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An easy “step” for better pictures.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC CO ER100025633

I make no claim to be a great photographer. Many of you are really talented and I tip my hat to you.

As much as possible I use a professional photographer.

But we all get those listings where there is no budget for a pro and frankly the pro can only capture what is there. If the house doesn’t have “it” and there is no budget, then I have to find the camera.

I’ve learned a trick that is very easy but can yield impressive results.

I can often tell agent taken pictures if for no other reason than all the pictures were taken with the agent standing up. They are all taken from eye level. A pro doesn’t do that and rooms don’t always look best at eye level.

On those occasions I do have to take house pictures, I take a step stool. Once you find which way you want to shoot, take a picture standing, then climb up a step on the stool and take another, take one more step on the stool and take it again.

Then sit on the stool and take the same shot a foot or so lower than if you were standing.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how this easy “step,” just a little higher or lower, can transform an ordinary shot into one that is a little more dramatic.

Posted by

David Gibson, 

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

Broker / Owner Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC

Independent Real Estate Broker

Colorado (License # ER100025633) and Texas (License # TX 499067)

Email: broker719@gmail.com

Phone: 719-304-4684

3326 Sand Flower Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

I help my clients buy "A Better House at Lower Cost."

 

Sellers ~ I offer staging, professional photography, drone photography and videos. I'd like to send you a link to our listings so you get an idea how great your house can look.

 

Call or text me at 719-304-4684, or email me at broker719@gmail.com for more house choices and better deals.

Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

What a terrific idea.  I'm going over to one of my listings today with the step stool thats burried in the upstairs closet.  Thanks.

Sep 08, 2015 01:51 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

That's a great idea. A little bit of height can make a big difference.

Sep 08, 2015 02:05 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

This is a good tip.  I have found myself climbing on all kinds of things to get the perfect pic!

Sep 08, 2015 04:18 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

David, I rarely do my own photos, as the pros are much better.  BUT, however there are those condos that only need a few shots, and have done them.  Good tips, thanks! 

Sep 08, 2015 07:59 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

David- I think this is an excellent idea.  And, taking shots from several vantage points gives you a good choice. 

Sep 08, 2015 09:41 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

That is really great and simple advice that I never though about! Thanks for the tip!

Sep 09, 2015 11:46 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

 

              Thank you, David Gibson for my ah-ha moment. 

Sep 12, 2015 10:50 AM
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation

Wow Kathy, that is an honor. Thank you!

Sep 12, 2015 11:22 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

David, great advice on capturing the best a room has to offer. Enjoy your day! 

Sep 12, 2015 09:36 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning David Gibson I'm going to share this post with my team members....they take all the photos of their own listings.... this is great....thanks and glad Kathy featured your post....

Sep 12, 2015 09:50 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Thank you David-I will give that a shot,

Sep 12, 2015 09:57 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning David. What a great suggestion for taking house photos. TY

Sep 12, 2015 10:38 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning David Gibson ,

So glad I read Kathy Streib's post this morning on her "Ah-Ha" moments for the week! Your tip is great! I 've found a photographer I like and use her for all my listings and I notice her shots often use this technique! Thanks for sharing. I've subscribed to your blog!

Sep 12, 2015 11:28 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Excellent tip David!  I take a lot of my own staging pics and taking them from all different angles and heights is very important!

Sep 12, 2015 11:51 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I will rarely move higher for better results but shooting from the hip captures the better content for me. Here via Kathy! 

Sep 13, 2015 12:04 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I am glad that Kathy highlighted your post this week so I did not miss it!

Sep 13, 2015 12:54 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

There are often times I crouch down in the corner of a room so I can capture a slightly upward view especially when there's a vaulted ceiling in play. 

Sep 13, 2015 01:33 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Wow, David!  Great hints.  We have a pro on staff who takes all of our photos, and he does this very thing.  Once, he stood on the roof of his car to get a great shot of a house.  But I never thought about sitting down and shooting from below eye level.  

Sep 13, 2015 02:02 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I like to take pictures from above if I can. It showcases the size often. 

Sep 13, 2015 03:18 AM
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

Great idea to shoot at different levels and see what show cases the property. You are right, sometimes you don't have a lot to work with!

Sep 13, 2015 04:06 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

David Gibson simple trick - and worth trying. I do use professional photographer - however, will go there with my own camera and see the results...

Sep 13, 2015 03:01 PM