Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Ege
Hi Katelyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I launched my photography career focused on portraits and weddings, but when my husband asked if I could photograph some mobile homes he was renovating, I jumped at the opportunity for a new challenge. With seven years of photography experience under my belt, I was confident I could handle it. However, I quickly realized I was nowhere near ready. Those images of my first home were terrible and are now hidden away never to see the light of day. I lacked the right lens, lighting, knowledge, and techniques.
Despite the images of the home not turning out as planned, I discovered I had a genuine passion for real estate media. I loved being creative in a calm space, having more control, and working solo. Most importantly, I appreciate that the home didn’t complain about its appearance, move, cry, or fuss— Such a contrast to the chaotic world of wedding and portrait photography!
While my experience in wedding photography has certainly contributed to my success in photographing vacation rentals, the path to where I am now has required determination, effort, and time. After that first real estate photoshoot, I joined several real estate photography Facebook groups, asked questions, tried and failed, tried again, watched endless YouTube videos, and practiced whenever I could find the time. I knew I wanted to ditch the wedding world and do real estate photography full-time.
Once I accumulated a portfolio, I applied to contract for Airbnb and got the gig. This opportunity helped broaden my opportunities to work and network within the local short-term rental community and further build up my portfolio. After several months, I launched Next Nest Media in 2020. I had no idea it was likely the worst year to start a business, but I pushed on. I managed both wedding photography and real estate until, finally, in early 2022, I photographed my last wedding. I figured it was time to jump or drown and I dove in full time to my real estate media business. It was my best move and my business has flourished, growing every year since. Initially, I focused on photographing sale listings and vacation rentals. Currently, my schedule mainly consists of vacation rentals as I have further narrowed my niche. I studied for my Part 107 drone license to provide aerial photos and videos, and I have also expanded my services to include videography and floorplans.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Launching my business in 2020 was my first challenge. With the world in lockdown, it was difficult to find opportunities. I had to balance both weddings and portraits while also trying to network and market toward real estate media. There were many bumps along the way, finding the right editors as business picked up, the right scheduling system and the right gallery hosting platform that would best serve my clients were just a few. Now that I have been in business for 5 years, I have a great workflow and process but as with everything, it takes trial and error.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Next Nest Media is a full-service real estate media company that offers Real Estate Photography, Video, Aerial photo and video, Virtual Staging and Floorplans specializing in Vacation Rentals and Homes/Land for Sale.
I have gained recognition in the vacation rental community for my unique approach to editing and shooting. My style is colorful and high contrast which not only showcases the spaces but also helps potential guests envision themselves in the listings as they browse through the images. I understand the specific marketing needs of each property I visit and focus on highlighting its special features to the best of my ability.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can connect and support me by checking out my business Instagram at Instagram.com/Nextnest_realestatemedia or visiting my website at Nextnestmedia.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nextnestmedia.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nextnest_realestatemedia
