Thanks to all of my repeat clients who have helped my business to grow. I truly enjoy what I do for the real estate market and I love learning more each day about lighting, composition, digital processing, and logistics on commercial jobs. Here's the tear sheet of my first "cover".
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What feelings do these photos prompt in a buyer? Does the "here is a swimsuit for sale" mannequin photo make a buyer want to have that item? Or, does the "here is a wonderful lifestyle" photo elicit that "I need to have that swimsuit" emotion?
This straight-out-of-camera photo shows a living area in a luxury property. Period.
But this edited image shows a bright, sun-filled room with exquisite detailing. Buyers can picture themselves relaxing with a book or wandering out to the patio to lounge by the pool.
Buyers will click past photos that leave them feeling bored and uninterested. Turn up the volume on your property photos and grab their attention! Help your potential buyers to feel the space -- picturing themselves in the LIFESTYLE of the property.
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I picked up a copy of the newly updated book, "Success as a Real Estate Agent for DUMMIES", by Dirk Zeller, to see what he had to say about the relative importance of photography in selling houses today. Here is a synopsis of what the author writes in reference to Real Estate Photography:
1. Most home tours occur online before they occur in person. More than 90% of all buyers use the Internet to search and review homes . . . so visual information is essential to selling homes.
2. According to the National Association of Realtors, 42% of buyers find their home online and then contact the listing agent or their own agent. We've seen a 425% increase in buyers finding their next home through independent Internet searches.
3. The first rule of online property marketing is pictures, pictures, pictures.
4. When buyers encounter property listings with few photos, they reach one of several conclusions:
So, there you have it! "Pictures, Pictures, Pictures" says it all! Great photography plays a very important role in enticing prospective buyers to inquire further about a home.
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The photo shoot took about 90 minutes. The Photoshop compositing of 40+ images took about 6 hours! Viola!
Here is the base layer "before" image:
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A beautiful view of Port Canaveral from the oversized balcony of this luxurious condo in Cape Canaveral.
]]>A full-frame camera provides great resolution and low light capability. The ultra-wide lens allows me to capture small spaces and large rooms alike. Additional flashes work wonders with balancing bright windows with dark interiors. A sturdy tripod gives me the straightest and sharpest images possible. Then there's the "digital darkroom" back in my office -- that's where the magic happens! Lightroom and Photoshop are powerful tools that help turn good photos into superior images. All of this equipment is just part of the process which helps me to show off my client's properties, in the best "light" possible!
Here's the short list:
Camera Bag:
Canon EOS 6D full-frame camera
Normal Zoom Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4.0 L
Ultra-wide Zoom Lens: Canon 17-40mm f/4.0 L
Telephoto zoom: Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6
Spare Battery Packs
Remote Shutter release switch
Canon EOS 450D (back-up camera)
Ultra-wide Zoom Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6
Tripod Bag:
Monopod: Manfrotto 680B with 234RC head
Tripod: Manfrotto 190XProB ProAlum Bogen withManfrotto 324RC2 head
Light Stand: Velbon 451 tripod
Lighting Bag:
Canon Speedlight 430EX ii
2 Yongnuo 560 iii Flashes
Wireless Flash Trigger/Receiver set
42” Wescott 5-in-1 Reflector
2 Sto-fen Flash diffusers
Westcott 43” Optical White Satin collapsible Umbrella
18% Gray White Balance Card
Digital Darkroom:
Computer: 21.5” iMac
WD My Book 2TB External HD
Adobe Creative Cloud - Photoshop & Lightroom
Photomatix Essentials
LR/Enfuse Plugin
]]>I know that the above statement may seem exaggerated, but I feel it rings with truth. How are you going to prove to your clients, and to yourself, that you committed to selling top properties, if you are not willing to take the steps necessary to get there. Don't wait for those fantastic listings to walk through your door before you decide to ramp up your marketing plan.
"Be the change you wish to see!"
Professional DSLR Camera with Wide Angle LensNow this is a Master Bath!
]]>I chose just a few to post, but all of the pictures were small, dark, crooked, and off-colored. This is a beautiful home that is definitely not being shown in it's "best light" to potential buyers. In today's high tech world, people expect lots of GREAT pictures when browsing for homes on the web! A relatively small investment in Professional Photography will pay off big in the end with more viewings, a quicker sale, and a higher final sale price. It's been proven :D
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The top photo (from a point and shoot camera) was taken from the exact same position as the bottom photo! Can you believe it? My wide angle lens provides an expansive view of many smaller spaces -- when you just can't back up far enough! And the dark foreground with blown-out windows in the first photo, are transformed into the beautiful "welcoming" foyer shown in my final edited image. You be the judge! Which MLS photo will draw in the potential buyers?
]]>Homeowners deserve your best marketing plan and great photos are definitely a step in the right direction! For a relatively small investment, you can be sure that your property will stand out from other listings.
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