James Avera's Blog

Are you using HDR photos to showcase your listings?

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:06:47 -0700

I found a really great article on HDR photos and how to use/process them correctly. If you'd like more info please read below. If you'd like to schedule an appointment give us a call, we'd be deligted to help.

Applying HDR Judiciously In Real Estate Photography

Using High Dynamic Range (HDR) technique can dramatically improve your real estate photography. But how much is just right? This excellent video gives examples of the good, the bad and the ugly of HDR photography:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp9XGdyYvwU

Notice how turning on the lights in the indoors shots make such a great difference.

After you’ve seen these without and with HDR images, don’t you want to take all your pictures with HDR from now on? Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Representing the reality of your listings is important because you want to avoid accusations of misrepresenting them (pictures look much better than reality). You want to use HDR so you can accurately represent your estates.

One important thing the video does not mention is the proper use of White Balance to correct colors under artificial lighting (indoor photos). As this article points out, the whites are not real whites, though there is indication of color correction. Auto White Balance (AWB) usually does not do a good job under artificial lighting and you need to switch to manual WB. The author proposes using multiple small speedlights to light your indoor shots, but that’s easier said than done and can introduce more problems than it’s worth. Anyway, obtaining accurate white balancemanually is pretty simple and most decent digital cameras will allow you to quickly (and easily) set it.

What do you need to take HDR shots? Almost any camera will do as long as you can dial in an exposure compensation. Plus you’ll need an HDR software such as Photomatix. If your camera has an Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB) feature, all the better because you can take 3 or more shots with just one click of the shutter.

Are there cameras that do in-camera HDR processing. Yes, but results vary and never as good as when you manually do it.

Below are some examples of our latest work:

New Virtual Tour and Photos 6081 Stonechase Blvd Pace, FL 32571

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:39:36 -0700

Another beauty by Paragon Home Builders!

6081 Stonechase Blvd Pace, FL 32571
$227,154 4 Bed, 3 Bath | 2,358 Sq Ft on 0.25 Acres (10,890 Sq Ft Lot) | MLS #390959

TOUR LINK
http://media.homestore.com/HLEJG449.htm

New home in the beautiful gated community of Stonechase. Brick arch in foyer, Large kitchen with 42" cabinets,granite countertops, hop-up ceilings in master bedroom & dining room, wood flooring in the foyer, italian porcelain tile in all wet areas and so much more.

New Virtual Tour and Photos 9020 Victoria Cr Gulfport MS 39503

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:36:37 -0700

$475,000 4 Bed, 4.5 Bath | MLS #229882 |

TOUR LINK
http://media.homestore.com/HJNY5DDL.htm

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: 10-Gulfport-SE
County: HARRISON
Subdivision: Brighton Place
4 total bedroom(s)
4.5 total bath(s)
4 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Two story
Type: House
Master bedroom
Living room
Dining room
Kitchen
Hardwood floors
Fireplace(s)
Swimming pool(s)
2 car garage

New Virtual Tour and Photos 48 Shoreline Dr. Gulfport MS 39503

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:34:51 -0700

$688,000 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath | MLS #229017

New Youtube Presentation and Photos 2112 Nan Wright Way Mobile, AL 36695

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:33:20 -0700

$179,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath | 1,770 Sq Ft | MLS #213612

New youtube presentation, virtual tour and photos...1500 Dauphin St Mobile AL 36604...YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS ONE!

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:57:16 -0700

Fabulous midtown home ready to move in.
It exudes old southern charm while balancing all of the upgrades essential for the modern family! Check it out!

1500 Dauphin St Mobile AL 36604
$389,900 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath | Approx. 2,700 Sq Ft.

Youtube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srkt3Socg2I

Virtual Tour Link:
http://media.homestore.com/H586D22Y.htm

We had some pretty amazing weather over the weekend in Mobile AL...

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:21:45 -0700

Such a beautiful break in the cloudy sky

I just so happened to be outside just in time to catch this. We had some pretty amazing clouds behind my home and a double cluster rainbow in the other direction. WOW....so lucky to have witnessed this. BTW, the home across the street (the white one with the rainbow above it) is FOR SALE BY OWNER. :)

New Virtual tour, youtube presentation and Photos 6090 Stonechase Blvd Pace, FL

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:17:55 -0700

VIRTUAL TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HHTV4JJS.htm

YOUTUBE PRESENTATION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltK1IQUomg

Pace's newest gated community.

THE SUBDIVISION WILL FEATURE:
PATIO HOMES WITH PRICES STARTING IN THE $140'S
AND ESTATE HOMES STARTING IN THE $190'S.

GATED COMMUNITY, ON SITE SECURITY, PICNIC AREA AND SO MUCH MORE......

THERE ARE OVER 250 HOMESITES IN "PHASE I"
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRESALE!!

OVER 600 HOMESITES PLANNED!!!!

Hwy 90 turn North on Woodbine Road, go to Quintette Road turn left (west) Community entrance 1.6 miles on the left. (across from water tower).

For more information visit the Model Homes
6090 Stonechase Blvd.
&
6065 Dunridge Drive
(850) 994-9274 Model Home

or call Chad Allen at (850) 902-7745

MODEL HOURS:
Monday-Saturday 11:00-5:00 & 1:00-5:00 on Sundays

New Virtual Tour and Photos14012 Bay Sweep Drive Ocean Springs MS 39564

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:15:51 -0700

$625,000 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath | MLS #228428 |

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HXX63KKA.htm

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: 20-OceanSpring
County: JACKSON
Subdivision: Gulf Hills
3 total bedroom(s)
3.5 total bath(s)
3 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Style: Contemporary, Tri-Level
Master bedroom
Dining room
Family room
Kitchen
Den
Fireplace(s)
1 car garage

Presented By:
Sherry Owen
Owen and Co
OFFICE: (228) 822-9870
FAX: (228) 822-2818
Mobile: (228) 760-2815
Broker: (228) 822-9870

New Virtual Tour 12 English Turn Ct New Orleans LA 70131

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:34:07 -0700

12 English Turn Court New Orleans, LA 70131
$465,000 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath | 3,179 Sq Ft | MLS #834092

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HTZLPMM5.htm

GREAT OPPORTUNITY-GREAT CONDITION-MASTER DOWN-2 BEDROOMS UP W/DEN & SEPARATE FITNESS ROOM-WOOD FLOORS-FOYER,DINING, FAMILY & MASTER BEDROOM-GREAT KITCHEN INCLUDES REFRIGERATOR-EXTENDED TERRACE OFF COVERED PATIO IS GREAT FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING-LUSH LANDSCAPING

Presented By:
Glenn Mediamolle
English Turn Limited Partnership
Office: (504) 392-9100

New Virtual tour and Youtube Presentation 4 Minnich Ct Fairhope, AL 36532

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:19:09 -0700

I love the music choice in this one...almost reminds me of the intro from desperate housewives!

Virtual tour link: http://media.homestore.com/H2MTCYYW.htm

Youtube Presentation:

4 Minnich Ct Fairhope, AL 36532 $825,000 3 Bed, 3 Bath | 3,074 Sq Ft | NOBILE MLS #211101 | BALDWIN MLS # 163940 Property Features County: BALDWIN Subdivision: CLEARPOINT Year Built: 2008 3 total bedroom(s) 3 total bath(s) 3 total full bath(s) Approximately 3074 sq. ft. Hardwood floors Fireplace(s) Fireplace features: Gas fireplace logs Heating features: Central Central air conditioning Exterior construction: Stucco Approximate lot is 50X74

New Virtual Tour and Photos 238 Spinnaker Dr Slidell LA 70458

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:15:10 -0700

598,500 5 Bed, 4.5 Bath | 4,700 Sq Ft | MLS #829372

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HAMETLLB.htm

Elegant custom built quality*12/11'ceilings*wood doors w/transomes*triple crown*Italian marble,wood,tile flrs*Living area w/gas log frpl,bookcase,wetbar,window wall overlooking 29x13cov patio*formal dining*den/study w/wetbar & frig opens to balcony*gamerm up*custom cabinets baths&kitchen w/3cm black granite handflamed*rangehood handmade w/bronze metal*lg.wine cooler*2MSTR BEDRMS one w/bay sitting area*4zoned heatingA/C sys*dock boathouse w/hoist*

Presented By:
BETTY NEWMAN

North Shore Waterfront Specialist
Office: (985) 845-8885
Toll Free: (877) 845-8885
Fax: (985) 845-4532

New Virtual Tour and Photos **812 Canebrake Dr Ocean Springs MS 39564

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:12:08 -0700

$415,000 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath | MLS #227394

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HFZNCYYW.htm

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: 20-OceanSpring
County: JACKSON
Subdivision: Canebrake
4 total bedroom(s)
3.5 total bath(s)
3 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Type: House
Style: Acadian
Master bedroom
Dining room
Family room
Kitchen
Den
Hardwood floors
Fireplace(s)
2 car garage

Presented By:
SHERRY L. OWEN

Opening Doors For You!
OFFICE: (228) 822-9870
FAX: (228) 822-2818
Mobile: (228) 760-2815
Broker: (228) 822-9870

New Virtual tour and Photos 7037 Rolling Green Dr Pass Christian MS 39571

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:10:00 -0700

New Virtual tour and Photos ****7037 Rolling Green Dr Pass Christian MS 39571****

485,900 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath | MLS #227453

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HXJHGZZ7.htm

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: 06-PassChristn
County: HARRISON
Subdivision: The Oaks in PC
4 total bedroom(s)
3.5 total bath(s)
3 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Story and a half
Style: Acadian
Master bedroom
Dining room
Family room
Den
Office
Hardwood floors
Fireplace(s)
Swimming pool(s)
2 car garage

Presented By:
SHERRY L. OWEN

Opening Doors For You!
OFFICE: (228) 822-9870
FAX: (228) 822-2818
Mobile: (228) 760-2815
Broker: (228) 822-9870

New Youtube Video Presentation * 22627 Alice Lane Fairhope AL 36532 *

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:48:25 -0700

22627 Alice Lane Fairhope, AL 36532
$569,000 5 Bed, 4.5 Bath | 4,508 Sq Ft | MLS #144468

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywV9eDpODAY

BEAUTIFUL HOME in the Flying Creek community, located in Fairhope AL.
Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: Fairhope/Point Clear
County: Baldwin
Subdivision: Flying Creek
Year Built: 1988
5 total bedroom(s)
4.5 total bath(s)
4 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Approximately 4508 sq. ft.
Three story

Presented By:
The Judy Niemeyer Team

Your Real Estate Professionals
Mobile: (251) 583-5020
Office: (251) 928-9265

New Youtube Video Presentation * 61 N Hawthorne Pl, Mobile, AL 36608 *

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:09:11 -0700

61 N Hawthorne Pl Mobile, AL 36608
$584,900 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath | 3,600 Sq Ft on 0.35 Acres (15,245 Sq Ft Lot) | MLS #168404 |

VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjqttwttE-A

ONE YEAR builders warranty!! Construction complete on this custom home in sought after Kingswood Subdivision. Some of the upgrades include beautiful Australian Cypress wood floors, granite counter tops, crown molding, recessed lighting, hardiplank exterior, 10 ft ceilings downstairs, 9ft ceilings upstairs, 2 AC units and a 3 car garage. The large kitchen includes stainless appliances, gas cook top, custom cabinets with plenty of storage space. A sunroom off the living area supplies natural sunlight that magnifies the beauty of the wood floors. The master bedroom features a large walk in closet, huge master bathroom with beautiful custom tile designs, granite counter tops, jacuzzi tub with separate shower. The three bedrooms upstairs provide built in computer desks. The guest bathrooms consist of custom tile designs and granite counter tops. Also, the builder added the excellent benefits of Cellulose insulation, a vent less fireplace, tank less hot water heater and pre-wired for a natural gas generator.

New YOUTUBE video of 736 South Mobile Street Fairhope, AL 36532

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:32:08 -0700

736 South Mobile Street Fairhope, AL 36532
$2,750,000 5 Bed, 5.5 Bath | 5,000 Sq Ft | MLS #161723 |

VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8KPVOjwpPM

TRUE BAY HOUSE, MAGNIFICENT PROPERTY, PRIVACY, WINDING DRIVE, CLOSE TO TOWN, PRISTINE LOCATION, OVER 100 FRONT FEET, WIDE SANDY BEACH, PIER WITH DOUBLE BOAT LIFT- 5/6 BEDROOMS, OPEN FLOORPLAN, GREAT KITCHEN, DOUBLE FIREPLACE WITH GAS LOGS, OVERSIZED DINING ROOM, MASTER + BEDROOM DOWN, DOUBLE STAIRCASE. SPRINKLER SYSTEM ON A SEPARATE WELL.

Presented By:
The Judy Niemeyer Team

Your Real Estate Professionals
Mobile: (251) 583-5020
Office: (251) 928-9265
Fax: (251) 928-6154

New Virtual Tour and PHOTOS! 736 S Mobile St Fairhope AL 36532

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:27:12 -0700

736 South Mobile Street Fairhope, AL 36532
$2,750,000 5 Bed, 5.5 Bath | 5,000 Sq Ft | MLS #161723 |

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/HUGAPNNZ.htm

TRUE BAY HOUSE, MAGNIFICENT PROPERTY, PRIVACY, WINDING DRIVE, CLOSE TO TOWN, PRISTINE LOCATION, OVER 100 FRONT FEET, WIDE SANDY BEACH, PIER WITH DOUBLE BOAT LIFT- 5/6 BEDROOMS, OPEN FLOORPLAN, GREAT KITCHEN, DOUBLE FIREPLACE WITH GAS LOGS, OVERSIZED DINING ROOM, MASTER + BEDROOM DOWN, DOUBLE STAIRCASE. SPRINKLER SYSTEM ON A SEPARATE WELL.

Presented By:
The Judy Niemeyer Team

Your Real Estate Professionals
Mobile: (251) 583-5020
Office: (251) 928-9265
Fax: (251) 928-6154

New Virtual Tour 500 Beau Chene Drive Mandeville, LA 70471

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:25:07 -0700

500 Beau Chene Drive Mandeville, LA 70471
$449,500 4 Bed, 2.5 Bath | 3,326 Sq Ft | MLS #830606

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/H5CCTKKA.htm

Beautiful all brick one story on golf course. Formal living and dining rooms, large kitchen and breakfast area opens to family area with 2nd fireplace. Master suite offers sitting area plus its own entrance to patio. Wall of windows overlooks brick patio featuring lush landscaping with panoramic golf course views. Minutes to I-12 or Causeway Bridge offers easy commute to New Orleans, Baton Rouge or the Mississippi gulf coast.

Presented by
JUDY PALISI

JUDY PALISI SELLS THE NORTH SHORE
Office: (985) 674-5655
Mobile: (985) 630-6676
Home: (985) 845-8492

New Virtual Tour 28137 Louisiana Polo Farms Road Folsom, LA 70437

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:22:53 -0700

28137 Louisiana Polo Farms Road Folsom, LA 70437
$1,300,000 5 Bed, 3.5 Bath | 4,024 Sq Ft on 20 Acres | MLS #826151 |

TOUR LINK:
http://media.homestore.com/H2KNRQQF.htm

Residence designed w/open floor plan featuring gourmet kitchen equipped w/ 48 inch Viking Stove w/griddle & dual self cleaning ovens, Miele dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, Sub Zero temp wine cooler, U-line icemaker, island prep sink, stainless farmer’s main sink including 2 large pantries w/pull out shelving. Top quality 1 ¼ inch seamless granite counter tops, Travertine marble flooring plus Prestige hickory cabinetry. Lg. master suite w/French doors leading to front & rear porches. Master bath & closet offers Travertine flooring w/solid marble his & her vanities. Separate glass enclosed shower w/dual shower heads plus large whirlpool. Master closet equipped w/built-ins & its own high end large stacked washer & dryer. 3 gas on demand water heaters for residence & garage apartment. Oversized 42x32 garage with three 10x10 garage doors, 12’ ceiling, half bath w/plenty room for workshop. Unfinished 740 sq.ft. apartment over garage w/large full bath w/jetted tub. Wired & plumed for efficiency kitchen w/heat & A/C installed.

Presented by
JUDY PALISI

JUDY PALISI SELLS THE NORTH SHORE
Office: (985) 674-5655
Mobile: (985) 630-6676
Home: (985) 845-8492

New Video Tour 26390 Peach Cir Shorewood, MN 55331***

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:30:46 -0700

$599,900 4 Bed, 3 Bath | 3,822 Sq Ft on 0.94 Acres (40,946 Sq Ft Lot) | MLS #3842076

TOUR LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngerdi_5fOI

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: Lake Minnetonka
County: Hennepin
Year Built: 1993
4 total bedroom(s)
3 total bath(s)
Approximately 3822 sq. ft.
Two story
Style: Two Stories
Office
Basement
Laundry room
2 fireplaces
3 car garage
Attached parking

New Video Tour 29635 St George St Daphne AL 36526

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:01:45 -0700

29635 St George St Daphne, AL 36526
$339,000 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath | 3,400 Sq Ft on 0.34 Acres (14,810 Sq Ft Lot) | MLS #204849

VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-ZKXi-NH68

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: 42
County: BALDWIN
Subdivision: HISTORIC MALBIS
Year Built: 2000
4 total bedroom(s)
3.5 total bath(s)
3 total full bath(s)
1 total half bath(s)
Approximately 3400 sq. ft.
Single story
Dining room
Hardwood floors
Fireplace(s)
Fireplace features: Gas fireplace logs
2 car garage

New Video Tour 20240 Cottagewood Ave Deephaven MN, 55331

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:41:37 -0800

TOUR LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q25pK3XNP8U

$499,000 4 Bed, 2 Bath | 2,614 Sq Ft | MLS #3882333

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: Lake Minnetonka
County: Hennepin
Year Built: 1958
4 total bedroom(s)
2 total bath(s)
Approximately 2614 sq. ft.
Single story
Style: One Story
Basement
Laundry room
2 fireplaces
2 car garage
Attached parking
View
Lake view
Approximate lot is 117x113x120x97
School District: Minnetonka

New Video Tour 1308 W 24th Street Minneapolis, MN 55405

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:54:12 -0800

During the month of February, several of my clients gave away a free video tour with all newly contracted/staged homes. These videos are made up of photos taken by each individual franchise, their graphics and property info. Over the next few weeks, we will feature a new video daily.

TOUR LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-muAVmwePo

1308 W 24Th St Minneapolis, MN 55405

$299,900 4 Bed, 3 Bath | 2,242 Sq Ft on 0.05 Acres (2,178 Sq Ft Lot) | MLS #3873866

Property Features
Single Family Property
Status: Active
Area: MPLS-Calhoun-Isles
County: Hennepin
Year Built: 1913
4 total bedroom(s)
3 total bath(s)
Approximately 2242 sq. ft.
Two and a half story
Style: More Than Two Stories
Dining room
Basement
1 car garage
Attached parking
Approximate lot is 38.5 X 47
Approximately 0.05 acre(s)
Lot size is less than 1/2 acre
School District: Minneapolis

Similar yet different....

James Avera (AD Photography - Graphic Design) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:35:30 -0800

Many of my clients are franchises of the company Showhomes. We service clients from New Jersey, to Miami, to Orange County and back to Minneapolis MN. While we adhere to a strict graphic standard, we also develop a identity for each office. Many of the offices are currently running a promotion that offers a free video tour when you contract during the month of February. Below are examples of 2 ads we created that display just how different you can be in your advertising. If you would like to see an example of one of the video tours, please click the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN5Wz6ak2ts

James Avera's Blog

Are you using HDR photos to showcase your listings?

New Virtual Tour and Photos ***6081 Stonechase Blvd Pace, FL 32571***

New Virtual Tour and Photos ***9020 Victoria Cr Gulfport MS 39503***

New Virtual Tour and Photos ***48 Shoreline Dr. Gulfport MS 39503***

TOUR LINK

New Youtube Presentation and Photos ***2112 Nan Wright Way Mobile, AL 36695***

Youtube Link

New youtube presentation, virtual tour and photos...1500 Dauphin St Mobile AL 36604...YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS ONE!

We had some pretty amazing weather over the weekend in Mobile AL...

New Virtual tour, youtube presentation and Photos ****6090 Stonechase Blvd Pace, FL****

New Virtual Tour and Photos****14012 Bay Sweep Drive Ocean Springs MS 39564****

New Virtual Tour ****12 English Turn Ct New Orleans LA 70131****

New Virtual tour and Youtube Presentation ***4 Minnich Ct Fairhope, AL 36532***

New Virtual Tour and Photos ****238 Spinnaker Dr Slidell LA 70458****

New Virtual Tour and Photos ****812 Canebrake Dr Ocean Springs MS 39564**