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PFRE is the original online resource for real estate and interior photographers. Since 2006, it has been a community hub where like-minded professionals from around the world gather to share information with a common goal of improving their work and advancing their business. With thousands of articles, covering hundreds of topics, PFRE offers the most robust collection of educational material in our field. The history of real estate photography has been documented within these pages.
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Image banner for the April 2025 PFRE Photographer of the Month Winner Dave Koch, with a featured image of his winning photo titled "Primary Bedroom"

Congratulations Dave Koch! April 2025 PFRE Photographer of the Month

Congratulations Dave Koch, April 2025 PFRE Photographer of the Month! The theme this month was "Primary Bedroom".Dave Koch - Entry 1056 Peter Wingfield - Entry 1051 Paul-Dan Dragoman - Entry 1053Here's what Dave has to say:Thank you so much — this real ...

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OVERVIEW

For over a decade, photographers from around the world have participated in PFRE’s monthly photography contests, culminating in the year-end crowning of PFRE’s Photographer of the Year. With a new theme each month and commentary offered by some of the finest real estate & interior photographers anywhere, these contests offer a fun, competitive environment with rich learning opportunities. 

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PFRE prides itself on the depth and breadth of the information and professional development resources it makes available to our community. Our goal is to help real estate and interior photographers be successful while bringing the community together and elevating the industry as a whole.
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Congratulations! - June 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
24/06/2018
9 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
The June 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month contest has come to an end. The theme this month was foyer/entrance. Thank you to everyone who participated and the jurors who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute their votes and thoughtful commentary. Congratulations to Garey Gomez from Decatur, Georgia; PFRE Photographer of the […]
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You Can Shoot Real Estate with Only a 24mm Lens!

In: 
07/06/2018
30 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in Gig Harbor, WA (just south of Seattle) says: Here's a 750 sq ft home I shot with a 24mm. If this doesn't prove that all those zoom-wide lens aren't needed I give up. I literally never go any wider than 24mm these days (often 50mm). The 24mm TS-E hasn't been off my camera in […]

Congratulations! - May 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
24/05/2018
11 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
The May 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month contest has come to an end. The theme this month was interior with a breathtaking view. Thank you to everyone who participated and the jurors who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute their votes and thoughtful commentary. Congratulations to Tim Krueger from Costa Mesa, […]

What Software Do You Use to Create Floor Plans?

In: 
10/05/2018
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Manny in New York asks: What Floor Plan creation software or app do you recommend? There are so many out there, it's hard to choose. Another similar question from Julian in Ontario: Any recommendations on floor plan drawing (hardware and software)? I am thinking of it for side work as real estate photographer. Janice, a Realtor […]

Why Is One-Point Perspective so Popular in Swedish Real Estate Photography?

In: 
08/05/2018
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in Sweden asks: This past year, I have seen quite a lot of real estate pictures being shot "straight on," with nothing but straight (or rather, as straight as they could get them aligned) lines. Is this some sort of new phase? Or why are they repeatedly doing this in the majority of the shots? […]

Congratulations! - April 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
24/04/2018
16 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
The April 2018 PFRE Photographer of the Month contest has come to an end. The theme this month was master bedroom and we had a total of 26 entries from 7 countries. Thank you to everyone who participated, and the jurors who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute their votes and thoughtful […]

Example of Interior Video that Can Be Shot with a DJI OSMO

In: 
13/04/2018
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in NZ says: I'm looking at buying some LED lights to help with real estate interior video while using an X5 and DJI Osmo. All suggestions welcome. How many do I need to illuminate an average room? I would encourage you to hold off on buying LED lights for shooting interior video because the top […]

Why Are Some Agents Asking Real Estate Photographers to Sign a Work for Hire Agreement?

In: 
03/04/2018
18 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in LA asks: I got a call from an agent today to shoot a condo next week. I set up a time and everything and just as I was about to hang up he said he had a new agreement form that his office wants photographers to sign and that it says he will own […]

Congratulations - March 2018 PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
24/03/2018
12 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
 Another PFRE Photographer of the Month contest is in the bag, and it did not disappoint. This kitchen themed contest had a total of 44 entries from 7 different countries. As usual, I would like to thank everyone who participated, and the Jurors who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute their votes […]

Lighting for Real Estate Photography Video Series by Scott Hargis

In: 
13/03/2018
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
I was talking to Malia Campbell who shot the video for Scott Hargis's now famous real estate photography lighting video series. She reminded me that I am going on 6 years since she and Scott released this fantastic video series. For those of you who are just starting out in real estate photography and want […]

Three Part Real Estate Photography Book Series by Nathan Cool

In: 
10/03/2018
No Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
Overview: From gear to editing, composition, lighting, settings, techniques and more, real estate photographer Nathan Cool provides a comprehensive guide for shooting high-quality interior real estate photography from start to finish. Learn how to not just take, but also "make" great real estate interior photos with an efficient workflow and cost-effective tools to speed up […]

How to Clean up Wrinkles in Photoshop

In: ,
04/03/2018
4 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
?Don in Florida asks: What's the best way to smooth out wrinkles in bedding, curtains, etc.? Rich Baum has a video tutorial that answers this question directly but whiIe I'm on the topic, if you aren't already familiar with the power of frequency separation do yourself a favor and check out this video from Aaron […]

Congratulations - February 2018 PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
23/02/2018
11 Comments
By: Brandon Cooper
In past years the Living room/Family room contest has always been very popular and this year was no exception. This month was a very close contest, we had 40 entries from around the world and the results are in.  A big thanks to everyone who participated, and to all the Jurors who took time out […]

How Do Real Estate Photographers Eliminate Shadows from Ceiling Fans?

In: 
13/02/2018
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
?Steven in New Jersey asks: How do I eliminate the upward light shadow caused by ceiling fan blades onto the ceiling? Rich Baum explains in the video tutorial to the right how to remove the shadow in Photoshop. But you can also quickly and easily eliminate ceiling fan shadows by the way you position multiple […]

Why Don't the Architectural Digest and Dwell Websites Give Photo Credit to Photographers?

In: 
08/02/2018
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Craig in Virginia asked: I've noticed that seemingly legitimate websites like AD and Dwell are featuring MANY homes using photo citations such as "Photos Courtesy of Coldwell Banker" or "Courtesy from listing on Trulia." One in particular from today (1/30/18) is this one. These are full feature articles written by staff writers of prestigious magazines. […]

Congratulations to Jordan Powers - PFRE Videographer of the Month for January 2018

In: 
07/02/2018
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Jordan Powers, in Mankato, Minnesota who has won the January 2018  PFRE Videographer of the Month Contest. Here is Jordan's stunning video. The jurors were very impressed with Jordan's video.

Congratulations Wayne Capili – January PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
24/01/2018
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
As you can see, I had an awesome bunch of twilight exterior entries this month. Congratulations to Wayne Capili in Monterey, CA, whom the jury has voted PFRE Photographer of the Month for January, 2018. Wayne's last win was PFRE Photographer of the Year in 2008. An interesting fact that I had learned about Wayne about […]

How Do Interior Photographers Get Rid of Unwanted Lens Flare?

In: 
05/01/2018
16 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
?Ron in Texas says: I use a Canon 17-40 mm on a 5D MKIII and for the most part, it performs well. However, even when shooting north facing windows or otherwise shade-side windows in certain circumstances, l experience lens flare. The inconsistency of it is what drives me crazy. Is there a magic camera-to-window angle […]

Do Real Estate Photographers Use Neutral Density and Polarizing Filters?

In: 
29/12/2017
By: Larry Lohrman
in Louisiana asks: Do real estate photographers use neutral density (ND) and polarizing filters? Yes, here's how real estate photographers/videographers use these filters: Neutral density filters: Mostly used when shooting video to get the video frame rate where you want it. See this video tutorial for details. Polarizing filters: Used on exterior shots where the […]

Is It Legal to Use Google Earth and Google Maps Imagery on Real Estate Listings?

In: 
26/12/2017
By: Larry Lohrman
Leroy in Alberta asked: I started focusing on real estate photography this year and your site has been a very valuable resource! When I Googled this subject, I saw that some people referring to Google Earth Pro users being able to use images commercially, but sifting through the opinions on the online world to get […]

Congratulations to Aaron Kraft--PFRE Photographer of the Year for 2017!

In: 
22/12/2017
20 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Aaron Kraft, PFRE Photographer of the year for 2017! Contestants for Photographer of the Year were the winners of the photographer of the month. Below is the result of the jury's voting. The list shows all contestants that got votes in order of the number of votes received: Aaron Kraft Michael Lefebvre Gary […]

I Don't Need No Stinken Gray Card!

In: 
14/12/2017
16 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Brad in WI asked the following: Does anyone use several grey cards in a room to get accurate color balance? There are plenty of tutorials on how to use a single grey card but they frequently have it placed near a window or tungsten light. Frequently, it's near the edge of the frame which can […]

Should Real Estate Photographers Be Accompanied While Shooting a Listing?

In: 
27/11/2017
By: Larry Lohrman
Bob in Albuquerque says: I've been shooting RE now for almost 4 years. I have a licensed business and carry liability insurance. Recently, a topic came up over coffee with a client which leads me to this post. I have a question about who, if anyone, should be present when you are shooting. Though I […]

Congratulations Gary Kasl – November PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
24/11/2017
16 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Gary Kasl in Carlsbad, CA, who the jury has voted PFRE Photographer of the Month for November. This is Gary's second win as the PFRE Photographer of the Month. Here are the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month in order of points awarded: Gary Kasl #1 Matt Davis #32 Dan […]

LR/Enfuse and Photomatix Fusion Speed Comparison

In: 
17/11/2017
6 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Eric in Florida says: I am starting to use LR/Enfuse more often. I normally use Photomatix, because it processes much faster than LR/Enfuse. I am using LR/Enfuse at the default settings. I was wondering if there are any other settings you might recommend that make LR/Enfuse process faster. Since Simon Maxwell is the expert on […]

How Do You Control Glare and Reflections on Interior Windows?

In: 
14/11/2017
11 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Darren in Northern California says: Is there a particular technique or tactic to reducing glare and reflections on interior windows during twilight photo shoots? I capture a few exposures (ambient and flash fill) and then brush them together in editing. Often times, the views beyond the window are obstructed by interior reflections. Window glares and […]

Where Is the Most Demand for Real Estate Photography?

In: 
03/11/2017
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Jack in Washington DC asks: I'm considering relocating my business (currently in DC) to either Miami or Tampa/Orlando. Do you have any insights on which market is harder to break into for real estate/interiors photography? My initial thought is Miami may have more opportunity, but the sheer volume of photographers is also higher and I'll be […]

Congratulations Matt Rosendahl – October PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
25/10/2017
28 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Matt Rosendahl of Northern California who the jury has voted PFRE Photographer of the Month for October. This is Matt's first win! Here are the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month:

My MLS Told Me I Am Not Allowed to Sell My Photos to the New Agent Taking Over the Listing

In: 
24/10/2017
27 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Mike in Pennsylvania says: I was just told by the MLS in my area that I am not allowed to sell my photos to the new agent taking over a listing that is on a different broker of record. She told me that the broker of record and the agent own the rights to the photos. […]

How Should Real Estate Videographers Deliver Video?

In: 
23/10/2017
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in Virginia says: I'm trying to compress video files into a size that is more digestible to my clients. I'm using (web-based) PremierPro CC 2017 and I am working on a MacBook Pro. Everything I'm producing is beautiful, with regard to clarity but are 400mb to 700mb in size.

How Much Should You Charge for 1 to 3 Minutes of Drone Video?

In: 
13/10/2017
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
I was reviewing the blog stats today and noticed how popular the subject of what to charge for drone photography/video is this last year. In the last 365 days, this has been the most popular subject on this site (please see associated poll below), beating the post on wide-angle lenses which has historically been the MOST visited post. […]

Do Any Real Estate Photographers Use LED Lights Rather than Flash?

In: 
06/10/2017
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Earlier this week a reader asked: Does anyone use LED lights so that you can see how everything looks before shooting (aka not relying on flash lighting)? I don't have any direct experience using LED lighting but I would speculate that in general, continuous LED lighting wouldn't be that much of an advantage for real estate […]

Can Homeowners Claim Rights to Listing Photos after Their Property Is Sold?

In: 
03/10/2017
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Kelvin in Montana asks: The owner of a listing I shot two years ago is claiming that because they remodeled a home, the property rights of the photos of the home when it was in that stage belonged to them... This guy was saying I couldn’t/shouldn’t be able to sell photos from 2 years ago […]

Image Delivery Services that Deliver After the Client Pays

In: 
28/09/2017
By: Larry Lohrman
Craig in Virginia asked: Can you remind me where to look back to find the post about the service that allows you to require payment automatically when clients download images?

Congratulations Dave Spencer - September PFRE Photographer of the Month

In: 
25/09/2017
6 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Dave Spencer of Gig Harbor, Washington who the jury has voted PFRE Photographer of the Month for September. This is Dave's first win! Here are the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month:

Congratulations to Jacob Allen - PFRE Videographer of the Month for Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep

In: 
22/09/2017
3 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
to Jacob Allen, in Alameda County California who has won the June/July/Aug/Sept  PFRE videographer of the Month Contest. Here is his winning video. Here are the contestants in order of points the jurors awarded them:

A Short History of Real Estate Photography

In: 
20/09/2017
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Jody who has been in real estate for a long time says: I know you've done a lot of articles on the new/correct ways to photograph real estate but I haven't seen any articles about how the process is really changing. Just 15 years ago, you weren't even able to see a house for sale […]

How Do Photographers Deal with the Results of Cataract Surgery?

In: 
19/09/2017
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Larry in Virginia asks: I have a question about vision problems and photography. I had cataract surgery two years ago after having been nearsighted and wearing glasses daily for most of my life. I never had a problem with my vision in my photography with glasses.

Can You Shoot Interior Real Estate Interior Video with a Drone?

In: 
07/09/2017
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
in Oregon asks: I've been looking at the new DJI Spark drone for shooting interior videos. These drones are almost "micro size" with the 2-axis gimbal and because you are shooting inside, I don't believe there is any certification required from the FAA. I'm wondering if anybody else is considering this or currently shooting video […]

What Lenses Do Real Real Estate Photographers Use for Exterior Shots?

In: 
31/08/2017
By: Larry Lohrman
Heather in Calgary, Alberta asks: I have a question about exterior real estate photography. I currently have a Nikon D3S and use a Nikkor 14-24mm lens. The issue I am running into is lens flare when shooting exteriors. You can't put a filter on this lens because it is convex and the fixed lens hood […]
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