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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 February 2024 PFRE Photographer of the Month Winner Art Ibewuike, with a featured image of his winning photo titled "Living Room or Family Room""

Congratulations to Art Ibewuike, February 2024 PFRE Photographer of the Month! The theme this month was "Living Room or Family Room". Art Ibewuike - #895 Paul-Dan Dragoman - #898 Peter Wingfield - #900 Here's what Art has to say: Thank you so much for ...

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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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Should Real Estate Photographers Be Accompanied While Shooting a Listing?

27/11/2017
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 […]
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Where Is the Most Demand for Real Estate Photography?

03/11/2017
10 Comments
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 […]

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

24/10/2017
27 Comments
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. […]

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

03/10/2017
17 Comments
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

28/09/2017
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?

How Do Photographers Deal with the Results of Cataract Surgery?

19/09/2017
9 Comments
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.

What Are the Recommended Photo Delivery Methods for Real Estate Photographers?

22/07/2017
21 Comments
Bill in Northern Virginia recently asked the question: I have been experiencing some issues in sending clients their photos and videos. What are some recommended photo delivery services to use? First of all, I would not send video files to Realtors. Most Realtors won't have a clue what to do with a large video file. […]

What Should Real Estate Photographers Base Their Pricing On?

07/07/2017
10 Comments
Aaron in Ohio asks: I know most real estate photographers charge based on the square footage of a property but lately I have been charging a per image fee. It seems to be working but I have gotten some guff about it. I do this because some Realtors want upwards of 50 images for 1500 […]

What Is the Best Way to Allow Clients to Pay with Credit Cards?

27/06/2017
Eric in Florida says: Years ago I accepted credit cards, but the fees got too expensive. Most of my clients pay with a check and some cash at the shoot. I invoice some of my good agents and receive payment in a week or two.  Some clients pay late but will offer their credit card […]

Should You Work As a Contract Real Estate Photographer?

17/05/2017
7 Comments
John asks: I am an aspiring photographer but I'm trying to decide if its worth it for me or not. I have tried to contact some of the regional real estate photography companies to contract shoot for them but I can't get a good read on the photographer compensation. How much do real estate photographers […]

How Many Photos Should Real Estate Photographers Provide?

14/04/2017
33 Comments
Michael in Illinois recently asked: My MLS has changed the real estate photography playing field. The number of photos allowed used to be limited to 25. They now allow an unlimited number of photos for each listing. So for me, this is a great advantage, since my competition in this market typically provides only 25 or so […]

Should You Be Concerned When Realtors Watermark Their Listing Photos?

14/02/2017
11 Comments
Ryan in Texas asks: Should I be concerned about listing services that allow a Realtor to watermark their listing photos? The watermarking of photos appears to advertise the realtor's services and prevent the photos' subsequent appropriation by another realtor or broker should the listing agent lose the listing, but it seems like a slippery slope. […]

How Should Real Estate Photographers Deal with Non-Compete Agreements?

06/02/2017
9 Comments
I had two questions on non-compete agreements last week. Both readers asked for examples of non-compete agreements as if there is some right way to write one. Over the years everyone I've talked to about non-compete agreements they've signed have found themselves in a disastrous situation after wanting to work on their own. My advice on […]

What are the Requirements for Photographers with Regards to 1099s?

21/01/2017
12 Comments
John in NJ asks: I am a one person photographer. I have a client, the first time in 6 years is wanting to give me a 1099 for services. What are the requirements for photographers with regards to 1099s?

Can Previous Listing Agents or Homeowners Control the Use of Your Real Estate Photos?

17/01/2017
15 Comments
Jim in New Mexico asks the following question: I recently shot a home for a new broker who just got the listing. Since I photographed the same home 1 year ago for another broker and the previous seller, I felt compelled to use some of the previous summer season shots of the yards. All interior […]

What Should Real Estate Photographers Charge for Rental Photos?

29/12/2016
Chris in NJ asks: I have been asked to do a handful of vacation rental properties. I'm not sure if these should be priced differently than a house for sale. I'm assuming the cost should be higher since the photos will be used longer. But do you charge double? Triple? I'm not really sure. Any […]

Should Real Estate Photographers Get An Associate MLS Membership?

29/09/2016
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 […]

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

23/08/2016
16 Comments
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, […]

What's A Zillow Certified Photographer?

29/07/2016
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 […]

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

30/06/2016
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. […]

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

09/05/2016
16 Comments
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 […]

When Should Real Estate Photographers Get Paid?

18/03/2016
31 Comments
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 […]

Explanation Of Real Estate Photo Licensing For Agents

30/12/2015
Eric in Southern California asked for the following: I've been looking through the site for a basic simple explanation on copyrights and usage for real estate agents to understand. I've been a photographer for most of my life and doing real estate photos for about eight years and in working with several different agents in […]

What's The Best Online Booking Application For Real Estate Photography?

08/10/2015
16 Comments
Wanda asks: Does anyone have a suggestion for a scheduling application that they use for their business. I have been trying booker.com but it just does not fit well for a real estate photographer. I have an assistant that is in the office from 9 -3 but most REALTORS want something that is available to […]

Are There New Rules In California For Real Estate Photographers?

04/09/2015
18 Comments
Micah, a real estate photographer that recently moved to California asked the following: I heard something interesting today that I hadn't heard of before but thought maybe you knew: Someone was telling me that photographers who shoot real estate in California need a real estate license in order to do it legally. Is this true? […]

What Is A Good Hosting Service For A Real Estate Photography Website?

28/07/2015
Bill asks: I'm about to set up a website for my photography projects. I'll be building the site with the URL "ResortHomePhotography.com", which I just bought through Google Domains. I use WordPress for my (still-under-construction) real estate web site but noted Google partners with several web hosting services: Blogger, Squarespace, Shopify, Weebly, & Wix. Do […]

How Do You Build A Credible Portfolio Of Real Estate Work When You Are Getting Started?

17/07/2015
16 Comments
A photography portfolio conveys your style, and what type of work you do. A portfolio could be printed or online, or even both, but should also include only your best work. So, how do you build a credible portfolio of real estate work when you are getting started? How Do You Build a Credible Portfolio […]

Congratulations To Dave Williamson in Perth On Winning His Copyright Court Action

15/07/2015
4 Comments
Dave Williamson in Perth, AU has been engaged in a copyright dispute/misunderstanding since January of this year. This was a typical real estate photography dispute about listing photos being used by an agent different from the one they were licensed to. I wanted to highlight this decision because it helps to have clear resolved example […]

What Do You Charge To Shoot 1 to 3 minutes of UAV Video For Real Estate?

25/06/2015
21 Comments
Anthony recently asked the following: I've searched here and the Flickr group, but the answer to these questions still elude me. What is a reasonable rate for basic video? What is a reasonable rate for certified drone flights/photos? I've done a poll for standard real estate video that is fairly recent but I've never done a […]

Why Not Defer Some Or All Of Your Real Estate Photography Shoot Fee To Closing?

09/06/2015
19 Comments
Because real estate listing agents don't get paid until a sale closes, the deferred payment option keeps coming up. Keith recently ask the following: I've read lots of posts about business models...pay up front, pay at close, pricing, etc. None of the pay at close really seems to address a combo - pay a bit when […]

How Many Photographs Do You Deliver To Clients For A Typical Real Estate Shoot?

15/01/2015
63 Comments
Jason recently asked the following: I have a question that may be good for a poll: How many photographs do you deliver to clients for a typical real estate shoot? In my area, I see many delivery 40 to 50 per which I think is out of control. I'm trying to get a sense of what […]

How Long Do You Take To Deliver Real Estate Photos?

11/12/2014
21 Comments
Todd recently asked the following: I love that every so often you post polls that help me get a better understanding of the industry. Did you ever do one on the typical length of time between shooting and delivering the final images? No, I never have. But here is the poll that Todd requested. As […]

Put Your Real Estate Photos In The Right Order!

29/10/2014
Tim Wilson pointed out this article at Inman.com today. Tim said what caught his attention in the article was the following: What I found super-intriguing was that the sequential order of the photography made a difference. The participants I interviewed wanted to see the photos flow in an order emulating how they would naturally walk […]

What About Being A Real Estate Photographer And A Real Estate Agent

16/12/2013
32 Comments
I've had quite a few discussions with people concerning some aspect of being both a real estate agent and a real estate photographer. I find when a subject like this pops up out of the blue from a bunch of different people I usually indicate a trend going on. There were four different questions that […]

Is Misrepresentation A Serious Problem In Real Estate Photography?

20/06/2013
34 Comments
I talked to a producer today from ABC News that is working on a piece ABC is producing on the subject of photos that misrepresent properties. She was looking for examples of cases where marketing photos misrepresented properties to buyers. This well documented case in Melbourne about a year ago that I posted on was […]

Eight Real Estate Photographer Website Principles

29/07/2011
I've been talking to a lot of real estate photographers just starting the business recently and the subject of a portfolio website comes up as one of the very first subjects of discussion. Your portfolio of real estate images is at the center of your marketing. Your website is just an accessible way to present your business […]

Using Spreadsheets To Track Your Small Business

20/06/2011
20 Comments
I've come to the conclusion that all you need to track your business financials is a few good spreadsheet templates. Here's what's lead me to this conclusion. At beginning of this year at my house I went through a traumatic upgrade from a 2004 version of QuickBooks to QuickBooks 2011. My wife Levi, the accountant […]

Eight Ways To Deliver Photos to Your Client

30/08/2010
Mike Miriello and I recorded another Q&A Podcast a few days ago. One of the questions that Mike and I talked about was the old question about how to deliver photos to your client and whether or not to deliver a physical CD. I think there are two distinct phases of a real estate photography […]

Does a Real Estate Photographer Need Business Insurance?

10/04/2010
8 Comments
A reader recently asked the question, "is it recommended or mandatory to have insurance? " And he pointed out that he couldn't find the answer on here on the blog. This is an over sight on my part. I have a section in my book The Business of Real Estate Photography on insurance but I […]

Pros And Cons Of Being A Independent Real Estate Photographer

01/05/2009
40 Comments
I had a discussion with Chris Thomas and Herb Dierks yesterday about the pros and cons of being an independent real estate photographer vs having an exclusive association with a company like tourfactory.com, vicaso.com or even a franchise company like open2view.com. I thought this would be a good discussion to bring up because this "independent […]
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