Demetrius Borges’ journey to the forefront of commercial real estate photography is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail. From his early days in Brazil, honing his skills at a bustling photography studio, to his current role as the founder of Map Drone Services in Miami, Florida, Borges’ career has been a dynamic blend of artistic vision and technical expertise.
With over 30 years of experience capturing images that resonate with viewers, we sat down with Borges to explore his insights on the evolving landscape of drone photography and the delicate balance between artistry and business acumen.
Borges’ foray into the world of photography began at the age of 16, fuelled by a natural curiosity and a burgeoning talent. This early passion led him to a unique trajectory, intertwining his artistic pursuits with a distinguished career in the Brazilian Air Force. For 30 years, he served in the Air Force while simultaneously working as a photographer at his father-in-law’s studio in Tijuca and Barra da Tijuca. This experience proved invaluable, immersing him in the fast-paced world of event photography, managing a large team of professionals, and capturing the essence of weddings, corporate gatherings, and commercial projects.
In 2016, Borges made the move to the United States, a pivotal decision that would shape the next chapter of his career. He embraced the world of photojournalism, founding 2B Art Studio LLC and partnering with ArcheiUSA Newspaper and being a correspondent photographer for Hama Editora – Noivas Rio de Janeiro Magazine. This allowed him to create content for publications in both the US and Brazil, while also contributing his talents to marketing campaigns, commercials, television shows, and even the prestigious Brazilian Film Festival in Miami.
Driven by a desire to expand his capabilities, Borges’ company evolved to encompass a wider range of services, including real estate, architecture, mapping, and event coverage. This expansion naturally led to the incorporation of drone technology into his repertoire. Given his background as a military of the Air Force obtaining an FAA license for drone flight was a seamless and logical progression.
The onset of the pandemic in 2020 spurred Borges to launch his second company, Map Drone Services, solidifying his position as a leader in aerial content creation. Today, his stunning aerial imagery has garnered over 18 million views on Google Images, a clear indication of the impact and reach of his work.
From Brazil to the US: A Focus on Commercial Real Estate
Reflecting on his entry into the world of commercial real estate photography, Borges explains,
“My journey into commercial real estate photography began back in Brazil, where I had already been working in professional photography and videography for over 30 years. However, this became a stronger focus about seven years ago, when I moved to Florida. The high demand for premium-quality imagery — especially in the luxury real estate market — inspired me to deepen my specialisation in this area.”
He adds,
“I started researching how this industry operates in the U.S., identifying gaps and recurring challenges that realtors were facing. Particularly with the quality and consistency of the visual materials they were receiving from local photographers at that time.”
Capturing the Unique Identity of a Property
For Borges, the most captivating aspect of commercial real estate photography lies in the individuality of each property.
“Every property has its own unique identity, and my job is to visually express that identity,” he emphasises. This requires a delicate balance between artistic interpretation and technical precision. “You need sensitivity to highlight the character of a space, but also strong technical skills to meet the specific demands of the real estate market — things like spatial accuracy, color correction, perspective control, and consistency.”
The Inherent Creativity in Commercial Photography
Borges firmly believes that creativity is not just an added bonus, but an essential ingredient in successful commercial photography.
“Yes, I absolutely believe that commercial photography, even though it often serves a functional purpose like promoting or selling a product or service, involves a strong creative component. In fact, it is the creativity that separates average work from more memorable, impactful imagery.”
Balancing Art and Commerce: A Delicate Dance
The challenge for many creatives lies in navigating the often-conflicting demands of artistic expression and commercial viability. Borges tackles this challenge head-on.
“It’s possible to be an artist while working on commercial projects — in fact, I see it as a key differentiator. Art is in how you interpret the client’s needs and translate them into images that create impact, connection and results. The key is balance: respecting the commercial objective without sacrificing the visual language that defines your artistic identity.”
He illustrates this point with a compelling example from his work with Brilliant Smiles of Boca Raton, a high-end dental clinic.
“The new management wanted a complete refresh of their brand image — something modern, welcoming and sophisticated.”
Borges’ solution was to employ soft lighting, clean tones, and balanced compositions, highlighting the architecture and fine details of the space while also capturing warm, professional portraits.
“I used drones to show the exterior and surrounding area, creating a complete visual experience for potential patients.” The results spoke for themselves. “The result went far beyond aesthetics: the images had a direct impact on the clinic’s digital presence, boosting their visibility on Google and increasing the number of new patient inquiries. Many of those new clients mentioned photography as a deciding factor.”
Borges emphasises the collaborative nature of his work, acknowledging the talented teams behind each project.
“Every project I photograph represents the meticulous work of a highly talented team: architects, designers, engineers, decorators — all of them with a clear and intentional creative vision. My role is to visually honour and elevate the project they’ve brought to life.”
He views his contribution as a means of promoting collective excellence.
“It’s extremely rewarding to know that through my lens, these professionals gain recognition, visibility and future opportunities. Promoting their work is also a way of promoting collective excellence — and I’m proud to be a part of that process.”
A Mid-Air Masterpiece: Precision, Artistry, and Courage
Reflecting on a particularly memorable project from his early career in Brazil, Borges recounts a daring aerial photography mission.
“In Brazil, back in 2000, I photographed a flight inspection aircraft in mid-air. It was a highly technical and demanding mission. I was onboard one aircraft, photographing another in flight. The entire process required real-time communication with two pilots, careful analysis of sunlight, positioning, timing and the pressure of shooting everything on analog film — with no room for error.”
This experience, he says, perfectly encapsulated the intersection of his military background and his passion for photography.
“That shoot brought together my military background and my passion for photography. The final images were not only technically successful, but also visually and emotionally powerful. They were published in aviation magazines and to this day, it remains one of the proudest moments of my career — a perfect example of the balance between precision, artistry, and courage.”
Adapting to the Changing Commercial Landscape
Borges notes the significant impact of remote work on the commercial real estate landscape.
“The commercial real estate landscape is changing — and the rise of remote work has played a big role in that. As a photographer, I’ve seen this shift up close over the past few years. Many of the spaces I photograph today look very different from what I used to see. Companies are now looking for smaller, more flexible spaces — sometimes even setting up inside high-end residential properties or moving away from traditional business centres.”
He believes that this shift has amplified the importance of high-quality commercial photography.
“I’ve noticed that the role of the commercial photographer has become even more valuable. Today, with so many companies operating remotely, the physical space has to speak for itself. That means the images become the main connection between the space and the audience — whether it’s for selling, leasing, or simply presenting a brand. Photography has taken on even more strategic importance.”
Photographing Spaces vs. Photographing People: Different Rhythms
Borges highlights the fundamental differences between capturing static structures and photographing people.
“The biggest difference between photographing static structures like buildings, interiors, and furniture and photographing people is the rhythm and nature of the interaction.” He elaborates on the deliberate and controlled nature of photographing spaces. “When I photograph a space, I have time to study every detail: the natural light, architectural lines, symmetry, materials, and spatial flow. It’s a technical and controlled process where I can plan each frame with precision. The structure doesn’t move — it’s there, waiting for me to bring out its best.”
In contrast, photographing people requires a different skill set.
“Photographing people, however, is a completely different experience. The emotional element takes centre stage. Each person responds to the camera in their own way. Every glance, every gesture is unique. In this type of work, you need connection, empathy, and timing. You have to create a comfortable environment, guide the session gently, and sometimes capture the perfect moment in a split second. It’s not just about good lighting — it’s about feeling the person.”
The Soul of a Space: Revealing the Silent Presence
Finally, Borges delves into the concept of a “soul” residing within inanimate objects and spaces.
“I do believe that even static objects and spaces have a “soul” — or rather, a silent presence that can be revealed through photography. This happens when the photographer has the sensitivity to perceive the intention behind every element: the curve of a chair, the texture of a wall, the way sunlight hits the floor through a window, the purposeful emptiness of a minimalist space. All of that carries an emotion, an energy.”
He concludes,
“That’s what gives soul to interior and architectural photography. It’s not just about what’s there — it’s about how it’s perceived. And that’s where the photographer’s eye comes in, turning structure into emotion.”
Demetrius Borges’ journey is an inspiring example of how a passion for photography, combined with technical expertise and unwavering dedication, can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. His insights into the evolving landscape of commercial real estate photography offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans alike. His commitment to capturing the “soul” of a space, whether through aerial drone shots or meticulously crafted interior compositions, sets him apart as a true artist in the field.
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