Quality headshots can make a significant difference in helping realtors and real estate professionals stand out from the competition. However, achieving the perfect headshots requires careful planning and attention to detail.
According to a survey, 68.9% of agents believe that professional real estate photography helps in branding their business. Professional headshots play a crucial role in this branding process.
But it's not just about taking a decent photo of each team member. To create successful real estate agent headshots, your company needs to do some additional work, including designing or curating a backdrop that aligns with your brand, coordinating the shoot with each team member and a professional photographer, outlining appropriate attire for the photo session, and guiding photo retouches and edits.
To make your headshot sessions easier, we've broken down the process to help you create stunning, professional portraits for your company. This comprehensive guide provides planning advice, cost factors, and visual examples to help you nail your shoot.
What to Wear for Real Estate Headshots
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to closing a real estate deal. Here are some tips on what to wear to ensure your agents and brokers show up to their photo sessions looking sharp.
Women's Headshot Attire
For women realtors, headshot attire should convey confidence and competence. Opt for a simple neckline that doesn't distract from the overall photo. Vibrant solid tones work well, as lighter colors can wash out the photo. Adding a blazer in medium or dark tones, such as dark gray, blue, or navy, can enhance the professional look. Wardrobe accessories like scarves or light jewelry can showcase personality but should accurately represent the day-to-day look.
Looking at some photos from The Corcoran Group, we see confident yet friendly headshots. The realtors wear solid, dark colors with occasional pops of color and light accessories. These examples demonstrate the look to aim for when capturing great headshots.
Men's Headshot Attire
For men, headshot attire should focus on dark, solid-colored shirts with the occasional patterned tie. A confident, friendly smile is key to likability. Dark colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, and black work well, while white or light colors can wash out fairer skin tones. Men should be well-groomed, sit up straight, and dress as if meeting potential clients for the first time. Limit accessories to what is worn daily.
Looking at agent photos on the Compass website, we see a variety of styles. Each realtor presents a friendly smile and wears dark-colored professional attire, creating a sense of professionalism and approachability.
Examples of How to Pose for Real Estate Headshots
A well-executed pose can make all the difference in a headshot. Here are some common poses for real estate headshots, along with visual examples to inspire you.
The Total Professional
These headshots showcase classic professionalism. Pose with your shoulders back, keeping your arms relaxed or lightly crossed, and give a focused smile.
The Personality Picture
These headshots allow for more expression and personality. Pose in environments that represent your market. Maintain professional attire and a confident, focused smile.
Hip to Be Square
For a simple yet professional pose, leave one hand straight at your side and rest the other casually on your hip.
The Friendly Fellow
Smiling headshots can create a friendly and approachable look. Pose similarly to the "Total Professional" look but with a more relaxed, friendly smile.
The Power Cross
A classic pose that exudes confidence. Cross your arms, keep your hands tucked in, and let your smile do the talking.
Planning Your Real Estate Headshot Session
Planning headshots for your entire real estate team can be overwhelming, considering the industry's variable schedules. Here's what you can expect during each step of the process, from coordination to finalizing prints.
Booking a Traditional Session [The Hard Way]
Traditional headshot sessions involve booking a local photographer. The process typically includes the following steps:
- Finding a local photographer specializing in headshots that align with your style and preferences.
- Coordinating with your team to set a date and time for the photoshoot.
- Conducting the photoshoot, ensuring everyone arrives on time and ready to pose.
- Allowing for photo editing and retouching by the photographer.
- Finalizing prints and obtaining the appropriate resolutions for different marketing materials.
- Updating marketing materials with the new headshots.
Virtual Headshots [The Easy Way]
An alternative to traditional sessions is a fully remote service like Headshots.com. With this approach, you can get studio-quality, professional headshots for your team without the need for an in-person shoot. Here's how it works:
- Your team receives camera pointers and guidance on choosing a backdrop that aligns with your brand.
- Each team member submits their photos online, and the Headshots.com team edits and retouches each one by hand.
- The edited photos are sent back for review within 3 business days.
- Once you're satisfied with the results, distribute the final headshots to your team and update their profiles across various platforms.
What You Can Expect to Pay for Real Estate Headshots
Calculating the cost of real estate headshots can be challenging due to various factors. Traditional headshots can range from $100 to $500 per professional headshot or realtor. This cost includes equipment or rental costs, the shooting session, and the initial round of edits. Additional charges may apply for retouches or customized backgrounds.
Opting for a fully remote service like Headshots.com offers a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 per finished picture, including all edits.
Next Steps: Get Studio-Quality Real Estate Headshots Done Entirely Online
Ready to secure professional headshots for your entire team of realtors without the hassle of an in-person session? Learn more about our 100% virtual headshot services at Headshots.com.
Our team provides expert guidance, hand-edits each photo (no AI involved), and works closely with you to create stunning images that align with your brand. With our easy online process, you can get professional headshots while accommodating the busy schedules of your realtors.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a lasting impression. Upgrade your real estate headshots today!
