Real Estate Photographer Spotlight: Leo Luther Monteon
This week under the WindowStill Spotlight, we have Leo Luther Monteon!
Leo is one of our awesome photographers in San Antonio, Texas covering all of San Antonio as well as its surrounding cities including Helotes, Spring Branch, New Braunfels, Cibolo, and Converse. He shared what his days typically look like and a piece of advice he’d give to someone in his field.
Keep reading to see what he had to say…
What is your role at WindowStill and what does a day of work typically look like for you?
In my role as a Real Estate Photographer at Windowstill, I collaborate with local agents to enhance their property listings through compelling photos. A typical workday begins with preparing for a photo shoot. I ensure my camera equipment is ready, with a fully charged battery and a formatted memory card. After determining the shoot location, I plan my route, considering potential travel time and traffic.
Before leaving, I double-check that all essential tools, such as my camera, memory card, tripod, and wide-angle lens, are packed. Upon arrival at the photo shoot, I systematically turn on lights and open blinds to optimize natural and artificial lighting within the home. I meticulously inspect each room, checking for hidden spaces and ensuring fans are off.
After capturing interior shots, I move to the backyard for additional photos and conclude the session with front-of-house shots. Satisfied with the results, I head home to upload the photos for editing, ensuring the agent receives the finalized images the following day.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working?
Outside of my job, when I have free time, I usually stay home to play video games or watch movies. Occasionally, I head to the local batting cages to take some swings at baseballs. Recently, I got my hands on golf clubs, and my next goal is to practice at the driving range before hitting the golf course again.
During my downtime, I also engage in networking activities, attending mixers and events to connect with new agents. Since I don’t know many people in San Antonio, these gatherings help me step out of my shell and meet new faces.
What advice would you give to someone that’s new to your field and why?
The best advice that I would give to someone just starting is to “Just Do It” – not to borrow a phrase from Nike, but to emphasize the importance of putting yourself out there and connecting with people. Initially, I wasn’t the type to approach strangers and discuss my work, but since taking on this role, I’ve become more social and confident in engaging with others about my profession.
A strategy I particularly enjoy is introducing myself to fellow agents at open houses. Attending these events allows for one-on-one conversations, especially when there are fewer attendees. It demonstrates your proactive approach to business and portrays you as a go-getter. Many agents appreciate the dedication it takes to network in this way.
While there will be instances where agents already have a long-standing relationship with their photographer, being prepared is crucial. I’ve had situations where an agent reached out to me as a backup because their usual photographer was unavailable. Your opportunity can happen at any time and it is your job to be ready for when it happens!
What do you feel is the most important quality for someone in your field and why?
The most important quality to possess is a positive attitude. Balancing two jobs can be tiring, and there are days when I feel unmotivated. However, maintaining a positive mindset helps me navigate through those challenging days. Excuses won’t contribute to my success, and having a positive attitude reflects the type of person I am.
Being a go-getter and going above and beyond is noticeable to others, and it’s something they’re likely to share with others about you. Confidence is equally important. Taking pride in the effort that brought you to your current position hinges on the confidence you have in yourself to achieve success. Ultimately, you are the only person who can hinder your progress, so avoid holding yourself back with excuses.
Are You Ready to Book Leo Luther Monteon?
If you’re looking for a real estate photographer in San Antonio, we know just the person!
To schedule a shoot, reach out to us today.