real estate photo editing workflow

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.