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I see a lot of the photos that roll through our system. The vast, vast majority are shot at eye level.

It's certainly understandable. It's natural. But it's also unfortunate. There's a lot of ways to shoot any room and if you're shooting your own photos, exploring more of those ways is wise. Even a slight change in perspective can make a huge difference in how a room feels. And, because it will be a bit out of the ordinary, it could create some visual drama that will set the photo apart. 

Room Shot with Kodak v705 at eye level

The photo above on was shot using the Kodak v705’s ultra wide angle lens. You'll notice a couple of things about this photo if you look closely. First, the ceiling. There's nothing special about this ceiling, so you really don't need it in the photo. Second, the back of the couch. The back of the couch just gets in the way. When taking this photo, you want to minimize both of those. But at eye level, you really can't.

The photo below was shot from the exact same spot, only standing on a chair.

Room Shot with Kodak v705 standing on a chair

You'll notice that the ceiling is now nowhere to bee seen. The focus on the couch is also lessened, since we're seeing more of the sitting area and a lot more of the floor space. You want people to focus on the good stuff. You don’t want their minds to wander off thinking about anything other than what you want them to be thinking about. You may be looking at these two photos and saying, "yeah, I can see a difference, but it's not that big." No, it's not. But every little bit helps and sometimes the little things can make a big difference. 

So, next time you're shooting a room, give this a try. Just grab a nearby chair and change your perspective. It only takes a few seconds. Some shots might justify climbing up on a ladder to make it even more dramatic. See if it makes a difference for you. 

Note: I want to thank Martin Rodriguez for allowing me to use his family room for this post!

 
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114 Comments on Your Photos May Need A Change Of Perspective

I get on a chair, crouch on the floor, squeeze into a corner, stand in the tub... LOL

Whatever it takes to get the best shot of the room!  Thanks for bringing the subject up Jeff!

Have an awesome day!

05/19/2007 08:43 AM by "Antoinette" Scognamiglio ~ GRI Morris County, New Jersey Homes for Sale (Prudential New Jersey Properties)


Antoinette, I love some photos shot from the floor! I've done it many times. I did it once in a very small bedroom and it changed the feel dramatically. Yes, whatever it takes.

05/19/2007 08:46 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


I love that camera, been using it since February. Still haven't figured out all the ways to use it. But, I'm learning.

05/19/2007 08:46 AM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Realtor Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor)


Hey Jeff, I find this especially difficult being 5'1".  :)  Espcially exterior shots. I seem to get a lot of street in them. The cropping tool has become my best friend!  Maybe I'll keep a small ladderin the back of my car!  :)

Thanks for the great ideas!

05/19/2007 08:47 AM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


Missy... you will. Just press all the buttons. If you take a shot that doesn't look right, change the setting and shoot again. 

05/19/2007 08:47 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Stephanie, that's exactly what I would do. A ladder could be your best friend... or at least a fond acquaintance. :)

05/19/2007 08:48 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Jeff:

Great post; never thought very much about standing on a chair or trying to take a pic while on my back.  You have got me thinking now.

Advantages of the 705 versus the 570?

05/19/2007 08:51 AM by Ed DeChristopher, CRS©,Fredericksburg VA (RE/MAX Supercenter)


Great Great Idea.   Life always looks better from a different perspective.    

05/19/2007 08:52 AM by Blue Ridge Ga Real Estate >> Real Property in Blue Ridge Georgia (United Country Landmasters)


Good Morning Jeff,

 

Thanks for Sharing your views, It's 7AM for you and time for your walk to the Donut store.

05/19/2007 08:56 AM by Mitchell Jamel e-PRO Realtor (Brite Realty - Saint Augustine Florida)


Ed... the only difference is megapixels and you won't miss the extra one if you have the 570. The 610 as well. 

Doug... amen to that.  

05/19/2007 08:57 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Mitchell... see, now you went and made me smile.  Oddly enough, we aren't walking this morning. The first time in... I can't remember. My mom is in town and she's making her world famous Cinnamon Rolls. We hike every Sunday, though, so we'll work it off. :)

05/19/2007 08:58 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Jeff - Don't have it but have been considering one.  My friend Angus Woodbury recommended the 570 to me and I toyed a bit with his.  Am not exactly in the buying mode right now though; business is very slow in our (Fredericksburg VA) market.  I will consider your recommendation, however.

05/19/2007 08:59 AM by Ed DeChristopher, CRS©,Fredericksburg VA (RE/MAX Supercenter)


Ed, when you're ready you can't go wrong. It's the price, cheap, and the dual lens that sets it apart. 

05/19/2007 09:01 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Jeff ~ Martin has a very attractive family room.  Your suggestions certainly work wonders for making it look even more attractive in photos.

kk 

05/19/2007 09:02 AM by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Another interesting angle -- if the home has a nice living room or family room -- sit down on one of the chairs or sofas in that room -- find an appealing view -- and shoot from the chair.  This is the position from which people living there most often experience the room .... right?  :-)

The 610 as well.   Remeber the 610 does NOT have the wide angle lens.  It has the longer telephoto zoom.

05/19/2007 09:06 AM by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA


Kristal.. you're the master with the camera, in my opinion. When's the coffee table book coming out? :)

05/19/2007 09:06 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Cheryl... yes! Excellent suggestion. Love that.

05/19/2007 09:07 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


I'm just glad you didn't put one of my crappy pictures up there:) I'm just now starting to play with my new v705. I do like it but not certain I like the panaramic photos. I guess I'm just not used to seeing distorted walls. Maybe I just need less wall. Here's one I took yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The room looks crooked. Am I doing something wrong?

 

05/19/2007 09:19 AM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc


Good stuff. I try to get higher shots because of this very thing but sometimes you just have to go with what you got and hope for the best. Thanks for the tips!

05/19/2007 09:28 AM by Keith Pate (Coldwell Banker / HPW)


Last year I purchased a "skypod" - basically an expandable monopod that goes up 10'.  I use it for still photos as well as videos, as it does give a dramatic effect - and stands out among the 'average' photos that most people shoot.  It's also great for getting a tight shot in small rooms, such as bathrooms as well as great shots of these great rooms with cathedral ceilings which are so popular today.

Boring Kitchen 

Boring Kitchen

More interesting kitchen view     

 More interesting kitchen

 

05/19/2007 09:52 AM by Fred Light - Real Estate Video Tours for MA, NH & ME (Nashua Web Design | Nashua Video Tours)


Fred... these photos ROCK HARD! Nice work. And a better illustration of what I'm talking about than my example. Thanks for the link to the  SkyPod.

05/19/2007 09:58 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Bryant... was that stitched together in the camera from two shots or is that just using the wide angle lens?

05/19/2007 09:59 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Ok, I guess I'm gonna have to go to Fry's today and see if they have this camera.

05/19/2007 10:01 AM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


great advice...

and if you get on the floor and shoot up, it shows dramatic height and size for features like a voluminous ceiling, fireplace, balcony...

05/19/2007 10:37 AM by Boca Raton & Lake Worth Florida Real Estate Broker


It seems that people favor the photos from above.  Here is a set of before and after pics. The before is taken from above.  The after is taken from a slightly lower perspective.  I thinks it make the after photo look more dramatic.   

05/19/2007 10:48 AM by Maureen Henry - Rockland Home Staging (www.rocklandhomestaging.com)


I put this up on JustDugUp.com a while back, but you should check it out. The MonsterPod.

05/19/2007 10:48 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


I like the first photo where the ceiling is seen, not because the ceiling is seen, but because it gives the picture perspective.

05/19/2007 10:51 AM by Deborah Ryman, Realtor Beach Properties Santa Cruz County Vacation Homes (American Dream Realty, Santa Cruz, Capitola)


Jeff that is really cool.  I just purchased a monopod.  I am really happy with it but this could be a nice little gadget to have.

05/19/2007 10:56 AM by Maureen Henry - Rockland Home Staging (www.rocklandhomestaging.com)


Maureen and Deborah... it's going to be different for each room and each photo. The rule isn't "always shoot from above." The rule is "always look at things from a different perspective." One photo may require you to lay on the floor, the next from above. The next from a different angle. My point is that there is more to this than shooting from eye level.

05/19/2007 10:58 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Deborah... and of course, all of this is subjective. :)

05/19/2007 10:58 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Jeff,

WOW! What a difference! Thanks for sharing this great tip!

 

05/19/2007 11:06 AM by Suzanne Sands-Somerset, MA Real Estate (Century 21 Associates Realty)


Great tips Jeff. I'm looking for a new camera, I'll have to check out the v705.

05/19/2007 11:06 AM by Keith Jeppson - Salt Lake City Real Estate (Keller Williams Utah Realty)


We've shot many times for the floor and have had great results.  Never thought much about standing on a chair inside the house.  I have stood on pool furniture to get nice photos of pools and yards.

05/19/2007 11:06 AM by Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)


Amazing what different the position makes - the second shot looks so much bigger and better. I'll definitely have to keep this in mind. Thanks for the great tip.

05/19/2007 11:08 AM by Bettina Clairmont CPA (Bettina Clairmont)


Bryant - If you have Photoshop Elements (or Photoshop) you can fix that easy enough. 

Open the image.  Hit Select -> All.  Hit Image -> Transform -> Skew. 

Grab the lower right corner of the image, and pull it out until it looks right to you.  Grab the lower left corner and repeat.

That type of distortion happens with any wide angle lens.

05/19/2007 11:10 AM by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA


Great photos and I love the high ones especially for the bath. I've been using a 2-step stool for several years to shoot downward to show more floor - to enhance the appearance of more space. For the bath photo, how do you find the space to set up a ladder in a room such as a bath? Or were you standing on the vanity?

05/19/2007 11:20 AM by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)


Great tip Cheryl!!

Jeff, I didn't know I could do that. I just point and shoot. Am I missing something?

This is a great comment thread

05/19/2007 11:50 AM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc


Wow, this is a great post and thread. AR rules.

05/19/2007 12:01 PM by John Evarts (Classic Property Management of Santa Clarita)


i just bought the camera. Jeff, do you get a commission from Kodak?

05/19/2007 12:06 PM by John Evarts (Classic Property Management of Santa Clarita)


WOW Jeff and the rest of you guy took some nice pics. I am going to try this tip out. It's amazing on just changing a little angle can make bad pic into a good one. Thanks

05/19/2007 12:07 PM by Jeremiah Johnson (4 Sale Tours)


Nice. Thanks for the viewpoint Jeff. We need to be mindful of how to make our photo's standout...

05/19/2007 12:54 PM by Larry Morris, CMPS, Newberg Oregon (NW Lending Solutions)


Thanks Jeff....I love photography and love learning more about it.  I agree with  your post.  I also see a lot of photos taken of the front of homes by Realtors and it is real sad.  One thing I learned years ago that when taking photos of the front of a home is to get on the opposite side of where the garage is and to get down on one knee.  This gives a much better projection of the home. Thanks again for a great tip.

05/19/2007 02:19 PM by Boise Idaho Real Estate - George Tallabas (RE/MAX Advantage)


{SVW Hubba}...

I am really enjoying taking a break from Internet tools. My head hurts from all of that.

Just so you know I have been running around yelling "Photo Op". LOL.

When Blog Boy set the stove on fire the other day I forgot to get a picture of it.

That will not happen again :)

Thanks for all these great tips. I'm having FUN with it.

 

05/19/2007 02:22 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


I am about to get a new camera and I am also going to start doing some better photography. Thanks for bringing up the point.

05/19/2007 02:42 PM by T.U.P. Realty


I need a magnifying glass to read my book!  Gotta go online....Thanks for all your great tips!  One day I'm going to be a photographer, web designer, stager, etc. from learning all this stuff on here!

05/19/2007 02:49 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Nice idea, does offer a new perspective, yet not overwhelming.  So of the other options have given me pause for thought.  I liked the sky-pod although the chair is less expensive unless I fall off!

05/19/2007 03:17 PM by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)


The thing about photos is that they WORK so well for us in our profession. The offer a "vibe" that connects with our audience at a whole other level of understanding. So THANKS for this discussion. I'm really, really, really into photo-posts for that reason.

 Since most of my work is out on the land, I'm now looking for suggestions fromY'All from the exterior perspective..

05/19/2007 03:43 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Ok Jeff, Just bought the camera because I'm having a HECK of a time with one of my listings right now.  I had a stager out there today and I will hopefully get the camera mid-week.

I'll post before and after shots...Thanks again for the tips.

05/19/2007 03:53 PM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


I took some photos for another agent and the ceiling in the dining room had incredible details, so I got on my back down on the floor and starting shooting. She hadn't even thought to try and take it that way. Sometimes a slight change in direction (up, down, left, or right) really does make a difference.

05/19/2007 04:12 PM by Albuquerque Real Estate | Ashley Drake Gephart (Keller Williams Realty)


Great pics, i am going to tell my realtors about this!

05/19/2007 04:24 PM by Spokane Mortgage by Unlimited Lending


I just bought a tripod that takes pictures as if I'm holdling the camera (Kodak v705 I just got it!) above my head. Great camera, you sold me on it, thanks!

oh, I've read complaints about the lcd display...wow it is the worst I've ever seen! baffles me why they would not have improved it for the v705.

05/19/2007 04:38 PM by 2 Hounds Design: Toronto Decorator + Stager Dane Caldwell (2 Hounds Design + Home Staging)


An excellent reminder to think about what we're doing - perspective can really improve the "story" our photos tell. I have been known to stand on furniture or counters (carefully, shoes off of course) but hadn't thought to take a stool or ladder. I have a folding 3-step stool that will be going with me the next time I shoot a listing! Thanks Jeff. I also love Cheryl's idea about taking some from a sitting position. We have homes where you don't get the full impact of a view until you sit on the sofa, for instance. Good stuff! 

05/19/2007 06:16 PM by Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona)


Forgot to mention Fred Light's Skypod suggestion. I did go to their site, but it was not immediately evident to me...does it work with ANY camera? I imagine I'd need a pretty long cable to trip the shutter...any suggestions on where to get that? Haven't bought any camera equipment in a long time and am doubtless overdue for a new camera. Perhaps later this year....In any case it's nice to know about this so I can take it into account in my purchase planning. Thanks!

05/19/2007 06:20 PM by Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona)


Jeff, great points, as always. Especially love the before and afters. thank you.

05/19/2007 06:21 PM by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)


Beth... It's just got a regular tripod adapter... I use it on a Nikon Coolpix as well as a Sony HD video camcorder with no problem.  You WOULD need to have a swivel LCD screen though to see what you're doing from 10' down!

BTW, I have used it on top of my SUV outside to give it an 18' reach for some interesting exteriors.....

05/19/2007 06:27 PM by Fred Light - Real Estate Video Tours for MA, NH & ME (Nashua Web Design | Nashua Video Tours)


Great post and great responses.  Thanks for the photoShop tip Cheryl!

...Jay

05/19/2007 06:50 PM by Jay Burnham - The Coldwell Banker Guy (Coldwell Banker)


Jeff,

Very good advice.  Photos really do make a difference.  That goes both ways, bad and good.

Fran

05/19/2007 07:11 PM by Fran Gatti - Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods)


Jeff - What a great post! Although not the best photographer, I take LOTS of pictures of my clients homes and post as many as I can. I have gained some very good ideas from here. Thanks!

05/19/2007 07:45 PM by Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (ReMax Excel)


Awesome advice. I will take the suggestion next time I shoot. Keep it coming.

05/19/2007 07:48 PM by Janessa Mondestin, Rockland County Realtor (ERA TUCKER Associates, Inc.)


Great job Jeff, sometimes I'll crouch down on one knee and shoot from there. Guess I'll give he chair a try or maybe bring my portable step ladder too.

 

05/19/2007 07:58 PM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)


It's great to experiment from different angles.  I learn a lot by trial and error.  I'll surely try the higher angle approach.  I do like the skypod.  If nothing else it gives you another special tool that others don't have.  Just another talking point.

05/19/2007 09:04 PM by Tim Maitski "Secret Agent Guy" (HomeAtlanta.com)


Nice tip Jeff - it's also important to experiment with lighting. One thing you could do is light those candles, turn on the fireplace and the lamp =P

05/19/2007 09:53 PM by Abraham Chaffin - Cambria Real Estate (Sand Shell Realty)


Great post and comments!  I try to use natural light as much as possible, with fill flash as needed.

05/19/2007 10:20 PM by Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (Coldwell Banker Select Professionals)


So here's my take on this Mr. Tool Boy Turner.  As an architect, when I prepare renderings and perspectives for projects I design, there are many views to consider and the psychology of these is important.  Sometimes an ant's view point will make the scale of the building stand out, sometimes a bird's eye view is more appropriate - most interiors are done from a person's view point though. 

Photos from the top like you show may or may not suit the particular space, but it is certainly worth a try.  With every listing we get, I go to the property and take about 100 shots from different perspectives and then pick the best ones.  Your idea is a great one....and it may do it to stand on a chair, but don't use this every time because it does look like either a giant took the picture, or there's a stair or a double height living room.

05/19/2007 11:22 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Late to your party Jeff.  As unbelieveable as it sounds I haven't been on the computer much this weekend!!  *Shocker!*

I'm with Ines, I take beaucoup photos and then choose among them.  I do use your chair trick but since I'm probably a foot shorter than you, my standing-on-a-chair photo looks much like your "standing" photo.  :o)  My version is standing-on-a-chair-with-arms-over-my-head photo.

05/20/2007 06:51 AM by Sarah Cooper (Real Estate Shows)


Ines and Sarah... I thin your approaches are the right ones. In this day of digital cameras NOT taking tons of photos is a sin. You can delete the bad one and then use the ones that are good in all the different locations you need to use photos. You should be giving the consumer more views anyway. One way of shooting anything is not the answer. Using any method, eye level, on the floor, standing on a chair, every time is a bad idea. 

05/20/2007 09:37 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Great post, wonderful pictures, and useful tips. I never thought about standing on a chair to get a picture.

05/20/2007 10:40 AM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


Great points and comments!  I love going arty with the pictures, much more interesting.  I'm also a big fan of the crop tool as I usually don't have a ladder in my car.

05/20/2007 12:14 PM by Ana Connell (Exit Family Realty)


Well, I have to tell you. I almost didn't post this. But I'm glad I did. The conversation around this has been wonderful and I appreciate everyone jumping in with their opinions. Fabulous stuff.

05/20/2007 12:42 PM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Excellent Post Jeff.   Never really gave much thought besides taking photos from eye level, but your wonderful observation has given me better perspective (no pun intended).  :-)

Keep the interesting obeservations coming.   

05/20/2007 11:19 PM by Steve Mun, e-PRO, QSC (Keller Williams)


great blog and youre right the angle of the room definitly helps!

05/21/2007 08:39 PM by Scott Montgomery (Keller Williams, Serving Mclean, Arlington & Reston areas)


My signature photo used to be me laying on the ground and shooting the sky through a tree.  I used to make a collage of all of the photos, with the tree shot in the middle.

Haven't laid on the ground for awhile.  I think I'll try one of those again.

05/22/2007 12:19 AM by ARDELL DellaLoggia (Coldwell Banker Bain)


Ardell... I'd pay to see the picture of you laying on the ground taking a picture of the trees. : ) I have a few of those in our archive here as well. 

05/22/2007 12:43 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Bruce... one of the messages here is to just try new things. In this digital age, there is no penalty for deleting a bad photo. So, experiment and see how it works for you.

05/24/2007 03:32 AM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Great tip for rooms especially!  But do not EVER take pics of women looking up from the ground level - it is guaranteed to make their hips look big and create a whole new level of tension the next time you whip out a camera!

05/24/2007 07:06 PM by Mary Pope-Handy, ABR, CRS, ePRO, SRES (Keller Williams Realty)