Real estate photographer & video expert wanted? How to find the perfect combined service provider

You’ve finally found an excellent real estate photographer – but there’s a problem: they don’t offer video. Now the search starts all over again.

And not only does your search effort double: you also have to coordinate two providers and usually face higher costs. The results also suffer from splitting photo and video services: the content often ends up inconsistent, which undermines a cohesive presentation and can negatively affect your agent image.

Why is a combined provider more practical? With a combined provider, you get photos and videos from a single source. This saves time in the search for the right vendor and throughout the entire process: you only need to coordinate with one person and fewer on-site appointments are necessary. Your presentation benefits too: consistent results in a cohesive style create a professional impression and make your marketing efficient.

At the start of your research, you might ask yourself: “Real estate photos or videos – which is worth it?” Often, a combination of both is most effective. And in exactly those cases, it’s practical to get everything from a single source.

This article gives you a practical guide to finding the perfect real estate photographer who can also produce videos. We’ll reveal what to watch out for during your research and preparations. For efficient support that moves your business forward.

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1. The challenge: Why photo and video are often separated
2. Proposed solution: In 3 steps to a combined photo & video service
   1. Step 1 – Define needs precisely: What do you really need?
   2. Step 2 – Find & vet providers: Identify and ensure quality
   3. Step 3 – Align workflow & contract: Ensure smooth collaboration
3. The advantages of the combined strategy: Value at a glance
4. Timeline: When can you expect your photos and videos?
5. Alternatives & solutions if no combined provider is available
6. Conclusion and next steps: How to successfully implement the combined strategy

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The challenge: Why photo and video are often separated

Many real estate photographers are reluctant to offer video for various reasons. Often the necessary skill set is missing: while a photo is taken from a single perspective, proper camera movement is essential for video. When the camera moves, parameters like lighting change – all of this must be considered to achieve good results. Many also see equipment as a hurdle. Yet a pro can shoot video even with a modern smartphone. Post-production is time-consuming, especially without the necessary experience – after all, editing video clips differs significantly from retouching photos.

Dabei werden Videos im Immobilienbereich immer wichtiger: Laut eines Artikels der Park University integrieren 86 % aller Unternehmen (egal aus welcher Branche) Videos in ihre allgemeine Marketingstrategie. Vor allem die Nachfrage nach Kurzvideos und Reels für Social Media steigt kontinuierlich an. Das erhöht den Druck auf Anbieter, neben Fotos auch Videos anzubieten. Als Makler oder Verkäufer haben Sie diese Optionen:

• Specialized combined providers: Combined providers offer individualized support and extensive know-how in both photo and video. They are often more flexible and personal than full-service agencies.
• Full-service agencies: Here you get the full package, from producing photos and videos to support with branding and marketing. The support is usually less individualized than with combined providers.
• Software solutions: AI-powered programs can generate videos based on photos. This is often cheaper than a videographer – however, professional post-production is necessary in most cases.

Do-it-yourself (DIY): Shooting a real estate video yourself with a smartphone has the clear advantage of saving costs. Without basic knowledge of real estate videography, however, convincing results are rare.

Proposed solution: In 3 steps to a combined photo & video service

Finding the right professional for both photo and video can be challenging. Our proven, practical approach helps you find the best combined provider in three steps:

1. Define needs: How should the results look? What is the available budget? Within what time frame do you need the content?
2. Find & vet providers: Research online and within your network, compare portfolios, and obtain references.
3. Align workflow & contract: Create a briefing, agree on the framework conditions, and set deadlines.

Only with a structured approach will you get optimal results. By investing enough time in research and preparation, you set yourself up for an effective execution. This saves resources (time and money) and ensures you ultimately receive photos and videos that optimally support your real estate marketing.

Step 1 – Define needs precisely: What do you really need?

Start by clarifying your requirements and wishes in detail. Think carefully about the type of content you want and what it should achieve. Ask yourself, among others, these questions:

• What type of photos and videos do I need (interior or exterior shots, drone photos, walkthrough)?
• How long should the videos be (classic real estate videos vs. reels)?
• On which channels do I want to use the content (website, social media, online exposé)?
• What is my maximum budget?
• What is the deadline?
• Is there a storyboard or a specific message to convey?

All these criteria need to be answered individually. Also consider the specific demands of your target audience and the property. For marketing a city apartment, a mix of high-quality photos and a short reel may be suitable. A luxury villa or a vacation home, on the other hand, can benefit from immersive videos and atmospheric exterior and drone shots. Only when we know your requirements and those of your property can we showcase your real estate optimally.

Step 2 – Find & vet providers: Identify and ensure quality

You can search for the ideal combined provider on various platforms. In addition to specialized industry directories and portfolio platforms, you can simply run a Google search with the right keywords (e.g., “real estate photo and video Switzerland”). Agent networks and recommendations from acquaintances or other agents can also be helpful.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few providers, it’s time to make a decision. These criteria can help:

• The portfolio is a good first indicator of quality. Be sure to review samples from both areas, photos and videos. You’ll also immediately see whether the photographer’s style is consistent and matches your expectations. In our blog you’ll find what makes a good real estate video.
• References from previous clients are a valuable criterion: it’s always a good sign when other agents or sellers are enthusiastic about the professional’s work.
• Experience is essential for professional photos and videos. Check whether the provider has worked with your specific property type (e.g., luxury property vs. city apartment vs. new builds).
• The technology used can reveal how cleanly a provider works. High-quality equipment indicates a professional approach with compelling results.
• Reliable and open communication is essential. Usually, shortly after initial contact you can tell whether the provider communicates transparently and clearly and whether their way of working matches your expectations.

Take enough time for your search and proceed carefully to find the perfect partner.

Step 3 – Align workflow & contract: Ensure smooth collaboration

To achieve the best results, smooth and well-planned collaboration is crucial. In particular, consider the following points:

• Detailed briefing outlining the duties and tasks of both parties
• Joint alignment on the photoshoot process
• Setting deadlines (for drafts and final delivery)
• Clarifying revision rounds
• Ensuring a consistent visual language and color profiles

The more detailed your planning, the more stress-free the execution. Always communicate transparently and don’t hesitate to ask questions. All aspects (including scope of services, price, deadlines, usage rights) should also be recorded in writing – this keeps all parties on the same page and helps you avoid potential misunderstandings.

Would you like to learn more about costs? In our blog you will find further information on comparing prices for professional real estate photos.

The advantages of the combined strategy: Value at a glance

Working with a combined provider makes photo and video creation more efficient and better for you—especially with regard to these points:

• Consistent visual brand presence across all media
• Significantly reduced coordination and management effort
• Potential cost savings compared to separate bookings
• Faster overall delivery and time-to-market for marketing
• A single point of contact for all visual matters

At Visualista.ch, it’s important to us to support you sustainably and in the long term. We don’t see ourselves as a one-time service provider, but as an ongoing partner for your real estate business. By building a true foundation of trust, we achieve the greatest value for you and your business—without the need for additional service providers.

Timeline: When can you expect your photos and videos?

At Visualista, efficient support for our clients is a priority. That’s why you’ll receive your results as quickly as possible after the on-site appointment:

• Photos: Maximum 48 hours—in most cases, you’ll receive your fully edited real estate photos by the next business day.
• Videos: Maximum 72 hours—depending on the length and complexity of the footage, we can often deliver sooner.

The total time required depends on various factors. The duration of the on-site photo shoot varies greatly depending on the size of the property. In post-production, the scope of editing determines the turnaround time. Adding special effects and music licensing can take some time. The number of revision rounds also has an impact. In 95% of cases, however, you will receive your photos and videos from Visualista.ch before our stated maximum deadline.

Alternatives & solutions if no combined provider is available

You simply can’t find a suitable combined provider? You still have several alternative options to obtain your real estate videos and photos:

1. AI tools: AI video tools complement real estate photographers by enabling automatic video creation. With Visualista AI, you can also create AI-generated real estate videos with us. We create a video based on photos of your property—ideal if you decide on a video afterward but want to save time and costs.
2. External support: A specialized video freelancer can support photographers remotely or join on the shooting day to capture content themselves. Downsides include more complicated coordination and higher costs.
3. DIY: Very simple clips, e.g., for social media, can be recorded yourself with a smartphone in a pinch. However, this is at best a temporary solution and cannot replace professional results.

At Visualista.ch, we have a large team of permanent professionals. This increases the likelihood that we can offer you a suitable appointment—even at short notice.

Conclusion and next steps: How to successfully implement the combined strategy

The combined strategy for real estate photos and videos offers you a variety of benefits: in addition to saving time and costs, using a single provider primarily ensures quality assurance. You get consistent results that match your style and optimally support your marketing. To find the best real estate photographer and videographer, you should follow these three steps:

1. Define needs and requirements
2. Search for and decide on a provider
3. Clarify workflow and conditions

Our approach is proven in practice and sustainable—try it for your next project to advance your real estate marketing! This way, you’ll effortlessly find the perfect combined pro for your properties!