It’s no secret that many photographers must diversify to be able to make a dwelling of their commerce. Personally talking, I entered the business primarily as a panorama and nature photographer. Residing in a small city and being new on the scene, I needed to discover methods to complement my earnings apart from inventory and print gross sales. One of many methods I’ve executed that is by taking actual property images for property managers and owners who’re renting out lodging on short-term rental web sites corresponding to Airbnb and Vrbo.
Actual property is extra than simply fancy properties
When you consider actual property images, you may consider grand mansions, structure magazines or stylish industrial areas. The actual property style in itself is a specialised subject for those who do it as a dwelling and there are whole firms which might be devoted to offering high-end providers that embody video, drone footage and ground plans.
That being stated, there’s a sub-niche on the market accessible for photographers who’re keen on dabbling in actual property images with out wanting to totally focus their careers round it.
So the place do you discover this sub-niche? Rental properties! There are at the moment over 4 million Airbnb listings worldwide, with 660,000 properties for lease within the US alone. Vrbo has one other two million listed rental properties. With these numbers persevering with to climb, there’s probability that there are listings in your space, and potential demand for high quality imagery to assist house owners improve their bookings.
Beneath are a number of ideas that will help you get began with actual property images within the rental lodging subject.
Know what you’re doing!
This could go with out saying, however make sure that to check up on the right way to shoot interiors and apply earlier than seeking to discover work. There’s a wealth of knowledge on the web that will help you study and fortuitously, it’s tremendous simple to apply proper in your individual house. Ensure that to hit each room, together with the toilet (typically the trickiest room to shoot because of the smaller dimension and presence of mirrors).
When you’ve mastered your individual house, attempt at a buddy or member of the family’s home to get expertise with different layouts and lighting. Additionally, apply enhancing your photographs and developing with a constant search for your images.
Pricing and preparation for the rental market
Perform a little market analysis and see what different photographers are charging in your space for actual property images. Pricing is usually primarily based on the sq. footage of the home or the variety of rooms that you simply’re required to shoot. Keep in mind to consider your journey time, mileage and insurance coverage prices.
Be ready to speak to your consumer earlier than the shoot to get any pertinent data. Get clear expectations of what they’re in search of and any particular photographs that they could need.
It may be good to verify that the place is tidied up and able to shoot. I wish to suggest that the place is decluttered, distractions are eliminated and home windows are clear. The very last thing you need to do while you present up on a shoot is to have to scrub or tidy the place up!
Searching for work within the rental business
Now that you simply’re feeling assured taking pictures interiors and have arrange some pricing pointers, it’s time to search for work. Promoting domestically on social media platforms or different on-line boards is an effective technique to begin. You’ll want to embody instance images so that folks can see your work.
Alternatively, look by way of native Airbnb listings to see which of them might probably use an improve to their images. It’s fairly simple to see which listings have darkish, crooked cellphone footage that don’t optimally present the area. Write the house owners letting them know the providers you present, ensuring to be well mannered with out being pushy.
You too can discover native property managers and ship them an electronic mail along with your data.
On location
At the beginning, it’s paramount to be respectful and cautious when in different folks’s properties or properties. All the time take your footwear off and transfer rigorously by way of the house, particularly when utilizing your tripod inside.
Within the short-term rental subject, not each rental goes to be lovely and simple to shoot. It’s possible you’ll be taking pictures a single, darkish room as a part of a room share itemizing, or a home that hasn’t been up to date because the 70s. It’s your job to make the area look as inviting as doable. Take a number of angles of photographs in greater rooms, and don’t overlook to take detailed photographs of particular décor or options that make the property distinctive.
Facilities corresponding to washer/dryers, parking areas and barbecues are additionally necessary to seize. Lastly, don’t overlook concerning the exterior photographs, even when the situation is an condominium constructing. Showcase the curb enchantment or any view that the itemizing might have.
Ending up
Brokers, property managers and rental house owners, normally, will normally admire a fast turnaround time for his or her photographs so attempt to get your footage despatched off as quickly as doable. Ship an intensive album of photographs and let the itemizing agent select which of them to make use of. I all the time favor to offer extra choices than not sufficient.
Capturing trip rental properties is a specialised style that will not be as thrilling or inspiring as your common subject of images however could be a good supply of supplemental earnings. It may also be a great way to community inside your group and broaden your expertise as a photographer. If you happen to suppose it could be match for you, I encourage you to offer it a attempt, you by no means know the place it would take you!
