REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY: DOUBLE DUTY IN MID-MICHIGAN
It’s always a good day as a photographer when your daytime hours are filled with working sessions—and there’s nothing quite like a full day of real estate photography in Michigan. The other day, I had back-to-back shoots capturing residential properties across Mid-Michigan and the Metro Detroit area.
My morning started like it always does: double-checking my gear and bags to make sure I had everything I needed for a smooth day. My go-to setup? A Canon R6 dialed in just the way I like it, paired with a Canon RF 16mm, Sigma EF 35mm Art, and Sigma EF 24-70mm Art lenses. I pack GoDox flashes, speedlights, and a couple of tripods I’ve customized to work fast and efficiently. I also carry a bag of extras—LEDs, filters, spare batteries, and those random little pieces you never think you’ll need until you do.
Once the gear was good, coffee in hand, I hit the road to Birch Run, Michigan, for my first property. Based in west Genesee County, it was an easy drive. I met up with a familiar real estate agent I’ve worked with before, and got to chat with the sellers, too. The home was a cozy three-bedroom, one-bath nestled near creeks and wetlands. The morning wildlife—loons calling in the distance—set a peaceful tone as I moved from room to room and then tackled the exterior shots.
From there, I packed up and headed down to Taylor, Michigan—part of the broader Metro Detroit real estate market. While Google Maps said two hours, traffic made it more like two hours and forty minutes. I made a quick stop for food, backed up the Birch Run photos to the cloud, handled a few client emails, and even squeezed in some social media work for my marketing agency, Biography Social Media.
By 1 p.m., I pulled up to the next home, where I was greeted by a family member of the seller. This house was full of personality—located in a neighborhood that has long been shaped by the Ford Motor Company’s legacy. Every room was painted a bold, unique color, which made shooting and editing more of a creative challenge. The living room stood out most: a large bay window, a second side window, and the front door all along one wall, flooding the space with rich sunlight. The tangerine-colored walls practically glowed.
From parking to final shutter click, the entire shoot took about 60 minutes—interior, exterior, walkthrough, setup, cleanup, and notes all included. Both this home and the earlier Birch Run property received my standard $160 Real Estate Photography Package, which includes 25 professionally edited images and travel. I delivered both sets the very next day.
Here’s something I always like to emphasize: I don’t outsource my real estate photo editing—especially not overseas. Everything is handled by me, right here in Michigan. When you hire Biography Photography, you’re supporting a local, American-owned small business that delivers fast turnaround, clear communication, and magazine-quality images.
This day marked my first official double header for real estate photography in Michigan. And it reminded me of a few key takeaways:
Mid-morning light vs. early afternoon light? They’re not the same—plan accordingly.
Neutral tones might not be thrilling, but a basement with blood-red walls and a black ceiling? That’s a real editing challenge.
Two homes can be identical on paper but wildly different to photograph.
I really enjoy these marathon photography days. There’s something satisfying about diving deep into back-to-back shoots, especially when each property has its own character and quirks. Real estate photography across Michigan is never boring, and days like this keep me sharp, creative, and grateful for the work.
Technically speaking, I used flambient techniques for both homes—blending natural light with flash and strategic lighting to get the most true-to-life results straight out of the camera. That said, I’ve been experimenting more with bracketing and HDR real estate photography, and I think it’s time to bring those tools into my regular workflow, especially for homes with tricky lighting or high-contrast rooms.
But more on that in the next blog…
Check out these two properties with the links below!
https://biographyphotography.pixieset.com/7705bell/
https://biographyphotography.pixieset.com/24740crowley/
