Is Des Moines, Iowa Good for Real Estate Photography?
⭐ Short answer:
Yes. Des Moines is one of those underrated mid-sized cities where photographers can get clients FAST because demand is steady and competition is low.
If you want a clear, step-by-step roadmap for getting started in a city like Des Moines, my Real Estate Photography Guide lays out the exact process — from gear, to settings, to outreach, to editing, to getting your first paying client.
You don’t need luck.
You need a strategy — and Des Moines is the perfect place to use it.
📸 Why Des Moines is a GREAT market for beginners
1. Lower competition compared to big cities
This is one of the biggest advantages.
There are far fewer dedicated real estate photographers in Des Moines than in major metros — meaning a beginner has more room to break in, stand out, and grow fast.
Agents often complain about:
- slow photographers
- inconsistent quality
- lack of availability
- limited offerings (no drone, no video)
2. Fast-growing housing market
Des Moines has experienced steady growth for years. It’s known for being:
- affordable
- business-friendly
- family-friendly
- attractive to young professionals
More people moving in = more listings = more photo shoots.
3. Ideal property types for beginners
Most homes are:
- well-lit
- spacious
- suburban
- newer construction
These are significantly easier to photograph than tight urban apartments or weird floor plans.
Great market to learn composition + workflow.
4. Agents NEED good marketing to stand out
Because the market is competitive for agents, not photographers, they rely on:
- strong photos
- consistent branding
- clean editing
- quick turnaround
Photographers who show up professionally and deliver polished work become their go-to.
⚠️ Challenges (and why they're actually opportunities)
1. Some agents DIY their photos
Because Des Moines isn’t a luxury-heavy market, many agents still try to use iPhone photos or cheap equipment.
But that’s actually a massive opportunity — because once agents see:
- professional lighting
- HDR bracketing
- wide angle done correctly
- clean editing
→ they immediately upgrade and stick with you.
This is a market where education converts clients fast.
2. Lower price points — but higher frequency
Standard pricing is lower than big cities ($120–$200 photos-only),
but photographers often shoot more listings per agent, because turnover is steady and homes sell quickly.
Consistency >>> luxury pricing for beginners.
3. Large geographic area
Des Moines + suburbs = a lot of driving.
But this also means more agents, more brokerages, more properties.
🧲 Why Des Moines works incredibly well for NEW real estate photographers
✔️ Low competition (you stand out quickly)
✔️ Steady agent loyalty (they stick with the photographer who shows up for them)
✔️ Suburban homes = easier shooting
✔️ Perfect market to build a portfolio fast
✔️ Affordable area → more homeowners listing & moving
This is one of the markets where someone could realistically get:
- their first client quickly
- repeat work
- strong monthly income
without needing luxury pricing or years of experience.
Des Moines is one of the easiest cities for beginners to break into real estate photography because the demand is steady, the homes are beginner-friendly, and the competition is low.
And if you want a clear, confidence-building path to actually become the photographer agents rely on…
My Real Estate Photography Guide gives you the exact system for standing out, booking clients, and building a real income — even if you’re starting with zero experience.