Home : Blogs : Kathleen Garvey - Stager Idol - Florida Home Staging in Naples Ft. Myers : Home Staging from Naples & Fort Myers, Florida

Several Home Stagers have DONE IT NOW!!…Have you?

Over the past few months, I have noticed several AR Stagers who had taken close-up photos of a feature from their staged work. Very close-up photos. The focus was tight and shot from an artistic angle. What was so interesting about showing one of these photos was that most people, who read the thread, commented on the artistic photograph the most! I think it was Dane Caldwell of Toronto and Kathy Nielson from Atlanta who shined with their artistic touch recently, by focusing on CLOSE-UP PHOTOs.

Well, I have to mention that it inspired me to try a few new artistic ways to photograph my stagings. When I take the photos of a room, I do my best to view the lens similar in ways a professional photographer might consider. I choose an advantageous angle to focus on and click away! Even though I am not a huge fan of viewing a stager's work in small bites, this is one morsel which adds artistic flair we can all appreciate--in addition to the room photo!

GIVE IT A TRY!!

Warm Regards-

Signature

Kathleen Garvey, ENHANCED INTERIORS & HOME STAGING - Located in Southwest Florida and providing Real Estate Staging in the following areas: Fort Myers, Naples, Estero, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, FL Call: (239) 849-6009

Member of RESA - State of Florida President 2008

Posted by Kathleen Garvey - Stager Idol - Florida Home Staging in Naples Ft. Myers on 03/04/2008 10:52 PM

Comments (57)

florida, home staging, mls photos

This post has been included in Florida Information
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...

57 Comments on Several Home Stagers have DONE IT NOW!!…Have you?

MAR

2008

Kathleen ~ This is on my list of photography things to try this year. I think it makes for a nice picture. I think showing it next to a full room picture really shares some of the details of what went into the room.

I love this. I use pictures like this in my virtual tours to add color, great concept and I think it does set the tone for a certain lifestyle in the market place.

I think it's a great idea. People are trying to get an idea if they can live there through the pictures on the web. Those picts just help it feel more "at home"

Kathleen- How beautiful!!! I learned this technique from Melissa, and so now call them my "Melissa shots". After shooting my before and afters, I take several close-ups, and try all different angles and lighting. I ALWAYS get compliments. Can't wait to see more of yours!

Really lovely shot! I am so glad to see others doing this! I think it makes such a difference & really shows the detail of the work we do. While I think it is important to do the full rooms, taking the close ups can show another dimension of your work.

Elaine - how sweet you are!

Nice Kathleen. Close ups are great and look even better with color which you have displayed in this post!

Thanks,

Diane Concialdi DC Redesign

Thank you for the inspiration, Kathleen. I need to start taking some shots like this. Your table top is beautiful! Love the colors.

Hi Kathy P. - Yes...I like these types of photos...though along with a larger photograph of the highlighted area. I do not use a lot of these shots, however, do think it adds an extra focus on the details as you mentioned!

Hello Kim K.- Good idea to use a few on your virtual tour! People love to look at the details along with the 'whole' picture!

Hello Scott- Yes, people seem to warm up to the artistic photos very quickly! Photos in the MLS system bring in the buyers...I hope that realtors are paying more attention to the QUALITY of their listings' photos! It makes a difference. Thanks for commenting!

Hi Elaine- Thank you. It sounds like you are using good techniques for your photos! I call them my 'magazine shots'. If I try to imagine the photo as if it would appear in a magazine, that is where my artistic lens hits the bulls-eye! Have you posted any of your artistic photos yet? I must admit that I am not the most tech-advanced person here and trying my best to get the hang of things better!! Often, it is difficult to find the extra time it seems (to post and blog)! I am working on it! : )

General comment--There are a few stagers who have a whole portfolio of ONLY the accessory photos...and I do not agree with using these 'small item' shots mainly as examples of the home stager's work. This can appear similar to viewing a catalogue of accessories instead of looking at a ROOM. A few smaller-scaled artistic photos here and there are beautiful to view...however, I prefer that the majority of a stager's portfolio shows the grander scale of their staging work. For my preference, I simply enjoy a little something 'extra' at times!! Regards-Kathleen G.

This is beautiful, Kathleen! I need to slow down and practice some closeups-highlights the details.

Kathy

Hello Melissa! Thanks for stopping by! You have added a lot more of these shots in your site I believe and the variety of doing so can really showcase your talent in a BIG way!! With regard to showcasing your talents, you do so quite well m'dear!

Hi Diane C.- Yes, the color combinations really make the point! I hope you give it a try!

Hi Diana- Thank you for the compliments!

Hi Kathy R.- Yes, slowing down is KEY. Like many of us, we are so busy running around and juggling a thousand details at once, it can be a challenge to remember to take these pictures! I actually make a notation for myself as a reminder of the areas where I want to photograph the close-ups.

Regards-Kathleen G

That is beautiful! I love doing close up vignettes! Its a little something to post on your webpage as well!

Heather

Hello Heather- I hope you consider posting close-ups of your own! Like I mentioned above, several stagers have started including these shots along with the full room shot and it looks really sharp! Regards-Kathleen G

Kathleen, that is a gorgeous photo. The floral arrangement is so elegant. The picture makes me want to see the whole room. Great job!

Kathleen- I agree with you, that they should be used sparingly, because what we do as stagers is all about the BIG picture, but they are fun to have! Here are a couple I did:

napkins Cedar

Hi Charlene! Thanks for the compliment!

Hello again Elaine...Very Nice! The first one has warm tones and artistic angles, I like it! The second photo you posted is interesting because it shows nice flow and movement...as well as centering the light on the texture of your candlesticks! Cool! Thanks for sharing!! Regards-Kathleen G

Kathleen ~ I love your close up shot and am going to try this on future projects. One or two here and there will look very stylish in our portfolios ... thanks for sharing your ideas.

Hi Maureen- Thank you! Yes, I am happy that you agree on how stylish a few of these photos would be in complementing one's portfolio! I think it does keep portfolios 'fresh' with a small touch here and there. Regards-Kathleen G

A close up shot is so effective. I see it used often on websites.

I love the arrangement.

What a great shot! I love it! This is something I need to practice and work on more...it's a great way to show the details of what we do.

Just beautiful! You need to add this shot to your website! I love the green with the coffee beans....very creative!

Kathleen- you know how I feel about this! and see Teresa M agrees with me!

Very nice!!!!!

GREAT PHOTO . Funny Im starting to do this lately. If you replace the black beans it will give that coffe aroma. dont get me wrong it looks amazing Im always thinking of that aromatherapy!

Kathleen - I LOVE this picture and LOVE your table setting! Good for you for making the time to take these kinds of shots. I've yet to add them to my site but will be doing so soon!

Kathy

Very cool Kathleen. I'm still trying to get decent shots of the big picture. It has been challenging.

Kathleen, I JUST finished taking staging classes this afternoon,( I took it to better serve my clients so now I am focusing on what other's do for staging.

I love the idea. Did you use a special lens? What kind of camera and lenses work best? Vickie

Hi Isabel - Thank you!

Hello Abby - Yes, you must try it more often! It IS a great way to highlight details...we notice all of them naturally (as stagers); however, taking a really cool close-up photo opens people's eyes in a more dramatic fashion!

Hi Teresa - Thank you! Actually, I used dried black beans. Originally I had thought that I would use coffee beans, and then decided to add a more 'cool' (vs warm) color in the mix....it gives it a nice contrasting balance!

Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Marci - Thank you! I think you could do a great job of creating one of these arrangements with your fantastic talent for flower arranging!!

Hi Nicola - Thank you very much for the compliment!

Hello Fernando - Thanks! Sharp eyes on the black beans...must be a S. Florida guy !! : ) Yes, I had originally planned coffee beans but decided against them for several reasons. This waterfront home is vacant and I was concerned about ants. The second reason is that not everyone likes the smell of coffee and I didn't want to take the chance. Aromatherapy is great for personal use, however, I make the choice to not use it with my stagings. The third reason I chose black beans was the reason I stated above to Teresa. I wanted the 'cool' color shade and texture added into the warmer color mix....I chose black beans on purpose! : )

Regards-Kathleen G

Hey Kathy N! Thank YOU for the inspiration! I loved that bathroom/sink photo you recently posted! Though I have more than a few of these types of photos, I am now taking them with more 'intention'...as opposed to just by chance! : )

Hello Karen H. - Believe me, I keep spinning the dial thingie with the little photos of the flower, heart, figurehead....lol...try the Big picture AND the Close-up as well! You may just find your hidden talent!

Hi Vickie - Good for you! Your clients and listings will surely benefit from your attention with taking better photos! I have the Kodak v570, however, that is not what I used to shoot this photo. My tech-y skills are a bit slow...and that 570 is still sitting on it's 'deck'. LOL! Oh well. My goal is to learn how to use that camera CORRECTLY. (As opposed to the old Panasonic I currently use). BTW- The Panasonic does have a LEICA Lens...which is why I purchased it in the first place! It has traveled with me in Spain and often to South America (Argentina)......and never fails me! Lovin' that!

Regards-Kathleen G

Great shot and play on colors! Nice touch with the coffee beans---how long do those last?? Thanks for sharing!!!!

Kathleen what a gorgeous picture. The greens playing off one another are just beautiful. I love the coffee beans on the plate - am going to try that myself. Thanks for the post. Betty

Kathleen The one that you have on this blog is definitely magazine quality.

MAR

2008

One or two shots like this can grab the attention of the buyer searching online. They really stand out from the typical boring photos.

Kathleen,

Nice tableau!

Best,

Audrey

Kathleen, great shot! Alexandra's husband is an amazing photographer and shoots all our stages and he is very well known for his magazine quality shots and creative angles to showcase the rooms. He also takes amazing vignette shots. The close up vignette shots are also really great as photo stock for our postcards, brochures and even thank you cards to clients & Realtors.

Emily~ Celebrate Staging, Vancouver, BC

This is a great tip for photography - staging, listings, any photos really. Like the detail shots in a nice car brochure. Highlighting a smaller portion will make the larger area stand out overall. Nice post!

Agreed, these photos are delicious.

Very nice photos. I feel they really show off the details.

Thank You Everyone!! Having great photographs is so essential for our work! When we have photos which look like a magazine or stock photo shot, you gotta love it! Choosing the best color combination so that all colors compliment one another is key! Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Kathleen - your picture in your post is beautiful, as are the others in the comments. It is all about the big pictures, but these close-ups can also send really nice messages as well. I like to see those sprinkled in - it shows in great detail some vignettes that compose the larger picture of the home.

Ann

Kathleen,

Your photograph is exquisitely done. I'm sure you'll be doing more of this.

It certainly makes one look and it has to be fun to do. It makes you feel like the house you're looking at has been featured in a magazine. This is a great pic! I would not hesitate to add this to the other pics for the house. While it alone will not sell the house, it is different and makes you look creative.

Hi Kathleen, love this shot of the tabletop. When I do my virtual tour I always try to use a couple areas of interest of the seller's home with an art shot. Some examples: rusty mailbox w/ a colorful banner on a country road and a cherished tire swing in the front yard of a Southern Mansion. There is beauty all around us if we view it with an artistic eye.

Wow, I am impressed and all I have seen was your one very beautiful photo. Based upon seeing just that one photo I have confidence that you are an exceptional stager. Sometimes you don't have to show the whole room!

Nice...coffee beans will definately sell me.

We have tried it for room detail on trim or special accent pieces that remain with the property. Interesting thought.

Thank you for commenting Everyone and the kind compliments are appreciated by me! There is something special about the close-up shots which seem to make the larger picture of a room a little more intimate! I hope each person considers trying out their artistic 'eye' by taking a few more close-up photographs! Thanks again! Regards-Kathleen G

Love the photo shot - so full of color and detail. Better photos is definitely on my list of goals for 2008.

I have been a photography buff for years. Here is a great tip that I use a lot. I use Kodak Easyshare for my photos. You can download it free online. Anyway, if you click on the photo and click enhance, you can crop the picture into a great close up shot. Hit save. Go to file and click restore original. That way you get both the original picture and the close up! Two pics in one.

They are all beautiful. I love the details you can see. You could all venture out into photography as well.

LOVE this picture and your table staging! I am currently working on my new website and there is an area in the upper right hand corner that is perfect for small close ups. I think close ups are very effective and add lots of color and drama. Thanks for the inspiring post.

Thanks again! Yes, I have more than a few of these types of photographs..and will place additional ones on my website. Adding color, texture and the right lighting usually pushes a good photo upward to becoming a GREAT photo!

It makes me happy that this idea/photo has further inspired many of you to give it a whirl yourselves! Please post them whenever you create that next work of art....it inspires all of us! Regards-Kathleen G

This looks like a picture right out of a stylish magazine. I'd say that if you've got a lot of great "after" shots of the main features of the home, this is a bit of Staging "bling" that is a wonderful addition to a portfolio!

MAR

2008

Hi Janis....thanks! You had me smiling...staging 'bling'! I love it! Added to the main shot of the space/room, absolutely...a little bling never hurts! Regards-Kathleen G

Kathleen, sorry I'm late to the party. You are right on with this message. We have not done this in the past but intend to do so in the future. What a great way to add accessories to our own message to home owners. Yeah, I intended the pun -- sorry.

Hello Yvonne! There are so many great parties happening around here (AR), I too can never seem to make them all! Thanks for showing up! : ) Regards-Kathleen G

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?