Yes! Here’s an efficient real estate photo editing workflow to help you achieve high-quality, professional results while saving time.
Real Estate Photo Editing Workflow
1. Import & Organize (Lightroom / Capture One)
✅ Import all RAW files into Lightroom or Capture One.
✅ Sort images into folders:
• Exteriors (Front, Backyard, Aerial)
• Interiors (Living Room, Bedrooms, Kitchen, etc.)
• Details & Amenities (Fireplace, Pool, Views)
✅ Flag or rate the best images to edit first.
2. Basic Adjustments (Lightroom / Capture One)
✅ Correct White Balance–Adjust to keep colors natural.
✅ Adjust Exposure & Contrast–Brighten dark areas and fine-tune highlights.
✅ Enhance Shadows & Highlights–Recover details in windows & darker areas.
✅ Correct Lens Distortion–Apply lens profile corrections to fix warping.
✅ Straighten Vertical Lines–Use the Transform tool to fix perspective.
3. HDR Merging (Photomatix / Lightroom HDR Merge)
✅ If using bracketed shots, merge them for balanced exposure.
✅ Blend 3-5 exposures for proper highlights and shadow detail.
✅ Fine-tune the de-ghosting setting to remove movement artifacts.
4. Advanced Editing (Photoshop / Luminar Neo)
✅ Sky Replacement (if needed)–Use Photoshop or Luminar Neo to swap dull skies.
✅ Remove Distractions–Clone out minor blemishes, cords, or unwanted reflections.
✅ Window View Enhancement–Blend in a separate exposure for a clearer outside view.
✅ Grass & Exterior Enhancement–Use AI tools to enhance grass, fix overexposed driveways, or remove unwanted shadows.
5. Final Adjustments & Exporting
✅ Sharpen & Reduce Noise–Use Lightroom’s Detail Panel for a crisp finish.
✅ Add a Subtle Vignette–Draw focus to the center of the image.
✅ Export Settings:
• MLS Listings–2048px wide, sRGB, 72 DPI, JPEG (compressed to under 2MB).
• Print & High-Res Use–300 DPI, full resolution, TIFF or PNG format.
✅ Batch Rename & Organize–Name files descriptively for easy upload.
Bonus: TimeSaving Tips
✅ Create Lightroom Presets–Save frequently used settings for quick edits.
✅ Use AI Editing Tools–Topaz AI or Luminar Neo for fast enhancements.
✅ Automate Batch Exports–Set up Lightroom export presets for different platforms.