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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! 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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Resources

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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How to Edit Pictures to Look Like Film

Do you want to try a film aesthetic in your shots yet don't have a film camera? Lightroom and Photoshop can help you bring a sense of nostalgia to your work, including real estate photos. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to edit pictures to look like film. Quick NavigationHow to Edit Pictures to […]
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Best Tablet for Photo Editing [2024 Review]

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26/05/2023
Editing pictures have transitioned from being tethered to computers to being versatile with the help of laptops. Real estate photographers may need to travel and bring loads of equipment, making tablets efficient to carry and use. We're listing options for the best tablet for photo editing with varying levels of usability and versatility. Quick NavigationBest […]

How to Do a Long Exposure on a Canon Camera

26/05/2023
Although Canon cameras are one of the best, you might not capture stunning images if you don’t know the right camera settings to use for your long exposures. Knowing how to do long exposure on a Canon will help you capture sharp and bright photos even in poor lighting. Quick NavigationHow to Do a Long […]

How to Layer Photos in Lightroom

26/05/2023
Lightroom users often question whether layering images is possible in the software, especially when they don’t have Photoshop. Understanding how to layer photos in Lightroom will help you bring out a virtual story and spark the viewers’ interest.

Luminar AI vs Luminar 4

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25/05/2023
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If you're considering using Skylum's editing programs, you may be wondering which one to use between Luminar 4 and Luminar AI. For this guide, you're going to see the similarities and differences between Luminar AI vs Luminar 4 to know which can streamline your real estate photography post-processing. Quick NavigationLuminar AI vs Luminar 4 General […]

Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000 [2024 Review]

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24/05/2023
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If you want a compact and lightweight walkaround camera, a mirrorless camera might be the ideal choice, as it doesn't have a bulky reflex mirror. The best mirrorless camera under $1000 features a flexible ISO that allows you to take photos even in difficult lighting. Quick NavigationMy Top Mirrorless Camera Under $1000 RecommendationBest Overall Mirrorless […]

Best Laptop for Photo Editing Under $1000 [2024 Review]

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23/05/2023
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As a real estate photographer, you might need to retouch your photos after shooting. Photo editing applications tend to consume lots of computer resources, and the best laptop for photo editing under $1000 features a fast processor and high RAM that can handle image processing without lag. Quick NavigationMy Top Photo Editing Laptop Under $1000 […]

Just In: New Real Estate Photography Statistics

23/05/2023
11 Comments
Good visuals like photos play a big role in the work of photographers, real estate agents, and even home buyers. If you're still wondering about the power of images, here are real estate photography figures you should know.

How to Renew Your Part 107 License (Drone Pilot License)

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23/05/2023
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Are you looking into how to renew your Part 107 license? The FAA has introduced a new and easier way for drone pilots to renew the currency of their Part 107 remote pilot certification. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about renewing your Part 107 license, where to do it, and […]

How to Save as SVG

22/05/2023
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If you are running a real estate website, you want the images, icons, and illustrations to appear in high resolution, regardless of the display size the viewers are using. Learning how to save as SVG can help you convert the JPEGs to a vector-based format that doesn’t lose quality on scaling. Quick NavigationHow to Save […]

Best ND Filter [2024 Review]

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19/05/2023
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You might want to open the aperture wide to blur the background or use a slower shutter speed to capture motion blur. The best ND filter allows you to limit the light reaching the sensor, giving you better control over the depth of field without worries of overexposure. Quick NavigationMy Top ND Filter RecommendationsBest Overall […]

Best SD Cards for 4K Video [2024 Review]

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18/05/2023
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Even if your camera can support 4K recording at higher frame rates, the ability to take smooth videos without dropping in frame rate depends on the quality of the SD card. The best SD cards for 4K video have large capacities to handle the larger 4K video footage. Quick NavigationMy Top  4K Video SD Card […]

Best Macro Lens for Canon [2024 Review]

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17/05/2023
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As a real estate photographer, you might need to capture details of tiny design elements such as keyhole designs. The best macro lens for Canon features a small minimum focus distance and higher reproduction ratio, allowing you to take sharp and detailed macro photos. Quick NavigationMy Top Canons Macro Len RecommendationsBest Overall Macro Lens for […]

How to Clean a Camera Sensor

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16/05/2023
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A camera sensor is a component in digital cameras responsible for converting light to digital signals that create images. Knowing how to clean a camera sensor can help you understand the signs of a dirty sensor and when and how to clean it. Quick NavigationHow to Clean a Camera SensorAutomatic Sensor CleaningRocket BlowerMicrofiberCleaning LiquidProfessional CleaningHow […]

Why Won't My Camera Focus?

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15/05/2023
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As photographers, many experienced the frustration of trying to capture the perfect shot, only to find that their camera won't focus. Even though in real estate photography, my subject doesn’t typically move, it can be a major setback in terms of time to try to figure out what’s causing the soft focus. Let’s go over […]

Flickr vs SmugMug

12/05/2023
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As a real estate photographer working with a large collection of photos, your hard drive might be large enough to store all the files over time. The following Flickr vs Smugmug guide can help you choose a photo storage service that meets your file format and portfolio requirements. Quick NavigationFlickr vs Smugmug General OverviewFlickr OverviewSmugmug […]

Congratulations Steven Magner! April 2023 PFRE Photographer of the Month

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12/05/2023
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Congratulations to Steven Magner, April 2023 PFRE Photographer of the Month! The theme this month was "Master Bedroom". Here is what Steven has to say: Sorry for the late response to your email, I was out of town on a shoot and just got back late last night. In regards to this photo though... I […]

Think Tank Speedtop 15 Camera Bag Review

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11/05/2023
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As real estate photographers, you'll want a sleek and ergonomically made bag to store gear. Think Tank has created another practical camera bag tailored for photographers. Check out this Think Tank SpeedTop 15 camera bag review and see how this can be the next perfect bag for your real estate photography gear. Quick NavigationThink Tank […]

How to Add Shadows to Text in Photoshop

10/05/2023
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You might need to add text descriptions to draw the viewers to the subject featured in the real estate photo. Learning how to add shadows to text in Photoshop can help you create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the text, making it appear more three-dimensional and less flat. Quick NavigationHow to Add Shadows […]

How to Make Text Transparent in Photoshop

09/05/2023
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A transparent text can add effects to your real estate photography edits. However, you must do it seamlessly so viewers can still read the text. For this reason, I'm giving you a step-by-step guide on the different ways how to make the text transparent in Photoshop. Quick NavigationHow to Make the Text Transparent in PhotoshopMethod […]

What Is White Balance on a Camera?

08/05/2023
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If you are taking real estate interior photos, you want the colors to be rendered accurately so the painting won’t look unrealistic. Knowing what white balance on a camera is can help you understand how to adjust it for more accurate colors. Quick NavigationWhat Is White Balance on a Camera?Use the Auto White Balance ModeSet […]

Canva vs Photoshop: Which Design Tool Should You Choose?

04/05/2023
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Should you use Photoshop or Canva for editing? Graphic designing and photo editing are essential for real estate photographers and business owners. I've prepared a comparison guide between Canva vs Photoshop, including their similarities and main differences to help you choose the perfect design tool. Quick NavigationCanva vs Photoshop General OverviewOverview of CanvaOverview of PhotoshopComparing […]

Canon 80D vs 70D [Camera Comparison]

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04/05/2023
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Canon has a variety of camera models with a wide range of designs and features that aims at improving performance after every release. The 80D vs 70D guide gives you insights into the differences between the two models, so you can choose the camera that suits you best. Quick NavigationCanon 80D vs 70D Camera OverviewCanon […]

What Is a Medium Format Camera?

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04/05/2023
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When taking real estate photos, you might need a camera that can capture detailed images with good tonal range. Understanding what a medium format camera is can help you decide when to use it depending on the storage size and dynamic range expectations. In addition, these cameras are made of high-quality materials that enable them […]

16mm vs 24mm: Which Wide Angle Lens is Best?

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04/05/2023
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As a real estate photographer, you want a lens that can capture the entire room regardless of how limited the subject's distance is. With the common choices being 16mm and 24mm lenses, the following 16mm vs 24m guide reveals the performance differences between these lenses. Quick Navigation16mm vs 24mm Lens Overview16mm Lens24mm LensComparing 16mm and 24mm LensesSimilaritiesDifferencesMajor Distinguishing […]

High Resolution vs Web Size: Photo Resolution Guide

04/05/2023
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Most beginner real estate photographers go for high-resolution images because they believe they are of higher quality. Although this might be true, the following high resolution vs web size guide reveals the scenarios where the web-size photo might suit your needs better than its high-res counterpart. Quick NavigationHigh Resolution vs Web SizeHigh Resolution ImagesWeb Size […]

24mm vs 50mm [Complete Lens Comparison]

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04/05/2023
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If you are shopping for lenses to use in real estate interior photography, the most popular options you have are the 24mm and 50mm lenses. The following 24mm vs 50mm guide reveals some crucial differences between the usability and performance of the two lenses. Quick Navigation24mm vs 50mm Lens Overview24mm Lens50mm LensComparing 24mm and 50mm LensesSimilaritiesDifferencesMajor Distinguishing […]

ND Filter vs Polarizer: Key Differences & When To Use Each

04/05/2023
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Even with a good lens and camera, you might encounter challenges with reflections or uneven colors when capturing real estate images. The following ND filter vs polarizer will help you choose a filter that works best for your lighting conditions, helping to boost the overall appearance of your image. Quick NavigationND Filter vs Polarizer Filter […]

24mm vs 28mm: Comparing Wide Lens Choices

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04/05/2023
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The 24mm and 28mm lenses are some of the commonly used prime lenses to take real estate interior photos in cramped rooms. The following 24mm vs 28mm guide will help you understand the difference between the two lenses and which lens meets your angle of view and weight needs. Quick Navigation24mm vs 28mm Lens Overview24mm Lens28mmLensComparing […]

14mm vs 24mm: Which Wide Angle Lens is Best?

In: 
04/05/2023
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Keeping in mind that both the 14mm and 24mm lenses are wide-angle lenses ideal for use in interior real estate photography, you might be confused about which lens best suits your needs. The following 14mm vs 24mm guide will help you know the strengths and weaknesses of each lens. Quick Navigation14mm vs 24mm Lens Overview14mm […]

20mm vs 24mm: Which Wide Angle Lens is Best?

In: 
04/05/2023
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Although the 20mm and the 24mm lenses are wide-angle lenses suitable for landscape and real estate, they perform differently in varying shooting situations. The following 20mm vs 24mm guide helps you understand each lens's strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make a knowledgeable choice between the lenses. Quick Navigation20mm vs 24mm Lens Overview20mm Lens24mm LensComparing 20mm and 24mm LensesSimilaritiesDifferencesMajor […]

GIMP vs Lightroom: Editing Software Comparison

04/05/2023
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Whether you are a professional or a beginner real estate photographer, there are higher chances that you will need photo editing software to enhance the appearance of your images. The following GIMP vs Lightroom guide will help you know which application meets your work expectations. Quick NavigationGIMP vs Lightroom General OverviewGIMP OverviewLightroom OverviewComparing GIMP and […]

Pixel vs Vector Graphics: Which is Better to Use?

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04/05/2023
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Pixel and vector are the two major digital formats used in graphic illustrations, web and app logo development, and animation. The following pixel vs vector guide will help you understand these formats' applicability and limitations. Quick NavigationPixel vs Vector Graphic OverviewPixelsVectorsComparing Pixel and Vector Graphic FormatsSimilaritiesDifferencesMajor Distinguishing FactorWhen to Use PixelWhen to Use VectorWhich Format […]

How to Make a Line in Photoshop

03/05/2023
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As a real estate photographer, you might want to add lines to your photos to draw the viewer’s attention to the most important design features of the property. Learning how to make a line in Photoshop can help you add these lines during the photo retouching phase. Quick NavigationHow to Make a Line in PhotoshopPen […]

How to Round Corners in Photoshop

02/05/2023
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Rounding the corners of real estate photos allows you to create a unique visual identity that makes your real estate site recognizable. Learning how to round corners in Photoshop can help you round the corners of the photos and shapes without losing quality or details. Quick NavigationHow to Round Corners in PhotoshopUsing the Rectangle ToolUsing […]

Unbelievably Bad Real Estate Photos

02/05/2023
7 Comments
I've pointed out Saskatoon agent, Norm Fisher's really funny presentation of bad real estate photos before but it's so funny I think it is worth featuring again. I feel like inventing a real estate marketing award for Norm's presentation. I was reminded of this subject by the fact that Athol Kay, a Connecticut Realtor got some coverage […]

How to Edit a GIF in Photoshop

28/04/2023
You can use GIFs to illustrate certain aspects of a real estate property, such as a 3D tour of the compound. Knowing how to edit a GIF in Photoshop can help you add different filters and effects without getting additional image manipulation or video editing software. Quick NavigationHow to Edit a GIF in PhotoshopOpen the […]

Best Lens for Nikon D3100 [2024 Review]

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26/04/2023
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The Nikon D3100 is a crop-factor DSLR equipped with a 14.2 megapixels sensor. Since the quality of the lens impacts the image quality more than the camera body, equipping yourself with the best lens for Nikon D3100 can help you take professional-quality photos with this entry-level DSLR. Quick NavigationMy Top Nikon D3100 Lenses RecommendationsBest Overall […]

Best Lenses for Nikon Z50 [2024 Review]

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25/04/2023
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Although the Nikon Z50 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera ideal for shooting interior photos handheld, the APS-C sensor might not capture enough light. The best lenses for Nikon Z50 have wide apertures that allow enough light to enter for clear images even in low light conditions. Quick NavigationMy Top Nikon Z50 Lenses RecommendationsBest […]

Best Gimbal for Canon M50 [2024 Review]

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24/04/2023
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Although the Canon M50 features 5-axis digital image stabilization, it might not remove the camera shakes altogether. With the best gimbal for Canon M50, you can improve the performance of this camera, allowing you to take smooth videos and long-exposure photos. Quick NavigationMy Top Canon M50 Gimbal RecommendationsBest Overall Gimbal for Canon M50: DJI RS […]
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