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Everybody knows photoshop - the standard for taking photos from "blah" to "wow!" in a few clicks. It's even become a verb just like Google. You "Photoshop" a picture, instead of just editing it. The power of Photoshop or any other program that's used to improve the quality of photos is that, through digital magic, flaws and mistakes can be easily removed. While it's important to make a home look it's best online and in print, what is considered ethical when editing photos?
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18 Comments on The ethics of Photoshop with real estate photos
You're right in all areas of this post. Not long ago I showed a home NO POLES in the MLS shots. We pull up yep right there in direct view of the front yard a pole. Now not just any little ole pole but a large metal city pole. RRRRRRRRR......... My guy said nope let's move on I'm not paying for views of a pole.
Bryan,
Great topic of conversation; for those who outsource Vlogs and virtual tours it can be helpful that service providers know the ethics and values we work with.
Have a great Friday,
Steve
I started a great discussion about CURRENT v GOOD photos of properties. Since I RErent properties every year, I update photos and use GOOD photos in my online marketing....My GOOD photos may not be the current photo and they are the BEST photo.
I had a client send me a photo of her house that she wanted me to put on the MLS. The problem was, there was a big tree in the photo that no longer existed. I told her I couldn't do it. The only thing I have photoshopped out of a photo is a car in the driveway ... and that is only because the bank required it.
Bryan, I agree with you "if it can be removed in the real world, it's fair to remove it in Photoshop." Using it, or similar program, to enhance color and lighting is ok, IMO. One part of our job is to market and show a property in its best light (pun intended).
Hi Bryan - With Photoshop CS5's content-aware fill, it's insanely easy to make things go away now, so your points are timely and useful. And somewhat related - we just used virtual staging for the first time and had some interesting discussions about the ethics of that - I think it's okay, but I have to admit I'm not completely comfortable with it.
Hi Bryan, Tweaking pics isn't new and most of us have seen listings which were enhanced whether we knew it or not ! Pretty much the same with agent pics on business cards !! LOL
Our MLS just formulated some guidance and rules regarding all types of digital enhancements to photographs and I think it is prudent for each MLS to take a look at doing it too. If someone uses virtual staging (for example) the photograph must state on the photo itself (not just the remarks or description) that it is "digitally enhanced".
Bryan - Good topic. Photoshop, or not, and if you do, when does it become too much on real estate photos of properties. Lighten/darken, or color enhance, no problem. Adding, or removing I think is too much. Just my two cents on the subject.
Creative angles on photos can be an issue even without Photoshop. Pulled up to a house last week where there were major power lines running next to the house. We realized they had taken the photo from the other direction. We were not amused.
Great post and a worthy topic for discussion. I do understand how a listing agent wants to show their listing in the best possible light, but if the home doesn't look similar in person as it does on line, the buyers will be annoyed.
Photoshop is a great program Bryan. I agree with all your statements. It still bothers me a little when I see an MLS listing where all photos are obviously lightened. It may still be the real thing, but obviously doctored....
I like the real of thumb of removing something from a photo if it's easily removed in real life.
Featured in the group: Bartender, Make it a Double.
Bryan - many of photshops little adjustments can be and are done by most professional photographers using camera settings (and we won't even go into the use of wide angled lenses) so I don't feel it s wrong to adjust lighting removing weeds, cars or other objects that are not always there ..... however things like a telephone pole or similar object that is always going to be there is something different.
A few years ago I had a client take Photoshop in to the real world. I left at about 10am and they had a lawn that clearly was brown and hadn't been watered in months. At 4pm it was as green as can be! They spray painted the entire lawn in one day so it would show better.
Good food for thougth Bryan. Since I don't know how to use the program no chance I'll make that type fo error. LOL.
I agree with many of the distinctions you've drawn.
Bryan, I've been pondering this topic recently while changing contrast and brightening shadows. I had no idea that some images were being photoshopped as much as you mentioned. Glad to find out that what I'm doing is ethical, but surprised to hear what some people are trying to get away with!
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