Great post I sometimes get it right

You did the right thing. When selling a home, it's always important to stand as far back as possible to show the size of the room mand it's details. However that first shot is d-y-n-a-m-i-t-e, showing a cozy and inviting conversation area.

Kathy ~ Good point.  The best staging photo and the best real estate photo are not necessarily the same!  Agents appreciate the photo that shows the home's best features.  By the way your photos and your staging are great!

Kathy, I actually prfer the first pic. It gives the illusion of even more space than the room has and is brighter and crisper than the second one.

Thanks, Charlie.

Vickie - I too like the 1st photo.  In fact, with each new project, I'm taking these types of shots by getting on my knees.  i do agree that the best photo is one that captures the entire room.

Maureen - Thank you!

Steve - see, I think the other picture, which captures the entire room, would be a better picture for the MLS listing.  That's just my opinion though. 

Kathy

Kathy, your point is well taken.  Context must always be considered with selecting photos.  Thanks for the reminder.

Kathy, I think both types of shots are valuable. While the majority of real estate shots designed to highlight the space favor a wider angle, closer, more intimate shots can be extremely effective in communicating mood or ambiance.

Ive notice that here's a much higher frequency of request among the top most agents for the 'narrow' shots for at least part of the shoot. Presumably they know the value of that type of marketing. Ultmately choosing one or the other is more art than science.

Thanks for raisinga very good point of consideration. :)

Here's two from my portfolio that are about as extreme a contrast as I can imagine.

Cheers, -B

Bryce - Your photos are incredible.  I can understand completely how the photo on the left creates an ambiance.  From now on, I'm going to send all types of photos and let the agent select.  Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom and for proving a valuable point through your photos.

Kathy

Very good point!  I do like to send them multiple photos of each room when possible.  The close ups are really more for my portfolio than theirs.  I do like what Bryce had to say though.... good point also!

Melissa - this is exactly what I love about Active Rain.  By posting this blog, I learned first-hand from a professional photograher no less, the value in providing the agent with multiple shots.  Again, the pictures proved a very valuable point.

Thanks again, Bryce.

Kathy - I love the close up.  I really only take photos for the agents.  I never seem to think of photos for my portfolio.  You and Melissa are the masters of great staging photos.  Another thing to put on my to do list. 

Kathy,

This is a very important post. I agonize over which pictures to use in on the MLS site. We are only allowed 15 so every picture has to tell a story.

I agree with you, while I like the 1st picture better, if you can only have one of the living room, the 2nd one is the one to use.

Kathy: I agree that most of the photos should be expansive, showing as much of the room as possible, while still making it feel cozy and welcoming. But I do love to see "lifestyle" shots that are up close and intimate to help sell what it would be like living in the home. As always, your photos are fantastic. I'm still waiting to hear which lens you are using))

I would like to know the camera AND the lens.  Great photos and good points, I like the first one too but as a Realtor would have to opt for the second on my flier and mls...just because it shows the whole room better.  Thanks for the contrasting photos to illustrate  your point.

I take both now, shots for me up close, and further back for REA.

Susan - Moving forward, I'm going to send the best 30 over to the agent.  That way, he/she can make a decision on which ones to use.  I'm going to make it a combination of whole room and the artsy shots (as I like to call them).

Michelle and Terrylynn - The camera is a Nikon D80.  The lens is a Nikon 18-200 mm vibration reduction lens.  I also bought a flash.  These three items definitely took an investment in dollars.  However, I have to say that it's one of the better decisions I've made.  What I need to do next is to take this one step further by taking some classes. 

Kathy

Nice work! Taking the clients needs into consideration is very important. What will they appreciate in the photo is what we should be looking at.

Kathy Great point , We do create vignettes to make the spaces bigger. Thanks for sharing this valuable information !  :)

Great point, Kathy.  I'll be taking more than wide angle shots from now on!

Kathy

Huge difference though both are great.  They just tell their own story, that's all.  Great post and fabulous photography as always. 

Interesting information in the comments here-great post!  Your photos and staging are beautiful.  I love your choice of texture, color and style!!