Best Cities for Real Estate Photography Opportunities
If you want to stand out, book clients faster, and build real confidence as a new photographer… this is exactly what my Real Estate Photography Guide was created for.
Most beginners feel lost because no one teaches the actual workflow agents expect. Inside the guide, you’ll learn how to shoot clean, professional photos, build a portfolio agents trust, and start getting paid — even if you’re starting from scratch.
1. Fast-Growing Cities (Lots of New Builds = Tons of Listings)
Perfect for beginners because new construction = predictable shoots + consistent work.
- Austin, TX
- Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Nashville, TN
- Charlotte, NC
- Raleigh–Durham, NC
- Tampa, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
Why these work:
– Massive population growth
– Builders hire photographers constantly
– Agents are BUSY → higher need for outsourcing
2. Suburban/Family Markets (Steady Listings All Year)
These are the easiest markets to break into because agents rely HEAVILY on photos for selling family homes.
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- Louisville, KY
- Cincinnati, OH
- Charlotte suburbs
- Atlanta suburbs
- Salt Lake City suburbs
- Richmond, VA
- Hampton Roads, VA (your area!)
- Kansas City, MO
Why these work:
– Suburbs have the most turnover
– Relocating families need listings photographed ASAP
– Lower competition than big cities
3. High-Income Luxury Markets (Higher Rates Possible)
If someone wants to charge premium pricing, these cities are gold.
- Miami, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- New York City, NY
- Washington, DC
- Seattle, WA
- Boston, MA
- Palm Beach, FL
- Naples, FL
Why these work:
– Luxury homes = higher photo/video pricing
– Agents expect quality → easier to stand out
– More drone + video demand
4. Tourism & Airbnb Cities (SO Much Content Needed)
These are incredible for beginners because Airbnb owners book photos repeatedly.
- Las Vegas, NV
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa + St. Pete, FL
- Savannah, GA
- Charleston, SC
- Asheville, NC
- Denver, CO
- Sedona, AZ
- Gatlinburg, TN
- Nashville, TN
Why these work:
– High short-term-rental turnover
– Owners update listings constantly
– Repeat business every season
5. Military Cities (Constant Moving = Constant Listings)
Great for consistent, predictable work.
- Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA
- San Diego, CA
- Fort Worth, TX
- Tacoma, WA
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Fayetteville, NC
- Savannah, GA
- Columbia, SC
- Pensacola, FL
Why these work:
– PCS orders keep homes churning
– Agents rely heavily on fast turnaround
– Many rentals → landlords need updated marketing
6. Affordable Markets with Low Competition (Perfect for Beginners)
These aren’t glamorous — but they’re seriously untapped goldmines.
- Toledo, OH
- Des Moines, IA
- Omaha, NE
- Tulsa, OK
- Birmingham, AL
- Chattanooga, TN
- Greenville, SC
- Boise, ID
- Albuquerque, NM
- Rochester, NY
Why these work:
– Fewer photographers
– Agents desperately want reliability
– Easier to build a name fast
How to use this list:
Pick the closest matching city type to where you live, then research:
– local real estate Facebook groups
– top-selling agents
– new construction neighborhoods
– short-term rentals
– military bases
– high-turnover zip codes
Check out my gear list for real estate photography
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