Episode Title: The Business of Real Estate Photography

Guest: Clay Banks, Real Estate & Interiors Photographer, Catskills/Hudson Valley, NY

We Discuss:

• Clay’s path from software developer and urbex hobbyist to in-demand property photographer

• Why COVID-era demand in the Catskills/Hudson Valley accelerated the niche

• Gear and approach: Sony a7 IV, 16–35mm + 50mm, DJI Air 2S, natural light only, Lightroom Denoise, subtle compositing

• Composition rules Clay lives by: tighter crops, fewer walls, mobile-first storytelling

• On-site workflow: staging, prop choices, what he moves and why, ideal client presence (or not)

• Editing priorities: color cast fixes, distraction removal, polishing stainless, mirrors, windows, decks

• Pricing evolution: valuing time, three-tier packages, travel, and smart add-ons

• Trends and opportunities: lifestyle-driven branding for brokerages, reels, and leveling up with video

• Client relations: referrals over ads, B2B ease, handling difficult collaborations with grace

• Practical prep tips for homeowners and realtors

TLDR:

• Clay built a thriving, referral-only property photography business by telling the story of a space, not just documenting it.

• Natural light, thoughtful staging, and tight compositions are his signature.

• Pricing rose with demand and clarity on value; add-ons like short drone clips close easily.

• Brokerages want lifestyle branding, not just wide, bright rooms—video is the next lever.

• Quick win for clients: clean the house, especially mirrors, before the shoot.

Resources:

• Learn more about Clay’s work: www.claybanks.info

• Follow Clay on Instagram: @clay.banks

• Check out Clay’s Presets: www.claybanks.info/presets