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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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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 Brian Doherty – November PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
23/11/2016
18 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Brian Doherty of Boston, MA who the jury has voted PFRE Photographer of the Month for November. This is Brian’s third win as the PFRE Photographer of the Month. The other two wins were June 2016 and July 2015. Here are all the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month:
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How Do You Keep Yourself And Camera Out Of Bathroom Mirrors?

In: 
09/11/2016
19 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Mike in Southern CA says: Okay I have a question for everybody. When shooting a bathroom some of them are covered in mirrors. How do you guys get rid of the camera in the reflection? Or work around it. I hate Photoshopping my camera out of a mirror

How to Create Real Estate Floor Plans

In: 
27/10/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Ivy in New York asks: I was wondering if you know where I can learn how to create floor plans for my real estate clients? Is there an app you can recommend. There is a huge number of floor plan Apps. Most people that do floor plans use some kind of laser measuring device to […]

Congratulations Aaron Kraft – October PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
24/10/2016
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Aaron Kraft of Jackson, Wyoming who the jury as voted PFRE Photographer of the month for October 2016. As you can see from the comments on Aaron's entry the jurors disagreed as to whether Aaron's shot looked elevated enough to fit this month's theme of "Elevated exterior shot- Pole Aerial Photography, Aerial or […]

Do Real Estate Photographers Need to Ask For Permission to Use Listing Photo For Their Own Marketing?

In: 
18/10/2016
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Summer in California asks: Do I need to ask permission from the realtor, or homeowner to use the photos I take of their listing for my own marketing (website, social media, mailers, etc.)?

What is The Preferred Way of lighting Rooms Without Windows?

In: 
10/10/2016
4 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Vida in Kranj, Slovenia asks: What is your preferred way of lighting rooms without windows? Having elaborate lighting to mimic windows is often impossible due to small spaces and also misleading. Rooms with one strong light overhead are lighted terribly with ugly shadows and colors. Using bounced flash is often flat and just not soft […]

Are There Advantages to Using CamRanger Over Built-in DSLR WiFi Apps?

In: 
05/10/2016
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Sanjay in India asks: What are the advantages of using a CamRanger for tethering instead of using the inbuilt wifi in Canon 5DMKIV which you can use to transfer images wireless to your laptop or to your Smartphone or iPad. My understanding (I don't use a camera with WiFi but do use CamRanger on my 5DMKII) of […]

Does A GoPro Make Sense For Someone Starting To Shoot Property Video?

In: 
03/10/2016
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Stuart asks: I was considering upgrading my Canon EOS 5D to the Mark III so that I could take videos. I then came across the GoPro system. I would like to know if anyone uses a Go Pro for videos, and any shortcomings, recommendations that other members might have. I think you are right for […]

What Are Tips And Tricks For Shooting Pools?

In: 
30/09/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Tim in Palm Springs wants to know: I am looking for tips and tricks to shooting swimming pools (both at dusk with lights on and during the day for pools with no lights).  I searched the PFRE site but couldn't seem to find anything.

Should Real Estate Photographers Get An Associate MLS Membership?

In: 
29/09/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Peggy in Alabama says: I have been asked by a few realtors if I would consider offering the service to upload the photos for them as an add on. I just can't imagine I would recoup the cost of an associate membership to do this, not to mention my time. Do any of you offer […]

Congratulations To Travis Rowan - PFRE Photographer Of The Month For September

In: 
23/09/2016
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Travis Rowan of Maui, Hawaii who has won the September photographer of the month for September. Travis won this contest last September - I think that the September theme, "Patio deck or garden space" is just Travis's thing! Here are the contestants that the jurors awarded points to this month:

How To Get More Depth of Field On An Interior Shot

In: 
13/09/2016
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Recently Tim asked: I shoot 360 degree virtual tours.  I shoot f8 @ 200.  How can I increase my depth of field? I just so happens I was watching a lynda.com video on Architectural photography by Richard Klein and he illustrated focus stacking on an interior shot. Since I like Macro photography, I've done this on Macro […]

How To Deal With A Huge Flag On The Front Of The Property You Are Shooting?

In: 
05/09/2016
14 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Eric in Florida asks: I recently had an issue (actually happened a few times) that came up. While on a shoot, I got to the property, there was a huge American flag flying from the front of the home. Since I am a disabled Vietnam vet, I love to see people flying the flag. But […]

Congratulations to Anders Carlson – August PFRE Videographer of The Month

In: 
01/09/2016
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Anders Carlson of Kailua Kona, HI who won the PFRE Property Videographer of the month of August 2016. Here is Anders winning video. This month there were a bunch of great videos! Rachel and Matt tied for third place. Here are the results of the jury's voting:

Transitioning From A 9 to 5 Job To Full Time Real Estate Photography

In: 
23/08/2016
16 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Michael in Atlanta asked the following: I've shot professionally 3-4 years ago (while in college) and have since taken the more traditional career route of a 9-5, however, as of late I've felt an overwhelming urge to go back to my roots. Photography is definitely a passion, but the lifestyle it affords is almost as, […]

Congratulations Aaron Kraft - August PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
21/08/2016
11 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Aaron Kraft of Jackson, Wyoming who the jury as voted PFRE Photographer of the month for August 2016. Aaron's stunning daylight exterior photo won by a huge margin! Here are all the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month: Aaron Kraft Tony Colangelo Barry MacKenzie - Photo deleted from the contest pool […]

Congratulations to Rachel von Nordeck - July PFRE Videographer of The Month

In: 
01/08/2016
4 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Rachel von Nordeck in Christchurch, New Zealand who won the PFRE Property Videographer of the month for July 2016. Here is Rachel's winning video. Here are the ranking results of the jury's voting: Rachel von Nordeck Marcus Johnson Joshua Vernon-Rogers Anders Carlson Diane Zahorodny Bill Oxford Vic DeVore

What's A Zillow Certified Photographer?

In: 
29/07/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
A couple of days ago Cindy in VA asked me: A friend and I noticed a reference on the Internet to "Zillow Certified Photographer".  So we just spent the last 30 minutes on the Internet trying to find anything out about this with no answers, just Everbrite invites to locations in the US on dates […]

Congratulations Tony Colangelo - PFRE Photographer of The Month for July

In: 
25/07/2016
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Tony Colangelo of Victoria, BC who the jury as voted PFRE Photographer of the month for July 2016. This is Tony's fourth PFRE photographer of the month win. Only Tony and Brandon Cooper are four-time winners. Also, it's worth noting that Tony's wins are over a period of four consecutive  years. He is the […]

Does Virtual Twilight Processing Make Sense For Real Estate Photographers?

In: 
18/07/2016
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Last week a reader asked an interesting question: I recently found a service some companies are providing Realtors called 'Virtual Twilight' Photography. Instead of going out and shooting at dusk they post process the daylight photos for the Twilight effect. I've looked all over the Internet and the PFRE blog but can't seem to find […]

How Do You Real Estate Videographers Deliver Video?

In: 
06/07/2016
13 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Mike who is just starting out asks about delivering video: I'm shooting both stills and video drone photography now for local agents. I'm having a few challenges on what resolution to deliver to the agents for their MLS listing, Especially VIDEO! What is everyone using for video format (mpeg4, avi, mov etc) and the resolution […]

Congratulations Matt Van Emmerik - PFRE Property Videographer of the Month May/June

In: 
02/07/2016
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Matt Van Emmerik (Showcase Photography) in Kelowna, BC who won the Property Videographer of the month contest for May/June 2016. Here is Matt's winning video. Here are the ranking results of the video jury's voting: Kelowna Real Estate Photography - Matt Van Emmerik Joshua Vernon-Rogers Allan MacKenzie Brandon Headley Anders Carlson Donald Wagner Morgan Franklin […]

Do Real Estate Photographers Need to Collect Sales Tax On Shoots?

In: 
30/06/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Stephanie in Washington state asks: I have launched my business and finally gotten my first paying job, then I went to make my first invoice and can't figure out if I have to charge my customers WA State Sales Tax? I have been reading the state website about taxes and still haven't figured it out. […]

Congratulations Brian Doherty - June PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
24/06/2016
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Brian Doherty of Boston MA who the jury has voted PFRE photographer of the month for June. This is Brian's second win as the PFRE photographer of the month. His first win was back in July of last year. Here are all the entries that the jurors awarded points to this month:

Is There A Cheaper Alternative To The CamRanger?

In: 
20/06/2016
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Camranger wireless controllers are connected to the camera using a cable, allowing you to control the camera from a distance without touching it, reducing camera shakes, and improving video stability and photo sharpness. However, they tend to be pricey, and you might need a cheaper alternative to the Camranger.   Quick NavigationIs There a Cheaper Alternative […]

Be Careful, It's Possible To Physically Misrepresent A Property With Sky Replacement

In: 
31/05/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Randy makes a great point: I’ve been doing sky replacements on homes shot on days when the sky is just not exciting to look at or it was a real dreary day, and needs some big billowy clouds overhead. I recently have noticed photographers offering twilight conversions where daytime skies are being replaced with beautiful […]

Congratulations Brandon Beechler - May PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
24/05/2016
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Brandon Beechler of Orange County, CA who has won the PFRE photographer of the month for May. This is Brandon's second win. His first win was back in March of 2013. Here are the contestants that the jurors awarded points to this month:

What To Do If You Find Someone Using Your Image On A Website Without Your Permission?

In: 
09/05/2016
16 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Pierre asks: I have a question regarding the internet blog "Curbed". They are using my photos regularly to write articles about the Los Angeles Real Estate Market. They comment on various listings that I shot getting their information and images from the MLS. They have no way to know those are my photos because the […]

Congratulations Sharon and Lyndon Davey - PFRE Property Video March/April

In: 
03/05/2016
3 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations again for the second video contest in a row won by Sharon and Lyndon Davey of Rockingham (just South of Perth) Western Australia. Here is their winning video. Sharon and Lyndon are a husband and wife team that shoot property video for their listings. Sharon does the on-camera work and Lyndon does the camera and editing work. […]

How Long Should A Property Video Be?

In: 
02/05/2016
11 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Peter who is new to video but not new to photography asks a classic question about property video: ...the main question on everyone lips is "How long should a real estate video be?" followed by "my brother in law (or fill in the relationship) says no online video should be longer than ___ (fill in […]

Congratulations Brandon Cooper - April PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
26/04/2016
18 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Brandon Cooper of Fort McMurray, Alberta who has won the photographer of the month for April. This is the third month in a row Brandon, you need to give someone else a chance! Here are the contestants that the jurors awarded points to this month: Brandon Cooper Barry MacKenzie Justin Jordan Tony Colangelo […]

Congratulations Brandon Cooper - March PFRE Photographer of The Month

In: 
23/03/2016
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations again to Brandon Cooper of Fort McMurray, Alberta who has won again this month. Brandon is on a roll! Here are the contestants that the jurors awarded points to this month: Brandon Cooper Brian Doherty Seamus Payne Rajan Milosevic Andrew Pece Peter Bentley Trace Tague Barry MacKenzie Matt Davis Canek Estrada

What Are Your Secrets for Getting Great Window Pull?

In: 
22/03/2016
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Here are some quick and easy ways how to get great window pull in any room. Use these techniques effectively and enhance your real estate images.

When Should Real Estate Photographers Get Paid?

In: 
18/03/2016
31 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
There have been several questions recently about collecting payment. Alex in Ohio asked: I have heard about real estate photographers charging at time of sale instead of requiring payment at time of shoot. What are your thoughts on this? It makes sense because no one gets paid till the home sells, why would the photographer […]

Do Real Estate Photographers Shoot In Rainy Weather?

In: 
17/03/2016
14 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Both Dave in Seattle and Trevor in Orlando ask about canceling shoots in rainy weather. Dave said: I have what's becoming a serious problem in my business and wondered if you'd encountered it, since you lived and worked up here for so long. And how did you handle it? Many of the brokers in this […]

How Do Real Estate Photographers Handle Empty Homes?

In: 
16/03/2016
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Timothy in Indiana asks: I am very new to the art of real estate photography and photography in general for that matter. At the moment I am just shooting some homes for realtor friends when I get the chance simply for the experience. My question is how to handle empty homes. What are the do's […]

Congratulations To Sharon and Lyndon Davey Winners Of The Jan/Feb PFRE Video Contest

In: 
02/03/2016
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Sharon and Lyndon Davey of Rockingham (just South of Perth) Western Australia, who the PFRE video jury just voted the winner of the Jan/Feb video contest. Here is their video. Sharon and Lyndon are a husband and wife team that shoot video for their listings. Sharon does the on-camera work and Lyndon does the […]

Could You Get By Shooting Interiors With Just A 24mm Tilt-shift Lens?

In: 
29/02/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Patrick recently asked: I LOVE my 24mm PC lens but when I try to use it to shoot an entire listing I find I am having to compromise the composition in certain situations. I end up going back to my car and getting my 14-24mm. Thoughts? I can certainly identify with that. Although I've never […]

Congratulations To Brandon Cooper - PFRE Photographer Of The Month For February

In: 
24/02/2016
21 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations Brandon Cooper of Fort McMurray, Canada who the PFRE jury has voted February PFRE photographer of the month. This month's theme is living rooms or family rooms. Here are the contestants that the jurors awarded points to this month: #10 - Brandon Cooper, Fort McMurray, Alberta #17 - Barry MacKenzie, London, Ontario #22 - […]

Are Matterport 3D Tours A Money Making Product For Real Estate Photographers?

In: 
28/01/2016
By: Larry Lohrman
Kelvin in Big Sky Country recently asked the following: Searching your site regarding Matterport, I found some thoughts about it from 2014 that would sway me to believe that the value wasn't there as compared to the $4500 investment.  I'm curious to know if that has changed, or if anyone reports recouping that investment and […]
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