A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Photographer

Real estate photography is often seen as a straightforward job: show up, snap a few photos, and leave. But in reality, it’s a dynamic and detail-oriented career that blends creativity, technical expertise, and strategic planning. Let’s take a look behind the scenes at what a typical day in the life of a real estate photographer looks like.

Morning: Preparation is Key 
The day starts early, and preparation sets the tone.

• Gear Check: I review my equipment—camera bodies, lenses, tripods, drone, and lighting gear—to ensure everything is charged, cleaned, and ready to go.


• Client Communication: I confirm appointment times, review shot lists, and address any last-minute questions with clients.

• Route Planning: Mapping out the day’s locations helps maximize time efficiency, especially when shooting multiple properties.

Midday: Capturing the Perfect Shots 
Each shoot is unique and requires a tailored approach.

• Arriving at the Property: I assess the home’s layout, lighting, and features to determine the best angles. If the client or homeowner is present, we discuss any specific highlights they want to showcase.
• Setting the Scene: I’ll adjust furniture, remove clutter, or open curtains to ensure the home is photo-ready. Small details, like fluffing pillows or turning on (or off) lights, can make a big difference.
• Shooting: I move methodically from room to room, capturing wide-angle shots that showcase space and flow. For special features like fireplaces, kitchens, or outdoor areas, I might switch to a different lens or use additional lighting.
• Drone Photography: For properties with large yards, scenic views, or unique exterior features, I take to the skies with my drone. Aerial shots can give potential buyers a whole new perspective.

Afternoon: Post-Processing
Once the shoots are done, the real magic begins.

• Uploading and Organizing: Back at the office, I upload the day’s photos to my computer and back them up to avoid data loss.
• Editing: Using software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, I enhance the photos by adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, and more. The goal is to create vibrant, true-to-life images that attract buyers while maintaining the integrity of the property.
• Virtual Staging: For empty or outdated spaces, I may add virtual furniture or update wall colors to help buyers visualize the potential of the home.

Evening: Wrapping Up
As the day winds down, I focus on wrapping up and planning ahead.
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• Client Follow-Up: I touch base if needed to ensure they’re satisfied with the shoot and discuss any additional needs or concerns they may have.
• Planning for Tomorrow: I review my schedule for the next day and make sure everything is in place for another productive shoot.

What Makes It Rewarding

Real estate photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about storytelling. Each property has its own personality, and it’s my job to capture it in a way that connects with potential buyers. Seeing my photos help sell a home faster or for a higher price makes all the effort worthwhile.
Every day is different, which keeps the work exciting and fresh. From modern condos to rustic lake houses, each property presents a new challenge and opportunity to flex my creative skills.

Conclusion

A day in the life of a real estate photographer is fast-paced, creative, and incredibly rewarding. It’s a job that requires technical skill, an eye for detail, and a passion for helping clients showcase properties in their best light.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into capturing those stunning real estate photos, now you know—it’s a blend of artistry, hard work, and a love for storytelling through images. Whether you're in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, Lake George or really anywhere in or around the Capital Region of New York, I'd love to help showcase your listing!