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.