The Real Estate Photography System:
Business coaching and training
Build a real estate media business with more clients, higher pricing and solid systems. With 28+ years in the real estate media industry, I’ll help you get there faster.
Contents:
My name is Darryl Stringer, and here's a quick summary of what you get when you join:
Scroll down for more details, or click on the links in the sidebar to jump to the section you want to see.
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The purpose of this program is to provide both experienced and new real estate media business owners with the guidance and tools they need to build their dream business.
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Start with a 30-day trial that's 100% risk-free so you can see if this program is right for you.
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Premium Members get two 60-minute private coaching sessions every month to provide clarity and accountability as I help you build a better business.
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All members get access to the weekly group coaching sessions (it's like a mini business conference every week), providing you with training and conversations with other business owners.
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Access to 800+ training modules that include pre-made tools and resources: marketing, pricing, team building, time management, business operations and more.
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Every business owner that joins this program is blown away by the volume and quality of the resources we have here.
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I bring 28 years as a photographer and business coach who has worked with 200+ photographers and videographers across the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and Asia.
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Get to know me through my social media content: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
If you're interested, complete the application form so I can learn more about your business and make sure this is right for you.
Follow me on Instagram and see if you like what I share.
If we haven't met before, then you're probably wondering whether I'm worth listening to or not.
I share almost daily on Instagram, so click on the images below to go to my profile, then hit the Follow button and see what I have to say: @buildaphotobusiness
Training + tools to help your business grow
Here are some of the 800+ training sessions and tools that you get instant access to inside The Real Estate Photography System:
Why does the owner of a real estate media business need a business coach?
Here are some comments I've heard from business owners who aren't sure they need a business coach to help them grow:
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"I'm not sure how a business coach could help me."
As a photographer or videographer, you bring the creativity to the business. A coach brings the 'business', providing the balance you need to thrive by giving you that healthy balance between creative skills and business skills.
The other big thing a coach can do is give you clarity on what to do when you're overwhelmed with options, and then keep you accountable to do the things you need to do.
When you're clear on what needs doing, and you make a commitment to someone else to do it, you're much more likely to get stuff done.
“I can learn everything I need on YouTube.”
You can learn a lot from YouTube, but here's where YouTube becomes a problem:
- There are too many competing voices, so you're not sure what solution works for you.
- There's no follow-up or accountability, so it still relies on you to get everything done (and that's where most business owners struggle).
- You still need to build all of the resources and systems yourself.
The advantages with joining The Real Estate Photography System are:
- A coach who will guide you on what you need to do, and follow-up with you to make sure you do it.
- An enormous library of resources and systems that have been pre-made, and a business coach who will help you implement them.
"I'm not a beginner anymore, so why do I need a coach?"
Coaching is not just for beginners. In fact, a lot of experienced photographers hit a ceiling because they are busy and talented, but there are still holes in their business that could be improved.
Indeed, that's why top CEOs at major corporations still have a coach to guide them. Here's a few names you might have heard of that have all worked with a coach:
- Steve Jobs (Apple)
- Sheryl Sandberg (Meta / Facebook)
- Larry Page (Google)
- Bill Gates (Microsoft)
- Oprah Winfrey (Oprah Winfrey Network / Harpo Productions)
- Jack Dorsey (Twitter)
Those business leaders aren't beginners, but they know they benefit from having a coach. The coach helps experienced business leaders identify blind spots, tighten what is already working, and make smarter decisions. It's less about learning basics, and more about building consistency, confidence and growth.
“I can figure it out myself. I just need time.”
You probably can figure it out. The question is how long it will take, and what it is costing you in the meantime in missed bookings, undercharging and stress.
A coach helps you cut through the noise, choose the right next steps, and stay consistent, so you make progress in weeks instead of spinning for months or even years.
Implementation, not information
"I've got some ideas for my business already, so I don't think I need a coach to give me more ideas."
The problem a lot of creatives face isn't necessarily ideas, since creative people tend to be very good at coming up with those ideas. The problem is implementation.
Having big ideas for your business but not implementing them is like looking through a viewfinder without firing the shutter. Execution is everything, and that's where a business coach can help.
“I’ve tried courses and programs before. Nothing changed.”
Courses can be great, but they are usually heavy on information and light on accountability, personalization and troubleshooting when life gets in the way.
Coaching is different because we work on your business in real time. If something isn't working, we adjust quickly, and you're not left trying to figure it out alone.
“I’m worried this will be generic advice I’ve already heard.”
Most photographers don't struggle because they've never heard the advice. They struggle because nobody helped them translate it into a simple plan that fits their business and their life, and then follows up with them to ensure they get stuff done.
In coaching, we take what you already know and turn it into clear list of priority tasks with accountability to ensure you get it done. It's less about information, and more about implementation.
Personal fit, style and trust
"Can I meet you before making a decision?"
You're absolutely welcome to schedule a free Zoom call with me (Darryl Stringer) to ask me questions and see if you think we can work well together.
Click here to go to my calendar and pick a day and time that suits you (it should show my availability in your local timezone).
“How do I know you can help my business specifically?”
I don't do one-size-fits-all coaching. We start by looking at the specifics of your business, and then we focus on the changes that will make the biggest difference for your situation. Each step in the plan is built around your goals and your market, not a generic template.
“I don’t want someone pushing me into a salesy style that feels fake.”
My goal is to help you market in a way that feels like you, while still being effective. You can be direct, professional, and a generous human being without doing the high-pressure salesy stuff.
“I feel embarrassed admitting I’m stuck.”
You are not alone. A lot of talented photographers feel stuck because they are busy doing client work and do not have the space to step back and build the business side properly.
There is nothing embarrassing about getting support. It is a professional decision, like hiring an accountant or a second shooter, so you don't have to carry everything on your own.
Time and capacity
"I'm too busy to get the most out of this."
Most photographers would like to have more time to work on their business, and having a business coach to keep you accountable for coaching sessions and tasks might be just what you need to make the changes that you've been meaning to make for a long time.
Think about it - are you more likely to take time out to work on your business and do the things you want to do if you're working by yourself, or is it much more likely to happen if you're working with a business coach?
“I’m already overwhelmed. Adding coaching feels like more work.”
If you are overwhelmed, the goal is not to pile more onto your plate. The goal is to help you reduce the load by deciding what matters, what can wait, and what is draining your time without paying you back.
Coaching should make your business feel clearer and lighter, not heavier. We focus on a few high-impact priority tasks, not a massive to-do list.
Money, risk, and return on investment
"I can't afford this right now."
I know finances can be a challenge, but I would encourage you to think of the time and money you've already invested in your real estate photography & media business, and how you would feel if one day you found that there just weren't enough photo shoots coming in for you anymore.
What would that be like for you?
With the support of a business coach, you'll be giving yourself the best possible chance of not just keeping your business alive, but giving it every chance to grow and thrive and be the best it can be.
“I’m nervous about spending money when income is inconsistent.”
Inconsistent income is stressful, and it is often a sign that your marketing, pricing, or systems need tightening. That is not a reason to ignore the problem. It is a reason to fix the parts that create stability.
“I need certainty this will pay off.”
It is smart to want a return, but no honest coach can promise a guaranteed outcome because results depend on you, and whether you do what they recommend.
What I can promise is a clear plan, practical guidance, and support to make better decisions.
If you want certainty, the best path is to focus on actions you can control. That means improving your offer, your marketing and your sales process.
“What if you tell me I need to raise my prices and I lose clients?”
That is a real fear, and it is exactly why price changes should be done with a plan. Raising prices without improving your brand positioning, messaging, and client experience can feel risky.
If pricing needs to change, we'll do it in a way that supports it. That can include adjusting your packages, improving how you communicate the value you deliver, and making sure you are attracting the right kind of clients.
Client volume and growth
"I already have enough clients, so I don't need any marketing help."
It might seem like you do, but what happens if one or two of your biggest real estate clients leave? I know that this has happened to photographers I know. They've become reliant on a small number of clients who are keeping them very busy, but when those clients leave the photographers don't have enough other clients to cover for them.
The fact is that every real estate media business can take on more clients by making changes in their business, and increase their revenue and their profit margins. There are things we can do to diversify the market and find new opportunities, but sometimes it takes someone standing away from the coal face to see what's really going on. That's where I can help.
"I want to move beyond real estate photography, and do more commercial shoots."
I can help you there, too! Providing marketing and training for photographers to move outside of the real estate industry and really diversify their client base is a HUGE part of what we do in The Real Estate Photography System.
I have a lot of tools available to help you get more clients in the hotel industry, architecture, interior design, building supplies and more. Whilst real estate photography might be your bread and butter, I actively encourage all of my team members and provide them with training to move beyond real estate as well.
What could we cover in a coaching session?
Each session is tailored to where you are right now and what would move the needle in your business. Here are some of the areas we could work on:
Marketing:
Audit what’s currently generating inquiries and build a clearer plan to attract more of the right clients, consistently.
Pricing and profit margin:
Review your numbers, packages, and costs so your pricing is profitable, sustainable, and aligned with your income goals.
Website and local SEO:
Improve your website so it converts more visitors into inquiries, and strengthen your local SEO so you show up more often for the searches your ideal clients are making.
Social media:
Refine your content and calls-to-action so your posts support bookings, not just engagement.
Goals and execution plan:
Set clear business goals and turn them into a simple plan with a clear list of tasks you can actually follow through on.
Team and outsourcing:
Create a realistic path to delegate editing or admin work, document processes, and build a team so you can take time off without everything stalling.
Time management and capacity:
Streamline your workload, set boundaries, and structure your week so you spend more time on the work you love.
Systems and workflow:
Improve your end-to-end workflow (inquiry to delivery) so the business runs smoothly, clients have a great experience, and you stay consistent when it comes to getting stuff done.
How do these coaching sessions work?
After completing thousands of private and group coaching sessions for photographers across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, here's the process that I use:
Start:
We will meet via Zoom (you can choose whether or not you have your webcam running), and what we cover in each session is up to you. So I'll start by asking you what you would like to achieve in the session, so we're both clear on the outcome you're looking for.
For example, if you have an issue to work through, or an idea you'd like some feedback on, then we will take time to talk about that and help you come to a clear decision or action step.
Or if you are looking for guidance on something, such as what to do to attract more clients, or increase your fees, or hire a team member, I can help you get clear on what outcome you really want and work with you to define the steps that will help you get there.
Middle:
Throughout our conversation I will be writing things down, and usually that means setting clear goals and the tasks you need to fulfill.
End:
At the end of each session I'll review the tasks with you and make sure you are leaving each conversation clear on what you need to do next.
Follow-up conversations:
When we do subsequent coaching sessions, we will go back over the tasks that were set for you, and we'll review what you've achieved and what still needs to be done. From there we can set new goals and tasks for you to do.
Area exclusivity: Why I work with just one real estate media company in each area
Why only one?
I create these exclusive tools and resources that members of REPS can use, and the effectiveness of those marketing tools would be limited if multiple photographers in the same area were using them to target the same prospects.
So if you are interested I would encourage you to act quickly.
I’ve had quite a number of photographers desperately wanting to work with me, and I have to give them the news that unfortunately I can’t help them because someone else got in ahead of them.
Would you like to know if your area is still available?
Enter your details in the form below, and I'll let you know if I currently have space available for you.
As an example, in the map above I've indicated the area that might be covered by a fictitious photographer in Philadelphia (approx 30 mile radius around the city).
Within this scenario, I would not work with another photographer in Philadelphia, but I could work with another photographer in Atlantic City, another in Brick Township, another in Allentown and another in New York City, provided those photographers do not also cover Philadelphia.
Who am I?
I'm Darryl Stringer, and I started in real estate photography back in 1998. During those early years I made a lot of mistakes, but I eventually figured out how to make it work. By the time I sold my business in 2015 I had made over $2.7 million in photography sales.
Since 2015 I have been a full-time photography coach, and my goal is to help other photographers avoid the mistakes I made, guide them towards making great choices as business owners, and provide them with the tools and resources that will enable them to be as successful as they want to be.
BTW, I'm based in Brisbane, Australia, but timezone differences aren't a problem. I've worked with photographers around the world since 2015, so I know how to make this work.
However, if there's more you'd like to know about me, feel free to send me an email:
What do photographers say about this?
" I have gained 2-3 new clients a month and it's been way better than I thought it could be."
"You have been an amazing coach and great support to me this year. Without your help, I will have been still struggling with different things in my head. Thank you so much."
- Photographer from Hawaii, USA
“Following your steps I have gained so many of my dream clients.”
- Photographer from North Carolina, USA
"I have gained 2-3 new clients a month and it's been way better than I thought it could be. I rank on page 1 of Google, I get consistent business, and I have clients who love me and will do anything for me. It's awesome and I would not be here without you and your content."
- Architectural photographer from Colorado, USA
"While I found everything we talked about tonight extremely helpful I think having you go over my website and tell me very freely the things that are holding me back from ranking, and discussing social media and how to approach people through that really helped me."
- Photographer from Colorado, USA
“Thanks for all this - it’s exactly what I need!
The call today was great, thanks so much as always for putting it all together.”
- Photographer from the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions photographers often ask me:
Q. "What’s your background as a photographer and a coach?"
A. I ran my own photography business for 17 years. I started in 1998 shooting film, transitioned to digital in 2003, and grew a successful business operation with a team of photographers. My specialty from the start was real estate and architectural photography, as I really enjoyed that line of work, but I also did weddings and family portraits.
Then in 2015 I sold the business (so if you’re thinking of one day selling your real estate photography business I can certainly speak to that from experience), and started full-time doing business coaching for photographers. Since then I’ve literally done thousands of private coaching sessions and group coaching sessions.
I’ve also been the opening speaker at a real estate photography conference in Las Vegas called The PMRE Conference, where I spoke on the topic of resilience in photography, which is something I’m very passionate about.
Q. "What can I talk with you about during our coaching sessions?"
A. My expertise is in the business side of things, so anything to do with that - marketing, pricing, business operations, team member hiring and training, business systems, photography technique, working with photo editors or AI editors, etc.
However, you’ll see in the application form below where I ask photographers to let me know what they hope to gain from joining this coaching program, so if you aren’t sure if I can help, fill in the form and I’ll give you a totally honest response regarding my suitability.
Q. "What happens if I do this but I'm not happy with the business coaching session? Do you guarantee your work?"
A. Everyone who joins this program starts with a 30-day trial. If you're not happy with your experience during that 30-day trial, I'll give you a 100% refund for the trial.
Request a free Zoom call
Got more questions? Or maybe you're wondering what I'm like to work with?
Feel free to book a Zoom call with me to have a chat about your business, ask me any questions you have, and see if I might be the right coach for what you need.
To book a meeting time with me, select a day and a time that suits you (it should automatically show available spots in your local timezone).
Note that you’ll automatically receive a custom Zoom link and confirmation for this call via email, so please refer to the email for details.
Take a 30-day trial
If you join before another photographer takes your area you can take a test drive of Premium Membership for 30 days for just $49.
What happens after you join?
At any time during the 30 day trial you can choose to leave the program and pay nothing more. Or if you choose to stay you'll automatically start paying a monthly or annual fee. There are two different membership levels to choose from.
What does The Real Estate Photography System cost after the 30-day trial?
We've got two membership levels for you to choose from. You can choose a monthly fee or save big with an annual fee.
Please note that there is no lock-in contract, so you are free to leave REPS at any time.
Premium Membership
$350
per monthGroup Membership
$200
per monthDo you work in a town or area with a population of less than 100,000?
I know that the opportunities to work as a real estate photographer in a smaller town with fewer real estate listings means less jobs, and I don’t want any photographer to be held back just because they live in a smaller town instead of a major city.
To find out more send me an email with a note about the area you live in and the population of that area, and I’ll send you pricing details for a town of your size.
Complete the application form to join
Thank you so much for your interest in the Real Estate Photography System. Here is the process to join:
Step 1. Complete the application form below, being as detailed as you can.
Please note that completing this application form does not necessarily mean that you will become a member. It is only an application.
Step 2. I will let you know within 48 hours whether you have been successful or not.
If you are successful then I will send you a link to my website where you can choose which membership level you would like to go with at the end of your 30 day trial. Choose the membership level you want, pay just $49, and only at the end of that 30 day trial will you make any further payment.
Step 3. Once payment has been made I will provide you with access to everything inside REPS.
Step 4. At any point during your 30 day trial you can choose to leave ...
... and if you're disappointed let me know if you would like a full refund. If you choose to stay then you will automatically continue at one of two membership levels: Premium or Group Membership. Click here to see details about the membership levels.
Note:
This 30 day trial is not available to people who have previously been members of this coaching program. If you've already done a 30 day trial of REPS then you are already familiar with what we have, so the 30 day trial isn't necessary. You're welcome to reapply, or send me an email, and if I have a vacancy I'd love to resume working with you, but you would go straight to the standard monthly membership fee.
APPLICATION FORM:
Please make sure you’ve completed every question. Then, click on the “I want to build my business” button at the bottom of the screen to submit your application.
Note: If you have any problems with the form not working you're welcome to send me an email and we'll do the application that way instead.
I would be truly honored if I could work with you on your business, but whether you would like me to work with you or not here's what I'd like you to be saying to yourself:
"My business will grow because of the hard work I put in to it. I will not give up. I will be constantly learning, always moving forward, always doing better than the day before, because this business is my responsibility and I will make it a success!!"