An efficient real estate photo editing workflow.

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.

Best Camera Gear and Software for Real Estate Photography

Best Camera Gear for Real Estate Photography

1. Cameras (Full-Frame or APS-C)

• Sony A7R IV / A7 III–Excellent dynamic range, great for HDR.

• Canon EOS R5 / R6–High-resolution and great low-light performance.

• Nikon Z7 II / D850–Superb sharpness and detail.

• Fujifilm X-T5 (APS-C)–Budget-friendly but powerful for real estate.

2. Lenses (Wide-Angle for Interiors)

• Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (Full-frame)–Crisp details and low distortion.

• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM–Versatile for interiors and exteriors.

• Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S–Lightweight with great edge-to-edge sharpness.

• Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 (Sony E-mount)–Great budget option.

3. Tripods & Accessories

• Manfrotto 055 Aluminum Tripod–Sturdy and reliable for real estate work.

• Neewer 2-Pack Softbox Lighting Kit–Helpful for poorly lit spaces.

• DJI Mini 3 Pro / Mavic Air 2 (Drone)–For stunning aerial shots of properties.

• CamRanger 2 (Wireless Camera Control)–Helps with remote shooting and bracketing.

Best Editing Software for Real Estate Photography

  1. Lightroom & Photoshop (Adobe Suite)–Best Overall

• Lightroom–Adjust lighting, contrast, and colors quickly.

• Photoshop–Remove distractions, replace skies, and fix perspectives.

• HDR Merge Feature–Ideal for blending multiple exposures.

  1. Capture One–Great for Detail & Color Control

• Better color rendering than Lightroom, especially for high-end commercial shoots.

  1. Luminar Neo–Best for AI Editing & Sky Replacements

• Quick sky replacements, AI-powered light balancing, and one-click enhancements.

  1. Enfuse / Photomatix (for HDR blending)

• Helps blend bracketed shots for balanced lighting in interior photos.

  1. Topaz Gigapixel AI–For Up-scaling Images

• If you need ultra-sharp images for large prints or high-res online listings.