10 Years of Excellence: Real Estate Photography in St. George, Utah
That’s me
This below is the story of how I got to where I am today.
A Passion for Photography Sparked Early
My journey into real estate photography, which I now proudly practice in St. George, Utah, began in high school, where a simple photography class ignited a lifelong fascination with imaging. The concept of capturing a moment and preserving it through a lens felt almost magical to me. I naturally gravitated toward photographing mountain landscapes and outdoor scenes, drawn to the beauty and serenity of nature.
Though I never received a formal education or degree in photography, I taught myself almost everything I know through countless hours on Google and YouTube. I often joke with people that I have a degree from the University of YouTube, but the truth is, that resourcefulness and curiosity were critical in helping me grow as a photographer.
People often told me I had a “good eye” for photography, which encouraged me to continue exploring and refining my skills.
Humble Beginnings
In the beginning, I didn’t have the resources to invest in the latest equipment. I borrowed an older digital camera and lenses from my parents, using what they had accumulated over the years. It was enough to start experimenting and learning.
When I made the decision to turn photography into a full-time career, I took a leap of faith. With the support of my grandfather, who loaned me $5,000, I was able to purchase my first professional camera and a few essential lenses. That investment was a turning point—it equipped me to take the quality of my work to a professional level and gave me the confidence to pursue real estate photography seriously.
Finding My First Clients
Breaking into the real estate photography market wasn’t easy. I had to put myself out there, talking to everyone I knew and building connections. I attended real estate meetings hosted by the Washington County Board of Realtors in St. George, Utah, and introduced myself to agents. It wasn’t just about handing out business cards—it was about listening to their needs, showing enthusiasm, and building trust.
Those early connections were invaluable. Each meeting, handshake, and conversation helped me establish my name and reputation as a professional photographer who understood the real estate industry in St. George and the surrounding areas.
Building a Business: Professionalism from Day One
From the very start, I committed to running my real estate photography business like a true professional. Even in my first year, I prioritized creating a seamless, client-friendly experience. I built a professional website, offered online scheduling, and was one of the first photographers in my region to provide online invoicing. These tools made it easy for my clients to book and pay, setting me apart early on.
As I worked to establish myself, I discovered that the real estate photography market could be divided into segments. There was the budget-conscious, “cheap” end of the market, but I quickly decided that wasn’t where I wanted to compete. Instead, I focused on becoming the best photographer I could be, aiming to serve the high-end segment of the market—clients in St. George, Utah, and beyond who valued quality and were willing to invest in premium photography.
This decision shaped my approach and helped me focus on producing work that not only met but exceeded the expectations of discerning clients.
The Turning Point: Growth During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for my business. During that time, St. George, Utah, experienced a massive influx of people moving into the area, and demand for real estate services skyrocketed. My business exploded as a result. I was photographing between 5 to 10 houses a day, editing those photos into the late hours of the night, and then repeating the process the next day.
This intense schedule, which continued for 18 months, became the most significant period of growth in my career. The sheer volume of work forced me to refine my skills at an accelerated pace. Every day, I was in the field, capturing homes, and every night, I was editing those images.
Through this cycle, I noticed areas for improvement and worked to correct them immediately. For example, while editing, I’d reflect on how I could have approached a shot differently—adjusting angles, lighting, or composition. The combination of hands-on experience and immediate feedback turned into a powerful learning process.
It was during this period that I honed not only my technical skills but also my efficiency and ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results under pressure.
Refining the Client Experience
A big part of my success comes from the relationships I’ve built with real estate agents in St. George, Utah, and the surrounding areas. I understand their needs and the fast-paced environment they work in. My goal has always been to make the process as smooth as possible for my clients, and I’ve invested significant time and money into refining their experience with Sam Reed Real Estate Photography.
For instance, I use a professional platform called Show & Tour to deliver all photos, videos, and invoices to my clients. This platform ensures that they have complete ease of access to their media at any time, day or night. While it costs me over $150 per month, it’s worth it because it provides my clients with a seamless and professional way to manage their listings. The ability to access their media 24/7 is a game-changer, especially in an industry where speed and convenience are key.
In addition, we’ve implemented several standout features to provide maximum value for our clients:
• Free One-Business-Day Delivery: We guarantee a fast turnaround, delivering all photos and media within one business day to ensure your listing is market-ready as quickly as possible.
• Money-Back Guarantee: We stand by the quality of our work. If a client isn’t fully satisfied, we offer a money-back guarantee—a promise that reflects our commitment to excellence.
• Free Drone Photos: Every MLS shoot includes complimentary drone photography, providing stunning aerial perspectives that enhance every listing at no extra cost.
• Free Professional Property Websites: If a client needs a dedicated property website for their listing, we include this at no additional charge. It’s an easy way to give their property a polished, professional presentation online.
These offerings are designed to ensure that our clients in St. George receive unparalleled value and convenience.
In fact, many real estate agents in the area have expressed that my photography has directly contributed to their success. By professionally showcasing the properties they’re selling, my images often attract more attention, higher offers, and ultimately, increased commissions. Agents have told me that my photos have helped them earn thousands of extra dollars per sale—proof of the value that professional photography brings to the table.
One particular instance stands out. I photographed a property in Kanab, Utah—a neighboring area of St. George—that had been on the market for over six months with four different photographers, yet it still hadn’t sold. The frustrated owners discontinued working with their former real estate agent and hired one of my clients, who called me and explained they needed the best photography possible. I went in, did my thing, and delivered the photos within 24 hours. The results? That property sold in just three weeks after my photos were used—proving the power of truly professional real estate photography.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Decade in Business
Over the past ten years, I’ve learned so much about what it truly takes to succeed—not just as a photographer, but as a business owner. While photography itself is a skill I’ve worked tirelessly to refine, running a business has been an even greater teacher. Looking back, there are three key lessons I’ve shared with countless people over the years, and they’re the foundation of how I’ve built my career.
1. Hard Work: More Than You Can Imagine
So. Much. Hard. Work.
Whatever you think it takes, it takes so much more than that.
If you think building a business is hard work, double that expectation—then double it again. Success demands an insane amount of effort, and there’s no way around it. For me, 2021 was the year that truly tested my resolve. There were over 100 nights when I didn’t sleep at all, staying up late to meet deadlines, improve my craft, and sustain my growing business. Those sleepless nights weren’t just about getting through the workload—they were about pushing myself to be better, to deliver more value, and to ensure I could stand out in a competitive industry.
2. It Takes Time, and There’s No Shortcut
Not possible.
It takes more time than you expect. Can’t cheat it. No way around it.
Building a successful business takes patience. There’s no skipping this part. It takes years to build a reputation, develop your skills, and create a client base that trusts and values your work. This is one of the most challenging truths about running a business, especially in an age where we’re conditioned to expect instant results. But that time is essential—it’s where you grow, learn, and prove yourself.
3. You Have to Be Exceptional
Ordinary doesn’t cut it
Strive to be the World Series champion of what ever you do.
The final and perhaps most overlooked lesson is this: you have to be the absolute best at what you do. It’s not enough to be good; you have to be exceptional. In photography—and in any profession—clients don’t just want a service provider. They want someone who can deliver results beyond their expectations. That means constantly improving, mastering your craft, and holding yourself to a higher standard. Professionalism isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself every single time.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone considering starting their own business—whether in photography or any other field—these lessons are my advice: prepare for relentless hard work, accept that success takes time, and commit to being exceptional in your craft. There’s no magic formula or shortcut, but if you're willing to put in the work and stay the course, the rewards are worth it.
As I look ahead to the next chapter of my career, I'm proud of the journey so far and excited for what's to come.
Here's to the homes l've yet to capture, the clients I'll continue to serve, and the lessons I'll keep learning along the way.
