Before I became a real estate photographer working with agents and property owners across the Central Coast, my photography journey began with a second-hand Pentax film camera I bought in the 90s. I saved up the money doing laboring jobs for neighbours and friends as a kid. With no internet to guide me, I learned the basics on my own—how to load film, set the camera to auto mode, and use it like a simple point-and-shoot. Even with those limitations, I fell in love with photography.
The digital leap: My first DSLR
Fast forward to my first significant leap in photography—the Canon Rebel T3 DSLR. It was my first real dive into digital photography, and that’s when I started experimenting with different compositions, lighting, and editing. Photoshop seemed daunting at first, but gradually, I got the hang of it, learning the value of shooting in RAW format and refining my photos through post-processing. This experience formed the backbone of my understanding of what it takes to make an image truly stand out—something that I now apply when shooting for clients.
A quest for better quality: The Nikon D600
Over time, I knew I needed better image quality, which led me to the Nikon D600. With a full-frame sensor, it brought remarkable improvements in low-light performance and dynamic range. I dove into high-quality lenses, which made a significant difference in the sharpness of my landscape photography. Despite the occasional issues reported with the D600’s shutter mechanism, I never encountered any problems, and the camera helped me take my skills to the next level.
Sony's mirrorless revolution: The A7RII
In search of new challenges, I switched to Sony’s mirrorless systems and became one of the early adopters of the A7RII. The ability to use vintage lenses with manual focus aids like focus peaking was a game changer for me. But it wasn’t perfect—battery life was an issue, and low-light autofocus was lacking. Still, Sony’s A7RIII addressed those problems, delivering exceptional autofocus performance and detail that exceeded my expectations. This camera made me realize how important mirrorless technology was in the photography world, especially for my growing real estate business.
Fujifilm: The camera that felt like home
I then ventured into Fujifilm with the X-T3. The tactile, retro design made it a joy to use, and the image quality, especially for portraits, was impressive. Fujifilm’s ability to produce accurate skin tones straight out of the camera was something I took into my portrait and event photography. I photographed an engagement party with minimal editing, and the results were stunning, thanks to Fujifilm's customizable picture profiles. The transition to Capture One also gave me a more efficient editing workflow, which saved me time on post-processing.
The Canon R system: Finding my perfect fit
However, my search for the ideal camera led me back to Canon. When Canon launched their EOS R system, I was hooked. The autofocus system was lightning fast, and the colours were rich and natural, which became crucial when shooting real estate photos where true-to-life colour reproduction is key. With lenses like the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 and RF 28-70mm f/2, my photography reached new heights in terms of sharpness and detail. The switch to Canon wasn’t just about gear—it was about consistency and quality for my clients.
The Canon R6: My ideal real estate camera
When I upgraded to the Canon R6, I finally felt like I’d found the perfect camera for my work. The R6’s autofocus system in low light, exceptional image quality at high ISOs, and powerful video capabilities make it ideal for real estate, where both photography and video are crucial to capturing a property’s essence. This camera allows me to showcase homes in the best light, even under challenging lighting conditions like twilight shoots or low-light interior spaces.
The real estate photographer’s evolution
Looking back, my gear evolution shows just how much technology has changed—and how these advancements have made my work more efficient and impactful. When I look at my past setups, I realize that if I had focused solely on still photography, I could have achieved similar results with my old Nikon D600. However, as a hybrid shooter capturing both stills and video for real estate listings, the shift to mirrorless cameras like the Canon R6 has been essential. Mirrorless systems offer cutting-edge autofocus and video features that allow me to produce high-quality content quickly and effectively.
What this means for you
Every camera I’ve used over the years has contributed to shaping the quality of work I offer to real estate agents and property owners. Whether it’s capturing stunning interiors with sharp detail or producing videos that give potential buyers a dynamic walkthrough, the camera systems I’ve worked with have equipped me to deliver results that matter.
Why your property needs a pro photographer
In today’s competitive real estate market, high-quality visuals are more important than ever. When I shoot for you, I bring decades of experience with top-tier equipment, ensuring that your listing stands out. Whether you need detailed images, cinematic video walkthroughs, or compelling drone footage, I have the tools and expertise to showcase your property in its best light.
Ready to showcase your property?
If you’re a real estate agent or homeowner looking to elevate your property’s presence online and attract the right buyers, let’s chat. My journey through different camera systems has equipped me with the skills to make your property shine, no matter the lighting or conditions.
