Don Hazelwood

On December 23, 2025, the DJI drone ban became operational policy. This policy an engineered market disruption. For real estate photographers and commercial operators who built businesses around DJI, the impact hits hard: uncertainty in replacement parts, rising costs, and platform transition expenses. Your current fleet is fine, until it isn't. Until you crash. Until this new non-market driven market forces you to pay more for less capable alternatives.

This month’s Burger Night paid tribute to the legendary Green Chile Cheeseburger from The Owl Bar and Café in San Antonio, New Mexico. Inspired by a standout stop on our 2021 cross country trip, I recreated the magic at home with homemade green chile, smashed patties, melted cheese, and grilled brioche buns. Simple, messy, and absolutely delicious.

This month’s Burger Night was special. Beth and I cooked burgers and tots for more than thirty residents and caregivers at the CaringHouse in Durham, a place offering support and housing to adults undergoing cancer treatment. A simple meal meant more than we expected, and the experience reminded us how food and connection can make a real difference.

DJI drones set the standard for real estate aerial photography, but U.S. restrictions are tightening. Imports face delays, new models may be banned, and future updates could stop. Current drones remain legal, yet long-term support and parts are uncertain. Real estate photographers should plan ahead, explore compliant options, and stay informed to keep their businesses flying strong.

When Zillow pulled all Matterport 3D tours from its listings, it created a ripple across the real estate industry. This isn’t just a tech dispute, it’s about control, visibility, and adaptability. Learn what the CoStar vs. Zillow battle means for showcasing homes, marketing strategy, and the future of virtual tours.

When it comes to burgers, few match the legend of the Jucy Lucy. This molten-cheese-filled masterpiece from Minneapolis has a story as rich as its flavor. In this month’s Burger Night, I share how two local bars sparked a friendly feud and how I put my own twist on the classic, complete with “shredduce,” Russian dressing, and plenty of napkins.

I couldn’t pass up National Cheeseburger Day, especially with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. To honor both the city of Buffalo and the American bison, I created a bold burger: a juicy 6-oz seasoned bison patty, grilled to perfection, layered with creamy blue cheese, drizzled with zesty Buffalo wing sauce, and finished with sweet pickles on a buttery, grilled Kimmelweck bun. A perfect bite for cheeseburger lovers and Bills fans alike.

I grew up Domino's pizza, Hamburger Helper, and TV dinners never knowing food could be more than fuel. In college my tastes expanded, but it was at a friend’s farm—biting into a sun-ripened tomato—that everything changed. I discovered freshness and seasonality matter as much as variety. Today I follow the rhythm of the farmer’s market, eating local and seasonal. It’s healthier, more sustainable, and a whole lot more delicious.

Sequencing in real estate photography is more than arranging photos—it’s about telling the story of a home. Starting with strong exterior shots, moving through the entryway, and highlighting key living spaces first, sequencing guides buyers as if they were walking through the property. This structure builds connection, reduces confusion, and keeps viewers engaged. Done well, it transforms sharp images into a compelling narrative that motivates buyers to take the next step.

After 4 years leading a multi-million-dollar sales organization with double-digit growth, I stepped back to take some time for myself, time to think about what I want life to look like moving forward.

Tomato paste - the age old debate of can vs tube.

Let's make the Caesar Salad great again ...