My Top 10 Tips for a Brand New Photographer -Starting in ATLANTA

Hello. My name’s Alice, I’m a professional photographer in the Greater Atlanta Area and serve Gwinnett County. After two years of playing around with DSLR photography and cameras, I believe that I have made it to a point of providing myself with a solid income in the field. I pride myself on my photos and enjoy taking real estate photography and portraits. I am nowhere near an expert yet but only time will tell. However I am a professional, being in this field and making a living from it. I’ve learned all you really need is a little perseverance and intuition. 

I’d love to share a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years from freelancing and attending college for film arts. I think the best advice has come from the web and on the field learning between amateurs and seasoned professionals. This is an article mainly meant for someone who has just had a spark of creativity and wants to start photography. Also any other new person to the photography game. Whether you would like to treat photography as a game or a career. Here are the Top Ten Tips for a Brand New Photographer.

#1: To Photograph Beautifully, Photograph Beauty

When I first started around Middle school, I put too much on my camera to produce nothing to something. My first photos started with my backyard and from there. My love for photography progressed. Next thing I knew I was taking photos of my friends and family and beautiful places. I was always interested in getting the lighting just right. Not only until after college I discovered the beauties of Lightroom and photoshop. I’ve noticed in any profession that nothing comes overnight. Patience is key sometimes in waiting for the right weather or the right timing of the photo. Angles and lighting of the photos make a world of a difference when starting out. Also photographing the sunset, or picturesque views really define. This constitutes  growing your photo outlook and perspective making the overall photo transpire into a greater work of art. 

#2: Learn Exposure Triangle

I was a complete noob in the beginning. Like what is an exposure triangle and what is an ISO? F-stop never heard of her! Basically it may be all overwhelming but with the right tools and resources you can easily master these things. Shooting in manual mode, adjusting the iso and managing the shutter speed and aperture. I would really take time to practice and get experience and different settings. This will add to your growth in becoming a professional photographer. Illustrating all these elements and producing them with ease learning what goes well with each other. Having the different settings is what makes a great photographer and enhances their craft. 

#3: Limit Your Use of Auto-ISO

Auto ISO is your number one friend when starting out in the industry and will help you maximize your photos until your comfortable going manual. Anything over 1600 ISO is going to look like a trainwreck until you get it on to a larger screen and edit. 

Most DSLR camera’s have the option in which you can adjust and play around with the maximum ISO. This is incredibly useful when on the go and taking photos for fun. Auto ISO is fun when you don't want to think about the mechanics of the camera. Warning stay far far away from using Auto ISO in low-light settings. These photos always come out bad unless you have the right lighting.  

#4: Turn the Viewfinder Grid On

This is my most favorite tool in real estate photography. When taking photos you begin to realize that the world is not flat. Floors at houses sometimes are uneven or even just houses in general. This helps produce your photos to be leveled. I follow the Rule of Thirds in my professional photography. This is very useful in making sure your shots are leveled and composition. It has been scientifically proven that images are more aesthetic and sexy when following The Rule of Thirds. (google it) However I love to be extra and turn on my 4x4 grid.

#5: Seek the Golden (Perfect) Hour

The right timing of the day can produce the most natural lighting and cultivate a moment you capture on camera. Sunsets, sunrises and Eclipse’s are all beautiful photography shoots in that it's best to get portraits and landscape shots. Grab a friend or hire a model. If you are too broke like I was, ask around your friend group or family. Most people are happy to help you or camera shy. Control the atmosphere and learn from them. Ask them what you can do to improve and find the right angles and time. There’s no replacement for a beautiful sunrise or clouds that provide ambient lighting.

#6: Purchase a Decent Lens

I would get a 16-50mm lens and go from there. These are the best types of lenses so when you want to zoom in and out you have the ability to do so. I currently use that type of lens along with a 50mm prime lens for portraits. I switch up with a wide angle 14mm prime lens for real estate photography. I’d highly recommend engulfing yourself in the world of photography. Join facebook groups and local meetups for photographers. Network and discover more about Canon and Sony. Eventually when you get to the stage of building your business/ passion you can invest into more lenses and I switch between all my lenses for my photos. 

#7: Have Fun with Cropping

Cropping can save your life sometimes. A very simple tool and learning how to crop is an easy skill to acquire. Mastering the right is awesome when you get the hang of it. The RAW Files will be huge and you have to blow them up. This is the perfect tool if you plan on making prints with your photography. 

#8: Go Easy on the Vignette

This is the most simple overused tool I see. Don’t overuse this alone with the clarity and sharpness. There are always exceptions to when this filter looks great and there are times where it is used and depended on too heavily to make a great photo.

#9: Take Camera Everywhere you go!

This is a BIG BIG MISTAKE I am guilty of myself. You just never know when an opportunity strikes. There will always be inspiration around you or photos you can take. This will also help you expand your horizons and photography skills as it will add on to your experience. This is a great thing to do when first starting out. This will help add to your portfolio and grow it in depth. 

#10: Shoot in Raw as Much as Possible 

I like JPEG files but I love Raw files. Having the extra files that you can edit in the lightroom application. There are major differences when editing with RAW vs JPEGs. You then can work miracles in photoshop or lightroom and have more confidence in your photos because accidents happen. 

#11: Bonus Tip - ALWAYS Bring Extra Charged Batteries!!!

This is another thing when starting out I am always running out of batteries. Just like my phone and its short lifespan throughout the day. I always have packed extra batteries with me just in case. The more back ups you have the better. It just depends on what type of person you are and how many photos you take during your day. I like to change out my batteries throughout the day when I am on multiple appointments. 

Why Real Estate Photography is Important in 2025

 So you plan on listing a home or have already listed a home on the market. By doing that, you are looking to attract potential buyers through the door, but what would be the motivating factor for them? Creating a strong impression in the first few seconds of viewing the listing is a sure way to do so. A study by Google and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 97% of buyers search for homes online. Engaging online potential buyers with a successful online presence creates the need for them to walk through the door. Here’s how:

Be Distinct

A photo has the power to speak a million words. Remember that your listing is a potential home to make lasting memories for the next person, and that starts with that first impression. Professional real estate media through photography, video, and drone images is the most cost-to-benefit way to do so. Use your listing media as a way to leverage your competitors by creating an impression that stands out from the hundreds of homes that buyers sift through in a day. Neglecting your listing will easily dissuade buyers from scrolling on to the text.

Professional photography is effective, as it is something that top producers never fail to look over. Photos and videos are a way to highlight a specific home’s best features. For buyers to easily key in on how each space can be utilized, that will be what makes the home special. 

Consider this: do you see ads online, on TV, or on billboards being captured with a trusty iPhone? Listing media is an investment for you and the marketing of every home. There is a noticeable difference between a person using their cell phone with no experience vs. a skilled professional and their equipment. Partnering up with your local trusted real estate media group can ensure great quality and quick service.

When you invest in professional photography, remember that the possibilities are limitless with marketing usage. These photos are exclusively yours to leverage on social media, your personal website, in printed flyers or brochures, via email campaigns, or any other ingenious marketing strategies you devise. Stay ahead of the competition and perfect your online first impression with potential buyers.

Why should you choose Joint Pixels as your go-to media company for real estate video? Joint Pixels has a team of experienced professionals who excel at capturing the essence of properties through compelling visuals. Our dedication to utilizing cutting-edge technology, such as motorized gimbals, guarantees that your real estate walkthrough videos are immersive and engaging. By presenting your properties in the best possible light, you gain a competitive advantage in the real estate market with Joint Pixels. Choose Joint Pixels to elevate your marketing strategy, and let us help you showcase your properties like never before.

Metro-Atlanta Real Estate Photography

Metro Atlanta boasts a rich history shaped by its pivotal role during the Civil Rights Movement and its transformation into a major transportation hub. This historical backdrop has influenced its real estate architecture, with a blend of modern skyscrapers and preserved historic neighborhoods, offering a diverse range of housing options. Atlanta offers an alluring canvas for real estate photographers seeking to capture the essence of its captivating real estate landscape.

Atlanta's Historical Tapestry:

Atlanta's history is a compelling narrative that still echoes through its neighborhoods and streets. The city's role in the Civil Rights Movement has left an indelible mark on its real estate landscape. Real estate photographers often find themselves capturing homes with historical significance, giving each frame a unique cultural context.

Metro Atlanta's real estate architecture is a stunning blend of the old and the new. Towering buildings glisten in the sunlight in the city's center, each reflecting the city's progressive spirit. However, what truly sets Atlanta apart is its preservation of historic neighborhoods. The charming bungalows of Virginia-Highland, the elegant mansions of Buckhead, and the craftsman-style homes of Inman Park offer an intriguing mix of styles for photographers to explore.

Photographers in Metro Atlanta have the unique opportunity to capture the essence of a city that is constantly evolving.  Each property has its own flavor, whether it's the modern luxury flats in Midtown or the antebellum houses in Roswell. Atlanta real estate photographers must adjust their talents in order to appropriately portray the uniqueness of each neighborhood and property.

The real estate photography landscape in Metro Atlanta is an interesting mix of history and innovation. As you explore this vibrant city, you'll come across opportunities to capture the spirit of its districts, from historic sites to modern marvels. Each frame captured will not only tell a story of a property but also a piece of Atlanta's rich history and bright future.

Drone Photography and Videography in Metro Atlanta

Drones have emerged as a game changer in the ever-changing world of photography and videography. These flying marvels have changed the way we capture and understand our surroundings, especially in industries such as real estate. In this article, we'll look at how drones have changed photography in Metro Atlanta, from providing magnificent aerial views to resolving critical privacy and safety concerns.

Aerial Excellence

Drones have had a significant impact on photography by providing unmatched aerial perspectives. This has proven to be a game changer in the real estate industry. Drones enable photographers and videographers to exhibit properties in ways that were once unimaginable. With high-definition cameras mounted on drones, real estate listings now feature stunning aerial shots that provide potential buyers with a comprehensive view of a property, its surroundings, and even the neighborhood.

Transforming Real Estate Marketing

Drone-photographed properties often sell 61% faster than those without aerial images. Drone photography is a significant marketing tool in the real estate industry, according to the data. It not only distinguishes properties in a crowded market, but it also gives a sense of grandeur and space that standard photography cannot match. In Metro Atlanta, where you have diverse architectural styles and lush landscapes, drone photography adds a dynamic dimension to property marketing.

Addressing Public Concerns

Licensed drone operators are trained to follow FAA regulations and respect privacy rights. Metro Atlanta licensed drone operators are well-versed in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws. They understand the significance of adhering to airspace regulations, avoiding sensitive locations, and ensuring that drone flights do not jeopardize safety or privacy. Whether capturing footage of a historic neighborhood or showcasing the grandeur of a suburban mansion, these professionals prioritize safety and ethics.

Drones have opened up new vistas in photography and filming, providing stunning viewpoints that were once the stuff of dreams. Drone photography has become a vital tool for professionals trying to set their listings distinct in Metro Atlanta, where real estate is a dynamic and competitive sector.  Drone operators in Metro Atlanta are committed to ensuring that their work not only captures stunning visuals but also respects privacy and safety concerns. By adhering to regulations and ethical practices, they contribute to the continued growth of drone photography as an art form while preserving the peace and security of the communities they serve.