When Andrés joined Realkit, he brought more than just his camera, he brought an open mind, an open heart, and an energy that lights up every room he walks into. And boy, am I glad he did. If you haven’t had the pleasure of working with Andrés yet, do yourself (and your clients) a favor—book him now.
Andrés isn’t just a photographer; he’s a visual storyteller who brings properties to life with his cinematic touch. Whether he’s capturing the charm of lakefront estates in Gainesville, showcasing the grandeur of luxury homes in North Georgia, or framing the sleek lines of a high-rises in Atlanta, he does it all with a level of care and creativity that’s second to none.
But beyond his skills behind the camera, Andrés is simply a phenomenal person to be around. He’s the kind of guy who makes every shoot more enjoyable, someone who brings professionalism, passion, and just the right amount of humor to make the day feel effortless. He’s a magician with the camera, a natural conversationalist, and above all, just a genuinely good human being.
If you're lucky enough to have Andrés on your next shoot, expect not just stunning real estate photography but an experience that will leave both you and your clients impressed.
Realkit Photographer Q&A - Andres Grille
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and where you’re from?
A: My name is Andres Grille, and I’m originally from Puerto Rico. These days, I live in Dacula, Georgia, and work as a real estate photographer and videographer in Atlanta with Realkit. I also run my own company, Distance Productions, where I take on projects ranging from photography to filmmaking.
My passion for visual storytelling started early, and I’ve been fortunate to turn it into a career. I studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in South Beach, where I developed my skills in screenwriting, editing, and production. In 2019, I founded Distance Productions and have since worked on a variety of creative projects, from short films to commercial media.
Some of my proudest accomplishments include having my short film Long Time No See nominated for Best Comedy Short at the 2021 Atlanta ShortsFest and winning the 2023 Tabloid Witch Award for Best Cinematography for NOMAN. I also hold a bachelor's in Biology and a master’s in science and mental health, proof that my interests have always been a little all over the place. No matter what I’m working on, though, I’m committed to producing work that is both meaningful and visually striking.
Q: How did you first get interested in videography/photography?
A: It all started with a camcorder and a few toy trains. As a kid, I would recreate scenes from Thomas the Train on film, completely fascinated by how stories could come to life through a camera. That love for movies—especially Back to the Future—stuck with me, though I didn’t pursue it right away.
The real turning point came when I was working as a supervisor at UPS. At the time, I was attending acting school, and my manager, thinking I had filmmaking experience, asked me to create a safety video for a new facility. I said, “Sure!”—even though I had never made a professional video before. Within a week, I invested in equipment, learned everything I could, and put together the project. To my surprise, people loved it. That led to another video for a company-wide competition, which we ended up winning. That experience sparked something in me, and my wife encouraged me to take it further by going to film school. If you’re curious, here’s a link to that video: UPS SafetyVideo.
Photography came later, almost by accident. I initially used it as a way to improve how I framed my video shots, but over time, I realized how much I loved capturing single moments. Now, whether I’m working on real estate photography or crafting a cinematic real estate video tour, I bring that same passion for storytelling into everything I do.
Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
A: I’m a huge train enthusiast. There’s something about them—the history, the mechanics, the sound—that I find fascinating. I collect model trains, but I also love just watching them in action.
Beyond that, I enjoy exploring different towns and capturing their character through photography. It’s a great way to see new places and appreciate the details that make each spot unique. I also have a growing collection of vintage cameras, which has given me an even deeper appreciation for the art of photography. There’s something special about using old film cameras—it reminds me how much the craft has evolved and how much there is still to learn.
Q: What sets Realkit apart from other real estate media companies?
A: Realkit truly puts real estate agents and brokerages first. The company isn’t just about taking photos or videos—it’s about helping agents market their listings effectively. That means offering fast turnaround times, professional real estate photography, and high-quality listing videos that showcase properties in the best possible light.
One of the things I love about working with Realkit is how much they value their photographers. There’s a strong sense of collaboration, and that allows us to push creative boundaries while still delivering what clients need. Whether it’s a luxury home shoot or a virtual tour for a new listing, Realkit prioritizes quality and consistency, which makes a huge difference in a competitive market.
For anyone looking to improve their property listings, investing in high-quality real estate photos can make all the difference.
Q: What has been the most rewarding property or project you’ve worked on with Realkit, and why?
A: It’s hard to choose, but one that stands out was a shoot with Atlanta Realtor Teri Frye. I don’t remember the exact address, but I do remember the moment I saw homes in a new way. Up until that point, I had approached real estate video the way I would any other project—focusing on technical quality and composition.
That day, something clicked. Instead of just filming a house, I started thinking about how to create an experience for potential buyers. I treated the home like a movie set, paying close attention to how each shot felt. That project changed the way I approach real estate videography in Atlanta, and ever since, I’ve been focused on making every listing not just visually appealing, but immersive.
For anyone interested in what makes a great real estate video, this guide offers some fantastic insights into how video marketing enhances property listings.
Q: If you weren’t a photographer, what other career would you be great at?
A: If I weren’t in this field, I’d probably be an engineer. I love figuring out how things work and solving problems, which is what originally drew me to filmmaking in the first place.
I’ve also always been fascinated by space, so working for NASA would be a dream. And of course, I wouldn’t mind working on the railroad either—trains have been a lifelong passion of mine.
That said, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Photography and videography allow me to bring creativity, technology, and storytelling together in a way that feels completely natural to me. It’s exciting to think about where this journey might take me next.
