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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 Ryan Fletcher - Feb/Mar 2015 PFRE Videographer Of The Month

In: 
02/04/2015
6 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Ryan Fletcher, of Kailua Kona, Hawaii who won the Feb/Mar 2015 PFRE  videographer of the month award with this stunning video. As usual with these contests, there's a lot to be learned from looking at the juror comments in the contest Flickr group. Thanks to the jurors who had the time to post […]
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The Scandinavian Style Of Interior Photographer Jonas Berg - Gothenburg Sweden

In: 
31/03/2015
By: Larry Lohrman
This months PFRE photographer of the month contest had a photo that really captured my interest. The photo was by Jonas Berg of Gothenburg, Sweden. Click on the photo to the right to see a large version of Jonas' contest submission. What caught my interest about this image was how uplifting the light in the room was. […]

Congratulations Seth Parker PFRE Photographer Of The Month For March

In: 
24/03/2015
24 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Wow! Big contest this month! Sixty one entries. Congratulations to Seth Parker of Huntsville, Alabama. Click on the image on the right to see a large version of Seth's winning image. The competition was much closer this month than last. Jonas Berg of Gothenburg, Sweden came in a very close second. Seth and Jonas were […]

Canon's New EF 11-24mm f/4L Lens Gives New Meaning To UFWA

In: 
09/03/2015
13 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
I can remember when I first got my Canon 16-35mm wide angle and used it to shoot a listing for my wife. She scolded me severely and sent me back to reshoot several of the rooms where I had racked the lens out to 16mm. She said at 16mm effective the small intimate living room […]

How Do Real Estate Photographers Handle Window Blinds?

In: 
25/02/2015
21 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Today Kelly asked me: How do most real estate photographers handle window blinds? Do they raise them all the way up to let in more light and show the view? Open them at an angle? Open them completely but not raise them? I think It's impossible to make any blanket statement about what to do with […]

Congratulations Jason Roehner - February PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
23/02/2015
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
This month Jason Roehner's image to the right dazzled the PFRE jury and won by a landslide. Click on the photo to the right to see the large version of this image. This is Jason's third time that he has won the PFRE photographer of the month. Below are the results of the voting. Note […]

Congratulations Charlie Dresen - Steamboat Springs, CO - January PFRE Videographer Of The Month

In: 
02/02/2015
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations Charlie Dresen - Steamboat, CO, PFRE Videographer Of The Month For January 2015. I've linked the videos to the numbers below but if you want learn something about property video be sure to read the read the comments by the jurors in the Videography contest forum. Thanks to the jurors that took the time […]

Congratulations Terry Burger, Atlanta, GA - PFRE Photographer Of The Month For January

In: 
26/01/2015
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Terry Burger, Atlanta, GA PFRE Photographer Of The Month January. A bunch (53) of great images this month as usual. If you haven't already, it's worth your while to browse the contest entrants and read the comments. As usual, there is so much competition that just getting points in this contest makes you a winner! Update […]

How Do You Learn Composition For Interior Photography?

In: 
20/01/2015
19 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
A while ago Sandy raise an excellent question: Are there any books out there that would be beneficial to learning composition techniques for RE photography? I think I could use a little help with the basics. My initial answer was no, I know of no books that talk specifically about interior photographic composition, and recommended […]

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

In: 
15/01/2015
63 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
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 […]

Real Estate Photographers - Always Shoot RAW!

In: 
06/01/2015
52 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
the holidays, Willie asked: "Why shoot in RAW instead of jpeg?. This reminded me of the days years ago when I used to have heated discussions here on PFRE about whether or not you should shoot RAW. The video to the right by Jared Polin is a funny argument from that era. Nowadays there's no […]

Congratulations Barry MacKenzie 2014 PFRE Photographer Of The Year

In: 
24/12/2014
19 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
This year's award of PFRE Photographer of the year goes to Barry MacKenzie of London, Ontario. Here are the points awarded by the jury: 46 pts - Barry MacKenzie 29 pts - Aaron Flores 25 pts - George Gutenberg 24 pts - Sebastian Erras 10 pts - Ryan Wicks 4   pts - Kate Benjamin 2   pts - […]

Congratulations Hamish Beeston, Bristol UK - PFRE Videographer Of The Year 2014

In: 
22/12/2014
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations! Hamish Beeston, Bristol, UK has been voted the PFRE Videographer Of The Year 2014 for his outstanding video of Queens Court in London. Since all of the videos from this year are world-class the voting was very close! Here are the jury voting results: 84 pts, Hamish Beeston, Bristol, UK 80 pts, Patrick Kerwick, Santa […]

How Long Do You Take To Deliver Real Estate Photos?

In: 
11/12/2014
21 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
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 […]

Congratulations Jacob and Jamie McNeil PFRE Videographers Of The Month For Oct/Nov 2014

In: 
02/12/2014
6 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations Jacob and Jamie McNeil, of PlatinumHD Canada, PFRE Videographers Of The Month For Oct/Nov 2014. The video jurors  used a new more structured scoring system this month. And again, if you haven't read the comments by the jurors I invite you to take a look in the Videography contest forum. Here are the points […]

What Lens Should Real Estate Photographers Use On APS-C DSLRs?

In: 
29/11/2014
By: Larry Lohrman
Several readers have already asked if the 18-55mm lens that came with that DSLR that they just picked up at a Black Friday sale will work for real estate. So my guess is there are others that have the same question. The answer is no, not completely. The 18-55mm kit lens that usually comes with low-end […]

Using Vintage Lenses On Sony A7, A7r and A7s

In: 
03/11/2014
7 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
PFRE reader Jukka Töyli in Tampere, Finland is an avid Sony enthusiast. Recently Jukka sent me some tips that he'd like to pass along for other real estate shooters interested in the new mirrorless cameras (Sony A7, A7R and A7s or MFT). Jukka says: I just found out that old vintage lenses can be really good and affordable. […]

Congratulations To Mike Leland PFRE Photographer Of The Month For October

In: 
31/10/2014
By: Larry Lohrman
Mike Leland of Tucson, AZ has won the October, PFRE Photographer of The Month award. Update 11/2: I have to apologize, initially I said that this is Mikes third win of this contest. It's not, its his first. I mistakenly thought that Mike is the same Mike Leland that won this contest in Sept & […]

Put Your Real Estate Photos In The Right Order!

In: 
29/10/2014
By: Larry Lohrman
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 […]

Which Is Best For Real Estate Photography - Canon 70D or 7D?

In: 
24/10/2014
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Isabel in Costa Rica says: Hola, I have a basic gear question for you: I want to buy the best equipment for RE photography without spending a fortune. According to all the reviews the best Canon lens for interior photography is the Canon EF-S 10-22 mm. I decided I am going to buy this lens, […]

PlanEdge: Create Floorplans On A Tablet With A Laser Measure

In: 
21/10/2014
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
PFRE reader Sean Elliott at Exposure Property Marketing told me about some new floor plan creation software. Sean said: Whilst the market is quieter I thought I would take the opportunity to contact you about a new product I am using at Exposure Property Marketing.  I have helped a software company here in the UK Boxcubic […]

Congratulations To Travis Rowan - Winner Of Aug/Sep Property Video Contest

In: 
04/10/2014
17 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Travis Rowan, of Maui, HI, who has won the August/September property video of the month contest with his video at the right. Click the image to the right to watch the video. Also click the numbers listed below to see each video that the jury awarded points to. This is the second win in a row for Travis. He won the […]

Congratulations Aaron Flores - PFRE Photographer Of The Month For September

In: 
25/09/2014
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Aaron Flores, Phoenix, AZ who has won the September Photographer of the month contest with his photo at the right. Click the image to the right to see a larger version of Aaron's image. Aaron is a second time PFRE photographer of the month. He won this same theme (Patio, Deck or Garden Space) last September! I […]

How To Connect With Agent Clients When You Are Starting Out In Real Estate Photography?

In: 
05/09/2014
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Not too long ago I got some real estate photography business starting out questions from Chris in New Jersey. I think the questions are classic and important enough to look at in detail. Here is Chris's initial question: I have been trying to get a real estate business up and running since October of 2013 […]

Congratulations Kate Benjamin August PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
23/08/2014
9 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Kate Benjamin, Detroit MI, who has won this months Photographer of the month contest with her photo at the right. The jurors really liked Kate's image of this quaint old home. Click the image to see a larger version. This month, there were 48 great images! Many of them were extremely well executed. The competition is […]

Inexpensive 12 Foot Tripods As An Alternative To Painters Pole

In: 
21/08/2014
14 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
I've had several readers point out this video on large construction tripods for use in photography and videography. Giant tripods are very popular with real estate photographers but you have to lay out around $2K USD for a Gitzo carbon tripod with the extendable center section that will raise a  heavy DSLR and lens to […]

Congratulations To Travis Rowan - July PFRE Videographer Of The Month

In: 
02/08/2014
11 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
The winner of the July video contest is Travis Rowan of Maui, HI. Juror Hamish Beeston's says: A lovely, classy film. Beautifully shot. Great light balance. Love the mix of wide angles and close-ups for textures / finishes, which real estate videos do so well. Also really good mix of slider and jib shots. My favourite shot […]

Congratulations To Ling Ge July PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
24/07/2014
13 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Ling Ge of Irvine, CA, who has won this months Photographer of the month contest with his photo at the right. Click the image to see a larger version. Again this month, a bunch of great images! The competition is intense! Here is the jury’s voting results: 35 points, #10, Ling Ge - irvine, CA. 27 points, #15, Matt Harrer - St Louis, MO […]

Ethics Considerations In Real Estate Photography

In: 
09/07/2014
15 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Bob in Michigan asks: How much to remove from photos? Flying my drone for real estate photos, I've followed the philosophy of removing or cleaning up anything that could be done with a broom, a hose or picked-up (dirt on a driveway, yard signs, cars and trash cans). Yesterday I was asked to remove overhead […]

Congratulations To Anders Carlson - June Videographer of The Month

In: 
02/07/2014
8 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
The winner of the June video contest is Anders Carlson of Kailua Kona, HI. Anders has the distinction of being the first person to win both the still contest (multiple times) and the video contest! Juror Hamish Beeston's comment was: Fantastic. Really like this one. Great mix of shots (lots of quality details and all verticals vertical!), […]

Congratulations Tony Colangelo - PFRE Photographer Of The Month For June

In: 
24/06/2014
21 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Tony Colangelo, Victoria BC, who won this months close still image contest. This is Tony's second win. He won this contest back in August of 2013. A lot of great images this month! The competition is getting very keen in this contest. This month the voting was much closer than it's been for a […]

Congratulations To PFRE Videographer for May - Hamish Beeston of Bristol, UK

In: 
31/05/2014
By: Larry Lohrman
And the winner is Hamish Beeston of  Beeston Media, in Bristol, UK. Patrick Kerwick, one of the two video jurors this month said: I am absolutely astounded by the quality of work that was submitted this month, it was a pleasure just watching each of the videos for my own education as a fellow videographer. As you […]

Congratulations To Sebastian Erras May PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
23/05/2014
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to Sebastian Erras, Amberg, Germany, who captured the jurors attention with this image at the Bay of Saint-Tropez, France. There is a lot to be learned this month by looking through the contest entries and reading the discussion on the entrants photos. There was more discussion this month than there has been in the past. Studying […]

PFRE Videographer of the Month for April: Congratulations Patrick Kerwick!

In: 
01/05/2014
20 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
And the winner is Patrick Kerwick of  Vantage Photography, in Santa Fe, NM. Allan MacKenzie, my video judge said: I have to say mate was that was tough! Hawaii certainly is well represented with good talent and make the top 3 cut but just got taken at the finish line with the personal touch portrayed by the homeowners, they […]

Congratulations To Barry MacKenzie April PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
28/04/2014
By: Larry Lohrman
A bunch of great images this month. Congratulations to Barry MacKenzie capturing the jurors attention and winning by a significant margin. Here is the jury's voting results: 48 pts #25, Barry MacKenzie, London, ON 20 pts #41, Alasdair Mcintosh, York, UK 10 pts #49, Robert Ekins, Sydney, AU 9 pts #30, Dean Hales, Melbourne, AU 8 pts #27, […]

Congratulations Kate Benjamin PFRE Photographer Of The Month March 2014

In: 
24/03/2014
21 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Wow, that was a hard job deciding on a winner. Seventy-seven photos and a bunch of good ones. PFRE jury has chosen Kate Benjamin of Detroit, MI as the PFRE photographer of the month. To the right is Kate's winning photo. Click on it to view larger. Don't be discouraged if you got just a few […]

Congratulations Ryan Wicks PFRE Photographer Of The Month Feb 2014

In: 
24/02/2014
10 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
This month the PFRE jury has chosen Ryan Wicks of East Sussex, England as the PFRE photographer of the month. To the right is Ryan's winning photo. There was a big increase this month in commenting and favoriting the contest images. Thanks for everyone's participation. I think this level critical analysis and discussion is very […]

Congratulations To George Gutenberg - January PFRE Photographer Of The Month

In: 
23/01/2014
20 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
Congratulations to George Gutenberg of Palm Springs, CA who is the PFRE photographer of the month for January. This month I had 36 amazing twilight images entered in the January contest. Both the readers (as indicated by the favorites feature on Flickr) and the jury agreed that George's image was the winner and Jonathan's was […]

Congratulations Ethan Tweedie - PFRE Photographer Of 2013

In: 
23/12/2013
12 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
The PFRE jury has voted Ethan Tweedie of the Big Island of HI the PFRE photographer of the year for 2013. Ethan's winning photograph is on the right. Click on it for a full size image. Here are the voting results: Ethan Tweedie - 37 Dan Ryan - 22 Aaron Flores - 20 Brandon Beechler - 17 […]

The Most Popular Lens For Real Estate Photography: Canon 10-22mm

In: 
17/12/2013
20 Comments
By: Larry Lohrman
After watching the poll on the lens table for many years, I can't help from commenting on the results. I'm totally stunned that the Canon 10-22mm is the most popular lens, and it has been for the entire three or four years I've had a lens poll. Not that it isn't a great lens, it […]
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