As a professional photographer, it's no secret that the industry can be highly competitive. 

In the United States & Canada, there are nearly 250,000 professional photographers. Also the industry is expected to grow by 4% over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Canadian Photography Institute. With so many photographers competing in the same industry, it's essential to set yourself apart from other photographers.

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‍Set yourself apart from the competition by virtual tour

One way to set yourself apart from competitors is by offering virtual tours. 

Virtual tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the real estate and tourism industries. Here are some business examples.

1.Real Estate

Real estate agents can use virtual tours to showcase properties to potential buyers. With virtual tours, potential buyers can view the property from the comfort of their own homes, which can save time and increase interest in the property. Additionally, agents can charge higher commission rates for properties that include virtual tours.

2.Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions such as museums, theme parks, and zoos can use virtual tours to showcase their exhibits and attractions to potential visitors. This can help to generate interest in the attraction and increase ticket sales. Additionally, virtual tours can be used to promote merchandise sales, such as souvenir photos, which can further increase income.

3.Hospitality

Hotels and resorts can use virtual tours to showcase their rooms, amenities, and surrounding areas to potential guests. This can help to attract more bookings and increase revenue.

4.Retail 

Online retailers can use virtual tours to create immersive shopping experiences for customers. This can help to increase engagement and sales.

How to become a top virtual tour photographer? 

First, invest in the right equipment.

To create high-quality virtual tours, you will need specialized equipment such as a 360-degree camera, a tripod, and virtual tour software. It is essential to invest in quality equipment to produce professional-grade virtual tours.

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Second, develop your skills.

you can attend some training from the virtual tour device or software providers. Follow some youtube professionals. Remember to choose the simple device & software, because you don’t want to spend too much time and effort on fixing complicated devices or editing tours. 

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Third, make sample tours.

Create samples of your virtual tours to showcase your skills to potential clients. Your samples should demonstrate your ability to create high-quality, immersive virtual tours that can help businesses stand out in their industries. Or even better, get some badge or certification from your virtual tour service providers. Some companies provide opportunities to connect you with potential clients if you get their badge or certificate. Remember to take advantage of that. 

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Finally, market your services.

Once you have your sample tours ready, it's time to start marketing your services to potential clients. You can do this by posting your virtual tours to facebook or Tiktok to showcase your work online. Or you can network with other professionals and offline connections to promote your services.

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