Photographer Orientation for Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC

Written By Kenneth Purdom

Orientation Videos

Tips and Tools

PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

PHOTOGRAPHY SETTINGS

  • All still photos to be delivered in RAW format 

  • 3 Brackets +2, 0, -2 (1) One flash bracket is appreciated but not required. This helps with color balance.

  • ISO should never be over 400 - Shoot at 400 ISO

  • F8-F10 is ideal for basic room photography 

  • Always use a tripod, remote, or timer

  • Image Stabilizer must be off while on a tripod 

  • Lens & sensor must be spot & dirt-free

  • Ball head Tripod

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

  • If it looks like rain or has just finished raining, contact us first.

  • Weather must be checked 24 hours in advance.

  • It's always a good idea to overshoot to reduce the risk of returning.

  • Represent yourself as Real Estate Photographer Pro, LLC. You are not permitted to market your photography services to anyone on-site (refer to the NDA).

  • Be sure to check your photos while shooting. If you need to adjust your exposure, use the exposure compensation feature.

  • Images must be crisp. No soft focus or grainy pictures will be accepted.

  • Landscape orientation for all photos.

  • If you are required to shoot photos in a narrow space and need to capture them in a portrait style, please ensure that you also shoot both angles, portrait and landscape.  There are times when you will need to use the portrait style shooting method to capture a shot that they are limited. The reason we limit the use of portrait-style photos for real estate is that when the images are placed online, and on some viewing platforms, the photo will have an extra crop added by the online platform, making it almost useless.

  • This ensures that only your shutter speed changes, rather than your aperture or ISO.

  • No people can be in the shots.

  • Upon arrival, meet with your point of contact at the property. 

  • Represent yourself as the Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC team.

  • Do not solicit business from any staff/management. 

  • Do not collect payment if the property is not ready or if you run into any issues. Contact Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC.

  • Ensure that all communication, whether before, during, or after, is shared with all parties. 

  • Always share your schedule and plans for the day with your family members.  Someone in your family unit must know where you are.

  • You may not use any photos or video (whether you have sent them to Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC or not) in any personal portfolio setting.

 

Shadow a Real Estate Photographer

 
Angles and photos needed for a Real Estate Photographer Pro photo shoot
 

Processing and Preparing Real Estate Photos for Editing

There is no need to edit Custom Trailer Pros photos or videos; we are now sending everything directly to the editors. But I have left this video in the orientation so that you can see the editing process. Please review the updated workflow for Custom Trailer Pros at the following link.

The Ultimate Guide to Trailer Photography and Videography for Custom Trailer Pros

www.realestatephotographerpro.com/blog/photography-and-videography-for-custom-trailer-pros

 
Photographer training Trailer Photography and Video for custom trailer pros
 

Photographer Orientation / Training Videos

 
Lights off example - Training
 
Tips for real estate photographers working with Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC
 
Fake Tilt-Shift for Real Estate Photography - Training
 
Correct Camera Settings For Real Estate
 
How to Master the Basics of HDR and Flash for Real Estate
 
How to Photograph Dining Rooms
 
How to Photograph Kitchens
 
How to Photograph Living Rooms
 
Photograph Entrances and Staircases
 
How to Photograph Bedrooms
 
How to Photograph Bathrooms
How to Photograph Backyards for Real Estate
 
Wrapping up a Real Estate Photography Appointment
 
How to shoot BRACKETED INTERIORS for real estate photography - Real Estate Photography Master Class
 
Using Exposure Bracketing to Photograph Real Estate Interiors
 

floor plans and measurements

 
Best Practices and Scanning Tips | with CubiCasa 3.0
 
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮 Property 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘈𝘱𝘱
 

DRONE

 

Drone Photography Examples And Property Line Examples

 

Finalizing Drone Photos for Real Estate

 
Graying Out Properties for Drone Projects
 
How to do a Real Estate Photo and Video Drone Shoot
 
Top Shots Every Drone Pilot Must Know
 
 Drone Workflow for Real Estate PHOTO & VIDEO
 

VIDEO


The BEST Technique for Smooth Footage Using a Gimbal
 
Business walk-through video Nashville, Tennessee Example
 

Basic Walkthrough Video Single-family Home Example

 

Farm Video Marketing: Mixed with Graphics, Call-Outs, and Stock Footage

 
Filming Real Estate Videos Tips
 
 

Uploading Photos for Editing: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Problems and Solutions

 

Rainy Weather

 
 

Project examples to study

Project Examples

 

Guidelines for Handling Properties That Are Not Ready

Not Ready for Photography

When arriving at a property and finding it's not ready for photography, follow these steps:

1. Assess the situation: Evaluate the property's condition and document the areas that are not ready with photos using your cell phone.
2. Notify Real Estate Photographer Pro: Immediately contact us to report the situation. We'll reach out to the real estate agent to determine the best course of action.

Possible scenarios and solutions:

- Minor issues: If only a few things need to be moved or straightened up, you may be asked to handle it. Ensure you have the agent's approval before proceeding.
- Digital editing: If the property requires significant digital cleanup or remodeling, we'll obtain the agent's approval before proceeding with editing.
- Total wreck: Document the property's condition thoroughly and contact Real Estate Photographer Pro. We'll work with the agent to schedule a photo shoot.

Payment and billing:

- You'll be paid for your time and travel fee, billable to the real estate agent.
- This situation is rare, but being prepared is essential.

Flexibility is key:

- If only the interior is not ready, you may be able to shoot exterior photos and return later for interior shots.

When dealing with unready properties, assess, evaluate, and communicate effectively to determine the best approach. Contact Real Estate Photographer Pro for guidance and support in these situations.

 

Have a Plan

Pre-Shoot Preparation

- Plan ahead for meals and snacks: Pack lunches and drinks to avoid relying on expensive restaurants or coffee shops. This will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day, even when your schedule changes.
- Charge your equipment: Make sure your cameras, batteries, and other gear are fully charged before heading out.

Working in the Field

- Manage your time effectively: You can choose to process files between shoots or wait until the end of the day, depending on your personal preference and workflow.
- Stay organized: Keep track of your shots, client information, and equipment to ensure a smooth and efficient shoot.

Expenses and Finances

- Be mindful of expenses: Coffee shops and restaurants can add up quickly. Consider packing snacks and meals to save money.
- Manage your business finances: As a freelancer, it's your responsibility to track expenses, consult with an accounting professional, and handle your tax situation.

Additional Tips

- Stay hydrated and energized: Bring water and healthy snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
- Plan for variable weather: Bring gear to protect your equipment from rain, sun, or other conditions that may affect your shoot.
- Communicate with clients: Confirm shoot details, timelines, and expectations to ensure a successful collaboration.
- Keep your equipment maintained: Regularly clean and check your gear to ensure it's in good working order.

These tips should help freelance photographers working with Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC stay organized, efficient, and financially responsible while delivering high-quality photos.

 

Be Safe

Safety Notification for Freelance Photographers

At Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC, we prioritize your safety and well-being on every photo shoot. Please take a moment to review these essential safety tips:

1. No texting and driving: Never use your phone while operating a vehicle. It's a distraction that can put you and others at risk.
2. Trust your instincts: If you feel unsafe at a photo shoot, leave the location immediately and prioritize your well-being.
3. Identification: Always wear your Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC identification tag, name tag, or logo tag to clearly identify yourself as a photographer working on behalf of our company.
4. High-visibility gear: When working in high-traffic areas, consider wearing a high-visibility safety vest to increase your visibility to drivers and other pedestrians.
5. Caution cones: Use caution cones to mark your vehicle and workspace in high-traffic areas, alerting drivers to exercise caution.
6. Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and mindful of potential hazards, such as uneven terrain, wildlife, or inclement weather.
7. Secure your equipment: Keep your photography equipment secure and organized to prevent accidents or theft.
8. Follow property rules: Respect property rules and regulations, including any specific safety guidelines or restrictions.
9. Communicate with clients and team members: Inform clients and team members of any safety concerns or issues that may arise during a shoot.
10. Stay prepared* Keep a basic first-aid kit and a charged phone with you at all times.

By following these safety guidelines, you can minimize risks and ensure a safe and successful photo shoot. If you have any questions or concerns about safety protocols, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Your safety is our top priority. Let's work together to ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone involved.

 

Recommended Attire

Recommended Attire


- Tops: Golf-style shirts or blouses with a modest neckline
- Bottoms: Khaki shorts or pants, or dress pants/skirts
- Footwear: Decent pair of shoes, polished and in good condition
- Additional guidelines:
- Clothing should be clean, ironed, and in good condition
- Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing, such as ripped jeans, tank tops, or flip-flops
- Dress according to the weather and location of the photo shoot

Identification and Branding

- Always wear a name tag with your name and a logo tag representing Real Estate Photographer Pro, LLC. We will provide the logo tag and name tag.
- Carry business card handouts that represent our photography business

Key Principles

- Present a clean and professional appearance
- Be mindful of the client's property and surroundings
- Dress in a way that inspires trust and confidence

By following these guidelines, you'll help maintain a consistent and professional image for our business, ensuring a positive experience for our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Example of dress code for photographers for Real Estate Photo Shoots

 

Freelance Photographer


As a valued freelance photographer working with our company, we want to ensure you understand the nature of our collaboration. As an independent contractor, you are not an employee of our company. This means you have the freedom to choose your own schedule, workflow, and business practices. We encourage you to maintain your own business operations and make decisions that best suit your needs.

In our partnership, we will provide you with opportunities, guidelines, and support to help you succeed. However, we cannot require you to follow the same rules and regulations that apply to our employees. Instead, we will work together to establish mutually beneficial agreements and expectations.

As a freelancer, you have the right to:

- Choose which projects you accept and when you work
- Manage your own business expenses and taxes

We value your autonomy and professionalism, and we look forward to working with you to deliver high-quality real estate photography services to our clients. If you have any questions or concerns about our working relationship, please don't hesitate to reach out."

This statement aims to clarify the contractor relationship, highlight the freelancer's autonomy, and outline their rights and responsibilities. Feel free to adjust it to fit your company's specific needs and tone.

More information on being a Real Estate Photographer

Keeping Communication Streamlined: A Guide for Real Estate Photographer Pro LLC Freelancers

https://www.realestatephotographerpro.com/blog/keeping-communication-streamlined

 
Kenneth Purdom
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