Upmarket: The Business of Real Estate Photography & Media

In this episode, Reed and Mark break down the operational reality of running a real estate media company when conditions are far from perfect. From rain weeks that compress revenue to training new hires during peak production and navigating a mid season switch to HDPhotoHub, we unpack what these challenges actually do to cash flow, team bandwidth, and client experience. We also speak candidly about leading a growing company while raising kids and managing the anxiety that surfaces when the industry slows down. This episode is not about highlight reels. It is about building systems, people, and revenue streams that can withstand imperfect weeks. Because the real goal is not perfection, it is resilience.Don't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.If you would like to access Sam Benner's Action Plan PDF, give us a follow and send a DM to @upmarketpod. The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. To get started, visit https://fotello.co/?via=upmarket and subscribe to begin using the platform. If you do not use the link, enter the code UPMARKET during signup.Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is HDPhotoHub, the all-in-one platform for ordering, scheduling, and delivering complete marketing kits, from video reels to print. With pay-per-listing pricing, transparent terms, and industry-leading integrations, HDPhotoHub helps you build the workflow you actually want. Visit HDPhotoHub.com and use code Upmarket to get your first 15 full deliveries free.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

AI is everywhere in real estate right now, but most of the industry is talking about tools instead of listening to agents. In this episode, Reed and special guest Sam Benner break down what Realtors actually want from AI, from real efficiency gains to the fears around losing authenticity and trust. We unpack how agent priorities have shifted, where they’re really spending money, and why marketing and tech fatigue is very real in 2026. From regulation and compliance to video, portals, and brand consistency, this is a grounded look at what actually matters to working agents. This is an honest conversation about cutting through hype and focusing on what truly helps Realtors grow their business.Don't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.If you would like to access Sam Benner's Action Plan PDF, give us a follow and send a DM to @upmarketpod. The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. To get started, visit https://fotello.co/?via=upmarket and subscribe to begin using the platform. If you do not use the link, enter the code UPMARKET during signup.Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is HDPhotoHub, the all-in-one platform for ordering, scheduling, and delivering complete marketing kits, from video reels to print. With pay-per-listing pricing, transparent terms, and industry-leading integrations, HDPhotoHub helps you build the workflow you actually want. Visit HDPhotoHub.com and use code Upmarket to get your first 15 full deliveries free.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

Hiring and retaining talent in real estate media is harder than ever; and it’s not for the reasons most people think. In this episode, we break down the real impact of team turnover, what it actually costs a growing business, and why losing good people doesn’t automatically mean you’re failing as a leader. From long-tenured team members moving on to sudden exits that weren’t as unexpected as they felt, we unpack the operational, cultural, and leadership lessons that come with running a people-dependent business. This is an honest conversation about expectations, employer branding, and what truly keeps great people aligned; not hype, perks, or flexibility without structure, but clarity, professionalism, and intentional leadership.Don't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. To get started, visit https://fotello.co/?via=upmarket and subscribe to begin using the platform. If you do not use the link, enter the code UPMARKET during signup.Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is HDPhotoHub, the all-in-one platform for ordering, scheduling, and delivering complete marketing kits, from video reels to print. With pay-per-listing pricing, transparent terms, and industry-leading integrations, HDPhotoHub helps you build the workflow you actually want. Visit HDPhotoHub.com and use code Upmarket to get your first 15 full deliveries free.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

This week is our 4th episode in our monthly Upmarket Mastermind series! Each month Reed sits down with a mastermind group of Real Estate Media Creators from around North America who are all at different stages of scaling their businesses. With the mastermind format, you'll be able to journey along with each company as they navigate the different times of year and always changing circumstances RE Media creators face. The Upmarket Mastermind consists of:Alex Coombs of Northern Spruce Media in Hamilton, Ontario.Kelly Clark of Local Flavor Films in Atlanta, Georgia.Jenn Lueck of Jenn Lueck Photography in Prescott, Arizona.Reed Fish of Upmarket Media in Ventura, California.This episode is all about goal-setting for the new year, without the fluff. The group reflects on the past year’s wins, challenges, and industry shifts, then dig into what it really takes to plan intentionally moving forward. From financial targets and business priorities to personal balance and burnout prevention, the conversation focuses on what needs to change to actually hit your goals. The episode also delivers practical, real-world strategy through a live problem-solving session, leaving listeners with clear takeaways and accountability as they head into the year ahead.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. To get started, visit https://fotello.co/?via=upmarket and subscribe to begin using the platform. If you do not use the link, enter the code UPMARKET during signup.Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code UPMARKET at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

A major shift is underway in the 3D real estate world. In this episode of Upmarket Pod, Reed, Mark, and Molly unpack the growing portal competition between Matterport, Zillow 3D, and Homes.com, and what it means for agents and real estate media. They explain how CoStar’s acquisition of Matterport changes the 3D tour landscape, why Zillow is pushing its own 3D tool, and how Homes.com is positioning itself as a new player for agent visibility. They also share what agents should ask portals, which platforms to prioritize, and how to use 3D strategically to stay competitive in 2026.Don't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. To get started, visit https://fotello.co/?via=upmarket and subscribe to begin using the platform. If you do not use the link, enter the code UPMARKET during signup.Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code UPMARKET at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

A new set of rules is officially here. In this episode of Upmarket Pod, Reed and Mark break down California’s Altered Image Law AB 723 and what it means for real estate media. The law introduces new disclosure requirements around altered listing photos that directly impact how agents, photographers, and media companies market properties. They cover what qualifies as an altered image, when disclosures are required, and how to stay compliant while maintaining high quality marketing.Don't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. Go to fotello.co and use code UPMARKET25 to get 25 free listings added to your account (a $500 value).Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code UPMARKET at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

It's once again SWOT Analysis time on Upmarket Pod! We take our listeners in depth through Upmarket Media's 2025 SWOT Analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Threats. Reed and Mark go deep on everything Upmarket Media is thinking and feeling heading into 2026. Follow along with their SWOT bullet points and find out what questions you should ask yourself when you do your own SWOT with this document: https://bit.ly/3PBMwJjDon't worry, they still end the show with their Action Items... things that any listener can do right now to help lay the foundation for scaling their Real Estate Media Business.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Fotello, an AI media platform built to snap, upload, and deliver. Pricing starts at $12 per listing, with human revisions available within six hours. Go to fotello.co and use code UPMARKET25 to get 25 free listings added to your account (a $500 value).Another amazing sponsor is iGUIDE, which helps real estate professionals capture spaces fast and with industry-leading accuracy. Their PLANIX Pro camera delivers trusted measurements, with no subscriptions and priced per project. Options like iGUIDE Instant provide a clean 3D tour and interactive floor plan in minutes, starting at $7.99. Learn more at goiguide.com or @go_iguide.Another sponsor is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code UPMARKET at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floor plans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can go to secondfloorapp.com/upmarket and any new subscriber will get a one-month free trial.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that complements your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30-day risk-free trial!

This week Reed sits down with the Legend, Vince Collura! Vince is the former COO of VHT Studios and then the Director of Photography & Add-on Services at Matterport. Now, he's ready for the next chapter and is the Founder and CEO of The Collective. Vince has had a birds-eye view on the broad changes in our industry over the last 10 years and offers a ton of perspective on what's to come. Vince is a delight and Reed was so happy to sit down with him at the Upmarket Suite at Palms in Las Vegas during PMRE 2025. Of course, as always, they drum up some Action Items, so stick around until the end of the show!Upmarket Pod is once again, beyond excited to partner with iGUIDE to bring you our exclusive Road to PMRE 2025 series of Upmarket episodes.Upmarket is proud to be the official podcast of pmreconference.com!The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code "Upmarket" at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floorplans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can use the code UPMARKET at checkout and any new subscriber will get a 1 month free trial.Go to Fotello.co to check out Fotello, an ethically sourced AI photo editor. Try it for free and if you end up signing up, use the code UPMARKET25 to receive 25 free listings (~1,500 photos / $500 value) added to your account — no matter which plan you choose.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that compliments your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30 day risk free trial!!!

This week Reed chats with Oliver Ward, real estate media coach and founder of Oliwood Films, serving agents in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada and Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Oliver was able to come up to the Upmarket Suite at Palms in Las Vegas durian PMRE 2025. Interesting conversation ensued! The guys also throw down some Action Items, so stick around until the end of the show!Upmarket Pod is once again, beyond excited to partner with iGUIDE to bring you our exclusive Road to PMRE 2025 series of Upmarket episodes.Upmarket is proud to be the official podcast of pmreconference.com!The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code "Upmarket" at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floorplans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can use the code UPMARKET at checkout and any new subscriber will get a 1 month free trial.Go to Fotello.co to check out Fotello, an ethically sourced AI photo editor. Try it for free and if you end up signing up, use the code UPMARKET25 to receive 25 free listings (~1,500 photos / $500 value) added to your account — no matter which plan you choose.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that compliments your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30 day risk free trial!!!

It's our FAVORITE episode of the year!!!! It's our PMRE 2025 Action Item Spectacular!! The Photography and Media for Real Estate Conference in Las Vegas once again did not disappoint. So many new faces at the conference this year and we got a cool 24 of them (along with some familiar friends) to come up to the Upmarket Suite to lay down a little bit of wisdom in the form of Action Items! Big thanks to all of the attendees who so graciously gave up a little of their conference time to come share with our listeners. Check out this roster!:Peter Holmes - @go_iguideNatasha Robertson - @go_iguideAshli Sirtliff - @nwphotoandmediaScott McCurdy - @visual_advantage_caPhil Maurian - @visual_advantage_caRenata Goos- @shinephotograph.mediaAndrew Bramasco - @andrewbramascoZuhair Ali - @zuuuuu786Tom Sparks - @SparksmediagroupHarman Walia (ad) - @fotello.aiAmy Dill - @the_vine_studiosAli Rivera - @homesofnevadaIvan Marquez - @MarquezivanKianna Sunshine - @kianna.sunshine.photographyIan Kautzman - @hdphotohubNick Narodny - TitusMercedes Matthews - @matthewsmedia772JD Matthews - @matthewsmedia772Josh Mais - @showandtourMartina Magnusson - @thecollective_reMark Gutierrez - @thecollective_reAdam Housley (ad) - @secondfloorappJoshua Chopy - @chopymediaMike Sperando - @mikesperandophotoBrandon Cooper - @pmreconferenceAfter this, YOU KNOW you want to be at PMRE 2026!!! Do Not Miss It!!!!Upmarket Pod is beyond excited to partner with iGUIDE to bring you our exclusive Road to PMRE 2025 series of Upmarket episodes AND this ACTION ITEM SPECTACULAR.Follow the pod on Instagram at @upmarketpod.The Presenting Sponsor of Upmarket is Aryeo, the best place to help grow and manage your Real Estate Media business. Use the code "Upmarket" at aryeo.com to get 15 free bonus listings with any new account.Another amazing sponsor of Upmarket is SecondFloor, the fastest way to create a finished floor plan. It's so fast that you can deliver the finished floor plan while you are still on-site! Not only that, but you can get UNLIMITED floorplans for one low monthly fee. We love SecondFloor and you can use the code UPMARKET at checkout and any new subscriber will get a 1 month free trial.Go to Fotello.co to check out Fotello, an ethically sourced AI photo editor. Try it for free and if you end up signing up, use the code UPMARKET25 to receive 25 free listings (~1,500 photos / $500 value) added to your account — no matter which plan you choose.Our Action Items are sponsored by PixlCRM, where you can scale your real estate photography business through automation. It's an all-in-one business and marketing platform that compliments your current delivery app. If you go to pixlcrm.com/upmarket you can get a 30 day risk free trial!!!