Photography Economics 101: Business Models for Real Estate Photographers

Over the years I have thought a lot about various business models for real estate media providers, because while I was pursuing one particular business model I regularly observed other photographers (and “photography chain” businesses) who operated under different models. I occasionally thought, “Am I pursuing the right business model? Should I think about changing models in the future? What do I ultimately want to pursue?”

I wrote this article because when I first started I would have benefitted from thinking through my photography business goals. In addition, once my schedule was full of photoshoots I should have reassessed sooner and made major adjustments to my business model.

Sony Announces the Full-Frame Mirrorless Alpha 1 Camera

Sony Electronics, a global leader in imaging sensor technology and digital imaging, has announced the arrival of the groundbreaking new full-frame mirrorless Alpha 1 camera – asserting their commitment to leading the industry with a stunning combination of innovative new features.

The most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released, the Alpha 1 combines high-resolution and high-speed performance at a level that has never been accomplished in the world of digital cameras. With a brand new 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ image sensor, up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video and much more, the Alpha 1 will allow creators to capture what they've never been able to before.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffJanuary 26, 2021sony, announcement, product, alpha, a1, mirrorless, Full Frame

Nikon Unveils the New Z 7II and Z 6II Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled the next chapter of the Z series with the arrival of two new full-frame mirrorless cameras that significantly improve upon the previous generation by adding more power, more features and more of what users want. The ultra-high-resolution Z 7II is for those with an eye for impeccable details, offering professionals and advanced photographers a powerful tool to capture immense resolution in every shot. For dynamic creators who need a device as versatile as they are, the Z 6II balances powerful performance and an expert-level multimedia feature set to bring any creative vision to life. Together, the Z 7II and Z 6II, along with new accessories, expand the Z series into a more robust mirrorless platform, incorporating many performance and design upgrades while maintaining the most popular features of their award-winning predecessors.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffOctober 14, 2020nikon, z6, z 6, z7, z 7, ii, product, announcement, camera, cameras, news

What Camera & Lens Should I Buy for Real Estate Photography?

I sometimes get asked by people who are getting started in real estate photography what camera and lens they should buy. Do you need an expensive camera for real estate? Do you need an expensive lens? Is it better to spend more money on the lens than the camera? What focal lengths are typically used? This article will hopefully give readers an idea of what cameras are currently available, the pros and cons of various cameras, and some info about lenses. This information can be applied to really any genre of photography, and I will also talk a little bit about the state of the industry.

Canon EOS R5 vs 5D Mark IV: Canon has Upped their Game (And these Underexposed Photos)

When I switched from the 6D to the 5D Mark IV, I did notice a slight improvement in dynamic range and shadow handling. But this is a major advancement for Canon who had been previously been dabbling with small, incremental improvements here and there. Going from the EOS 5D Mark IV to the EOS R5 is not a small, incremental improvement… it’s like a whole new generation of technology.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Original ArticleDan ZeeffSeptember 25, 2020canon, eos, r5, 5D Mark IV, 6D, dynamic range, shadows, exposure, night photography, vs, comparison

Megapixels vs. Sensor Size: Can the Mavic Air 2 Beat the Phantom 4 Pro?

I got ahold of a Mavic Air 2, and I just had to know how its higher resolution images compared to the 20 megapixel Phantom 4 Pro and its 13.2 x 8.8mm sensor. If the sensor sizes were the same, I would expect the sensor with more pixels to be the winner. But how do they compare when the higher resolution photos are from a much smaller sensor (6.4 x 4.8mm)? Let’s take a look.

Canon Announces New R5 and R6 Cameras, Begins Pre-orders

MELVILLE, NY, July 9, 2020 – With anticipation at a fever pitch, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the company’s next generation of full-frame mirrorless cameras – the EOS R5 and EOS R6. These groundbreaking cameras are the result of many years of collecting and listening to feedback from Canon users and are sure to meet the needs and demands of a variety of creators. The EOS R5 is a camera designed for professional applications featuring a new 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and uncropped 8K video recording up to 29.97 fps.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffJuly 9, 2020news, camera, canon, r5, r6, 100-500, lens, lenses, eos, product, announcement

DJI Announces the 48-megapixel Mavic Air 2

“Created to make capturing unique, high-quality content from the air simple, fun, and safe, Mavic Air 2 offers flagship capabilities in a compact and easy to use folding drone that features 8K functionality. A larger 1/2” camera sensor offers high-resolution photos and videos to make content stand out, while advanced programmed flight modes, intelligent features and imaging technology make capturing professional-looking content effortless. Pilots can now stay in the sky longer with an enhanced maximum flight time, capture vivid imagery with completely revamped autonomous capabilities, and wholly transform their content with in-app editing features.”

Aerial Photography, Camera Gear, Industry News, DronesDan ZeeffApril 28, 2020dji, mavic, mavic air 2, drone, drones, aerial, photo

The Good, the Bad, & the Beautiful - Using Teleconverters & Extenders

The Benefits, Disadvantages, & Considerations of Using Teleconverters/Focal Length Extenders with your Lenses.

Don't Let an Inadequate Tripod Do *This* to Your Photos! (Highly Detailed Rant)

An inadequate tripod can cause you problems you didn’t even know existed. This article looks at what types of tripods are available, and what you can expect at different price points.

If You're Shooting Architecture or Real Estate, Omni-Directional Lighting is Your Friend

A look at the benefits of using omni-directional globe lanterns for architecture.

Canon Announces Development of the Mirrorless EOS R5

From Canon’s Press Release: “Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is developing the highly anticipated Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera. The camera will feature a newly designed CMOS sensor and new image processor, along with new state-of-the-art optical technologies the company has been able to cultivate through its long history of groundbreaking camera and digital imaging solutions development. In addition, Canon plans to release seven RF lenses and two RF lens extenders that are currently in development. These new photography tools will help to continue to strengthen the EOS R system and cement the RF mount as an industry leader.”

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffFebruary 12, 2020canon, eos, r5, development, camera, mirrorless, news, nofeature

Nikon Announces the New D6 Full-Frame DSLR

Today, Nikon Inc. has unveiled the D6, a new professional-grade DSLR built for those in need of extreme reliability and ultimate performance. The D6 addresses the needs of professionals and press agencies and is faster and more powerful than ever before. Offering the most powerful AF system in Nikon’s history, this flagship DSLR camera delivers crucial improvements to modern workflow while also accelerating file transfer capabilities. Promising unparalleled low-light performance, powerful agility, advanced 4K UHD multimedia capabilities and a mechanical shutter frame rate boosted to a staggering 14fps, the D6 will redefine the way pros work.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffFebruary 11, 2020nikon, d6, dslr, Full Frame, product, announcement, press, release, camera

How to Use an External Microphone with a GoPro Fusion or GoPro Max

Steps to using an external microphone with a 360 camera if there are no audio inputs.

Camera Gear, Original ArticleDan ZeeffFebruary 6, 2020360, gopro, fusion, max, rode, wireless, microphone, record, recording, audio, sync, insta360, ricoh, theta, video, nofeature

Canon, Nikon, & Sony Full-Frame Digital Camera Product History Timeline

A timeline of all Canon, Nikon, and Sony full-frame interchangeable lens digital cameras, listed by announcement date along with megapixels, video quality, shots-per-second capabilities, and direct links to the downloadable instruction manuals.

Godox V860II Flash vs. Godox V1 (A.K.A. Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2) Comparison

A look at the differences between the Godox V1 and the Godox V860II, with a brief look at the Godox AK-R1 Accessory Kit for Round Flash Head.

For Photographers, Camera Gear, Original ArticleDan ZeeffJanuary 15, 2020godox, flashpoint, flash, flashes, speedlights, round head, V1, V860II, Zoom Li-on, R2, nofeature

Canon Announces First Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera For Astrophotography

Targeting the needs of astrophotographers, the new EOS Ra full-frame mirrorless camera incorporates many advanced features of the EOS R, such as RF mount design, a 30.3MP CMOS sensor, high-precision electronic viewfinder, high-sensitivity, low-noise performance and 4K time-lapse shooting.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffNovember 5, 2019canon, eos, ra, astrophotography, mirrorless, camera, announcement, press, release

Canon Announces The Development Of The EOS-1D X Mark III Camera

Continuing Canon’s rich heritage of creating first-rate optical products, the EOS-1D X Mark III offers an enhanced autofocus system, with dramatically improved still and video image quality and communication. When using this camera, professionals will have the confidence they will get ‘the shot’ and can deliver it at a competitive speed – faster than ever before – ideal for the increasingly fast-paced industry.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffOctober 24, 2019canon, eos, 1d, x, mark iii, press, release, camera, body, announcement

Sony Announces The Alpha 9 II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

The needs of professional sports photographers and photojournalists working at the highest levels are answered in the new Sony α9 II. Extending on the performance of the original α9, the a9 II combines 20fps speed, no viewfinder blackout and AF/AE tracking at 60 calculations per second with enhanced connectivity, new mechanical shutter, improved weather sealing and robust workflow capabilities.

Camera Gear, For Photographers, Industry NewsDan ZeeffOctober 3, 2019sony, alpha, a9, ii, mirrorless, camera, Full Frame, body, press, release, product, announcement

Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS vs. Canon 16-35 f/2.8L III - Which Lens is Sharper?

My philosophy for landscape photography (though I do love tilt shift lenses for architecture) is to get a small number of fast, sharp zoom lenses so I can cover any focal length I need without carrying a bunch of different prime lenses. That will save space in my camera bag and allow me to spend more time taking photos and less time changing lenses. The question I had was: Is the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III able to capture sharp photos without comatic aberration, and provide fast wide-angle coverage?

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