Today we’d like to introduce you to David Torres.
Hi David , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into photography began a bit later in life. I picked up my first DSLR in my early 40s—not because I had a business plan or formal training, but out of pure curiosity and a deep desire to create something meaningful. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of freezing a moment in time—of capturing a feeling, a memory, a story that someone could carry with them forever. That simple concept became the heartbeat of my journey and has continued to inspire me every step of the way.
In the beginning, I shot everything I could—landscapes, family gatherings, quiet street scenes. During that time, I also completed multiple certifications and training programs that helped me build a strong technical foundation. I learned the fundamentals of lighting and flash, composition, post-processing, and many other aspects of photography that allowed me to turn a growing passion into a professional skill set. I was obsessed with learning and improving, and through that constant practice and education, I started to develop not just skill, but vision. Eventually, people began to notice. I was asked to shoot portrait sessions and events, and not long after, I found myself photographing weddings.
Interestingly, weddings weren’t something I initially sought out. But once I experienced the emotional weight of those moments—the joy, the nerves, the quiet in-between scenes—I realized how powerful it was to be trusted with someone’s memories. That realization grounded me. It gave my work purpose. There’s something incredibly moving about knowing your images will become part of someone’s legacy.
As time went on and my experience deepened, I began to lean into the areas that blended both my creative instincts and technical strengths: real estate, branding, and product photography. These genres challenged me to think differently—to make spaces, products, and people not just look good, but feel inviting and intentional. I also expanded my services to include drone photography and video, as well as vertical video walkthroughs for social media, which allowed me to meet the fast-evolving needs of my clients.
Today, I focus primarily on helping real estate professionals and small businesses stand out with compelling, polished visual content. I’m proud to say that what started as a personal curiosity has grown into a career that allows me to serve others through creativity, precision, and genuine connection. And even now, I’m still learning, evolving, and chasing that next meaningful frame.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s definitely been a road with twists, turns, and a few bumps. Starting a photography business later in life meant I had to learn a lot quickly—not just about the creative side, but also the business side: marketing, pricing, client management, and staying consistent. That was a big learning curve.
One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining steady work, especially in slower seasons like we’ve seen recently in real estate. Relying on one-off gigs and trying to build a client base from scratch required a lot of persistence. There were times when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing, especially when leads were slow or when I struggled with procrastination and follow-up.
Another hurdle was working solo. I wear all the hats—photographer, editor, scheduler, marketer, and accountant—so staying organized and motivated on my own hasn’t always been easy. But over time, I’ve built systems that help me stay focused, and I’ve learned to push through even when things feel uncertain.
Despite the struggles, each challenge helped shape my growth. I’ve become more resourceful, more resilient, and more confident in what I can offer clients—and that’s made all the difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a commercial photographer based in Central Florida, and I specialize in real estate, brand photography, and short-form video content. I work with real estate agents, small business owners, and creatives who need clean, professional visuals to market their properties, products, or services.
My core services include interior and exterior real estate photography, aerial drone work, video walkthroughs for social media, and product or branding sessions. I love creating images that feel intentional and high-end, without being over-processed or impersonal. Whether it’s making a home feel inviting or bringing a brand’s story to life, I aim for a clean, confident visual style that helps clients stand out.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come as a self-taught photographer. I started with very little gear and no formal background—just curiosity and a passion for freezing meaningful moments. Over time, I’ve built a reputation for being reliable, easy to work with, and someone who genuinely cares about getting things right. I think that personal investment shows in the work I deliver.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend a strong technical eye with a calm, grounded approach. I understand how to light and compose a shot for impact, but I also understand how to listen to what clients really need. I don’t just show up and shoot—I bring intention, attention to detail, and the kind of creative flexibility that helps people feel confident in front of the camera or trust me with their space.
At the end of the day, I love what I do because it lets me help others be seen in the best light—literally and figuratively.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the next 5–10 years are going to bring big changes to photography, especially in how visuals are created, delivered, and consumed. One of the biggest shifts I see is the growing demand for video content—especially short-form, vertical video optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Clients aren’t just looking for beautiful still images anymore—they want motion, storytelling, and content that’s quick, engaging, and shareable.
In real estate specifically, I see 3D tours, drone video, and cinematic walkthroughs becoming the norm rather than the exception. Buyers are spending more time online before they ever step foot in a property, so agents need high-quality visual content to capture attention instantly. The bar for quality is going up, and it’s not just about wide shots anymore—it’s about creating a vibe.
Another trend is the use of AI tools—not just for editing, but even for generating virtual staging or quick client previews. While I don’t think AI will replace photographers, I do believe the ones who thrive will be those who know how to blend technology with a personal touch—using tools to enhance creativity, not replace it.
On the branding side, more businesses are investing in consistent visual identity—not just one-time shoots, but ongoing content creation for websites, ads, and social media. That opens the door for photographers to build more long-term, collaborative relationships with clients instead of just doing one-off projects.
So overall, I see the industry becoming more integrated, more tech-driven, and more focused on storytelling and strategy, not just taking a good picture. I’m excited to keep adapting and growing with it.
Pricing:
- Real Estate Photography Package – $259 Includes interior & exterior photos, drone photography, a Matterport 3D tour, and a short Instagram-ready video reel.
- Photo + Video Walkthrough Combo – Starting at $325 Great for agents who want professional stills plus a vertical or cinematic video walkthrough for social media and MLS.
- Drone Photography or Video Only – Starting at $125 FAA-certified drone work for real estate, land, or commercial properties.
- Branding or Product Photography – Starting at $350 Includes pre-shoot planning, high-res lifestyle and product shots for small businesses, creators, or entrepreneurs.
- Headshots & Portraits – Starting at $200 On-location sessions with clean lighting, perfect for professionals and creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schumann-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schumann_photography1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidSchunannPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
