Look, I'm going to be straight with you. If you're selling a home in Orange County right now – whether it's a condo in Irvine, a beach house in Newport, or a family home in Mission Viejo – your photos are the first thing buyers see. And honestly? They're making their decision in about 3 seconds.
I've been doing real estate photography while training to become an agent, so I see both sides. I know what agents need, and I know what actually makes buyers click "save" and schedule a showing. This guide is everything I wish someone told me when I first started looking at homes.
Why Your Photos Matter More Than You Think
Here's the thing: everyone shops on their phones now. They're scrolling through listings while waiting in line at Starbucks, sitting on the couch, or during their lunch break. Your listing is competing with 50 other homes in their price range.
If your first photo doesn't stop them mid-scroll, they're gone. They never read your amazing description. They never see that the kitchen was just remodeled. They just move on to the next listing.
Good photos mean:
- More people clicking on your listing
- More showings scheduled
- Buyers who show up already excited about the home
- Better offers, usually faster
Think of your photos as the first showing. Because they basically are.
What You Actually Need (Without the Fluff)
I'm breaking this down into 4 packages. Pick the one that makes sense for your property. No pressure to go crazy if you don't need it.
Package 1: Essential Photos
What you get: 20-25 HDR photos covering all the important stuff – front of the house, backyard, all the main rooms.
Perfect for: Condos, townhomes, smaller homes in good condition. Think well-kept places in Irvine, Tustin, Costa Mesa, or Fullerton where you just need clean, bright photos.
What it costs: $299
Package 2: Photos + Drone (Most Popular)
What you get: 28-35 HDR photos PLUS drone shots to show the lot size, the street, nearby parks, how close you are to the beach, and privacy.
Perfect for: Single family homes where location matters. Homes in Huntington Beach near the water, Yorba Linda with big lots, San Clemente with views, or anywhere buyers care about what's around the property.
What it costs: $448 ($299 photos + $149 drone)
Package 3: Photos + Video
What you get: 30-40 HDR photos PLUS a 60-90 second 4K video tour. We shoot horizontal for MLS and vertical for Instagram Reels and TikTok.
Perfect for: Homes with good flow, nice upgrades, or special features. Newport Beach properties with designer kitchens, Laguna Beach homes with unique layouts, Dana Point places with great indoor-outdoor living.
What it costs: $548 ($299 photos + $249 video)
Package 4: The Premium Package (For Special Homes)
What you get: 40-55 HDR photos, 4K video, drone photos, 1-2 twilight shots (that magazine-cover look), and optional 3D tour.
Perfect for: Luxury homes, unique properties, anywhere the story matters. Newport Coast, Shady Canyon, homes with pools and views, places where the sunset and architecture steal the show.
What it costs: Starting at $1,096 (photos + video + drone + twilight)
When Should You Add the Extras?
Let me break down when each add-on actually makes sense:
Twilight Photography ($200)
Add this if your home has:
- A pool or spa
- Great exterior lighting
- Modern architecture with lots of glass
- A west-facing yard that glows at sunset
- Mountain or ocean views
Twilight gives you that warm window glow against a deep blue sky. It's your "hero shot" – the first image that stops people from scrolling. I've seen listings get 3x more saves just by leading with a twilight photo.
Drone Add-On ($149)
Get drone shots when you need to show:
- Lot size and property boundaries
- Privacy (surrounded by trees, end of cul-de-sac)
- How close you are to parks, schools, beaches, trails
- Roof condition or solar panels
- Neighborhood context
Buyers have questions like "how close is the freeway?" or "can neighbors see into my yard?" Drone photos answer these instantly without them having to drive by first.
3D Tour + Floor Plan ($199-299)
This makes sense when:
- The layout is confusing or recently remodeled
- You're getting buyers from out of state
- You want to reduce unqualified showings
- It's a luxury listing where buyers expect this
A 3D tour lets buyers "walk through" the home on their laptop. They understand the flow and room sizes before showing up. This means the people who DO book showings are actually interested.
What Each Thing Actually Does (No Fancy Terms)
I want to make sure you understand what you're getting:
HDR Photography: This is your baseline. Bright, clear, true-to-life photos where everything looks good. Windows aren't blown out, walls are the right color, and lines are straight. This is what makes your home look professional online.
Drone Photos: These show the big picture. Where the home sits on the street, what's around it, how private it feels, and how close you are to things buyers care about. It answers "location questions" instantly.
4K Video Tour: This is about movement and feeling. Buyers can see how rooms flow together and imagine walking through. They picture themselves cooking in that kitchen or hosting friends in the backyard. Video makes them emotionally connect with the space.
Twilight Photos: Pure emotion. That magazine cover look that makes people stop and say "wow." Perfect as your first photo and for Facebook or Instagram ads.
3D Matterport Tour: Complete clarity. Buyers can click through every room, see exact dimensions, and understand the layout. Great for busy families, investors, or anyone shopping from another city.
Quick Prep Checklist (Do This Before I Show Up)
You don't need the house to be perfect, but these things make a HUGE difference:
- Open all blinds and curtains – Let natural light flood in
- Replace any burnt out bulbs – Check every room
- Clear kitchen and bathroom counters – Just the essentials
- Hide trash cans, cords, pet bowls – Tuck them away
- Straighten beds, pillows, towels – Make it look tidy
- Turn on ALL lights – Even during the day
- Turn off TVs and ceiling fans – They look weird in photos
- Move cars out of the driveway – Show the whole front
- Tidy up the yard – Coil hoses, pick up toys
- Pool/spa owners: Turn on water features for smooth water
This takes like 30-60 minutes and honestly makes or breaks the final result. I can only work with what's there!
Problems I See All the Time (And How to Fix Them)
"My previous photos looked cold and boring"
That's usually because of bad white balance or flat lighting. True HDR photography fixes this. Also, adding ONE twilight shot as your first photo brings warmth and emotion instantly.
"We have a tiny backyard"
I use wider angles (but keep them honest – no fisheye distortion). And drone shots from a lower height can show privacy and nearby green spaces instead of focusing on yard size.
"The ocean view gets blown out in photos"
This happens when the camera can't handle the bright window. I use bracketed exposures (multiple shots at different brightnesses) to balance interior and exterior. Sometimes we'll shoot earlier or later in the day, or add a twilight shot where everything balances naturally.
"The house has tenants living in it"
Not a problem. I'll send them the prep checklist 48 hours ahead. We keep it simple, focus on the bones and flow of the home, and work fast. I've shot plenty of lived-in homes.
"What if it's cloudy or gray that day?"
Light clouds are actually fine – they act like a giant softbox. Heavy gray can be tricky. I watch the forecast closely. For twilight specifically, we can reschedule or (when appropriate) do a tasteful sky replacement so you still get that perfect blue hour look.
My Pricing (Simple and Transparent)
Here's what everything costs. No hidden fees, no surprises:
- HDR Photos (up to 25): $299
- Extra photos (per 10-12): $60
- Drone photos add-on: $149
- 4K video tour (60-90 sec): $249
- Agent intro/outro on video: $99
- Twilight exterior (1-2 shots): $200
- 3D Matterport (up to 2,500 sq ft): $199
- Floor plan: $99
- Same-day rush: $75 (when available)
My honest advice: For entry-level homes, photos or photos + drone is plenty. For mid to upper-tier homes, add the video. For luxury or view properties, go all-in with twilight and 3D.
How It Works (Timeline and Logistics)
Turnaround time: Photos are delivered next day. Video and twilight usually 24-48 hours. I'm fast because I know you're on a timeline.
Access: I can use your Supra lockbox or meet you on-site. Just send me gate codes or HOA rules ahead of time.
What you get: MLS-ready web JPGs, high-res print files, and vertical crops for Instagram Reels and Stories.
Copyright: Photos are licensed for your listing marketing. Need them for brokerage-wide use? Let's talk about bundle pricing.
Why Orange County is Different
I live here. I know this market. Here's what matters in OC:
- Coastal light changes FAST. That marine layer in the morning, golden hour in Newport, blue hour in Laguna – timing matters. I plan shoots around weather and sun direction.
- Different architecture styles pop differently. Spanish and Mediterranean homes glow at golden hour. Modern glass houses shine at blue hour. I know what works for what.
- Lifestyle is the sell. Pools, outdoor kitchens, courtyards, canyon views, peek-a-boo ocean shots – these should be FIRST in your gallery, not buried at the end.
- Commute and schools matter here. Drone context helps buyers understand "where am I?" without reading a paragraph of text.
Questions People Ask Me
Do I really need video?
If your home has nice flow, views, or upgrades – yes. A 60-second video gets way more saves and shares than photos alone. Plus the vertical cuts work great on Instagram and TikTok, which is where buyers are scrolling all day.
Is twilight worth the extra cost?
For homes with strong exteriors, pools, or modern glass – 100% yes. Use that twilight shot as your FIRST photo. It drives clicks like crazy. I've had agents tell me their inquiry rate doubled just from leading with twilight.
What if my house isn't Instagram-ready?
That's totally normal. Most homes aren't. I'll help with quick on-site adjustments and guide you through what shows well on camera. The prep checklist above gets you 80% of the way there.
How long does a shoot take?
Photos: 45-90 minutes depending on home size. Add time for video, drone, or 3D. I'll give you a tight window and move efficiently. I'm not going to be there all afternoon.
Can you work with tenants in the home?
Yep. I've done it plenty of times. We keep it simple, fast, and respectful. I'll send the prep checklist ahead of time and coordinate directly with them if needed.
Where I Shoot in Orange County
I cover all of OC: Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Anaheim Hills, Fullerton.
I'm also booking in Los Angeles and San Diego when schedules line up.
The Bottom Line
You're not just selling square footage in Orange County. You're selling sunlight, flow, and lifestyle. The morning light in your kitchen. The sound of the ocean two blocks away. The way your backyard feels at sunset.
Book clean HDR photos. Add a short 4K video for movement and emotion. Finish with one twilight hero shot. That's the simple stack that wins online attention and gets real buyers through the door.
Ready to make your listing stand out?
Send me the address, tell me your must-have shots, and give me your ideal shoot date. I'll build the right package for your property. Fast, simple, and effective.
Launch Pricing Still Available
Free shoot for my first 5 clients – and yes, this offer still stands. I'm building my portfolio and proving what I can do. If you're one of the first five, you get the full package at no cost. Just cover any add-ons if you want them.
Let's make your listing impossible to scroll past.
