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.