Former Gang Detective Launches Real Estate Photography Business Serving Southwest Florida

Joe Alusma, who retired in May 2026 after seven years in law enforcement, including two as a street gang detective, has launched Alusma Property Media, offering HDR photography, cinematic video and drone imagery to agents across Southwest Florida.

By Herald Staff · Nov. 4, 2026, 1:05 PM ET

Joe Alusma, founder of Alusma Property Media, during his years in law enforcement — Joe Alusma during his years in law enforcement. (Image supplied by Joe Alusma) Photo: Joe Alusma / Alusma Property Media, supplied by the subject.

ESTERO, Fla. — Joe Alusma, a former law enforcement officer who spent his final two years on the job as a street gang detective, has launched Alusma Property Media, a real estate photography and videography business serving agents, brokers, homeowners, and property professionals across Southwest Florida.

The company works throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers, offering professional HDR real estate photography, cinematic property videos, aerial drone photography, and video content for listings and social media. It advertises a 24-hour turnaround on photos.

From Public Service to Private Enterprise

Alusma, who was born and raised in Naples, served seven years in law enforcement before retiring in May 2026. He is a first-generation Haitian American, a husband, and a father.

He said the decision to leave was driven by his family and his faith. He wanted a career that would let him continue providing for his family without putting his life at risk, and he felt it was time to close that chapter and pursue a new one. Photography and videography had been longtime passions that he pursued on the side throughout his law enforcement career.

His years in policing included a serious line-of-duty injury. In early 2022, while responding to a domestic violence call, Alusma suffered multiple severe facial injuries, including a fractured palate and a shattered right orbital floor. He underwent five surgeries, beginning with major reconstructive surgery, and dealt with double vision for two years. After his fifth surgery succeeded, he returned to duty and was later promoted to the street gang unit, where he served as a detective.

Joe Alusma, founder of Alusma Property Media, with his camera. (Image supplied by Joe Alusma)

Filling a Need for Listing Agents

Alusma said his business addresses a common problem in competitive real estate markets: poor-quality visuals can cause a property to be overlooked before a potential buyer ever schedules a showing. Agents, he said, need photography and video that capture a property's best features and stand out across listing platforms and social media.

His company pairs professional equipment and creative storytelling with what he describes as a dependable experience from booking to delivery.

Alusma credits his law enforcement background with shaping how he runs the business. "Seven years in law enforcement taught me discipline, accountability, attention to detail, and the importance of earning people's trust," he wrote, adding that he brings those qualities to every client and property.

He also documents his work publicly, posting behind-the-scenes videos of real estate shoots on social media that he films through Meta smart glasses, giving viewers a first-person look at how properties are photographed and filmed.

Plans for Growth

Alusma said he plans to expand throughout Southwest Florida, build relationships with real estate agents and brokerages, continue investing in equipment, and grow his behind-the-scenes content. Over the longer term, he hopes to teach and train others to start real estate media businesses of their own.

Asked for his guiding philosophy, Alusma cited scripture: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26).

His advice to other entrepreneurs is to trust the process, stay disciplined, and keep sight of why they started. "Don't underestimate the experiences you've been through or the skills you've developed along the way," he wrote. "Your story can become one of your greatest strengths."

Alusma Property Media can be found on Instagram at @alusmamedia, and a portfolio of the company's work is available online.

Provided by the subject and Alusma Property Media.