Real estate media glossary.

Photography terms

• HDR (high dynamic range): blending several exposures of the same frame so bright windows and dark corners both show detail. Standard in listing photography.
• Flambient: a blend of a flash exposure and an ambient (natural light) exposure, giving clean color with natural light. Common in higher-end interior work.
• Window pull: an edit that brings the view outside the window back into the frame instead of a white glare.
• Verticals: vertical lines (walls, door frames) kept straight, not leaning. A mark of professional editing.
• Color cast: an unwanted tint from mixed lighting or reflections, like a green wall tinting a white ceiling.
• Hero shot: the primary photo, usually the front exterior.
• Detail shot: a close frame of a feature or finish.
• Sky replacement: swapping a gray sky for a natural blue one in editing.

Editing and staging terms

• Virtual staging: adding digital furniture to photos of empty rooms; must be labeled. See disclosure.
• Virtual twilight (day-to-dusk): editing a daytime exterior to look like dusk.
• Declutter / item removal: digitally removing belongings or temporary objects.
• Lawn enhancement: greening and evening out grass in editing, within limits.
• Revision: a requested change to a delivered photo.
• Rush edit: faster-than-standard editing turnaround.

Delivery terms

• MLS size: photos resized for MLS upload; KONAH's MLS set is 2048 pixels on the long side.
• Full resolution: the largest files, for print.
• Unbranded: media without agent name, phone or logo, required for most MLS tour fields.
• Branded: the same media with your branding, for your own marketing.
• Sneak peek: a few finished photos sent early.
• Media library: where every delivery is kept in your portal.

Video terms

• Walkthrough: a horizontal video touring the home.
• Cinematic film: a mood-driven video with music, often for luxury listings.
• Reel: a short vertical (9:16) video for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube Shorts.
• Agent-on-camera: a video where the agent appears and talks.
• B-roll: supporting footage cut between main shots.
• Gimbal: a stabilizer that keeps camera movement smooth.
• Frame rate (fps): frames per second; 24, 30 and 60 are common.
• Aspect ratio: the frame's shape, like 16:9 (horizontal) or 9:16 (vertical).

3D and floor plan terms

• Matterport: a 3D capture system that creates a navigable model of a home.
• Dollhouse view: the cutaway 3D view of a whole home from a Matterport tour.
• Digital twin: another name for a 3D model of a real space.
• 2D floor plan: a flat drawing of the layout, often with dimensions.
• GLA (gross living area): finished, above-grade living area as appraisers generally measure it.
• ANSI Z765: a national standard for measuring single-family home square footage. See floor plans and square footage.
• Below grade: space partly or fully below ground level, like most basements.

Drone and airspace terms

• Part 107: the FAA's rule for commercial small drone operations, and the remote pilot certificate it requires.
• Remote ID: the FAA requirement for most drones to broadcast identification and location during flight.
• Controlled airspace: airspace around airports where authorization is needed to fly.
• LAANC: the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, which lets Part 107 pilots request authorization near many airports, usually answered in minutes.
• SFRA: the Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area, described by the FAA as a 30-mile radius around Reagan National with a 15-mile inner ring.
• FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone): the inner ring around Washington; KONAH's booking check uses 15 miles around Reagan National. Drone flights there need specific FAA authorization, which our pilots file.
• TFR: a temporary flight restriction, for events, VIP movements or emergencies.
• NOTAM: a Notice to Air Missions, the FAA's official notices about airspace changes.
• B4UFLY: an FAA-supported app showing airspace status at a location.
• Visual line of sight: the Part 107 requirement to keep the drone visible to the pilot.

Try our drone airspace checker.

Listing and MLS terms

• Primary photo: the first photo, shown in search results.
• Virtual tour field: the MLS field for a tour link, usually unbranded.
• Disclosure: a label or remark identifying edited or staged images.
• Syndication: the MLS sending listings to portals and other sites.
• License: the permission to use photos the photographer owns. See who owns listing photos.

Short-term rental terms

• Photo tour: a room-by-room photo layout on rental platforms.
• Amenity shot: a photo showing a feature guests filter for, like a hot tub or workspace.
• Refresh shoot: new photos after changes or seasonally.

Twilight and timing terms

• Golden hour: the period before sunset with low, warm light.
• Civil dusk: when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon; the end of the best twilight window.
• Blue hour: the deep blue sky just after sunset.
• Backlit: when the sun is behind the subject, putting the front in shadow.

Plan with the twilight planner.

Business terms you'll see at KONAH

• KONAH Creator: the photographers, videographers, drone pilots and editors who shoot and edit for KONAH.
• Add-on: an extra you can add to a package at checkout.
• Core area: places with no travel fee. See booking outside our area.
• Headshot Day: an on-site headshot session for a brokerage or team.

Software and workflow terms

• Client portal: where KONAH clients book, track orders, download media and use add-on software. See the platform.
• Property website: a single-property site with a gallery, details and contact form, in branded and unbranded versions.
• Social kit: ready-made "Just Listed" and "Just Sold" graphics from your photos.
• Brand Kit: your saved headshot, logo, colors and license line, used on flyers and social kits.
• CRM: customer relationship management software for leads and follow-up. See KONAH CRM 2.0.
• Transaction coordinator: a person or software that tracks contract dates and paperwork.

Rights and compliance terms

• Copyright: the legal ownership of a creative work, usually held by the photographer.
• Non-exclusive license: permission to use something that others may also be permitted to use.
• Fair Housing: laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, including in advertising. Describe homes and places, not people.
• Not legal advice: the label on general guides; your attorney and broker advise on specific situations.

Missing a term?

Ask us. If a photographer, editor or pilot uses a word you don't know, call or text 571-839-5133 and we'll explain it in plain English, then add it here so the next agent doesn't have to ask.