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No more Ms. Nice Gal...the kid gloves are coming off!

You know you didn't stage those rooms. So why are those photos in your portfolio? Whew...there, I said it!!! My grievance is with stagers who pass off someone else's work as their own in their portfolios. My very first blog on AR, almost a year ago, was about this very subject. However, I was a lot nicer in that one and was indeed wearing my kid gloves. Not anymore. Taking them off and flinging them into the ring!

So what's the big deal? Why am I getting myself so worked up? Since joining AR, I have seen many photos on staging websites that I know were not done by that particular stager. Most of the time, I knew they were stock photos provided by their staging training company. However, I cannot recall ever seeing a staging website, in which stock photos were used, that had a disclaimer explaining that the photos were not actually work performed by the stager. But rather stock photos intended to show the benefits of staging. A website with such a disclaimer would not be deceitful but neither would it bring in much business.

As the numbers of stagers on AR increased, I began seeing even more stock photos. I figured no harm done. They are only hurting themselves. I was wrong! Let's say a Realtor or homeowner hires a stager based on the quality of work presented in her portfolio. If the result of that staging project turns out to be far inferior to what was represented in the portfolio, it doesn't bode well for the industry as a whole. They could get the impression that all stagers practice deceptive measures. It is my opinion that some of the "bad stagers", who use tricks to cover up flaws rather than having them repaired, may be some of the same ones who think it is okay to pass off photos of someone else's work as their own.

Even though your training company says it is okay to use stock photos to show what staging can do, your common sense should tell you that it really is NOT okay. Someone interested in hiring you to stage their listing or home doesn't want to see examples of what staging can do...they want to see what YOU can do!

Do you think that no one will notice that you used stock photos? Well, the chances of keeping that little secret decreased sharply when you joined Active Rain. Stagers on here are very savvy. We check out each other's websites. We are familiar with many of the staging training websites and online furniture rental stores. Some of us use Clip Art in our blogs so your chances of getting something by us are quite slim. And we stick together. We want to help each other succeed. However, Active Rain is a community and we are forming relationships with Realtors. We are asking them to trust us with their clients. How can we gain their trust when we stand by and allow them to be deceived?

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed reading a blog from a realtor on AR explaining how he had been searching for a stager and had finally found one that he thought would work well with his team. He praised her professionalism and knowledge of staging. He made her sound so special that I wanted to learn more about her. I clicked on the link to her webpage and immediately went to her portfolio section. What a letdown!!! I was so disappointed!! I had never been to her website before yet I immediately recognized the set of before and after photos on the first page. They were the same ones used on the cover of a staging book written by the owner of one of the larger staging companies. When I clicked on the portfolio....the disappointment deepened. Out of about 6 sets of before and afters, there was only 1 set that I couldn't say absolutely for sure that they were indeed stock photos. The other five...I was 100% sure because I had seen them so many times. She may truly be a very talented stager but, unless she told him the truth about her portfolio, she entered into that business relationship with deceit. My first instinct was to contact the stager and ask her if she told him about the stock photos. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to e-mail the Realtor and ask him if he knew about the stock photos. In the end, I decided it was really none of my business so I opted to do nothing.

What pushed me over the edge and made me mad enough to finally speak out was when I clicked on a blog posted in the Stage It Forward group just a few days ago. I wanted to know more about the poster so I went to her website and clicked on "gallery". I think steam is still coming out of my ears from what I saw there. I recognized each and every one of those sets of before and after photos....but they were not stock photos. They were photos that she cut and pasted from another stager's website...one who is a personal friend of mine. We are talking about plagiarism as well as deception. That is why I am so mad! If that stager thinks nothing of deceiving people on her website, what does she do when she is hired to stage a house?

This has to stop!!! Fellow AR stagers, we can't keep overlooking this issue. We all know it is being done. We keep quiet in allegiance with our fellow stagers. Well, what about the Realtors who are being deceived? They need our support! We can't just keep sweeping this under the rug. We have to take a stand and say, "This is unacceptable and we are not going to look the other way any more." I am not talking about whistle blowing or public humiliation...no need to go to those extremes! A good place to start would be to send a copy of this blog to any stager that you know for sure is using photos of someone else's work. If you do contact someone you know for sure is using stock or shared photos, be sure to do it in the spirit of Stage It Forward. Do not accuse, condemn or chastise. The goal is to make them aware of the disadvantages of using photos of someone else's work since it is possible that they may only be familiar with the advantages.

Since joining AR, I personally have sent brief e-mail to 2 stagers that I knew were using photos of someone else's work...one was using photos from her training school and the other was a photo directly from the pages of Cort Furniture's online catalog. Both of them thanked me for the information and immediately removed the photos in question.

If you find photos that you know have been taken from another stager's website, it is best to inform the stager and let her decide the best course of action. I have already informed my stager friend about my discovery and she confirmed that those photos were definitely used without her permission.

AR Realtors have been so forthcoming in their willingness to learn more about staging and form relationships with stagers. I feel the least we can do is give them tools to determine whether the stager they are interviewing is qualified to do the job. So I am working on a blog just for Realtors entitled "How to Tell Whether Your Stager Can Do What He/She Says He/She Can Do!" It will include tips to help decipher whether or not the photos are of work done by that particular stager. Also included will be questions to ask when interviewing a stager to further prove that the portfolio contains all original photos. Be looking for it.

I am also working on a "how-to" blog for stagers who really want to use photos of their own work but don't know where to start. It is intended for those who truly didn't realize that using stock photos in their portfolio was a no-no. Be looking for it.

Stagers and Realtors, your comments and thoughts on this issue will be greatly appreciated to reassure me that I didn't go too far out on a limb in tackling this extremely sensitive subject!

If you didn't stage it, don't show it!

Posted by Judy Kincaid, Tampa Home Stager on 08/30/2007 08:57 PM

Comments (54)

plagiarism, staging, home staging, stock photos, portfolio

Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...

54 Comments on No more Ms. Nice Gal...the kid gloves are coming off!

AUG

2007

Hmm, 21 views of your blog and I'm the first to comment.

Judy, I've been yelling the same thing from my little soap box and have not been the nicest about it. It is deceitful. But so is using alphabets after someones name as a stager. The training institutes only care about $$ and the majority of the thousands of students each year think this is a get rich quick career. No wonder they are both lying!

I'll be happy when everyone is Naked and display ONLY photos of work they worked on independently...however, I'm not so naive as to hold me breath!

I hope more will post similar blogs. Kudos to you Judy.

Dane -- Thank you for the support. I am glad you were #1. I really wrestled with the "should I or shouldn't I's" before biting the bullet and going for it. I, too, long for the day when the only work we see displayed is original to that particular stager.

Wow, that is low! Stealing someone else's photos is a violation of copyright unless they have permission.

I am not yet a professional stager and have yet to stage a home. The training I am most considering has website templates available for members and it actually bothers me that the home page uses a stock photo. As good as the website looks, I have felt it would be deceiving, too.

One way to prevent photo theft is to add a watermark to your photos, always a good idea when placing photos on the internet! (I think I better start)

-Susie

Judy, Judy, Judy, you go girl!!!!! As tempting as it is.........if you see my photos you would NOT think I posted stock photos or those of another stager. Mine are so lame compared to some of those I've seen on AR. BUT they are my photos. I think maybe there are others like me out there, that can't take good pictures of their work. Rather than post crummy photos, they beef up their website with the work of others. I'm not saying its right, au contraire its wrong, but it sure is tempting sometimes when you see really great pictures. Thanks for brining this subject up. The offenders know who they are and maybe they will be just a little bit contrite.

Susie -- There have been several discussions about stock photos used to enhance a website and many are on the fence about that issue. However, that is not the deception I referenced in my blog. I am familiar with the templates you mentioned and am aware that that the individual stagers who use them for their websites have no control over the design portion of the template. I do know that the portfolio section of that particular template is designed for the stager to display before and after photos of their own work so you shouldn't have any qualms about signing on with them. Thanks for your suggestion to add a watermark...it's a good one!

Terry -- Thanks for your overwhelmingly, enthusiastic support--I needed it! There have been other stagers who have lamented the fact that their staging photos paled in comparison to those of other stagers but they finally realized that it was because they were comparing oranges to apples. A home staged using nothing but the owner's furnishings isn't going to be nearly as spectacular as one staged with nice furniture and accessories chosen specifically for that home. At the same token, when you compare the before and after photos of the occupied home, it will clearly show the difference staging makes....and those photos always look wonderful in my opinion.

How do you get staging jobs if you don't show photos of your work? I think you should post some photos. Though quality of photos is important....quality of the subject matter is equally important. Your AR stager friends will be willing to overlook the photo quality just so we can get a look at your personal staging style. We will also be glad to share tips for taking better photos. Go for it, Terry!

I know at first I did use the "training photos" with caption stating "example of staged home" for showing realtors what staging could do. It is hard to show realtors what I could do staging when I hadn't had a job yet. But I made up one of my own home before & after so that they could see what my personal touch could bring. As soon as I had a few photos of my own - I got rid of the "training photos."

Great post!

Wow, Judy. What a very interesting blog. I know of one instance where someone used someone else's photos for her own website. I guess it is more rampant than I thought. Good grief that seems so foolish it would leave one wondering a number of things concerning the thief. Did I say thief? Oh yes I did!

The companies which offer stock photos need to be taken to task also. What is with that?

Yes there are two opinions concerning stock photos on an opening page which are not purporting to be part of a portfolio. I had some of those on my opening page at one time. I took them down when I realized there could be any possibility of someone thinking I was trying to pass them off as my own work. I'm not saying I'm against opening page photos taken from where ever. I'm just saying that if I'm going to err I want it to be on the side of caution.

Thanks for your post Judy. As always you have shown yourself to be a lady who is charming and yet not afraid to "get the job done." 5 rating here

Since we never have used stock photos-I can't imagine doing that. But I guess since we stage naked, I never had anyone tell me I could. I'm really proud of the work we do and want to show "our" staged homes. I guess I think that the very least they need to do is to note that the photos are not of thier work. As for the use of others photos-it is stealing plain and simple. Thanks for bringing this topic to the forefront!

AUG

2007

CoCo -- Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your story. I understand the need to have photos to show in order to get your first job. My complaint is with the training companies just routinely handing out stock photos rather than instructing stagers on exactly how to stage their own homes and those of their friends and families to get their portfolios started. Like you, I staged my own home for my website. It is not deceptive to show staging photos of your own home unless, of course, it was staged by someone else and you just took the photos! LOL

Judy, when I read your post I immediately went and checked my profile page and website to make darn sure you weren't talking about me. Margo and I have never used stock photos - but your post was that powerful. I totally agree with you and think stagers who steal other stager's photos should be taken to task. BTW - do you know how to watermark? Betty

Yvonne -- Thanks for the comments, the "5" rating, but most of all for making me smile. You always say the nicest things!

"Thief" is definitely the correct word to describe someone who uses something that does not belong to him or does not have permission to use. This would certainly apply in the case of stealing photos from other websites. Unfortunately, I am afraid we are going to see more and more instances of it. That is why I wanted to bring this issue to the forefront.

Regarding the use of stock photos to enhance websites' opening pages, there will probably always be people on both sides of the fence. I just hope that those who choose to use the stock photos in that way would be forthcoming if/when asked, "Were all the rooms in the photos on your website personally staged by you?" and answer, "No, the ones on the opening page are stock photos used solely for enhancement. However, everything you see in my staging gallery or portfolio page was personally done by me."

I agree with you about the training companies that provide stock photos for the purpose of using them in a portfolio should be taken to task. Perhaps we should send them a link to this blog!

Cheri -- Thank you for your support...I appreciate it. Your statement, I'm really proud of the work we do and want to show "our" staged homes, is another reason I am against stock photos. All stagers should be proud of their work and want to show it off. How can someone be confident in their abilities as a stager when they just got hired based on someone else's work? I would think that they would constantly be worried someone would discover the truth.

Betty -- Wow! I think that is probably the best compliment I could hope for. Knowing that someone, for whom the post didn't apply, double checked anyway just to be on the safe side. Reading that put a big smile on my face!

I don't personally know how to watermark but I think Cindy Lin does.

Hi Judy,

Good points above and I feel your passion - but I don't agree on all points. I have to share that when someone is starting out they need to show before/afters to illustrate Staging - it's the chicken/egg situation. I don't believe any of the people using "stock" photos are trying to pass them off as THEIR work - it reflects an example of how staging makes a difference - before and after, or is used as a graphic to enhance a message about Staging. I would bet money on this - the motivation and intention for those using photos from a resource such as a Training company are not doing it to deceive - they need to show examples and until they have their own work to feature, they have to have something to show.

Do you see any of the stock photos being personally passed off as their job or are they merely showing the impacts of Staging? That is the difference. That is one of the benefits of Training with a company - lots of resources. Many of my own personal before/after sets have been shared with others to help them and I don't mind - if it helps someone else succeed to have something to show, that is great. And I stage full time too - not just train so it's possible that someone in my own market could be using my personal photos that I willingly shared - and I am not concerned that they are trying to pass them off as their own as I know that is not their intent.

I agree that if the person using the photos is trying to make it seem like it is THEIR work - that is totally wrong. And anyone plagiarizing other photos or web content is also in the wrong-doer category. There are actually services online that you can subscribe to that will tell you anywhere on the web if anyone has taken content from your sites. Anyone that thinks this might be the case would be wise to invest in that process.

But I am curious, In the beginning, what did YOU say or do to show that Staging works when you did not have a job yet or your own work portfolio? That is where the articles and photos of Staging successes is needed - we don't all start out with a portfolio of photos we can use. In the beginning I used the photos I had access to - until I had my own. Over time, I phased out the photos offered to me by a bonafide Stager/Realtor who allowed us to use her work, and only those I really liked would have been kept. To me there is nothing wrong with that - again I am not passing off her work as mine - and have examples of Staging to share with clients.

Many Realtors use canned presentations including photos and graphics given to them by their companies. My husband was given a whole set of this when he started with a major franchise real estate company, with CD's he could use - that did not reflect HIS listings or HIS success. But they were examples of listing presentations and other tools he would use as a Realtor. There are software packages you can buy that have canned marketing info, including photos that tell the story for the client - for just about any industry.

So I agree with much of what you shared - to be honest about whether the work is personally yours/mine or an example - and a savvy client should ask questions. Obviously someone who has been in business one month has much less experience than someone who has 1 year or 5 years in business. I think if the client asks that question, "How long have you been in business," they will get more of an accurate feel for the work a person had done - but the duration of a business does not negate the fact that Staging as a service has been working for decades! The photos are timeless to show the positive impacts of Staging and should be used to educate the client as a broad tool, and then personal photos can be used to qualify the expertise of a Stager.

Thanks for sharing a thought provoking blog! - Jennie

Well, I guess that would explain why some portfolio pictures just look so good, especially as compared to mine. I never would have thought that's what was going on (i.e. stock pictures). That's very sad, and it is deceitful. People (not just realtors) look through your site and base what's on there as your work. I'm really sorry to hear that this happens.

Judy, I am in full agreement with your post. If a stager is going to use stock photo's then there should be a caption that reads "these are examples" or something to that affect. I personally do not like to see stock photo's anywhere on the site and when my web site vendor put on my web site I told them to take it off because it wasn't my work. Additionally, it is not hard to get a couple of before and after home staging photo's. Stage your own home or a friends. There is no reason why someone who is new needs to use stock photo's for B and A photo's as how easy is it to stage your own home to show an example of your own work.

Judy - Great post. Given the amount of time and effort that goes into each of my staging projects, I would be absolutely livid if I found a web site of another stager with my "before" and "after" pictures. And yes, if I were to find someone using someone elses work, I wouldn't hesitate a second to contact the stager whose work had been stolen.

And you're right, that's deception to the Realtors, agents and homeowners.

Now off to find some watermarking software to I can help eliminate my fear of having mine stolen.

Kathy

Thanks Judy....I have not looked at too many other stagers websites and had no idea this practice was being done!! WOW. Such a deception to the general public and fellow stagers as well. I have seen a few very poorly done websites and am determined to make sure mine looks as professional as possible. (Which is why I am not up and running yet!!!) Using other's work is appalling and I hope many read this o and re-think such a practice! Regards-Kathleen

Judy, One of the things I used to do, was review all of the new stagers that joined active rain on a Daily Basis, so I saw alot of stagers and stock photos.

Because my eyes see alot! (or I guess I'm nosy) I've even seen an ENTIRE Craig Schiller blog (complete with photos) on another site. I informed Craig, (who is too sweet to say anything to the offender).

We may need to have a watermark class even for our blog photos!

Judy - as a new Stager, I have actually held off launching my website until I have enough of MY work to post. I too have noticed a certain degree of repetition of some photos from website to website, and now recognize them as stock photos. I checked out their various websites, got a funny feeling, didn't want to pay the $$$...While I understand it's OK to use stock photos for enhancement, I want to use my own - and I'm certainly not a professional photographer! While it may be OK to use B&A photos from training class, I don't even want to use those - I know they don't reflect what I would have done! So I'm working on my portfolio and we should see my website up in another month.

Watermarks! Superb idea! Who knows how to do that?

I just have to respond to Jennie. When starting out as a stager you have options; use the photos you are given by a training school or create your own before and afters.

Which option you choose shows a great deal about one's ethics - professional and personal. Try and justify it as hard as you do...but that doesn't change the fact...it is wrong.

By providing a 'portfolio' to graduates these schools set a mindset for the grads who enter the industry thinking this is easy and they don't have to do any real work. I'm not surprised any longer when I enter a house and am told it was 'staged'...not by a professional...but by a grad who does not have their own work.

There is nothing stopping a new stager from staging their own home, family's homes or friends in order to create a portfolio of their personal work.

I have seen so many stagers portfolio's in Ontario with the same images, not just on the home page but in their portfolios. It is nothing less than shameful. Why? Because they know that potential clients will look at the images and decide to call based on the work. I would bet my house these stagers do NOT tell potential clients the portfolio images where not staged by them and them alone.

Potential clients rarely ask if the work displayed is our own. I've NEVER been asked. I do know that when asked I can give a resounding YES.

Dane- I agree with you. When we started, we didn't have anything to go off of - we had met the agent in the home and walked through the house explaing what we would do and why we would do it. It was not the best/most efficient way to go about getting our first client, but it worked! I have often thought about hiring a photographer to come in and take some "Photojournalistic" photos of "MY STUFF" so that I would have some stock photos of my own to use - if that makes sense. I would NEVER feel right about using someone else's work. Alot of the websites that some certified stagers use are beautiful, but I agree that they are not a true depection of that person's work and can be mis-leading. If someone happens to be hired b/c their website and stock photos were impressive, I feel sorry for THEM - they then have to go in a live up to that reputation.

Wow Judy, I feel your passion.

I use to drool all over Stager's pictures online. Then I started seeing the same ones over and over again. I understand when you first start out you need to "create" a portfolio. But, do not use "stock" photo's. This doesn't allow clients to see what YOU CAN DO.

I use to run around my home, friend's homes....anyone that would let me do my magic! :) It takes time but it is worth it to be able to hold your head high and say "I staged this home."

Judi, I did finally get photos posted on my website. I had so much trouble, kept deleting ALL my pictures in my digital, those darned buttons are too small to see and instead of view I hit delete. Now I take digital and 35mm as backup. The good clear pictures were taken with my 35mm! I get them put on CD so I can transfer to my computer. But, I still don't have a knack for setting up the shot, and to me thats what makes or breaks a picture. I'm glad to see you've gotten quite a few comments on this subject. As with all communities there will be those who take advantage of others. I guess its the price we pay for posting our pictures, but it shouldn't be that way.

Judi, thanks for the tip on Cindi Lin - I'm running over to search her blogs. Betty

Judy, 'What a powerful blog! I'm so glad you finally said it. Yes, most of us upon starting our business staged anyone's home that they could. And even gave away some services to get things started. BUT, we got our own Before and After photos and are proud of ourselves for it. Thanks for being so candid.

I've always used my own pictures...and suffered the consequences of bad lighting, fuzzy focus, B & As taken from different ends of the room (which viewers always catch... with me at least) Frankly, by the time I knew you COULD use stock photos I had so many of my own it didn't matter. One advantage of being in the game for 5 years.

However, this post, and recent others have got me worrying. It's a question that's been keeping me up at night - yes, really - who owns the pictures that you took of your stuff in someone else's home on someone else's dime?

Who owns the photo you took of what you did to someone else's stuff, on their dime?

Judy, I love that you voice your opinion unapologetically. Bravo!

Great topic. I've never used stock photos and only used my own but when starting out used the pictures taken of the rooms I did when "training".

I can certainly understand the contempt being expressed, it is offensive to use someone elses photos and not disclose the photos are stock photos.

I think perhaps there can be some blogs about how to promote yourself when you have nothing to promote.

Judy, You have hit the nail on the head, and I can't wait to read your blog. Maybe the guy who has the Bad MLS Pictures website, will start a Stock Staging Pictures site. Using stock or stolen pictures is the same as A Realtor taking credit for somebody else's listing.

When hiring a stager you need to ask for before and after pictures of the last 3 houses they have staged. I also think anyone who would lie about their photos, out right or by omission, would lie about the time they've been in the business.

For people just starting out, This is what I did (and it sounds like I'm not the only one). Stage your friends, family and anyone you can get your hands on for free. Make a small investment by using a professional photographer and set it up so you can shoot everything on the same day. In less than 1 month you'll have a fabulous portfolio and more importantly it will be yours! And after that, just keep adding to it.

Judy, I can't thank you enough and I really think we have to stand firm on this. I wish I could give you a 10.

Judy, You Go Girl... Thanks for the post. One thing I struggle with is the quality of my photos. I have been tempted to use stock photos, but after your post, I would not consider it. Apparently, this is a very sensitive and controversial topic. I admire a person who takes a stand regarding the issue of right and wrong.

Stacy

SEP

2007

Judy! A FABULOUS POST!

I have say that when I was a baby stager and came on the AR, you were so kind and wrote me a personal email about using training school's photos and ti really woke me up. I think whether it is okay or not, if I put someone else's design work on the web, then whether I say this is merely a marketing example or not, sometimes clients may not even read that line and just automatically assumed that they are my work. It's unreliable, because if clients were thinking that this is my style and when I stage their home, it's another style, then the marketing becomes misleading and it will creates distrust for the future, which I have encountered realtors telling me that they are all fake and he doesn't believe stagers' photos at all. My guess is that he was burnt before.

I understand when you are new, there is not much in your portfolio. I think using your training class's photos are okay since you were there and participated in the process. You were able to tell the clients what you did and why that was. Moreover, you can stage yours, your friends', and your family members' homes to gain experiences. You can also work with other stagers for free or very little money to get started on, because you were there assisting, you participated in the staging process as well and put in your creative inputs.

Overall I don't encourage stock photos at all. I think it can create confusion and in the long run, consumers are pretty savvy nowadays. They know those are stock photos and they will get turned off by it. Your work speaks louder than any marketing words out there! So use your own stuff ;)

I will write a tutorial on watermarking this weekend!

Cheers,

Cindy

***** Judy, I agree completely. I hope that staging students are not being encouraged to use stock photos as opposed to just getting out there so they can present at their local realtor meeting, drum up business, network, and build their portfolio, because THAT is what is going to help them SO much in the end. It is all part of their continued education. Unfortunately, many consumers are naive, and they believe what they see. Maybe those that care should compose and share a standard verbiage that says, "Stock-Photo Free Site" OR "This site presents only original photography belonging to ____________". I think if we simply had a professional statement, and listed it on our websites, it would raise awareness. Let's educate them... I am all for it.

Jennie -- You are right...this is definitely a subject that I am passionate about. Though it may differ from mine, I do appreciate you sharing your viewpoint....that's how we learn and grow.

In reference to your question: Do you see any of the stock photos being personally passed off as their job or are they merely showing the impacts of Staging? The answer is "Yes", the stock photos are definitely being passed off as their jobs...that's what made me mad enough to write the blog. I am e-mailing you links to a couple of staging websites that clearly demonstrate my point.

The only way I would view the use of stock photos as not being deceptive is if there is a note or disclaimer, big enough for everyone to read, that says, "The work portrayed in these photos was not done by this stager; they are merely to serve as an example of what staging can do." Though I have seen stock photos used many times, I don't think I have ever seen such a disclaimer.

I would be furious if I chose a plastic surgeon based on the photos displayed on his website and then later found out that they were not done by him...especially if I ended up with less than stellar results.

When I first started out, common sense told me that I was not going to be able to get any staging jobs unless I could show proof of my abilities. So I started with my own house. I staged the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. I thought of all the focal points and how important it is to play them up and I did just the opposite. I moved furniture to block the view, scattered area rugs to cover up the hardwoods floors, had furniture blocking traffic patterns, furniture grouped so that it would be impossible to have a conversation, lots of clutter, etc. Took photos.....shopped my house for the right accessories....staged.....took more photos and then returned the house to the way it was to start with. I was sweating profusely and completely worn out! Shortly thereafter, I used some marketing skills (that I didn't even know I had) to convince two friends and a relative to let me stage their homes as well. They were a hard sell even though I told them I would do it for free.

Like some of the previous commenters, I gained so much more from this experience than just photos for my portfolios. I gained confidence in my abilities. I honed my people skills to convince people to let me stage their homes. I also got a much better idea of just how mentally and physically exhausting staging can be.

By the time I had my first face to face meeting with a Realtor, I was ready. I knew that he contacted me because he viewed my work online and liked what he saw. That fact alone gave me great confidence. Since I really didn't want to be asked the "How long have you been in business?" question, I launched a pre-emptive strike. I started right out by telling him about staging two of my own homes and having them sell in less than 2 weeks, with multiple offers at full price. Then I told him stories about each of the other houses I staged for free ( I didn't tell him I did them for free)....two of which were actually on the market and both sold to the first person who viewed them. To this day, he still calls me to stage all his listings.

I am still planning to write a how-to blog giving tips, suggestions, and even a few instructions for stagers that need a jump-start compiling a portfolio. Nothing would make me happier than if you were to share that blog with your students rather than providing them with stock photos.

Thank you so much for contributing to this blog!

Ok, how about this to set apart your site:

true portfolio logo OR...

Judy ~ BRAVO! Thank you for writing this post. This topic is LONG overdue here on A/R. Like you, I've noticed some stagers' photos looked VERY professional and sophisticated, and sure enough, soon after, I saw them on someone else's site. This is deceptive and might even be considered theft of intellectual property. It doesn't matter where a stager has their training; everyone can stage rooms in their own homes, their friend's or relative's home, and use those Before or Afters in their portfolios. This is still THEIR work....but stealing another stager's work or using your training company's stock photos is unethical, unless you clearly state that this is an "example" of staging but not your personal work.

You're getting a *5* rating and a bookmark!

Juliann,

I love this idea. Mind if i borrow it?

Thanks to everyone for such overwhelming support of a sensitive subject.

Julianna -- Thank you for your wonderful suggestion and the graphic.....it is a brilliant idea. Just today, I was thinking that, rather than hoping that those who use stock photos will start putting disclaimers on their sites proclaiming that fact, we should be pro-active and do just the opposite. It would be great if everyone began putting a sentence or two on their portfolio page testifying that the photos are not stock but were personally staged by this stager. Right again, Julianna, education is indeed the key!

I recently made some changes to the webpage that I have on the Center Stage Home website because it has come to my attention that this could be perceived as using stock photos. In the portion of that page that showcases my original work, I added a statement proclaiming that I personally staged the before and after photos listed in that section.

Hi Susan, Do you mean you would like to use that "true-portfolio" logo I created? I think it would be great. I am totally serious about this, like maybe I will sponsor a site for free -- for people to "undersign" a statement with their name and their website link, like a directory, and the statement will say that the portfolio presented on their website is their own work. They are then free to use the "True Portfolio" logo on their site. However, I cannot take the credit for all of this, others have blogged about this, Judy Kincaid is definitely the inspiration here, and the one with the guts to speak up -- so if she wants, she can be president of "True Portfolio" :-D

It is 12 AM and maybe I am thinking loopy thoughts, but right now, it sounds real good. If you want to use the logo, feel free, and anyone else, just email me and let me know.

Thanks for the post. I can see two sides to this argument.

Many times I have come across websites that do the same thing. A moving company that shows their best moving vehicle only to come to your house with a 1970 converted motorhome for example. The straight and simple of it is that it is all marketing. I honestly don't believe all stagers would be round up in the same category as those using stock photos and then not living up to their clients' expectations. It only hurts the stager. I don't believe it hurts all stagers.

I, myself, only use photos of work I have created. Many stagers are chosen based on the pictures they provide. You are actually selling your style and your creativity. If a reader of the site likes your pictures then they have a pretty good idea of the final outcome of their property.

Lots of interesting thoughts - and I had not looked back on this blog until this a.m. - Judy wrote to me privately to share a couple of examples of where Stagers were using photos that were not their own.

Since you addressed me personally, I don't think, Dane, that it needs to get to the point where you have to tell people they are "WRONG" - unless you really want to get off track. I am not going there - I instead look at it as having a different viewpoint. This is not about those that get training and have resources - and if they use the resources they are all lacking of integrity - versus those that don't. This is not about whether training is good or bad - that has been debated on this site enough for my lifetime. We don't have to agree, but it does not make me WRONG. Geez - I am not telling everyone who is not of my mindset - you are all wrong. I like seeing a different viewpoint and respect that.

This is the definition of a "STOCK PHOTO" - Stock photos (stock photography) are professional photographs of common places, landmarks, nature, events or people that are bought and sold on a royalty-free basis and can be used and reused for commercial design purposes. The photographer (or stock photography distributor) has ownership to the images, and the commercial designer has some limited usage of the photo (which is set out in the Terms of Service by the company you purchase the stock photos from).

That is what I call a "Stock" photo too - and the photos in question are not professionally done by a professional photographer - they were taken by a Stager/Realtor from her own work. They are a personal gallery from an individual that is giving permission for others to use freely - they are not paying money to use photos per photo and there is no limitation on usage so long as they are current in their designation. So based on that definition - which is what I thought when I saw the word "stock" - it is not the same. But I get the point - totally.

My viewpoint is this - I would rather see a Stager that wants to get some business get jobs sooner than later. Otherwise belief begins to wane, and frustration sets in. If you have to wait until your whole portfolio just shows your own work, it'll take a while. As a Trainer, we actually teach our students to Stage their own house, like you did, Judy. It's an idea that many use, and it's a great way to build a portfolio. It is what I did too - I had moved and used the before/after photos of my vacant to furnished home in my portfolio.

Being able to show that Staging works - and then knowing that you have the talent and ability to get the job done - go hand in hand. And again, these Stagers were given permission to use the photos as examples of how Staging works - they are not doing anything "wrong" or lack integrity - and as Coco wrote above, once new(er) Stagers do have their own photos, they usually do replace the ones they get through their training. You know - we don't know what sitation a person is in when they do start a business. For some they can take a lot of time to get going, but for others they may be in a dire situation where they need income FAST - and being able to get jobs is necessary for survival. Thank goodness they do have resources - many companies offer them - not just one - and if it helps someone to get going then that's not a bad thing. Just my opinion.

I don't think that the average Realtor or Seller out there that wants to use a Stager is going to select JUST on photos - at least I hope not! I think the consumer is smarter than that - photos are important as we are a visual business, but there are other factors too - such as experience, background, education, testimonials, etc. Judy did email me privately and I looked at 2 sites where these "stock" photos are being used - one where they do not claim they are their own work, and the second where it is questionable, and should be changed. However, I don't want to be policing the internet and writing letters, and I know it's not just one "group" that does this so let's not single out one set of Stagers either. I have better things to do with my time, and I believe others do too - although I told Judi I would address one person she shared with me since I have the ability to do that.

The logo that Julianna came up with is great - that to me is a better approach than to try to police all the so-called "wrong" Stagers. If it is an issue for a potential client to know that the photos they are looking at are actually of THE person they are considering for a job, then that type of logo or graphic would be important to have. Julianna - are you "giving or selling" the right to use your stock logo or ? We don't want others to use it without permission - make sure to share if it was just an example for YOUR site or if AR people can use it because I can see it popping up on sites all over if it is not clarified.

What I do agree with 100% is that people need to REPRESENT where the photos came from - and state on their sites if it is their work or if it is just an EXAMPLE (as I wrote the first time). To me, Proper representation is the crux of this issue - not whether people use photos that they have access to in order to build their business. If it makes it better to put on websites - This is MY OWN WORK - then do it. I am all for that - and totally support what Judi is sharing about properly representing the work on the site. One way is to show that Staging works in general - and the other way is to show that MY/YOUR Staging works. Two different things - and both can be used effectively to communicate with a potential client.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend! Go out and have some fun with your families and friends!

- Jennie

Jennie, yes, I would like to promote the logo and the concept. And I am open to help and suggestion. A website is now secured. I would like the use of the logo to be free, and on an "honor" system, to any online artist, designer, stager, etc. with a portfolio. I would like to run a rotating banner ad on the page, with sponsorship available, the advertising fees will then go straight to a charity. I will clean the logo up a bit, make it easier to read. The pay off and reward for using a "true portfolio" will be a link to your site, and you obviously support a charity as your pledge will draw advertisers. I need to take this out to its own post and see what kind of interest is out there.

Judy: You write an amazing post! I loved it. I'll try to be brief, but I had so many reactions to the discussion I had to take notes as I read along. First, I'm not a babe in the woods nor an old fool, but REALLY?! people do that?

Second, WHY?! What can possibly be gained from doing it, especially by anyone relying on staging as a job for economic survival? I mean, what would you say at the end of the day...OOPS?! And, those recommending, promoting and/or supplying such should IMHO be shunned (boy did I work on cleaning that part up!) What in the world, and I'm great at rationalizations, could they be thinking?

Third, we are stagers. So, that means the first thing we have to stage is ourselves. If we can't do that, what business do we have taking people's money for staging their property? If makes little sense to me. If you are lousy at photography, practice, take lessons, hire someone. Do whatever it takes to capture your work (of your home, a friend's, a motel, halfway house, shelter, gas station, whereever) to be able to show it off, Mr or Ms Stager. That's your JOB in those pictures!

Last, I have felt so pure and clean here in the rain, and I'm so disappointed to find there is pollution even here. Thank you Judy for bringing it up and attempting to clean it out. Watermarking seems appropriate. I will look for Cindy's instruction.

RELATED QUESTION: If I stage a property, a professional photographer shoots it and the realtor puts it on the web, who has rights to the pictures?

SEP

2007

Thank you for this article. I ONLY use my photos of homes that I have staged or redesigned. You GO GIRL!!!!

I'm right there w/Patricia - There we are again back in that Lilly Pond...

To answer -

RELATED QUESTION: If I stage a property, a professional photographer shoots it and the Realtor puts it on the web, who has rights to the pictures?

When you have a pro shoot pics, you have a contract with them about WHO owns the rights - Ideally YOU do. If a Realtor puts them on their site or a general site - they should have permission by YOU to do so.

Patricia Generally a photograph owns the rights of the photos like when an interior design magazine shoots someone's homes, the photos do not belong to the owners, even though the home and the accessories are the owners, but photographers retain the rights to the photos. The magazine pays for the photographer basically for the rights to use them. But it is something negotiable. You can ask for acknowledgment for your work, etc. It depends on the photographers.

Judy and everyone: I wrote a post on how to watermark. Here is the post: http://activerain.com/blogsview/191814/Tutorial-on-How-to

Cheers,

Cindy

SEP

2007

Julea, Rights to photos can be a negotiated means - the photographer wants business and a lot of the photos mean nothing to them after they are taken - ask for them as part of the contract - it is who is paying that is the important part here.

Judy, Thanks for the great blog - I must admit I was surely tempted when I started out to go with a training company that would provide me with all those pretty pictures - but no, mine on my website are of our staging work and photographed by my company and thats the truth and I'm sticking to it.

OCT

2007

I put Julianna's logo on my website photos and I must admit it does look good and it feels good.

Wow it looks cool on your site Kathleen! It does feel good --- be proud that you are selling your services with real examples of your own work. Anyone could go to those websites that sell great shots and slap it on their site... real stagers use their own work.

OCT

2007

That is really low. I do not use stock photos so I cannot tell a difference when someone does use them. It make me think how many people out there are really doing that!

OCT

2007

WOW JUDI YOU TELL IT LIKE IT IS SISTER! I say this ALL the time. If my talents are being compared to someone else's website then I am a sitting duck. I have seen other sites and galleries and the pics are incredible, like something out of a magazine..oh wait a minute, it is something out of a magazine.

BUT do sellers realize this? I don't think so. This is unprofessional and deceitful and unfortunately the client is going to lose because they will expect one look for their home and wind up with something far less superior

I Applaud you Judi for tackling this issue and it is growing to be a huge problem. You're the best Ms. Kincaid...we have to answer to a Higher Authority, thanks

Phyllis Pafumi

NOV

2007

Way to GO JUDY!!!!

Well said and I'm glad you aren't shy about it! :) And you know me with my inquisitive and investigative background. Now I'm dying ot know which stager violated copywright law by stealing another Stagers pics! I've had many steal our content and even testimonials (if you can believe that!) but man...how would I know if anyone stole our pictures as well???

Love Julinana's logo and Cindi's watermark idea. On our new site (which we are creating because you've probably heard too many people have stolen info and gotten us banned from google -ARGH!!!) perhaps we'll have to implement those ideas.

Keep it going girl...you are SO right.

JAN

2008

I am late to the table about this but I think you/we should call out those stagers by NAME. If it were any other credential, they would be stripped of their license!! Stealing the work of others and representing it as your own is unethical and misrepresentation. My work may not be the best out there, but at least it is mine. My website is not all jazzy and music and flash, but its mine.

MAR

2008

Hi Judy!

I am new to AR and just getting started in the Home staging industry. But I am by no means inexperienced. I've had my own small busiess for 25 years (Restaurant/Winery) I am (hopefully) launching my website by the first of next week and so in Q&A I posted a question inquiring about where I could get stock photos. Then I googled "home staging stock photos" and your blog came up. I can't tell you how glad I am I read it before proceeding to purchase stock photos! I do have b&a photos, but I didn't put much thought into them when I took them because I didn't consider that they would be on my website. The lighting and angles are not very good and they are not as professional as the ones I am seeing on most websites. I am not talking about people who use stock photos, but people who use pro photographers and plan out their b&a photos. Nonetheless, I'm going to use what I have and state on my site that they are not stock photos or staged photos and my next ques in Q&A will be, Does anyone know where I can rent a high end wide angle digital camera. You saved me some money too! Maybe my web designer can doctor them a little. Just lighting! Would that be OK? Thanks for the insightful input.

However, all this said, don't forget your roots. Starting out is hard and costly. I'm sure people using these stock photos mean no ill intent, they are just doing what they were taught and trying to get their foot in the door. That was my plan.

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