As a real estate photographer, you know that the market is competitive and constantly evolving. To succeed, it’s not enough to just take stunning photos and videos — you need to actively work to increase your revenue and diversify your income streams. The key to maximizing your profits is finding ways to offer more value to your clients, while also expanding your service offerings and marketing strategies.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several proven strategies to help you increase revenue in your real estate photography business in 2025. Whether you’re just starting or have been in the business for years, these tips will help you grow your business, build a stronger client base, and secure higher-paying gigs.
1. Expand Your Service Offerings
The most straightforward way to boost revenue is to offer more services to your clients. Real estate agents and property managers are often looking for ways to enhance their listings, and offering a variety of services can set you apart from your competition. Here are a few service additions that can help you increase revenue:
A. Real Estate Videography
Real estate videos are in high demand and are an excellent way to showcase properties. Offering video walkthroughs, drone footage, or virtual tours can be a game-changer for your business. Video content tends to drive more engagement and can be more compelling to potential buyers than photos alone.
- Drone Photography and Videography: Drone shots provide a unique perspective and are especially useful for showcasing larger properties or outdoor features like pools, gardens, or acreage.
- Property Walkthroughs: These videos can offer a guided tour of a property, giving potential buyers a feel for the flow and layout of a home.
- Virtual Tours: With the rise of online shopping, virtual tours have become a must-have. By providing immersive 3D tours, you’ll allow potential buyers to explore the property from the comfort of their home.
Adding video services will allow you to charge higher rates for packages, as they require more time and effort to shoot and edit.
B. Twilight Photography
Twilight photography involves capturing properties during the “golden hour,” when the light is soft, and the ambiance is just perfect. Homes shot at twilight tend to look more dramatic and inviting, which can increase interest and sell properties faster. This type of photography often commands higher pricing, and you can add it as an upsell to your standard packages.
C. Floor Plans and 3D Renderings
Floor plans and 3D renderings are valuable tools for real estate agents, giving buyers a better understanding of a property’s layout and space. Offering this service can be especially attractive to clients marketing larger properties, or those looking for a high-end, tech-savvy edge.
You can partner with companies or invest in software to create floor plans and renderings in-house, then offer them as part of a premium package.
2. Raise Your Prices (Strategically)
If you’re finding yourself in high demand and consistently delivering quality work, it may be time to raise your prices. While it’s important to keep your rates competitive, underpricing yourself can prevent you from maximizing your earning potential. Here are some tips for raising your prices without scaring off clients:
A. Introduce Tiered Pricing Packages
Instead of charging one flat rate for all your services, consider offering tiered pricing packages that cater to different budgets and needs. For example:
- Basic Package: Standard real estate photography (interior and exterior shots).
- Standard Package: Includes additional services like video walkthroughs or aerial drone shots.
- Premium Package: Includes all the above, plus twilight photography, 3D floor plans, and virtual tours.
By offering packages, you give clients the opportunity to select the level of service that fits their needs and budget, while also encouraging them to upgrade for more comprehensive services.
B. Charge for Extra Services and Add-ons
When you have a client who wants more than the standard offering, don’t hesitate to charge for add-ons. Whether it’s a last-minute shoot, extra time, or additional edits, these extras can quickly increase the total revenue for each job. Examples include:
- Rush fees for expedited turnaround times.
- Additional editing for more complex post-production work.
- Multiple properties: If a client requests photos for more than one property, charge extra for the additional work.
C. Review Your Pricing Annually
Pricing doesn’t need to remain static. Every year, assess your costs of doing business and increase your rates accordingly to account for inflation, gear upgrades, and rising operating expenses. As you gain more experience and expertise, your value increases, and it’s important that your rates reflect that.
3. Develop Long-Term Relationships with Clients
Building strong relationships with clients is key to generating repeat business and receiving referrals. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in real estate, and if you can establish yourself as a trusted and reliable partner, clients will come back to you time and time again. Here’s how to build lasting relationships:
A. Offer Retainer or Subscription Packages
Consider offering retainer packages to real estate agents or property managers. For a set fee, you can provide regular services, such as weekly or monthly photo shoots for new listings. This guarantees you a steady income and keeps you top-of-mind for clients.
Alternatively, create a subscription-based model where clients pay a monthly or quarterly fee for a set number of shoots, video packages, or other services.
B. Follow Up with Clients
After you’ve completed a shoot, always follow up with clients. A quick thank you email expressing appreciation for their business helps build rapport and shows you care. You can also offer them an opportunity to book again for upcoming properties or suggest any additional services they might need.
C. Referral Programs
Encourage happy clients to refer others to you by offering a referral program. This could include discounts, free add-ons (like extra edited images or a twilight shoot), or even cash incentives. Happy clients are more likely to recommend your services if they know they’ll get something in return.
4. Market Your Business More Effectively
To increase your revenue, you need to attract more clients. Here are some marketing strategies you can use to get your name out there:
A. Leverage Social Media
Social media is a powerful and cost-effective way to promote your business. Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are all great platforms for showcasing your portfolio and connecting with potential clients. Here’s how you can use social media to boost your business:
- Instagram: Post your best photos, behind-the-scenes content, and stories. Use relevant hashtags like #realestatephotography or #luxuryhomes to expand your reach.
- Facebook: Join local real estate groups and share your work with agents, property managers, and sellers.
- LinkedIn: Connect with real estate professionals and post case studies or success stories that show how your work helped them close deals.
You can also experiment with paid advertising on these platforms to reach new audiences and increase visibility for your services.
B. Network with Real Estate Professionals
Networking is a crucial part of growing any photography business. Attend local real estate events, such as agent meetups, open houses, or industry conferences, to meet real estate agents and property managers who may need your services. Offering free consultations or giving a talk on photography tips can help you establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
C. Create a Strong Online Presence
A well-designed website is crucial for attracting potential clients and establishing your professionalism. Make sure your site includes:
- A portfolio showcasing your best work.
- Client testimonials that demonstrate your reliability and quality.
- A contact page with easy ways for clients to reach you.
- A blog or educational content that helps you get found through SEO (search engine optimization).
By having a strong online presence, you’ll not only attract more clients but also build a brand identity that allows you to charge premium prices for your services.
5. Diversify Your Income Streams
Another way to increase your revenue is to explore other ways of monetizing your skills. Here are a few ideas:
A. Sell Stock Photos
You can sell stock photos of properties or architectural shots to websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock. Once you’ve uploaded a collection of images, you can earn passive income as people purchase licenses to use your photos.
B. Teach Photography or Host Workshops
If you’re an experienced photographer, consider offering workshops or teaching courses. You can host in-person workshops for aspiring real estate photographers or offer online courses covering photography, lighting, editing, and marketing. This is a great way to generate income while also establishing yourself as an authority in the field.
C. Partner with Home Stagers or Interior Designers
Create partnerships with home stagers, interior designers, or even construction companies. These professionals often need high-quality images of their work for portfolios and marketing purposes, which can open up new opportunities for you to provide services beyond real estate listings.
Final Thoughts: Growing Your Real Estate Photography Revenue
Increasing revenue as a real estate photographer in 2025 involves much more than simply taking good photos. It’s about offering a wider range of services, strategically raising your prices, building lasting relationships with clients, and actively marketing your business to attract new leads. By diversifying your income streams, leveraging technology, and constantly looking for ways to add value, you can significantly increase your earning potential and create a more sustainable, profitable business.
Remember: Investing in yourself — whether through better marketing, expanding your skill set, or improving your client relationships — is one of the best ways to set yourself up for long-term success. With hard work and smart strategies, you can take your real estate photography business to new heights!
