Real Estate Photographer

About The Team

Zillow Media Experts is seeking experienced photographers for part-time real estate media work in Chicago, IL. Apply your photography skills to the Real Estate industry, capturing high quality photos, videos and Zillow's 3D interactive floor plans to help real estate agents professionally market listings. By working with us you’ll be at the forefront of Real Estate media innovation, capturing media that consumers want to see when shopping for a home. Zillow Media Expert photographers will be expected to drive between job sites in their market area, capture media, and successfully cull and upload media.

About The Role

This is a part-time position in Chicago, IL. Photographers in this role will typically work 10-20 hours per week, depending on their location and business needs. During periods of high demand, Photographers may occasionally be asked to work more than 20 hours per week. While this is a part-time position, there may be opportunities for full-time employment in the future. As a Photographer supporting Zillow Media Experts and our Listing Media Services, you will:

• Capture industry-leading, professional still photography, listing videos, 3D or 360° virtual tours, drone photography & videos (depending on a business need), and social media videos for for-sale or for-rent properties
• Utilize advanced photography techniques and equipment to showcase the unique features and aesthetics of each property, allowing sellers and real estate agents to market their listing in the best light
• Coordinate and interact with clients on-site to understand their specific photography needs and expectations
• Provide guidance and direction to clients and property owners during photography sessions to achieve desired results and maximize the visual impact of images
• Use cutting-edge proprietary technology to create captivating rich media experiences
• Ensure that all photographs adhere to brand guidelines and represent properties accurately and attractively
• Manage and maintain photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, and accessories, to ensure optimal performance and reliability
• Organize and upload captured media for post-processing, meeting all deadlines and appointment punctuality, and adhering to availability guidelines.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in real estate photography to continually improve skills and techniques
• Develop creative concepts and ideas for photography to effectively showcase the unique selling points of each property
• Collaborate with other team members such as Regional Managers, Market Leaders, and photographers as well as external partners such as real estate agents and marketing professionals to deliver cohesive visual assets for marketing campaigns and promotional materials
• Adapt to future media, product, service, capture, or processing changes
• Represent Zillow Media Experts in a professional manner

This role has been categorized as a Field position. “Field” employees perform the majority of their work in a specified geographic location set by their management team. Employees are expected to live within a reasonable commuting distance to their region and/or service area. ZG has not defined a reasonable distance and expects employees will use judgment in determining this for themselves and understand the implications regarding time commitment and cost of daily commute. In California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington state, and Washington DC the standard base pay range for this role is $24.10 - $38.50 hourly. This base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations. In Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont the standard base pay range for this role is $22.90 - $36.50 hourly. The base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations.

Who you are

An experienced photographer with a talent for capturing high-quality media (preferably within the real estate industry). Someone with excellent customer service & professional business communication skills (you'll be engaging with the clients daily). A motivated, detail-oriented person who can efficiently capture a home while maintaining the highest quality standards. A punctual professional who always shows up on time and delivers captured media by communicated deadlines. An independent worker, comfortable working solo.

Requirements

• The ability to learn Zillow Media Expert’s processes and computer systems.
• Experience capturing high-quality photography, preferably exterior and interior real estate photos, real estate videos, 3D tours, and drone media.
• Deep understanding of photography fundamentals using DSLR/Mirrorless systems.
• May be expected to obtain an FAA Part 107 drone license, complete drone training, and safely operate a drone in accordance with FAA, based on business need.
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Operate and maintain and/or procure reliable transportation
• Ability to drive within a 60+ mile radius of City Center.
• Ability to provide a minimum of 20 hours per week of availability. While this is to allow for scheduling flexibility, please note part-time photographers typically work less than 20 hours per week on average.
• Internet upload speed of at least 15 Mbps is strongly preferred.
• Located near (Chicago, IL)

Required Equipment

• A professional full frame or crop sensor DSLR/mirrorless camera with the ability to shoot 5 brackets, Auto Exposure Bracketing ‘AEB’. (ex: Canon R7, R5, 6DmkII, 5DmkIV)
• Wide-angle lens (ex: Full Frame - 15-35mm, Crop Sensor - 10-22mm)
• Ball Head or Geared Head Tripod (Video Fluid Head Tripods are not acceptable)

Get to know us

At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality. Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow. No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together. Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law. Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Key skills/competency

Real Estate Photography, Photography, Video Production, 3D Tours, Drone Photography, DSLR, Mirrorless Cameras, Client Communication, Time Management, Equipment Maintenance.