Independent Contractor — Real Estate Photographer & Drone Operator (NWA)

Job Position(s): Independent Contractor — Real Estate Photographer & Drone Operator (NWA)

1440 Real Estate Media is hiring an Independent Contractor — Real Estate Photographer & Drone Operator based in Bentonville, AR. This role sits at the intersection of real estate media production and aerial cinematography, delivering listing photography, drone footage, and video tours that move properties through the market. It’s a natural fit for a working photographer or drone operator with a background in architectural or commercial shoots who wants consistent volume and a structured production workflow.

About the Role

This contractor position operates within 1440’s field production team, covering residential listing shoots across Northwest Arkansas. Day to day, you’re on location at multiple properties, executing interior and exterior photography alongside aerial imaging that meets brand standards and next-day delivery timelines. The workflow runs from shoot to upload through company-approved systems, with the operations team coordinating scheduling and shot lists on the back end.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture high-quality interior and exterior listing photography using professional-grade camera and lens setups suited for architectural and real estate media production.
• Operate drones to produce aerial imagery and video for residential listings, following FAA regulations and safe flight practices on every shoot.
• Perform post-processing and color correction using tools such as Lightroom, Photoshop, or Premiere to deliver polished final files within next-day turnaround windows.
• Manage file organization and upload media through the company’s production workflow systems, keeping deliverables on schedule across a high-volume booking calendar.
• Coordinate directly with the operations team and real estate agents on shot lists, property access, and scheduling logistics for each listing.
• Maintain personal equipment and carry appropriate insurance coverage to meet the professional and safety standards required on all production days.

What You Bring

• Demonstrated experience in real estate photography, architectural photography, or a related commercial shoot discipline, with a portfolio or sample reel required.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or a clear plan to obtain it, along with practical aerial imaging experience across varied property types.
• Working proficiency in Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere, or comparable post-production software used in real estate media workflows.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to manage a multi-property schedule across Bentonville and surrounding Northwest Arkansas communities.
• Professional client-facing communication skills appropriate for both occupied and vacant listings.

Why This Role

1440 Real Estate Media has built a scalable production model around speed and consistency, with a next-day delivery guarantee that gives contractors a clear operational framework rather than ambiguous expectations. The company is expanding into new markets, which means early contractors have room to grow alongside the production slate. For a photographer and drone operator who wants steady real estate media work rather than one-off gigs, this Independent Contractor — Real Estate Photographer & Drone Operator position offers reliable volume and a structured team behind every booking.

Apply now for the Independent Contractor — Real Estate Photographer & Drone Operator role at 1440 Real Estate Media and put your aerial and architectural production work in front of a team that runs shoots like a production house.