Dynamite Listings Deserve Dynamite Pictures
March 14, 2007 |
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the pictures I was taking of our listings were only worth about 700 or so. I mentioned before that I invested in a new digital camera in order to spruce-up the presentation of our listings. I had no idea how much of an improvement it would make. Granted, the camera wasn’t cheap, but it has been worth every penny. Along with the monetary investment, I spent some time learning the camera, scouring the internet for good articles about real estate photography. I even received help from a client of ours who happens to be a professional photographer.
I have had the chance to take pictures of a few homes since purchasing the camera. I have been astonished by the results. I consider myself a pretty good learner, and I would like to think that these pictures are a result of my photographic aptitude, but I know that is only partly true. One thing is for sure, the camera is incredible. Take a look:
The pictures look good on their own, but if you could have been inside these homes when they were taken, you might be as amazed as I was. I wish I had taken the same pictures with my old camera to show the difference, but I didn’t think of that.
My favorite picture thus far is the one below. The picture is of a ground-level one bedroom apartment. The room has one window, which actually doesn’t go outside, but goes into a entry way. Needless to say, the lighting was less then ideal. The picture, however, shows just how great the space is. It really brings out the beauty of the room. Had I used my old camera for this picture, it simply would not have done the room justice.
I have learned a lot about photography in just a few weeks, and I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I discovered very quickly that in order to even have a chance at getting good pictures, a tripod is an absolute MUST. My head has spun a times with terms like ISO Speed, aperture, depth-of-field, exposure, and f-stop. While I know that I still have a lot to learn, I am willing. If what I still have yet to discover helps as much as what I have learned already, I know our clients will be thrilled. I even have plans to retake many of our old listing pictures.
After all, dynamite listings clients deserve dynamite pictures.
[tags] real estate, realtor, charlottesville, virginia, photography, real estate photography, marketing [/tags]
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Disclaimer
My name is Daniel Rothamel. I am a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a member of the National Association of REALTORS. As such, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and all laws with regard to equal housing, which is reflected in the content of this blog. My broker is Strong Team REALTORS, 86 Joshua Lane, Palmyra, VA 22963; (434) 589-5800. My VA Real Estate License number is 0225 077325. All of the opinions in this blog are mine, unless otherwise noted.
A good camera and basic knowledge of photography goes along way in real estate. I think real estate agents with no knowledge of photography should be encouraged to attend classes. It really can help.
I have had real estate agents call me and ask if they could use my pictures after I lost a listing to them and I always say yes. I have also had a real estate agent use pictures I have taken on their listings without asking.
[Reply]
[...] Original post by Daniel Rothamel [...]
[...] Don’t forget that you aren’t the only one who can help put your home’s best face forward. Your REALTOR should be doing things as well. The first of which is taking good pictures. Wouldn’t it be a shame if you made all the necessary improvements to your house, only to have buyers ignore it because the pictures didn’t show it off? Pictures will be the first introduction buyers have to your home, and they should be every bit as stellar as the home itself. [...]
[...] Daniel discusses how a decent (digital) camera can make all the difference when photographing homes in his blog, the Real Estate Zebra. [...]
[...] I pride myself on taking the best listing photos I can. I do so for a few different reasons. First, it is a matter of pride. Second, our clients deserve it. Third, I NEVER want to see one of my pictures on this site. [...]