PropMedia Podcast

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses sit down with Chris Powell, the founder of Lighthouse Studio in the Pacific Northwest. Chris shares his unique perspective on building a "joyful business" by moving away from the typical "hustle bro" mentality and instead prioritizing servant leadership and deep alignment with his team of nine.Discover how Chris transitioned from a solo photographer to a leader who empowers his team to deliver a consistent, boutique experience to every client. From the intentionality behind his company’s rebranding to the tactical ways he fosters an optimistic team culture, Chris provides a roadmap for growth that focuses on people first.**Chapter Markers:**  * **00:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast**    Matty and Moses introduce the podcast and today’s guest, Chris Powell.  * **01:08 - A Different Approach to Scaling**    Chris discusses his "go with the flow" mindset and why serving his team and clients is his primary objective over revenue targets.  * **03:43 - The Story Behind Lighthouse Studio**    The origins of the brand name, its connection to the Seattle area, and the "steady light" brand identity.  * **06:01 - Delivering a Consistent Boutique Experience**    How Lighthouse Studio builds trust by acting as a guiding light and advisor for their agents.  * **08:46 - Finding Joy and Optimism in Business**    Chris explains why enjoying the work is essential and how he looks for positive personality traits when hiring.  * **10:50 - Ad: Scaling with Pixlmob**    A quick look at how Pixlmob can help media businesses manage post-production and improve quality of life.  * **11:42 - Transitioning from a Solo Shooter to a "Real Company"**    Why Chris moved away from using his personal name for the business to build something more professional and sellable.  * **17:47 - Leading a Team of Nine**    A breakdown of the current staff, including an operations manager, photographers, editors, and a social media manager.  * **19:20 - Strategic Social Media and Outreach**    How a part-time dedicated person handles client engagement and stay top-of-mind in a competitive market.  * **22:10 - The Principles of Servant Leadership**    The impact of the book *The Servant Leader* on Chris's management style and empowering employees.  * **26:40 - The "Dark Side" of Servant Leadership**    Understanding the need to remain a decisive leader while still valuing team input.  * **30:58 - Hurdles in Maintaining Quality During Growth**    The challenges of training and the importance of hiring for adaptability and vision alignment.  * **36:58 - Communicating Values and Brand Consistency**    Why Lighthouse Studio holds frequent team and individual meetings to maintain granular brand standards.  * **40:01 - Helping Clients Transition from the Founder to the Team**    Strategies for introducing new photographers to long-term clients and putting stressed realtors at ease.  * **45:18 - Closing Remarks and Where to Follow**    How to connect with Chris and follow the journey of Lighthouse Studio.

In this episode, the co-founders of PropMedia and Pixlmob interview Harman Walia, co-founder of Fotello, a leading AI product for real estate media. Harman shares his journey from being a Senior Product Manager at Angie’s List to revolutionizing the real estate photography industry with AI-driven solutions.The discussion explores Fotello's evolution into a comprehensive "book, edit, deliver" platform designed to simplify workflows and enhance customer value. Harman provides an outsider's tech perspective on industry pain points, the importance of building deep relationships with both realtors and homeowners, and how photographers can leverage AI to scale their businesses and focus on storytelling.Chapter Markers0:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast and Harman Walia0:51 - Harman’s journey from University of British Columbia to Fotello2:41 - Transitioning from a Product Manager at Angie’s List to real estate media4:05 - Building a customer-centric business and the "wow factor" of AI6:05 - Surprises and appreciation for the hard-working photography community9:49 - Scaling Fotello from white-glove service to a self-serve platform11:23 - AD: Benefits of Pixlmob and Prop Media Pro membership13:07 - Overview of the Fotello "book, edit, deliver" platform14:26 - Creating a mobile-friendly, frictionless ordering process for realtors16:26 - First principles thinking and innovations in real estate tech20:11 - Deciding on a product roadmap based on customer feedback22:56 - Applying product rigor and relationship building to photography businesses24:50 - The value of engaging with homeowners and telling the home's story30:13 - The future of AI in real estate media: automation vs. human storytelling34:01 - Integrations with 3D tours and other media assets35:54 - Advice for photographers on choosing tools and letting go of control38:12 - What’s next for Fotello: Video creation and quality improvements40:14 - Where to follow Fotello and Harman’s journey

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses sit down with California Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin to discuss her landmark legislation, AB 723. This first-of-its-kind bill in the United States addresses the growing impact of AI and digital manipulation in real estate photography by requiring clear disclosures for materially altered images.**Key Discussion Points:**  * **The Inspiration Behind AB 723**: Pellerin shares a personal story of a staff member who drove hours to see a home that looked nothing like its digitally enhanced photos, sparking the need for stronger consumer protections.  * **Understanding the Bill**: A breakdown of what constitutes a "material change" (like adding a pool or remodeling a kitchen) versus standard professional editing (such as removing a trash can or enhancing a sunset).  * **Compliance and Enforcement**: Insights into how the Department of Real Estate handles enforcement and why the "buck stops" with the real estate broker rather than the photographer.  * **Future-Proofing Real Estate**: How the bill is designed to adapt as AI technology continues to evolve and its potential as a template for other states and federal legislation.  * **New Tools for Disclosure**: Matty and Moses highlight free and pro tools available at propmedia.com/disclosure and within Pixlmob to help photographers and realtors easily stay compliant using QR codes and digital badges.**Follow Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin:**  * **Website**: Search for "Gail Pellerin Assembly" to find her official site and monthly newsletter.  * **Track Legislation**: Visit the California Legislative Information portal to follow AB 723 and other upcoming bills.https://propmedia.com/disclosure

This episode features Chris White, a product manager with iGuide, discussing how to scale a real estate media business through virtual tours and floor plans.In this episode, we cover:The iGuide Experience: Discover how iGuide combines a floor plan with 3D virtual tours to provide a simple, information-focused property representation.Efficiency in Capture: Chris explains iGuide's obsession with a fast and "transparent" capture process, allowing photographers to scan a space in as little as three seconds.The Hardware: Get a look at the latest Planix R1 camera, which integrates a 360 camera with LiDAR technology for one-button measurement and photography.Driving Emotional Connections: Learn why providing more digital information actually helps buyers build emotional connections to a property, potentially increasing showings and offer values.The State of the Industry: Chris shares his take on the "controversy" surrounding 3D tour syndication on platforms like Zillow and the growing trend toward property measurement standardization.Whether you are looking for your next high-value upsell or are curious about the future of property data, this conversation provides practical insights into the evolving world of 3D media.

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses go behind the scenes of Pixlmob to explore how the platform has evolved from a simple editor marketplace into a comprehensive post-production ecosystem. They dive into the "business owner's mindset," discussing how to transition from the "frenetic hustle" of putting out daily fires to achieving calm, controlled business growth through automation and redundancy.Key topics covered in this episode include:Beyond Photo Editing: Discover the wide range of services now available, from video editing and 3D floor plans to headshot retouching and natural twilight edits.The Power of Templates and Teams: Learn how to eliminate decision fatigue by building order templates and curated editor rosters tailored to your specific products.Streamlined Workflows: How direct integrations with Dropbox and Google Drive, along with a granular revision tracking system, remove the "noise" of fractured communication.The AI Revolution: A look at Pixlmob’s "marketplace ethos" regarding AI—partnering with leading models to offer photographers hybrid human-AI workflows.Legal and Ethical Disclosures: Understanding the new built-in tools for disclosing AI alterations and object removal to keep realtors compliant with evolving regulations.Building Redundancy: How features like ASAP editing and instant AI tools act as fail-safes, ensuring you never have to pull an all-nighter to meet a client deadline again.PropMedia Directory: How to leverage a free, SEO-optimized profile to generate leads and showcase your specific technical capabilities to realtors.Stop being the "hustle bro" with your hair on fire and start building a scalable media empire. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your evenings and focus on what truly moves the needle for your business.

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, founders Matty and Moses sit down with Phil Maurion, the founder of Visual Advantage. With over 17 years of experience in the real estate media space, Phil is often considered a "godfather" of the industry. He shares his journey from being a single shooter to scaling his business across four different locations and managing thousands of shoots annually.Phil provides deep insights into the complexities of scaling a team, maintaining quality control, and the importance of building genuine relationships with real estate agents. He also discusses his preference for iGuide technology over other 3D platforms and how integrated workflows are essential for handling high volumes of work. Whether you are a solo photographer looking to make your first hire or an established business owner looking to expand into new markets, Phil’s wisdom on retention, marketing, and navigating a changing real estate landscape is invaluable.**Connect with Phil Maurion:**  * **Website:** visualadvantage.ca  * **Instagram:** @Visual_advantage_CA  * **Facebook:** Visual Advantage**Chapters:**  * **00:00** - Introduction to the Prop Media Podcast  * **00:10** - Meet Phil Maurion of Visual Advantage  * **01:07** - Phil’s 17-Year Journey in Real Estate Media  * **04:09** - Challenges and Realities of National Scaling  * **06:55** - Maintaining Quality Control Across Large Teams  * **08:31** - Developing Fast Editing and Training Workflows  * **11:32** - The Power of Repeat Business and Relationships  * **13:12** - Beyond Social Media: Networking and Presentations  * **15:52** - Advice for New Business Owners: "Hang Out Where They Hang Out"  * **18:48** - Understanding the Real Estate Agent Demographic  * **21:26** - Pixlmob Feature Spotlight  * **22:53** - Why iGuide? Comparing 3D Tour Platforms  * **26:00** - The Importance of Integrated Workflow Systems  * **30:23** - A Playbook for Expanding into New Markets  * **31:17** - Photographer Retention and Finding the Right Talent  * **39:01** - Where to Follow Phil Online

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, Pixlmob co-founders Moses and Matty welcome their first-ever in-person guests to the studio: Jamie, founder and CEO of Autoenhance.ai, and Josh, the Head of Growth. Together, they dive into the evolution of AI-driven photo editing and its growing impact on the property media landscape.The Big Reveal: Unmasking OmniA highlight of this episode is the official announcement that Pixlmob’s “Omni” model has been powered by Autoenhance.ai since its launch in August 2024. The team discusses the upcoming rebranding effort that will allow the Autoenhance.ai brand to shine directly on the Pixlmob platform, offering users more clarity and access to their cutting-edge technology.Key topics discussed in this episode include:The Origins of Autoenhance.ai: Jamie shares the backstory of starting the company in 2020 and the challenging process of refining AI to meet the high quality standards of the American real estate market, such as perfect white balance and punchy colors.The AI Adoption Curve: The guests discuss the shift from early innovators to mainstream adoption, noting that while AI editing currently accounts for roughly 20–30% of the market, that number is rapidly climbing as the technology matures.Human vs. AI Editing: A look at the role of human editors in an AI world, exploring how AI serves as an "amplification" tool that empowers solo photographers and small businesses to compete at scale while still allowing for a "human touch" in quality control.The "SAS Apocalypse" and Burnout: A candid conversation on how AI can either lead to burnout through an obsession with productivity or offer "time back" to spend with family and focus on high-value business tasks.What’s Next for Autoenhance: Jamie and Josh tease upcoming releases for 2026, including a new "PostEdit" product designed to give users even more granular control and customization over their final images.To learn more about Autoenhance or to try their AI photo editing services, visit autoenhance.ai.

In this episode of the PropMedia podcast, hosts Moses and Matty, co-founders of PropMedia.com and Pixlmob, discuss AI editing and the question: "Is it legal to use AI editing?" The conversation explores the distinction between generative AI and other machine learning technologies and the ethical implications of using AI editing in property media.The hosts emphasize that AI editing is a tool, and its legality depends on how it is used. They discuss scenarios where using AI editing can lead to fraud or misinformation, such as removing non-real estate objects like bar stools or boxes, which can inadvertently alter important details about the property. The responsibility for misrepresentation ultimately lies with the person listing the home, not the photographer.The discussion highlights California's current law, which does not ban editorial changes but requires disclosure of those changes by the advertisers of the property. The hosts argue that external legislation and enforcement are necessary to protect the public and restore trust in imagery, advocating for systems that link images back to the camera and disclose any alterations.They also explore the broader ethical issues, drawing a parallel between image manipulation and the difference between persuasion and propaganda: transparency in reasoning is key. The episode concludes by stressing that the authenticity of images in real estate media is increasingly important given the speed and convincing nature of AI editing.For more on disclosures, visit https://propmedia.com/disclosure.

Mickie Kennedy, founder of e-releases, joins the PropMedia podcast to discuss how small businesses, particularly real estate photographers and videographers, can successfully get media coverage and grow their business through Public Relations (PR) and press releases. Learn how local companies can compete with big names like Coca-Cola or National Geographic by leveraging their niche and local appeal.Mickie shares how he has helped thousands of clients with PR, including generating over $132 million in earned media, and specialized in helping local businesses get into the news.Chapter Markings:00:00 - Introduction to Prop Media Podcast00:12 - Introducing Mickie Kennedy of e-releases00:27 - How a small business can get press (the focus of the conversation)01:20 - Mickie Kennedy’s background in press releases02:27 - Why PR matters for real estate photographers and videographers02:48 - Why niche and small businesses have an easier time getting media coverage03:58 - Using data points and before-and-after photos for real estate PR05:31 - Leveraging historic, celebrity, or architecturally significant homes for news08:09 - The advantage of media coverage (credibility and authority)09:40 - The ROI of PR (largely anecdotal, but helps attract and keep clients)10:59 - The "Pay-to-Play" scenario in real estate media13:02 - Why press releases commonly fail (not newsworthy to the media)14:09 - Putting the spotlight on the client, not just yourself15:54 - Building an ongoing relationship with local media18:48 - The non-daunting strategy: focusing on less than 10 people quarterly19:51 - Press Releases 101: What is a press release?21:41 - How press releases are distributed today24:32 - The Duopoly of Newswires (BusinessWire and PR Newswire)27:46 - Timing your pitch to local news28:27 - Product/Service announcement failures and the power of a use case study30:37 - Strategic ways to make your story compelling (contrarian viewpoint, data points)33:42 - The power of a strong quote and collaboration with agents35:38 - Realistic expectations for press release success36:43 - Case Study: Finding a successful, repeatable PR strategy39:43 - Is all press good press?40:56 - Where to find Mickie Kennedy and e-releasesConnect with Mickie Kennedy and e-releases:Website: e-releases.comGet the free guide on strategic press releases: e-releases.com/planConnect with Pixlmob:pixlmob.compropmedia.com

In this episode of the PropMedia podcast, hosts Matty Fisher and Moses Nickerson, co-founders of PropMedia and Pixlmob, speak with international speaker and consultant Ricky Mendez.The conversation focuses on mindset over willpower and using storytelling in your marketing. Ricky Mendez primarily works with entrepreneurs, often in the real estate space, on emotional storytelling. He considers himself an "implementation speaker," asserting that people have an implementation problem, not a motivation problem. He encourages small, incremental changes and consistency, rather than relying on willpower, which he calls an "exhaustible resource".Mendez also shares advice for real estate photographers and videographers, including:  * Focus on telling an emotional story and communicating the value you bring to real estate agents.  * Realign your business with your initial goals and say "no" to some gigs to say "yes" to better ones.  * Suggest to agents that they use video testimonials instead of the "death by text boring ass text testimonials".  * Move the agent's bio to the bottom of the marketing material, since people care why they do what they do, not just what they do.  * Ask clients for help in the form of a referral or a video testimonial.  * For mindset, he suggests starting the day with intention, practicing gratitude, moving daily, and asking for help.You can find Ricky Mendez on his website, RickyMendez.com, and on Instagram at RickyMendezSpeaks.

Matty and Moses, the co-founders of propmedia.com and pixlmob.com, host Reed Fish, a 13-year industry veteran and co-founder of Upmarket Media, on the PropMedia podcast. Reed is also known for his podcast, the Upmarket Podcast.Reed Fish talks about his background in film and fine art. He shares the "desperation" that led him to transition from the film industry to real estate media. He notably wrote a feature film called I'm Reed Fish that was produced in 2006, had a million-dollar budget, and was picked up by Netflix for streaming. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and starred Alexis Bledel and Jay Baruchel.After returning from a year of traveling, Reed and his wife moved to Ojai, California. He started his real estate photography business as a side gig.Reed discusses the decision to merge his real estate media company with his biggest competitor, Mark Corcoran, about five years ago to form Upmarket Media, which is located in Ventura, California. The merger allowed them to hire a full-time administrator, Chelsea, who took so much off their plate. This also allowed Reed to stop shooting and focus on growing the business.The Upmarket Podcast was started to build credibility before Reed spoke at PMRE in 2022. Reed shares how the podcast has been personally fulfilling because it helps other real estate media professionals and has led to the formation of other companies through the concept of merging businesses.Reed shares his philosophy on growing a business in real estate media, emphasizing that the goal of having a business is to have a better life. He states that being good at the real estate photography business will lead to success and being "run racket" if one doesn't adopt a scaling mindset. He posits that the only options are to do nothing, raise prices and serve a few select clients, quit, or scale. He highlights the benefits of a collaborative environment, which combats the loneliness of being a solo real estate photographer.Reed talks about building a company culture by:Always reminding employees that you are grateful for them.Giving them an avenue to bring up issues and ensuring they feel supported.Having regular meetings and asking for feedback (e.g., meet them for lunch twice a year).Hosting a couple of parties a year to get the team together.Having vibrant people who bring a fun energy.Finally, Reed discusses the shift in the industry over 13 years, from convincing people they needed real estate photography to realizing the importance of marketing realtors, not just property, and becoming a full media agency.Tune in to hear more about Reed's journey and his "hot takes". You can follow Reed and his work:Upmarket Podcast across all social media (Upmarket Pod).Up Market Media's Instagram (upmarket media).Reed's other podcast, I Love You So Much (IYSM Pod on YouTube), which is about two divorced dads getting better.

In this episode of the PropMedia podcast, Matty & Moses, co-founders of Pixlmob.com and PropMedia.com, discuss everything relating to property media. This episode focuses on new legislation recently passed and coming into enforcement in California that is highly relevant to real estate photography, videography, and image alteration. They discuss licensing, usage, copyright, and how California's AB723 law now mandates disclosures for digitally altered real estate media, moving regulation from the private sector (MLS systems) into law with potential civil and criminal penalties. The hosts explore the impact of AI on image manipulation, the specific types of alterations the law covers (like changing fixtures, furniture, or views through windows), and which types of normal editing are excluded. They also discuss their positive view of the bill as a necessary step for data veracity and share details about a tool Pixlmob is developing to help realtors and photographers comply with the new disclosure requirements.Chapter Markers:  - 00:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast and the episode's topic  - 00:37 - Discussion of licensing images in real estate and media pricing based on usage  - 02:15 - Copyright ownership, protection, and how it applies to real estate versus architectural photography  - 05:35 - California's AB723 law on image alteration and the shift from MLS regulation to state law  - 05:53 - Disclosures and the impact of AI on media alteration  - 11:05 - Specific enforcement details of AB723, including the requirement for a publicly accessible link to the unaltered photo  - 11:32 - The definition of a "digitally altered image" in AB723, including examples of covered and non-covered alterations  - 14:18 - Discussion of HDR blending, the "window pull" technique, and concerns about generative AI  - 17:21 - The law is primarily aimed at the people publishing the material, specifically realtors, brokerages, and those acting on their behalf  - 19:10 - Concerns about AI models creating fictitious elements, such as lighting from non-existent windows, and the high stakes of real estate photos  - 21:51 - Digital alteration is not new; examples of non-AI manipulation and the inherent manipulation of reality in photography  - 24:44 - The rapid proliferation of easy-to-use AI tools is the driving force behind the bill  - 26:21 - A non-lawyer suggestion for realtors: consider if a change would materially alter a buyer's decision to see the house  - 27:03 - Disclosure is the safety net that allows for creative tools to be used responsibly  - 28:43 - The law applies to *all* advertising, not just the MLS, setting a precedent for future laws in other states  - 29:34 - Reading the specific text of the law regarding disclosure and the required publicly accessible link  - 30:35 - How the law might include videos with digital alterations, such as digital actors  - 33:20 - The high stakes for authenticity in real estate compared to other fields  - 34:50 - Pixlmob's upcoming tool to simplify compliance with the disclosure law by providing a long-living site with the before-and-after images

This episode of the PropMedia podcast features Brendan Hsu, co-founder of Aerial Canvas and Acre Partners. Brendan discusses his journey from fixing phones in a college apartment to building Aerial Canvas into a $7 million per year business. He also shares insights from his coaching company, Acre Partners, which helps real estate media agencies scale their businesses.Brendan talks about the importance of a compelling offer and how Aerial Canvas pioneered the bundled real estate media services. He also shares why cold calling and "whale hunting" for top-producing real estate agents was a key to their success. A major theme is the shift in mindset from focusing on vanity revenue metrics to optimizing for profitability and building a business that can run on autopilot.Chapter Markers:00:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast and Brendan Hsu00:40 - The moment Aerial Canvas became a "real thing"01:01 - The entrepreneurial drive for growth and hitting the first million01:39 - Achieving business "autopilot" as a key milestone02:57 - What does $7 Million in revenue look like for Aerial Canvas?03:33 - Aerial Canvas's geographic footprint04:30 - The offer and partnerships that fueled Aerial Canvas's success05:29 - Pioneering the bundled media services offer05:40 - Scaling a real estate media business outside of major markets07:13 - Winning over top agents through cold calling and hustle10:19 - "Whale Hunting" vs. "Net Fishing" for clients12:54 - Building Aerial Canvas vs. Building Acre Partners14:14 - Who is the ideal candidate for Acre Partner coaching?17:04 - The outcome of putting a business on autopilot17:57 - The mindset shift from solopreneur to scalable business owner19:19 - Why real estate media is a good market for a scalable business23:37 - Shifting from a focus on revenue to optimizing for profit25:10 - Managing growth, recession, and the risks of scaling too fast27:57 - Target budget percentages for a profitable media company28:51 - Making sacrifices and committing to growth29:59 - Coaching to a budget model and financial literacy32:49 - Lessons learned from "pulling an Aerial Canvas"34:42 - Planning an exit strategy and building enterprise value35:39 - The commitment required after hiring a team38:36 - The difference between a Lamborghini and a Tesla business model41:26 - Why you don't need to be a genius to scale43:10 - Mergers, acquisitions, and the power of consolidation43:51 - The easiest way to double your business45:14 - Where to follow Brendan Hsu and Acre Partner

In this episode of the PropMedia podcast, hosts Matty and Moses, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia, interview Alex Coombs, who owns a large real estate photography and videography business in Hamilton, Canada. Alex's business, Northern Spruce Media, started in the real estate space but has expanded into social content and is experimenting with AI.Alex shares the origin story of her business, which started "by fluke" while she was selling hats. She is now the face of Northern Spruce Media, focusing on sales and growth, and has a team of 15 full-time employees and several part-timers. Alex discusses her decision to step away from shooting and focus on sales, and how she gained business knowledge by immersing herself in the world of real estate agents.She explains that the hardest phase of growth was going from one to five employees, as it required "letting go of control" and trusting others with the service. Northern Spruce Media serves Hamilton, which has over half a million people, and is expanding into Niagara Falls. Alex's ultimate goal is to build a sustainable business large enough to sell.Alex also shares her biggest hiring mistake: hiring for talent over attitude. The hardest role to fill, she notes, is a dedicated administrator or office manager who handles client care and bookings. She discusses how she and her team use AI, such as the tool Higgsfield, to try new creative ideas. She shares how they charge for AI services—categorizing them as small, moderate, or hard—based on factors like time, cost, and complexity.**Chapter Markers:**0:00 - Introduction0:42 - How Alex Coombs got into Real Estate Media1:32 - Alex's current business: Northern Spruce Media3:36 - Stepping away from shooting to focus on growth6:02 - Drawing inspiration from real estate coaching7:08 - The journey from hats to a large media company8:51 - The hardest stages of business growth9:35 - Northern Spruce Media's geographic reach and future goals11:58 - The ultimate goal: building a business to sell12:03 - Commercial break13:06 - Biggest mistake in hiring15:02 - The hardest role to hire18:56 - Scratching the creative itch20:55 - Selling the creative vision to agents23:45 - Investing in the company24:34 - System for testing new technologies27:17 - Fun with AI video editing28:47 - Social media engagement with AI content31:09 - The trend cycle of creative content32:48 - The value of "behind-the-scenes" content34:46 - Tips for experimenting with AI36:42 - Pricing AI video services38:50 - Shooting differently for AI41:04 - Educating clients on AI costs44:23 - Concerns about realtors underestimating the work involved in AI46:34 - Opportunities for the future48:08 - Where to follow Alex and Northern Spruce Media

Moses Nickerson and Matty Fisher, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia, welcome Fraser Almeida, a luxury home photographer, to the PropMedia Show. They discuss luxury etiquette, the dos and don'ts of working in luxury real estate, and what differentiates a luxury real estate photographer.About Fraser AlmeidaFraser Almeida is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been shooting real estate and architectural photography for about 15 years. His introduction to real estate photography was actually in the luxury sector. He has a degree in graphic design, multimedia, and animation, and started his own company doing website design and TV commercials before getting into photography. He acquired the domain name luxuryhomesphotography.com to promote his real estate services and focus on the luxury market.Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction of Moses Nickerson, Matty Fisher, and Fraser Almeida00:45 Fraser Almeida's Background and Start in Photography07:09 Differentiation and Distinction in Luxury Photography08:51 Luxury is a Service, Not Just a Price Point10:17 Luxury Photography Process and Engagement11:53 Luxury vs. Architecture and Design (A&D) Photography14:12 AI Editing and the Luxury Space17:10 Photography Packages: Basic, Premium, and Luxury20:56 Separating Luxury Real Estate and A&D/Commercial Websites22:14 Licensing and Term of Use for Pricing26:51 Building a Team in the Luxury Market39:30 Living and Working in the Las Vegas Market43:00 Trends and the Future of Luxury Photography47:45 Where to Find Fraser Almeida

Welcome to the PropMedia podcast. In this episode, your hosts, Matty and Moses, the co-founders of Pixlmob and Propmedia.com, are recording from the third day of PMRE in Las Vegas. They are joined by Aaron Smith, the Director of Sales for CubiCasa, a company that has revolutionized how floor plans are taken.Aaron shares his journey from being a local real estate photographer in Michigan to becoming the Director of Sales at Cubicasa. He recounts his early days as a photographer, including joining a joint venture model called Next Door Photos and the challenges of learning to take photos.Learn about Cubicasa:What it is: A mobile app that allows you to scan a home in about five minutes for the average U.S. home size and get a floor plan.Its impact: Cubicasa was founded in Finland, where floor plans are ubiquitous. While only 6% of U.S. listings had a floor plan when Aaron started, 34% of U.S. listings now have a Cubicasa floor plan.Its goal: The internal goal is "FP Pole," which stands for "Floor Plan on Every Listing".Its technology: The process relies on a proprietary model that runs the scan through a system, outputs the floor plan, and includes a QA feature. It was AI and machine learning before those became buzzwords.Photographer programs: Cubicasa has programs for photographers to help them be more successful.Value of floor plans: Floor plans combine images with spatial recognition, helping potential buyers determine if their belongings, like a couch or a piano, will fit.Aaron also discusses the important role of real estate photographers in the industry, noting that between 70% and 80% of Cubicasa's scans come from real estate photographers. They are the first provider in the house outside of the realtor.

Welcome to the Prop Media podcast with your hosts Matty and Moses, the founders of Pixlmob and propmedia.com. In this episode, they are live from the PME conference in Vegas and are joined by Navjeet Chhina, one of the co-founders of Nucleus 4D.The hosts and Navjeet discuss Nucleus 4D's cutting-edge technology, Gaussian splatting, which is poised to revolutionize the property media space. Navjeet, who has a background in land development, architectural rendering, 3D, and visualization, explains that he started Nucleus 4D with his top engineers from his previous 3D innovation studio. His previous work in creating photoreal digital twins was time-consuming and expensive, sometimes taking six to eight months and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to build just one location, requiring cloud streaming that cost $2 per user hour.Nucleus 4D uses an AI neural rendering technique called Gaussian splatting to take photos and images of the real world and create a photoreal 3D twin. This process reduces the cost and time of creating a photoreal digital twin by 95–97%. This technology allows users to truly walk around and explore a 3D scene in photoreal quality, like a video game. Unlike technologies like Matterport, users are not anchored to nodes or hopping between 360 bubbles/panoramic photos.Navjeet shares how the technology accurately replicates real-life reflections, lighting, textures, and shadows. He also discusses the potential for adding 3D objects and assets into the spaces via an editor, leading to the idea of “Fortnite open houses”. The technology is significant for real estate media because it allows all deliverables (3D tours, cinematic videos, measurements, floor plans, and photos in the future) to be extracted from a single scan. This efficiency allows media companies to spend 45 minutes to an hour on-site and get all their deliverables, increasing their profitability.The episode also covers:The power of virtual cameras for infinitely remixing and outputting videos and photos from one capture session.The "Live Guided Tour" feature, which allows realtors and up to ten clients to meet inside the virtual space via a Zoom-like meeting.Future features, including dynamic lighting, the ability to program the time of day, and geopositioning for the space.The recommended hardware for capturing Nucleus 4D tours is the $5,000 Portal Cam by XGrids, which allows a 3,000 sq ft home to be scanned in about 45 minutes.The business model, which charges three cents a square foot per listing per year, including the live guided tour feature, and the CMS system for managing realtor accounts.The legal question of whether unlicensed individuals could conduct virtual showings.How Nucleus 4D fits into the future of AR/VR, where the underlying data collected is valuable for augmented reality applications.Current turnaround time expectations, which are 48 to 72 hours for most deliverables.Navjeet emphasizes that the technology is just at the tip of the iceberg, and advances are being driven by major companies like Google, Nvidia, and Meta, which will benefit real estate applications.

This episode of a casual conversation with the Pixlmob team features co-founders Moses Nickerson and Mattie, who live at the intersection of media and real estate. Moses is a long-time real estate industry veteran who has launched real estate teams, brokerages, and a real estate media company (Pixlmob media company). Mattie has a background primarily in film and TV, specifically producing and directing television commercials and other advertising. They discuss the business models and functions currently working in the real estate industry, focusing on the conversation between real estate agents and real estate photographers.The co-founders explore what it takes to start a successful real estate photography business, using the goal of making $100,000 in a year. A basic framework for success is: make $100,000, net $100,000, and give $100,000. For a photography package priced at $200 (a common price across the country), achieving $100,000 in revenue requires completing 500 shoots in a year. This breaks down to around 45 shoots per month or 10 per week.The discussion then moves to strategies for obtaining shoots. While pure volume is one approach, raising the average order value by adding services like video and drones can lead to reaching the $100,000 goal faster. The first step in sales is getting in front of enough realtors.Key sales advice for new real estate media professionals:Think of yourself as a business-to-business salesperson, providing value to help a realtor grow their business.Focus on forging a quality business relationship rather than just selling the quality of your photography. The quality of the media is "table stakes".Find ways to make yourself indispensable to realtor partners. This could include offering ancillary services like sign installation or lockbox management, which busy agents highly value.Targeting a consistent rhythm of outreach is more likely to succeed than relying on sheer willpower.Higher context communication, such as in-person meetings, leads to a higher conversion rate for those with little sales experience, compared to low-context mediums like DMs.Track and measure your conversion ratio (e.g., how many calls/meetings it takes to get a new client) to transform your business.Engage with the local realtor association through sponsorships, lunch-and-learns, or teaching classes.Focus on building relationships for repeatable business.When courting teams, you must make the administrative assistant's life easier by providing convenience through services like availability and simple delivery.Boutique brokerages (5 to 25 agents) may be easier to partner with than large franchises, as they are often looking for differentiators and may mandate or pay for professional photography for their agents.Find opportunities to create a beneficial alliance with a gatekeeper (like a broker who is also a high-volume seller), which can unlock business with multiple agents.Be humble, ask questions about what is valuable to agents, teams, and brokers in your area, and be curious to build connections.Finally, the discussion briefly touches on the difference between netting $100,000 while working in the business as an operator, versus netting $100,000 in passive income where the business doesn't depend on you.

Matty and Moses, the co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia, are at the PMRE Conference in Las Vegas to speak with Ian Kautzman, the COO for HD PhotoHub. HD PhotoHub is the dominant and longest-running player in the delivery and scheduling space for real estate photography businesses.Kautzman explains that HDPhotoHub is "kind of like a Shopify for real estate photography businesses," but it also manages scheduling and the delivery of media files back to the agents. He shares insights gleaned from the data they have on thousands of photographers. These insights include:The average time from order to shoot is six days, which seems to be the "sweet spot".Companies that were categorized as "thriving businesses" (growing by at least 44% year-over-year) included floor plans on 58% of their orders.Growing businesses were delivering video on a little under 25% of all orders.98% of the high-growth businesses were using real-time scheduling.The group also discusses how the market has changed since 2019, the importance of bundling and packages, and advice for designing a new real estate photography business, including must-have services and the critical step of hiring sooner. Kautzman emphasizes the importance of providing agents with more value from their media, such as through marketing kits and high-design brochures.

Camilo Lopez, founder of the renowned LPG Media Group and current CEO of Infinite Creator, joins the hosts of the PropMedia podcast to discuss his journey into the real estate industry. Camilo shares how he co-founded a video production company, LPG Media Group, after observing the low quality of photography for multi-million dollar homes in Miami. LPG focused on creating the highest quality real estate videos, initially serving the luxury market with homes over $20 million in Miami before expanding to major markets like New York, the Hamptons, San Francisco, and Austin.The conversation delves into the evolution of the industry, with Camilo emphasizing that photos provide information, while video is essential for storytelling and evoking emotion. He discusses the "white glove" service mindset that drove LPG's success, prioritizing hospitality over creative work first, even hiring people with Four Seasons bellboy or hospitality experience who were interested in content.Camilo recounts the challenging transition from LPG to Infinite Creator, stressing the importance of focus, which for Infinite Creator is singularly on evolving the industry. He shares how they bring the DNA of high quality from LPG to make that standard accessible to the masses. A key element of Infinite Creator’s approach is the technical use of AI photo analysis to guide video generation, ensuring purposeful camera movement that captures the story.He offers business wisdom, stating that "top line is vanity, bottom line is sanity, money in the bank is reality". Camilo advocates for greater focus on sales and business training within the media industry, and leveraging artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and lower costs.Looking ahead, Camilo anticipates the next evolution of the industry will be extreme vertical integration, starting at the media layer. He champions the photographer as the backbone of the industry, asserting that they are undervalued. He advocates for a future where a unified ownership standard, possibly utilizing blockchain disclosure, rewards photographers for their intellectual property beyond the initial transaction. The industry needs to shift its focus from creation to distribution and syndication and get closer to the transaction.Find out more about Camilo Lopez and his work at infinitecreator.com

PropMedia Podcast: Episode 16Matty and Moses from Pixlmob and PropMedia.com are joined at PMRE by Todd Kivimaki, co-founder of WOW Video Tours and Spiro Media.Todd shares the story of how he started his real estate media business 22 years ago, when he was in his second year of college. Being creative and owning a camera, he looked for ways to make money. When his parents were selling their house in 2004, Todd noticed that listings only had about six photos on the internet, which was still dial-up. He decided to put video on the internet for real estate listings, a novelty at the time.The conversation continues with Todd detailing the growth of WOW Video Tours, including his initial idea for a brokerage subscription model in Lima, Ohio. This early model involved agents paying a flat monthly fee for Todd to shoot all their listings.Todd explains how the current brokerage deal structure is a "top-down selling" approach, focusing on the broker-in-charge. This strategy focuses on "speaking broker," emphasizing the benefits of professional media for increasing market share, recruiting agents, and simplifying media buying. Todd also addresses the challenge of scaling a large business, managing high volume, and delegating tasks to avoid the "owner trap".Later in the episode, the hosts speak with Josh Mais, who started as a real estate photo editor before launching his real estate photography business in Kansas City in 2012. Josh discusses the evolution of the real estate media industry from focusing on the "craft of photography" to the "craft of business," largely driven by the growth of teams and automation tools. Josh is also the founder of Show&Tour, a platform built to efficiently deliver media and handle volume.Josh and the hosts discuss the impact of AI on the industry, noting that while AI is great for consistency and scale, there will always be a need for the "human touch" and personal service.Key Topics Covered:Building a Real Estate Media BusinessWOW Video Tours and the Brokerage Subscription ModelThe Strategy of "Speaking Broker" for Brokerage DealsAvoiding the "Owner Trap"Scaling a Media Company and Managing VolumeThe Founding of Show and TourThe Evolution of Real Estate Media IndustryThe Role of AI in Photography and BusinessDiversifying Commercial Real Estate ServicesGuest Information:Todd Kivimaki: Co-founder of WOW Video Tours and Spiro Media (spiro.media)Josh Mais: Founder of Show and Tour (showandtour.com) and works with Autoenhance.AI

This podcast episode of the Prop Media podcast features an interview with Agent Casey G.. Casey G. is the owner of Agent4M and City 360 Tours in Arizona. His companies complete about 15 to 20 shoots a day. The episode provides insights into how this entrepreneur is scaling his business in Arizona. Casey G. also shares his interesting ideas, including using 3D tours.Casey G. obtained his real estate license in 2014. His initial reason for getting the license was to use the commission to make a down payment on a house. He found getting the license easy, but making money afterward was difficult. Casey G. found real estate too stressful and became too emotionally attached to his clients. He found less stress in photography. Casey G. is still a licensed realtor, but he stopped doing real estate business completely about two years prior to the interview.Casey G. transitioned to photography about three years after getting his license. He was dissatisfied with the quality of the real estate photography and media companies he was using as an agent. For example, a photographer took a picture of a luxury home's pool house bathroom with two giant floaties left in the shot. This was the last straw for Casey G., who decided he could do better. He admits that it was a lot harder than he initially thought, and the white balance in photo editing almost made him quit.Casey G. grew his media business through YouTube and word of mouth. His current team consists of three full-time, hourly photographers and freelancers who are paid per job for extra work in their areas. His youngest daughter recently joined the business as the chief marketing officer, focusing on social media and other administrative tasks. Casey G. currently uses Spiro for all booking and photo delivery.Customer service is the number one priority of Casey G.'s company. He advises that photographers should promote the realtor to the homeowner, act like they are best friends with the realtor if they are present, and promote the service. Casey G. is a contributor to YouTube. His YouTube content teaches people about real estate photography, social media, and how to create income through various social media platforms. His channel teaches someone how to start their own company with just a Canon M50.Casey G.'s side hustle, City 360 Tours, is a newer venture. The idea is to provide a virtual tour of the city for city tourism boards or similar entities, where a drone view of the city links to virtual tours of individual businesses. Businesses pay to have the virtual tour created and then a monthly service fee to keep it updated with menus and videos. This business was started because of the difficulties with editing Matterport tours, particularly when people show up in the middle of a scan. Casey G. still uses Matterport in some cases, such as an empty restaurant where editing isn't a concern.Regarding his YouTube channel and social media, Casey G. notes that many photographers fail because they are not posting enough of their content, whether it is photos or videos. He suggests posting at least three times a week, but his company posts daily, sometimes a couple of times a day, to platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Personal posts and behind-the-scenes content do particularly well.Casey G. believes that to succeed in the future of real estate media, photographers need to continually "take away their headaches" by offering services like floor plans and post-installation/sign-hanging, even if the agent technically could do it themselves for free.

This episode of the PropMedia podcast features an interview with guest Renee Nickerson. She is introduced by the speaker as "an Airbnb managing empress who runs 110 properties or so in Greenville in the upstate of South Carolina"The discussion focuses on property media and how to expand your work beyond shooting for realtors to include photos for short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb.Renee, who launched her management company in 2019, discusses her journey in scaling her short-term and long-term rental business. She defines STR as a short-term rental, like a traditional Airbnb booked for a couple of nights up to a couple of weeks. She also explains:MTR (Midterm Rental): A furnished monthly stay, usually 30 nights minimum up to six months.7LTR (Long-term Rental): A traditional one-year, unfurnished lease, like an apartment.The company specializes in managing STRs, MTRs (including a large portfolio of corporate rentals), and LTRs.Key topics include:The Difference in Photography: Airbnb photography is "very very different" from MLS photos for realtors. Realtor photography focuses on showing the space as a "blank canvas" with wide angles to promote imagination, while Airbnb photos need to showcase attention to detail and help potential guests "get the vibe". Airbnb guests are only looking at the pictures to book, as they generally "don't read our description".Essential Short-Term Rental Shots: Photos should highlight amenities. Examples of important shots include:Televisions in bedrooms (which might be avoided in real estate photography).Opening cabinets and pulling out drawers in the kitchen to show that it is well-stocked with essentials like plates, pots, and glasses.Detail shots of the beds and linens.Outdoor and office spaces.Recreational equipment like kayaks and paddle boards if the property is on a lake.Number of Photos: Renee uses between 30 to 50 photos, with 50 for a large four-bedroom house, and usually 20 to 30 for smaller two and three-bedroom homes.Avoiding Certain Photos: It's suggested to avoid taking photos of complimentary amenities like snack bowls and peppermint patties on the bed so that they remain a "surprise bonus" for guests.Advice for Photographers: Renee suggests short-term rental (STR) shoots should cost more than basic real estate photography due to the additional work and greater level of detail needed. A photographer should offer tiered packages based on amenities and the size of the property. Photographers looking to work with STR managers should provide examples of their work, confirm a fast turnaround time (photos needed quickly, able to book within a week at maximum), and be open to communication about different shots. The speaker recommends highlighting a specialist offering in "Airbnb photography" on a website to differentiate from standard real estate photography.

In this episode of the Prop Media podcast, hosts Moses Nickerson and Matty Fisher talk with Vanessa Martin, co-founder of the safety app Tether RE. Vanessa, an Army combat veteran and former professional bodybuilder, discusses the inspiration behind Tether RE, an app she developed with her partner, Scott Martin, to enhance safety for real estate professionals when they are on location at listings.Vanessa outlines the four key features of Tether RE designed to protect agents and photographers: 24-hour safety monitoring, pre-screening for buyer verification, an SOS panic feature, a proximity safety timer, and an impact struggle alert. The conversation also covers the importance of safety protocols in the real estate world, the surprising statistics on crime in the industry, and how Tether RE offers a modern, automatic solution to replace outdated, ineffective safety measures.Whether you're a real estate photographer, agent, or simply interested in personal protection, this conversation offers valuable insights into staying safe in a surprisingly dangerous profession.Find out more at TetherRE.com.

Matty and Moses, the founders of Pixlmob, dive into the crucial topic of seasonality in the property media business on this episode of the PropMedia podcast. Drawing on their experience scaling both their property media company, North 7th, and the editing solutions company, Pixlmob, they offer practical advice for navigating the slow season.In this episode, you'll learn:Understanding Seasonality: What causes the dips in property media business, especially around the winter holidays and August? (Hint: It's not just the weather, as their Australian colleagues confirmed!)Budgeting for the Lows: How to plan your finances to avoid getting caught by the sudden drop in revenue, and strategies for managing fixed expenses when business slows down. Learn how to calculate your "normal" month and budget from your lowest month.The Power of Systems: Why building a business that can flex is essential for surviving the seasonal swings, and how outsourcing (like with Pixlmob) can provide the necessary flexibility without the commitment of hiring full-time staff.Maximizing Downtime: What to do when time becomes your main currency. Use the slow season to refine your systems, engage with top clients (like through thoughtful gifts), audit your product menu, adjust pricing, and even improve your photography skills by learning to edit.Tune in for actionable strategies to keep your property media business growing and healthy, even in the "slow season."Don't forget to subscribe to the Prop Media podcast! You can find them on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify.

The Future of Real Estate Media with Matt Gia of AutoHDRJoin Matty and Moses on the PropMedia podcast as they sit down with Matt Gia, the innovative founder of AutoHDR. In this episode, they dive deep into how AI is revolutionizing photo editing in the real estate media space.Matt shares his journey from a 17-year-old aspiring photographer in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to the founder of a company at the forefront of AI-powered HDR editing. He recounts the early days of his real estate photography business, Luxury Vision, and how his passion for machine learning led him to develop AutoHDR.Discover:The "DC Universe Origin Story" of Matt Gia: Hear about Matt's unconventional start in real estate photography and how it ignited his drive to innovate.AI's Impact on Workflows: Learn how AutoHDR has quickly become a game-changer, making an impact on people's editing workflows and delivering faster, cheaper, and more consistent results.AI vs. Human Editors: Matt offers his perspective on where AI excels in real estate photo editing and where human editors still hold an advantage, particularly concerning stylistic nuances.The Challenge of Consistency: A critical discussion on one of the biggest outstanding problems in AI editing—maintaining consistency across an entire listing, from paint colors to furniture placement.The Future of Shooting: Matt shares his bold predictions for the next five years, including the potential for photographers to shoot entirely on iPhones and the changing role of the professional photographer in a commoditized market.Pixel Mob's Vision: Matty and Moses share their excitement for Pixlmob's future, envisioning it as a comprehensive platform and functional hub for the broader "prop media" industry.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in real estate media looking to understand the transformative power of AI and how to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Welcome to the Prop Media podcast with your hosts, Matty and Moses, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia! In this episode, they interview Mark Choey, founder of The Climb brokerage and HighNote. Mark, a technologist and former broker in the real estate space, offers valuable insights into how real estate agents think and the products they sell. If you're a realtor or work with realtors and want to understand their pain points and challenges, this episode is a must-listen! Mark shares his journey from computer engineering to real estate, including starting Climb Real Estate in San Francisco and eventually selling it to Reali (now Anywhere, soon to be Compass). He also discusses the inspiration behind High Note, a software platform designed to help salespeople create interactive presentations. Mark highlights the inefficiencies in the real estate business, the importance of personalized presentations, and how High Note streamlines the process for agents. Learn about the three key elements of a winning presentation: trust, aesthetic appeal, and personalization. Mark also reveals interesting use cases for High Note, such as buyer offers and even college recruitment. Finally, he shares his hot takes on technology agents should invest in (AI agents) and what they waste money on (tools they don't use). He emphasizes the need for agents to improve their marketing through social media scheduling apps and consistent content creation.

In this episode, Matty and Moses, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia.com, sit down with Craig Rowe, contributing writer for Inman News and a long-time expert in real estate technology. Craig shares his journey through over a decade in the industry, from the pre-Internet MLS era to covering today’s fast-moving world of prop tech, automation, and AI.The conversation explores how technology has evolved in real estate — what’s working, what’s not, and why so many agents still struggle to adopt new tools. Craig offers a candid look at the state of prop tech, the difference between good and great agents, and how AI and automation are transforming property media, listings, and smart home technology.They also dive into important but often overlooked topics like photo licensing, data ownership, and the risks of AI getting it wrong, wrapping up with how Craig himself would approach marketing a listing in today’s tech-driven landscape.A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate, media, and emerging technology.

In this episode, Matty and Moses, co-founders of Pixlmob, chat with Troy Palmquist, a contributing writer for Inman News and Housing Wire. Troy shares his accidental entry into real estate at age 20 and his diverse career path, including foreclosure flips, scaling a brokerage, and roles at EXP.The conversation delves into the crucial role of property media and visuals in real estate, with Troy emphasizing the importance of high-quality photography and video for capturing consumer attention. He discusses how professional visuals differentiate listings, the strategic use of photos beyond the MLS, and the power of storytelling through media. Troy also touches on the evolving landscape of real estate technology, including the increasing relevance of digital presence, SEO, and AI in property search.A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the often-overlooked topics of licensing and copyright in real estate photography, highlighting the industry's lack of education on these critical issues. They explore the challenges posed by photos being used in data sets for AI training and the need for clear agreements between photographers and agents. Troy also offers unique perspectives on the longevity of online content, privacy concerns for homeowners, and creative ways to leverage photography, even suggesting it as an invaluable closing gift for buyers to document their homes for insurance or personal use.

Join Moses Nickerson and Matty Fisher, co-founders of Pixlmob and co-hosts of the PropMedia Podcast, as they sit down with Brandon Cooper, the visionary founder of the PMRE Conference.In this insightful episode, Brandon shares the compelling origin story of PMRE (Photography and Media for Real Estate), a conference specifically designed for photographers and media companies creating content for the real estate industry. Discover how a personal need for community and a passion for connecting like-minded professionals led to the creation of this essential event.Key Discussion Points:The Genesis of PMRE: Learn how Brandon's journey from real estate agent to full-time photographer, coupled with a major natural disaster, fueled the need for an industry gathering.Evolution of the Industry: Explore the significant shifts in real estate media, particularly the "boom" around 2020 with the rise of video, 3D tours, and the impact of COVID-19 on property marketing.PMRE's Core Philosophy: Understand PMRE's mission to help real estate media creators succeed, bring the community together, and elevate the industry as a whole.Beyond Technical Skills: Hear about the growing demand for business-side education (marketing, sales, scaling, team building) among creatives in the real estate media space.Choosing Speakers & Shaping Conversations: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of selecting PMRE speakers, prioritizing passion, charisma, and content that inspires the "why" over just the "how."The Power of Connection: Discover why networking and community are the most invaluable takeaways from PMRE, fostering relationships that lead to collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong friendships.Why Attend PMRE? Brandon shares compelling reasons to join the conference, highlighting the unique culture of openness, exciting new sponsors (including AI technology), product announcements, and a diverse roster of competent speakers.Don't Miss Out! Learn about important dates, how to stay updated, and why attending PMRE can fast-track your business and connect you with a supportive global community.Whether you're a seasoned real estate media professional or just starting, this episode offers invaluable insights into the industry's past, present, and future, and the power of coming together.Connect with PMRE:Instagram: @PMREConferenceWebsite & Registration: pmreconference.comDownload the PMRE app on the App Store or Google Play for the agenda, speakers, and to connect with attendees and vendors.

Brad Ziemer went from flying planes to building one of the largest real estate media companies in the United States - operating in 40+ states with over 200 photographers. In this episode, he reveals the exact systems and mindset shifts that led to three Inc. 5000 honors.What You'll Learn:•Why Brad interviewed 40,000+ applicants to find 200 photographers (and why it matters)•The "unreasonable volume" principle that led to 20 interviews per day for months•Why customer service beats photography skills in hiring decisions•How to scale remotely without ever meeting your team in person•The clay pot parable: Why high volume beats luxury when you're starting outBrad's acquisition strategy and what he looks for in companies (hint: $1M revenue, $300K profit)•Why you should NEVER hire your friends (and the one exception that worked)•How to maintain quality control across 40 states using HD Photo Hub•The systems that allow photographers to work for multiple brands simultaneously•AI integration across every department (not just editing)About Brad Ziemer: Brad is the founder of Windows Still, a 3x Inc. 5000 honoree operating in 40+ states. He started the company in 2015 while working as a pilot and has since built it into one of the largest real estate media operations in the country. In 2024, he acquired Lifestyle Production Group, expanding into the luxury market.Follow Brad: Instagram: @bradziemer (working toward 100K followers) Instagram: @lifestyleproductiongroup Instagram: @windowsstillAbout PropMedia: Join Matty and Moses from Pixlmob as they interview industry leaders about building and scaling real estate media businesses. From systems to mindset, we cover what actually works.Connect with PropMedia: Website: https://propmedia.com/#pixlmob #realestatephotography #proptech #propmedia

Welcome to the PropMedia podcast! In this episode, we feature Mike Burke, the founder of the highly influential "Inside Real Estate Photography" YouTube channel. Discover how Mike's invaluable content has inspired countless individuals to launch their own property media businesses and cultivate a vibrant industry community.Mike opens up about his serendipitous introduction to real estate media in 2012, a period when the sector was far less developed. Hear about his transition from wedding videography to real estate photography, initially as a favor to his real estate agent cousin. He details the organic growth of his business, his decision to commit full-time to real estate media in 2015 or 2016, and how a key connection helped accelerate his career.A significant portion of our discussion focuses on the origins of Mike's YouTube channel. He explains his motivation to create content that addressed the practical and business aspects of real estate media, which he felt were overlooked by existing tutorials. Mike reveals how the pandemic, amidst personal challenges with his son's health, became the catalyst for him to start his channel in March 2020. He shares insights into his early experiences with video creation, the success of his detailed reviews and tutorials, and his unwavering commitment to delivering genuine, un-gated information.Community building is a core theme, with Mike expressing his dedication to fostering a supportive environment for real estate photographers. Learn how his free and extensive resources have demystified the industry for newcomers, making it a viable and attractive career. Mike also discusses his methodical approach to efficiency, offering tangible systems that he shares with his audience. The episode wraps up with Mike's observations on the rapid expansion of the real estate photography industry post-2020 and his vision for a more collaborative and positive professional landscape.Find Mike Burke online:YouTube: Inside Real Estate PhotographyInstagram: @burkemultimedia

Ever had your editor disappear overnight? Or maybe they missed your creative intent entirely? Matty and Moses dive deep into the brutal reality of outsourcing your editing and reveal why most photographers are doing it all wrong.In this episode, you'll discover:•Why the top Pixlmob editor made over $1 million last year (and what that means for you)•The "golden question" that will instantly improve your editor relationship•Why treating your business like Chick-fil-A beats trying to be Wolfgang Puck•How to properly vet editors and avoid getting ghosted•The template system that helped North Seventh scale massively•When to choose consistency over creativity (and why it matters)About PropMedia:Join Matty and Moses from Pixlmob as they share insider knowledge about building and scaling real estate media businesses. From shooting techniques to business strategy, they cover what actually works in the field.

In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, we sit down with Michael Smith, Broker at Bluefield Realty Group, to explore how media shapes success in real estate. Michael shares why he requires professional photography for every listing, how top-performing agents leverage media, and what realtors truly need from their photographer partners. Michael Smith is the Founder and CEO of Bluefield, a 4-time Inc. 5000 company headquartered in Greenville, SC that provides real estate brokerage, property management, and insurance services.You’ll hear insights on:•Why DIY listing photos hurt your brand•When to go beyond photos with video, Matterport, or 3D renderings•How staging and decluttering impact buyer perception•Building stronger realtor–photographer relationships•The behind-the-scenes checklist before a listing goes liveIf you’re a real estate agent, broker, or real estate photographer, this episode is packed with actionable advice on elevating your listings and standing out in competitive markets.🔗 Follow Michael Smith & Bluefield Realty Group: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwithbluefield/ https://www.instagram.com/bluefieldgroup/https://www.bluefieldgroup.com/🎙️ Subscribe to PropMedia Podcast for more industry insights!

Industry veteran Eli Jones joins Moses and Matty to discuss the evolution of real estate photography over the past decade and share predictions for the next ten years.Eli has trained over 6,000 students through REPP Team and witnessed firsthand how the industry has transformed from basic MLS photos to sophisticated marketing operations. In this episode, he reveals why he made the bold decision to shut down his successful course business to focus on community building, and shares insights that every real estate photographer needs to hear.Key takeaways include why photographers should focus on service integration rather than just media quality, which aspects of the business will be automated by AI, and how to build lasting relationships with real estate agents in an increasingly competitive market.Whether you're just starting in real estate photography or looking to future-proof your established business, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's seen it all and successfully adapted through every major industry shift.Connect with Eli at @itselijones and reppteam.com

Welcome to the PropMedia Podcast, the official launch episode where we introduce PropMedia: the future of real estate media! Join co-founders Moses and Matty as they dive into what "PropMedia" means, why it's been a long time coming, and how it will revolutionize the real estate industry.In this episode, you'll learn about:The Launch of PropMedia: Discover our new podcast and the Prop Media Directory, designed to connect talented photographers with real estate professionals worldwide.Beyond Real Estate Sales: Explore the expansive use cases for property visuals, from Airbnb and boutique hotels to insurance and retail compliance photos.Solving Industry Pain Points: Understand how Prop Media addresses the challenges photographers face in marketing themselves and how realtors struggle to find specialized talent.The Role of AI in Media: A candid discussion about AI's impact on photo editing, its current capabilities, and how human creativity and quality control will remain crucial in a hybrid workflow.Our Partnership with NAR (Reach): Learn why our collaboration with the National Association of Realtors is focused on advocating for photographers, fostering collaboration, and solving industry-wide issues like licensing and data usage.Introducing the PropMedia Membership: Get all the details on our annual membership, offering discounted AI editing, premier directory placement, and exclusive beta access to new features.This is more than just a podcast; it's a movement towards a more connected, efficient, and innovative future for anyone involved in property media. We invite you to join the conversation, provide your feedback, and help us shape the industry together.Connect with us:Visit the PropMedia Directory: [propmedia.com]Visit us at Pixlmob.comGive us your feedback: [https://form.pixlmob.com/ai-hdr-feedback]Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the PropMedia Podcast for more insights, interviews, and discussions on the evolving world of property media!