Freelance Real Estate Photographer

Company Description

360 Chicago Tours is a Chicago-based real estate media company helping real estate agents, brokerages, property managers and property owners market their spaces through professional visual content.

Our services include HDR real estate photography, CubiCasa floor plans, drone photography, property video, Zillow 3D tours, Matterport capture and additional listing-marketing solutions.

We focus on delivering clean, bright and natural imagery while creating a dependable, professional experience for both our clients and their occupants.

Role Description

360 Chicago Tours is seeking freelance real estate photographers to join our independent contractor network throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

This is a project-based, on-location 1099 contractor opportunity; not a full-time salaried position. Photographers will be offered assignments based on their location, availability, experience, equipment and client needs. Contractors may accept or decline individual assignments.

Primary responsibilities include traveling to residential properties, capturing professional interior and exterior photographs, completing CubiCasa floor-plan scans and uploading organized files after each assignment.

Experience with Zillow 3D tours, Matterport and drone photography is valuable but not required. Qualified photographers may be trained on these additional services.

Standard photo editing, client billing and final delivery are handled by 360 Chicago Tours unless editing services are separately agreed upon.

Responsibilities

Capture clean, properly exposed interior and exterior real estate photographsFollow the 360 Chicago Tours photography standards and required shot listsMaintain straight vertical lines, balanced composition and consistent camera heightComplete CubiCasa floor-plan scans when included in an assignmentCapture Zillow 3D or Matterport tours when qualified and assignedCapture drone photography only when FAA Part 107 certifiedCommunicate professionally with agents, property owners, tenants and occupantsArrive on time and complete assignments within the scheduled appointment windowUpload RAW files and supporting assets promptly after each appointmentMaintain organized file names, folders and project informationImmediately communicate access problems, property-condition issues or equipment failures

Required Qualifications

Own a professional mirrorless or DSLR cameraOwn a wide-angle lens suitable for real estate interiorsOwn a sturdy, professional tripodBasic understanding of composition, exposure and architectural photographyReliable transportation throughout the photographer’s selected service areaSmartphone with reliable cellular serviceComputer and dependable internet connection for file uploadsProfessional communication and client-service skillsAbility to work independently and meet deadlinesReliable attendance and punctualityPortfolio demonstrating photography experience

Real estate photography experience is preferred, but photographers with strong technical skills, appropriate equipment and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous real estate or architectural photography experienceExperience capturing bracketed HDR photographyCubiCasa floor-plan experienceZillow 3D Tour experienceMatterport capture experienceRicoh Theta Z1, Insta360 X5 or similar 360 cameraMatterport Pro2 or compatible Matterport cameraFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateProfessional drone and appropriate insuranceBackup camera body, lens or other essential equipmentPhoto-editing experience, although standard editing is not required for this role

Contractor Compensation

Compensation is paid per completed assignment.

Basic rental photography and CubiCasa floor plan: starting at $60 per listingStandard residential photography and floor plan: approximately $80 per listingDrone-photo addition: additional $25Zillow 3D Tour: additional $25Matterport Tour: additional $50Real twilight photography: additional $75–$100Additional compensation may apply for larger properties, extended travel, multiple units, parking, rush assignments or expanded project requirementsRates may be adjusted based on property size, assignment complexity, distance and the contractor’s qualifications.

Contractor Relationship

This is an independent contractor opportunity. Assignment volume is based on client demand and is not guaranteed.

Contractors:

Provide their own primary equipment and transportationEstablish their own availabilityMay accept or decline individual assignmentsMay provide services to other companies and clientsAre paid by project rather than through guaranteed hourly employmentAre responsible for their own applicable taxes, insurance and business expensesPhotographers who consistently demonstrate strong communication, reliability, professionalism and quality will receive priority consideration for future assignments.

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your current neighborhood, suburb or home service areaYour preferred travel radiusYour general weekday availabilityA current photography portfolioAt least one complete real estate gallery, when availableYour camera, lens and tripod informationYour experience with CubiCasa, Zillow 3D, Matterport and drone photographyYour FAA Part 107 certification status, when applicableA list of any 360 cameras, Matterport cameras, drones or backup equipment you own