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Picture Examples Of Why Professional Photography Is So Important

By Sara Bonert

Services for Real Estate Pros with Zillow

August 12, 2010 03:46 AM

Just in case there is anyone out there that doesn't think professional photography isn't worth it, let me submit a few examples to show that it is. I had taken some photos of my house, but when we decided to list it for sale, I knew the pictures I had taken weren't going to do the home justice. I'll let you figure out which are the professional shots and which are mine! :)

Also, the photos were taken in high definition. This is so important to anyone that may be viewing the home on a device such as the iPhone or the iPad, as they are HD devices and anything of less quality can good bad.

Big thank you to Ian at Haseltine Photo (an Active Rain member!) for the great job he did.

1520 n bosworth, chicago, il bucktown real estate

1520 n bosworth, chicago, il wicker park

Link to more information and photos of this Wicker Park / Bucktown home in Chicago, IL.

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Lee & Pamela St. Peter

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC

Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Sara, what a great example of why good pics are SOOOOOOOOO important! I can't believe that in even in today's market we still see photos that really showed no for-thought or WORSE only ONE pic in the MLS... do agents really believe they are helping their client that way??

Aug 12, 2010 03:56 AM

Greg Kobylenski

RE/MAX Lakeshore - Holland, MI

The difference is truly amazing.

Holland Michigan Real Estate | West Michigan Foreclosures

Aug 12, 2010 03:59 AM

Photo Photo

Chicago, IL

Sara, I am glad we could see the difference! You had a beautiful home to photograph...I think we got some great results! Thank you for mentioning us. I hope we will work together again sometime!

Aug 12, 2010 04:07 AM

Jim & Cathy Wood Greater Nashville Area Real Estate

Crye-Leike Realtors, Inc. - Mount Juliet, TN

Sara -

I re-blogged this.

Aug 12, 2010 05:28 AM

Sara Bonert

Zillow - Atlanta, GA

Real Estate Internet Marketing

#1 - I would be livid if there was only one photo! I know on Zillow, even just having 2 photos doubles the amount of traffic a listing recieves.

#2 - I know. Actually is making me think I need an SLR now. If my house can look that much better with one....think how much better family photos could look! ha!

#3 - Thanks again Ian. I am sure we will.

#4 - Thanks Cathy and Jim - Nice Ellen video by the way!! :)

Aug 12, 2010 05:35 AM

Michael Collins

*ROCK REALTY|Broker|Realtor|Real Estate|WI Short Sale Agent* - Janesville, WI

CDPE, SFR , Wisconsin Short Sale Specialist Realto

This is a great example of how important photos of a house are. Great home by the way!

Aug 12, 2010 06:00 AM

Julie Stone

STAGED TO SELL, BY JULIE - Grand Rapids, MI

ASP, WCR

This difference is amazing - thanks for sharing.

Aug 12, 2010 06:38 AM

Craig Daniels

Tech Training for You! - Staten Island, NY

Technology Instructor/Project Consultant

Sara, This article gets a star and is now in my favorites! I've been talking about this so much lately and your examples are spot on as to the difference that is possible. We're in the virtual shopping era and what a difference photos make. If I hadn't been watching my RSS feed for you today, I might have missed this one. Just a suggestion, would love it if you post to twitter when you have new articles with link to. I'm sure that would help more people not miss out. Look forward as always to your great info!

Aug 12, 2010 08:14 AM

Sara Bonert

Zillow - Atlanta, GA

Real Estate Internet Marketing

Thanks Craig! You're right, I need to be better about Tweeting my posts! :)

Aug 12, 2010 09:30 AM

Doug Garner

CENTURY 21 Garner Properties - Independence, KY

Principal Broker, Auctioneer, Northern Kentucky

Great examples Sara. Excellent work Ian. Ian, were these images HDR processed?

Aug 12, 2010 10:42 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I was just looking at one of my clients photos for their listing. I only represent buyers and they had found a house they were interested but were afraid to move forward because their home wasn't selling. They worked with their agent and the home is not over-priced. Sooo today I looked at the listing. There are over a dozen photos... they ar dark, they don't do justice to the home... and I am going to give them a call tomorrow. People are on line making decisions... the photos should showcase the house. I think I know why they are not getting the activity they anticipated.

Aug 12, 2010 03:01 PM

Stanton Homes

Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC

Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

WOW.... the same house goes from a "house" to Model Home in just a few photos!

Aug 22, 2010 11:53 PM

Steve

Real Estate Photography - www.squarefootstudios.net - San Diego, CA

Nice photographs and the home looks very nice. A couple of questions for you Sara... How do you decide which of your listings get professionally photographed? And, did these particular homeowner's expect it, or do they feel you are going above and beyond to sell their home?

Sep 21, 2010 05:42 PM

Brian Dunshie

Russ Lyon | Sotheby's International Realty - Paradise Valley, AZ

Realtor - Arizona Biltmore,Arcadia,Paradise Valley

I agree, we all see photos used on the MLS that just should never be used! Agents should maintain a quality control basic standards policy. #1 rule NO CELL PHONE PHOTOS!!

I think that in the event an agent can't afford to hire a professional, that agent should try to rent a quality digital camera (at the very least).

Here in Arizona we have a few great options for camera rentals. It's very inexpensive, and you actually rent a digital LSR with a wide choice of lenses.

For those agents who are creative and have an eye for photography - this is a non-issue. I love to do my own photography. The initial investment is there, so make it a gift to yourself. This way you feel better (?)

I use a Nikon D80 with a 12x24mm wide angle lens. I can get the entire room in the shot with ease. I made this purchase maybe 4years ago now, so the investment has more than paid for itself.

you can see some of my work on my websites (criticism welcome)

http://ArizonaParadiseLiving.com

http://UrbanPhx.com

Sep 25, 2010 11:10 PM

Brian Dunshie

Russ Lyon | Sotheby's International Realty - Paradise Valley, AZ

Realtor - Arizona Biltmore,Arcadia,Paradise Valley

Sara, great blog and the photos were equally great.

Happy selling everyone!!

Sep 25, 2010 11:12 PM

Andrea Geller

HOT PROPERTY® The Chaz Walters Group at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chicago, IL

I can always tell professional shots taken by photographers who specialize in real estate from those taken by agents owners. Regardless of how expensive a camera is, non professionals take pictures with the focus on furniture. Professionals take pictures to show the space. You are selling the space not the furniture

Nov 17, 2010 03:44 AM