How I Became a Real Estate Photographer - and what I'd do different today
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- My journey as a professional real estate photographer started with failures that led to success. In this video I share how this unfolded and things I wish I applied to my career earlier rather than later. I made mistakes in the early days and if you can avoid them you will have better opportunities to grow and achieve a long-lasting, successful career creating real estate media. Below are links mentioned in the video:
My online courses to learn Real Estate Photography:
LearnRE.Nathan...
Learn Pro Interior Photography:
ProInteriors.N...
Expert Editing for Interior Photography:
ExpertEditing....
Learn Pro Exterior Photography:
ProExteriors.N...
Learn Videography for Real Estate:
ProVideo.Natha...
Business and Marketing for Real Estate Photography:
ReBusiness.Nat...
My books on real estate photography:
amzn.to/3T84iax
Mastering Color in Photography:
amzn.to/3LbP1jT
Real Estate Photography pricing:
• Real Estate Photograph...
Architectural vs Real Estate Photography:
• Architectural Photogra...
Nathan, thank you sir for your personal testimony of how and why you start a photography career late in your life. This reality is mine in various aspects of my life. I am grateful that this video popped up on UA-cam. Bless you and your family.
You're very welcome! And thank you for that, I appreciate it.
Nathan, I have learned from you from the start of my REP career, and like you said, I have never spent a dime on marketing. Because, although I am far from the best, your techniques have helped me to stand out with what I think is quality work. I reference your video courses all the time, because I am always focused on getting better. I was a professional plumber for 15 years, and made decent money (but hated it), but I enjoy REP far more than plumbing, and also wished I had started sooner. Thanks Nathan for sharing your valuable techniques with us 🙏
Thanks for sharing your story. You are the single best thing that happened for MY photography, not just when I started doing real estate, but photography in general. Gave me the confidence to even try using Photoshop and learning solid post processing, and then your books took it to the next level.
And a great supportive wife makes a huge difference, especially in my case because my wife is a Realtor! 😁
Thank you so much for all you do for us. Have a great weekend!
That's awesome! I'm happy to have been able to help you on your photography journey as well.
Thanks for sharing all of this. I'm in my second year as a real estate photographer and I've learned more that I use in my work from you than anyone else (including flash ambient).
You're very welcome, and glad I could help!
Thanks for sharing this video Nathan. Out of all of the videos and books of yours that I have watched/read, I think this has been the most motivating piece of content. I am in my early 40's and also in career I don't necessarily love. Knowing you took the leap in your 50's just gives me that much more confidence to take the step myself. Persistence is the key. Thanks again!
That's awesome to hear, and I'm glad my video could help inspire you.
Thank you very much Nathan for your testimonial! I learned all about real estate photography thanks to you and today I'm pursuing my passion. For me, you are the reference in real estate photography. I appreciate your precision and the way you share your knowledge and experience. I wish you thousands more properties to photograph!
Thank you 🙏
20:09 I like that, if you try you might fail, but if you don't you will. I will try and put in my best effort, this channel is a gem in youtube, thank you very much
Thank you, Nathan, for sharing your story. It truly resonated with me. I am also in my early 60s and got my first camera when I was 12. While my father introduced me to photography and taught me how to develop pictures back in the 70s, he also persuaded me not to follow it as a career, and I have always regretted that. I studied business and worked as a marketing consultant for 30 years. I am now a real estate broker, but to be honest, what I enjoy the most about my job is taking the pictures of my listings! Thanks again for sharing your story. I agree with you 100%.
You're very welcome! And glad this resonated with you and your journey.
Great video Nathan! Precious insights. I'm a pro in my 40s, and your advice to start early really made sense to me. You're always inspiring, I wish you good health and happiness.
Cheers Nathan! I've been a full time working photographer for 40 years ebbing and flowing through all the genres (in the industry 46) As you say always do quality work because you never know who might see it and maybe the most important always provide exemplar customer service. So heres to your choice of following your dream!
Thank you! And so true.
Nathan, thank you so much for this video. About 10-15 years ago I was very much interested in getting into RE photography. I took a couple of courses and subscribed to blogs and UA-cam videos. The problem was that my late wife and I were planning to relocate out of state eventually. I would've lost any clients I acquired. I also like web design, which is what I currently do because I could still service clients from anywhere.
Fast forward to today. My wife passed away, I have no plans to relocate out of my immediate geography. Today the RE profession has expanded. It's not just photography anymore. There are virtual tours with Matterport, and drone photography and video. I can only imagine how big of a mountain it is today to get into RE photography having to offer the other two services as well. The majority of RE photographers in my area are offering those additional services.
My cousin who is a RE agent confirmed my suspicion that RE agents prefer to use a RE photographer who is a one-stop shop. Could you shed any light on that? Thank you.
Excellent Video... I took was in IT for well over 25 years and got very frustrated with corporate politics shifting over my position and what I loved to learn, do and build... And like you, I grew up with photography in the background, when it was nearly cost prohibitive in the film genre. But with the digital tools today, I can partner that with all the film fundamentals and creativity and I love what I do.. Still trying to figure out the business side, but living a life to enjoy people, and put smiles on their faces... Priceless.
That's awesome, it's never too late to make a change you'll love!
Thank you for this!
I am 60 and at a crossroads. I have a safe option and a photographic option. My health is a bit of a concern, but I still function. And I think I will engage in part-time work. This video comes to me as a confirmation from a different level of existence that my intent is good and that I should proceed. Thank you again. I wish you good success and good health.
You were at the exact same age where I am now entering into this business. Great video. TY.
Inspiring video Nathan. Bought 3 of your books by now and they’ve been wonderful. I’ve been doing photography for a few years now and slowly delving into the real estate field. Keep going strong my friend
Thanks so much, I appreciate your support!
Great stuff Nathan; as always, thank you for the insight and being a guiding light for the community! 😊
Thank you for that 🙏
Thank you Nathan! I started my own business 3 years ago, and learned a lot during this time and made lots of mistakes. Still have a learning curve with Flambient based on your book. You have great content!
Thank you!
Almost exactly my path 😂😂. Always loved photography and videography growing up, graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, switched over to software and that allowed me to buy better gear for events/portraits. Now I'm in Real Estate photography on the side and its the perfect field for me. Love this
Nathan, this is the most valuable video you have ever done for the real estate photography community.
I know that sounds a bit over the top considering all the valuable information you’ve provided. However, this video has the most important element missing from the “how to” videos. Don’t misunderstand. The “how to” videos are also very important. However, by their academic nature, what can’t be included in them is what’s in this one; a candid look at the reality of the human aspect of being a real estate photographer along with strong, positive encouragement.
Thank you.
Thank you! That means a lot to me.
Wow, you're singing my song. I dabbled in some commercial photography projects right out of college but opted for engineering to have a stable, meaningful career. Oddly, engineering has allowed me to acquire the gear/equipment that I likely wouldn't have been able to afford on a photographers income.
I wonder if I'll ever make the jump back into photography when I get closer to retiring.
I love your videos. I love your tutorials. And I love your photography. Thanks for undertaking to make this channel.
Nathan huge congrats, this is a really fabulous film, truly inspiring! I'm actually the same age as you and I've been following your UA-cam channel for many years. I'm not a pro photographer though I have worked as a pro photographer in the past, motor sport and equestrian sport mainly. I have learnt quite a bit actually from watching your films, you are as good a teacher as you are a photographer. From what I can tell you seem like a humble guy but you've actually turned what you do into an art form, the quality of your results in the images I've seen are truly outstanding. If I were younger and looking for a new career I can imagine myself taking all your courses and aspiring to try and follow in your footsteps, it could be a fantastic way to make a living. I wish you continued success and happiness in your work. Cheers from the UK, Tony.
Thank you!
Nathan - Thank you for doing this video. Having read most all of your books and watched every one of your videos for the past 6 years, I appreciated the background on your journey in this industry.
Thanks for being a long-time follower! I appreciate your support.
Thanks Nathan this was super comforting to hear!
You're very welcome.
Great video and I followed your advice a few years back after 30 years as a cop in Scotland I got into photography as a youngster earlier on but couldn’t get work and joined the police Early on in retirement it was stock when it was profitable then gradually into some real estate. Now I’m 71 and still at it but now cutting back as grandkids are full time almost ! but I still get passive income from stock and occasionally some paid estate agency stuff Still enjoy it but carrying heavy gear can be difficult as your fitness reduces but I’ll keep plodding on
Your books were the basis of my relearning the stuff required Thanks for that Keep it up 👍
Thank you!
Here’s an idea Nathan. For your next life chapter, how about combining photography and travel? Give some thought to holding workshops in other cities, even other countries. That way you can cover travel costs and get to see the world without having to retire!
I'll mull that over 🧐
Thanks Nathan. Great timing. Needed to hear this today.
You're welcome! Glad it was timely and helpful.
I don’t comment often but thank you Nathan for always creating extremely helpful content. This one definitely hit a personal level and I honestly needed the push. I appreciate all the effort! I would have never reached this point of just starting my business if it weren’t for you
Thank you! That's awesome to hear, I'm glad I could help!
Nathan, thank you so much for this video. Your honesty in this video is refreshing! It is so encouraging!! I retired from a 34 year Air Traffic Control career I loved at 54 years old. I needed something to do and perused real estate and drone photography as a new job and have loved it. I am still learning but using an AD200 for flash and it has helped.
Thank you! Great to hear you're enjoying your new career as well!
I hear you, brother. I was a beat cop for 21 years. RE photography was my escape plan and I'm making double what I was as a cop. I've been doing photography full time since 2018. I remember the last 4 years as a cop trying to grow my business. Working all night and going out on shoots during the day. I didn't sleep much back then.... You're videos (and books) helped me stand out from most of the competition which allowed me to become very busy in my market.
Thank you! And that's awesome! Thank you as well for your service.
Another amazing video Nathan! I took my trajectory making a great living because of your teachings with some sprinkles of my own technique as a 13+ wedding and studio photographer.
You rock man. Thank you for it all!
To touch on your “equipment” topic.
I will shoot most of my stuff with my Canon M6 II (APS-C) and leave my Full Frame R6’s as home because nobody can tell and for me it does more than I need…
Gear doesn’t matter as much as the photographer and experience. End of story. Like you said.
Thank you!
Thanks so much for this video, Nathan. I'm so happy I've taken the time to follow in your footsteps. You've made it easy with all your great videos and lessons. I started taking photos for my wife's listings two years ago and had to quit my engineering job 3 months ago to keep up with the number of requests I'm getting from just word of mouth requests. Like you, I feel more fulfilled and healthier choosing this path!
That's awesome to hear! I'm glad my videos have helped.
GREAT video Nathan, thank you!
Thank you for watching!
😅 I’m 63, snd also bald. Also have replaced it with roughly the same facial hair as you. I started my career as a house painter with $35. Brush, roller, putty knife, drop cloth. In my 30’s, I realized my body and house painting didn’t get along too well. That was the early 90’s. I switched to photography, and at the time, I had 12 competitions, all of whom hated the new photographer in town. Especially, because I didn’t suck at it. House painting makes you aware of small details, which is an essential component of photography. I shot people and architecture, and made near 6 figures the first year, but only because a lot of my painting clients were the best realtors in town, I already had a built-in base. They also had families, and more contacts to refer then any other kind of client. I laugh now at the old boys who resented me as the 13th competitor. By 2012, they hadn’t adapted to hundreds of competitors, and they all went out of business.
I needed this today. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Great insights and thanks for being honest and open about this. I’m in the UK where things are not quite the same as the US in the real estate market - which makes it a little challlenging to get going. Thanks Nathan, you are an inspiration 😊
Thank you! Stick with it, perseverance is key in this market.
What a great video! Thanks for sharing your story. It is very inspirational
You're very welcome, and I'm glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video, loved hearing your story. Not gonna lie but the ending motivation made me a bit emotional.
I'm a 45 year old divorced full time dad of a 4 year old that is rebooting his life and start a new career. I've got just about everything i need to get started and i think my results are good enough to get started but I'm now at the last step....fighting my fear and doubts. But videos like this are helpful in pushing me over the edge.
That's awesome! It's never too late to change your path.
A new title would be "How I Became the PhotoScholar." Just a suggestion. :-) I appreciate all of your hard work! My story is very similar, and Rich Baum's videos were also instrumental in my progress. I might be moving to a new state soon and having to rebuild my business so this was very encouraging, thanks again Nathan.
Love it 😃 And thanks for the kind words 🙏
Thank you for this!
My pleasure!
What a great pep talk Nathan. Many thanks. 😎
Thank you 🙏
I'm so glad you mentioned you weren't retiring!
I'm here to stay!
Just the kind of message I need. Thank you Nathan! One statement that I would hear repeating over and over in my mind from so many photographers I met at PMRE is that “realtors can’t tell the difference between HDR outsourced and the 10% improvement in quality for Flambient”. I’ve been using your methods for a company I contact for, but I’m about to real start my own business locally and debating if many realtors would care enough to pay higher prices for using lighting and may only be for higher end or commercial clients. Wondering if I should maybe provide lower cost outsourced HDR and an option to upgrade to flambient?🤔
You're welcome. And yes, clients can tell the difference; that is, the clients that matter. I have more on that in another video at ua-cam.com/video/szZUCa5x5Wc/v-deo.htmlsi=8aa7tx52rq8GriUz
In the field of real estate photography, Nathan Cool - Father, Rich Baum - Grandfather, and Mike Kelley...... is a big brother. All from California.
Whao! Thank you.
You're welcome!
Hello, I would like to know if I can use the Canon 700D for real estate photography. I am in France, and I found it in excellent condition for $270
Nathan, here is a question: Have you had one agent you did images for ever sell your images to another agent?
When I invoice I have on the invoice the images are licensed to that agent/parent company for 1 year and are non-transferable. These means the agent can only use them and not sell them to other agents.
What should I do when the agent sells my images?
That is off-topic for this video and there is no quick answer. But I could perhaps put this on my todo list for a future video.
Yes, I would love to hear your take on the subject.
well said, I feel the same way, I wish I was able to afford to start photography when I was younger. I probably could have saved up money and gotten started earlier but the investment was always an excuse to follow my passion.
I know the feeling, but it's never too late to start. You got this!
Wow love this story!! I have to say that the title of this video sounds pretty negative for such a overwhelmingly positive story!! 🤣🤣
Thank you.
Awesome
🙏
62!!! Holly Crap! ;-)
I know, right! 🤣 How time flies 😊
Me carrying Hensel 3200 generators with Fuji Astia 🙂
You’re 62?!?!
Yep 😊