The Ultimate Guide to Best Realtor Headshots

The other day, I received a phone call. I looked up to see who it was, and was surprised to see it was a real estate agent (let’s call him Ray) whose headshots I had delivered a few weeks ago. After exchanging pleasantries, he said, “Remember those headshots you did for me? My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since!”

“What do you mean?”, I asked, curious.

“Well, after I used them on my website, social media, and marketing materials, like you advised me to, I’ve since got dozens of clients who want me to be their agent. Those headshots really changed everything for me”, he said excitedly, “thanks to the amazing job you did on them!”

I remember Ray was new to the real estate business, but had great potential and a warm, friendly personality. He wanted to make his mark in the industry, but wasn’t aware of what realtor headshots were or how they could help him out. To top that, he wasn’t exactly comfortable with the idea of getting his pictures taken. But his success story once again proved how professional realtor headshots can be impactful for your career as a real estate agent.

Whether you are just starting out or have been in the real estate market for years, having your professional headshots taken can be a serious game-changer for you. This is why I decided to prepare this guide, to deep dive and equip real estate agents with everything they need to know about getting their realtor headshots done.

What are Realtor Headshots?

Over the course of my 20+ years as a Headshot Photographer, I have come across many clients like Ray, who aren’t aware of what realtor headshots are. During my initial consultation with him, I explained that realtor headshots are professional headshots or portraits of real estate agents. These help in creating a great first impression on clients and also with their personal branding. You can use them anywhere, including your website, business cards, social media, and any marketing materials you may have.

Why are Realtor Headshots important?

“So why are they so important?” Ray had asked me after I explained what realtor headshots were. I explained that these are not selfies—they’re polished photographs taken by a professional photographer. They’re an important part of your personal branding, and they build your credibility among clients and in the market. People form first impressions in as little as 30 seconds, so it is important to have headshots that set you apart and inspire trust and confidence. Remember, people only buy from those they trust and feel comfortable with, so your realtor headshot has to project an impactful impression of you.

Not just this, but having multiple headshots also help you stay in touch with your clients. Ray was surprised, and asked how that was possible. I explained that having more than one headshot allows real estate agents to personalize a lot of their communications to their clients. Be it seasonal greetings like for holidays, congratulating on the win of a soccer or baseball team local to their client, headshots tailored to be used throughout the year can be a great asset.

Moreover, headshots are important when you’re looking to promote yourself to existing or new clients, through targeted marketing campaigns. These can be on both print (Billboards, Car / Bus / Bench Wraps) or digital media, and headshots created specifically for this help a lot with promoting your personal brand. Having a warm and welcoming realtor headshot for your open house garden signs can also boost your chances of more clients choosing to visit, and ultimately, buy your listing.

What should I wear for my photoshoot?

During Ray’s consultation, he mentioned that one of the reasons why he wasn’t super comfortable being photographed was that he didn’t know what outfits or colors suited him well, so he always went in getting random outfits. So, I sat him down with my on-set wardrobe stylist, and we all discussed outfit options that would make him look professional and credible, while still maintaining his friendly demeanor. Like Ray, many of my clients are camera-shy for the same reason, and I tell them to dress according to their personal preferences + their personal brand, the image they want to project. As for the colors, usually solid colors work best, as they tend to photograph really well.

How should I pose?

During the shoot day, Ray was a little apprehensive of posing, as he had never been photographed professionally before. We talked about and focused on poses that felt natural, relaxed, and reflected his approachability, and we played his favorite music on the set. A few minutes in, he was enjoying the process, and by the end of the session we got some really good poses that focused on his friendly smile and relaxed demeanor. He loved his photos when I showed them to him during his reveal session—he was surprised to see he looked great!

What background is right for realtor headshots?

Ideally, neutral-colored backdrops or simple backgrounds make for the perfect backgrounds for real estate photography, as we want the focus to be on the realtor’s face. Usually, I recommend taking the shoot in-studio, as there are lesser chances of it being disrupted by weather and outdoor elements like dust, wind, etc.

How should I prepare for my Realtor Headshot session?

In my previous blog post, I listed out the main steps to prepare for your headshot session. First and foremost, make sure that you’re getting a good night’s sleep, at least 8 hours, prior to your shoot so that your skin looks radiant and healthy. Second, and I cannot stress this enough, avoid smoking and make sure to keep yourself hydrated so that your skin looks plump. Third, if there are any props you’d like to use during the shoot or any previous photographs of you where you think you look good, bring them along—we’ll use it to take flattering photos of you.

How much do Realtor Headshots cost?

At our Philadelphia-based photography studio, realtor headshot sessions typically start at $350 per person. This includes a pre-shoot phone consultation, on-set hair and makeup artists, a fully guided photoshoot with 2-3 outfit changes, up to 60 minutes of shoot time with unlimited headshots for the best poses, a post-shoot private reveal session, and one complimentary photo with high-end retouching, with additional prints available for $250 each. This investment pays for itself in the longer run, as clients I have photographed have started seeing great results a few days after they have updated their headshots in their marketing materials.

I wished Ray luck as I ended the call, and couldn’t help but wonder how a professional headshot can be a real page-turner for realtors. Had he not reached out to get his photoshoot done, it could have been slow progress with getting clients, especially considering how competitive and cut-throat real estate is. I hope that after reading this guide, you’ll have some clarity on what realtor headshots are, and how you can get the best realtor headshots for yourself and stand out in the crowd.

If you are a real estate agent and are looking to book your power headshot session, look no further than Vikrant Photography. I am a Philadelphia-based Headshot Photographer with over two decades of experience, and I offer a personalized shoot consultation, as well as Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe Stylists on-set when you book with me, so that you don’t have to worry about anything. Book your session with me today by filling up this form.