.
I love this type of photography.
Another great video! I've done some RE work, but mostly with my drones. The interiors that I've done...well, I did the best I could at that time.
My biggest question has to do with 'who is responsible for having the house cleaned up and ready for shooting'?? One REA I worked for seemed to be expecting me to do that. One, had asked the home owner to do it...but it wasn't done so we had to go room by room with them cleaning everything up in one room, me taking my photos, and then moving on to the next room.
From what you've said in this video, it sounds like I should have just kept charging by the hour. I am really looking forward to getting your books later this month. Thank you again for your videos. They're extremely helpful!
Thanks! This depends on you, but I cover that in the business techniques book, here's a link if you want to check it out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB47JRT
Yeah, Nathan, some of those guys on Rich Baum's Tips and Tricks are brutal! lol But I've met some super nice folks on there too. I usually advise they buy your Real Estate Photography Series of books! I love that I can take your books to the computer and following your instruction real time. Love it!
killer video filled with tons of content. Thank you for being so direct and clear with your communication. Content is easy to digest and well worth the time to listen. Thanks again!
Great advice Nathan! Thank you!
Man I was having a panic attack, thanks for all your help. Keep up the amazing work
Lots of great information in this video, thank you!
Thanks for all the tips, love this! I have a relator that sold me my home a few years ago who I became close with (she's done it a long time) I might start with her and see if she or someone she knows needs a photographer. Maybe even if she has a few homes I could just photograph to help build a portfolio :)
Thank you, Nathan! It has been 5 months since I started with the real estate photography, I liaise with two local agencies on regular basis. I was wondering how I would go forward to get more work and checked your channel just couple of days ago to see if you had posted any videos on that subject. And found it today. Thank you so much for the idea of presentations!
Thank you Nathan, I have been using your techniques and books to get going as a photographer after leaving real estate sales. I really appreciate and enjoy your approach to the subject and skill of real estate photography.. sincere thanks.
Thank you Nathan for taking the time and effort to put this together, great stuff!
Thank you for the great information Nathan. Really appreciate you putting this out!
A very welcome video chock full of practical advice. Having purchased two of your books I looked forward to using this info in conjunction with your business book. Thank you for sharing.
I find your videos always inspiring and informative. This episode is no exception. I have one request. Can you also talk about pricing? I know it's different from state to state and it varies from one photographer to another. I'd like to know your thought about pricing in general.
Great as always! Thanks!
I’m trying to get faster & still look really great.
Still can’t get quick with ceiling fans & shadows..
Thanks Daniel. If you're still struggling, I'll throw it out there that I do offer remote photography coaching. If you're getting stuck then a session or two with me may help. You can email me for more info at Nathan@NathanCoolPhoto.com
Nathan, great video. Thanks
I just want to thank you for your incredibly valuable information you shared here!!
Hey Nathan, can't thank you enough for your helpful content. I'm in the phase of building my portfolio right now. Thanks again for sharing all this.
Nathan, it would be interesting to hear your experience and tips at the part time stage of the game. I’m also an engineer getting my toes wet and am interested what you went through.
I'll definitely give that some thought Kenneth!
I love this thank you for sharing. Do you have a more in-depth video about how to find agents or an updated video to this after a business relocating to another state into a new market for real estate photography when their work is industry standard?
Thank you! This video should help: th-cam.com/video/wm2yoEojQuY/w-d-xo.html
That was very helpful, thank you.
Awesome video, very informative and in depth.
Every word in this video said was helpful, thanks nathan
Strategies I'll follow. Thank you.
Great info, Nathan. Hopefully this will be able to help out new folks in our industry.
Great information at a time that I am in the preparation stage! Thank you!
Fantastic video
Great video. You touched briefly on "time" and "fast". My work is fairly good but it takes me 2.5 hours to do a fully developed 1500 sq. ft. 2 story. Is this average?
Where your skill is now (and the time it takes to shoot and edit) won't be where it will be a year from now. Anything that's good takes time and practice to refine and optimize, so it's something to consider as you move forward and set your "current" pricing. It's something I touch on in my business techniques book: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB47JRT/
@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks. I'll take a look at that. Really appreciate your videos. I've learned a lot from them.
Great job man. Very good info, very well presented👍🏾
Thank you so much your are an amazing guy with great knowledge! Big supporter!
Thanks for the video! I'm going to get your business book today!
On small detail I think is super-important. How much to charge? People seem to have issues giving us an estimate of how rates work in this industry.
Actually, I cover what to charge in the business techniques book www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB47JRT ...and it is a loaded question with a lot of variables, which is why it's often not discussed. I break down he complications surrounding price setting, tiers, markets, etc., and I plan on having a video in the coming months to talk about it as well.
Brilliant - helpful and a treat to watch. Thanks, Nathan. What about learning and employing basic sales techniques? We are, after all is said and done, in the Sales business. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks Keith. I think all businesses can benefit from "some" sales techniques, but in REP it's more a matter of landing long-term clients, whereas many traditional sales approaches target one-offs. Marketing, on the other hand (not sales) is where the long game comes into play, so by working on long-term relationships versus concentration on sales (per se) is where I've found the biggest benefit: branding my name attached to my reputation.
@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks, Nathan. I understand what you're saying - I come from a traditional and long sales background so I see what you mean. Maybe you could make a video on how to deal with difficult clients? How to smooth things over? Best wishes, Keith
Great idea Keith, it's on my todo list for sure.
Useful information business side of the real estate photography, thank you for sharing
Great advice - thanks
Great information, thank you
Nathan, any recommendations or comments on using a crop sensor platform (Fujifilm)?
Hi Travis, that's a commonly asked question, and a good one too. The thing is, it depends on not just shooting real estate, but instead your investment into the totality of the work you may do. I discuss that throughout my REP series, here's a link if you want to check that out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NLRKNM?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf
thanks Nathan!
curious, after watching the video you mentioned reaching out to agents for houses in my own neighborhood to get my 1-2 agents to try and work with regularly and build with. What are your thoughts on a house that's currently listed as FSBO? it's a flipped house, was remodeled and looks great! inside and out from the photos on it's listing. however, the photos are pretty poor. would that be someone you'd suggest reaching out to as well, even if it ends up being a one-time thing? I suppose if anything it could be good for practice and portfolio building.
My other question, You mentioned to get pro critique.. outside of the photog groups on FB and the like... is there anyone you'd recommend? or if you're willing, how could i reach out to you?
Very inspirational, thank you!
Nathan, It's 1:20 am... I just had to watch one more... :) Thanks...
about your comment about wedding photographers..I have a similar question. I want to do Pet Photography but also would like to do real estate photography as well.
My question is about the company name I had picked "Martin Pet Photography" but think it would put off the agents in choosing me for real estate work, what do you think.
Thanks
Hi Martin, it's all about branding, and something I also cover in the biz book: www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB47JRT
Great Video. Very informative.
This is great info. Appreciate this video. Cheers!
I use Google to advertise but it costs about $3 a click so Im not clear where you get free ads on Google
The free option is from a Google service called "Google My Business". It's something I explain even further in this video: th-cam.com/video/8LVGcTKQJFY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Nathan, I have a question. I recently did a free photo shoot of 2 apartments, fully furnished by a home staging agency. As a feedback, I got a message that they didn't like my photos (I did the photos through flambient Technik and I think they turned out fine).
My question is how do you get someone to pay you for the work, because when you do it for free, people instinctively think you're an amateur.
I live in Germany and here people think a picture with an iphone is enough. My question is how do I get someone to become my client and pay for it?
These are things I talk about at length in my book "Business Techniques for Real Estate Photography" here's a link if you'd like to check that out: www.amazon.de/dp/B07FB47JRT
Hey Nathan. First of all thank you for all the information you put out there. I have a question. I met a lot of realtors that use companies that not only provide them with good images but also matterport and floor plans all in one package deal. How do I compete with that when I only do photography?
Thanks! I talk about that in the business techniques book. Think about this: would you rather eat at a restaurant that only serves one item or a restaurant that offers more choices? Same goes for any business: the more services you can provide the better chance you have of getting clients. That doesn't mean you need to do all of the services yourself, but with a network you can. Clients would rather not make 5 calls for 5 services...just one. Here's a link to my business technique book if you'd like to check that out: www.amazon.com/dp/B07FB47JRT
Wonderful video! Thank you so much!) with Love from Russia :)
Awesome thanks for sharing these tips. I want to start doing RE photography what focal length do you recommend to start super wide angle lens or something in the 24mm? I used to be a Nikon shooter now I am Fujifilm. I will appreciate your feedback 🙏
Hi Juan, in many cases you will want something wider, but it's important to also know when, and also why. Since you are starting out in RE photography, I would suggest giving my interiors e-book a read, which should help answer this and many other questions as well. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755KXSL4
Nathan Cool Photo Thank you, yes I am definitely buying your book tons of great information 👍
I'm from Arizona and alot of people have tint on windows can you do a room that might be so dark but want to get the window pull
Yep, here ya go: th-cam.com/video/Q3wStUWvw1o/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Nathan. How do you go about finding reliable service providers for other services you offer or work you sub out, like video editing?
First, take a look at this video which might answer some of that th-cam.com/video/2CNMFSQbSZM/w-d-xo.html Next, consider doing research in your area to find out who is doing what, and if they might be a fit for you.
Wished I'd watched this sooner.
I asked my friends to shoot their homes for practice. And I offered a few freebie shoots to start to build my portfolio.
This guy is a stud!
Thank you!
Thanks Tony ....I mean Nathan.
i love this so much!
Thank you sir
Can u do real estate photos if uare mostly available weekends.
99% of my shoots are during the week, so I'd say that's a slim chance, not impossible, but not likely. Availability is key to clients, and if you aren't readily available, you likely won't get the call for gigs.