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Photographs in Business

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Estate Professionals of Glynn

A new agent just left my office after posing an interesting question, which resulted in a rather lengthy discuss from  several other agents.  The issue was regarding the use of photographs on business cards and other promotional material.  Our office policy leaves the decision of whether to include a picture of the agent up to the agent.  We also provide no significant guidance as related to the attire, posture, background or overall theme (if any).  The only issues that are specifically addressed are as follows; 1.) If a picture is used it must be no older than two years and must be updated accordingly.  2.) Should any dramatic cosmetic changes occur (specifically hair color and or styling) in the general appearance of the agent a new photograph is required for use in all advertising media inclusive of business cards within 60 days.

These two criteria seem to effectively eliminate the dated photos that no longer resemble the agent in question.  It doesn't address the glamour shots, the bad posing or some really creative photos.  So my question is simple do any of you see the photographs as a problem if so do you have policies and procedures to address it?

Ann Cummings
RE/MAX Shoreline - NH and Maine - Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth NH Real Estate Preferrable Agent

We don't have a company policy regarding photographs, but everyone here uses nice business photos.  Some are a little older than 2 years old, but still professional busness pictures.

I have seem some pictures others have used around the country and I can't for the life of me figure out why they use really suggestive photos for their business materials.  At one of the last conventions I went to, one of the business cards I was given was a full length picture of this person, and her skirt was so short I don't know how she sat down in it, and the blouse was cut so low, I thought it was a still shot from one of the Hollywood awards shows or something.  She also used that same picture on her signs and letterhead, etc.  Not exactly my idea of a professional real estate image.......

Sep 06, 2006 02:51 AM
Ken Cook
Content, coding, marketing, host. - Marietta, GA
Content Marketer/Creator
Hi Michael, do you know my good friend John Adams? Anyway, we have no photo guidelines although only our Qualifying Broker allows herself to be photographed! But your posting did make me think about it. I only have two loan originators with photos and the only person in the entire real estate division with a photo is the QB. How expensive is it to have a photographer come to your office and shoot head shots of everyone say every 12 months - you know, like they do in school? Or maybe even just having a tripod and camera set up with good lighting and a good background in the office? This is probably what I would chose to do and do the photos as a perk.
Sep 06, 2006 03:01 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Well, you need to have some kind of policy in effect. Your picture does bear a reflection on your agency. What bothers me are the people who use self-taken digital photos for their cards and websites. Come on, a good photo session isn't that expensive. At the very least, have someone else take the picture!
Sep 06, 2006 03:09 AM
Tyler Wedel
THIRD TENNESSEE REALTY - Monterey, TN
I like the idea of using a picture that is two years old or newer. i have saw pictures than saw the person and wondered if I was seeing the same person
Sep 06, 2006 03:21 AM
Ken Cook
Content, coding, marketing, host. - Marietta, GA
Content Marketer/Creator
Updating to show what a self-taken digital photo can look like if you take your time, use a good camera and have good lighting: http://novationmortgage.com/greg.html
Sep 06, 2006 03:25 AM
Adam Dalton
Century 21 M&M and Associates - Turlock Real Estate - Turlock, CA
Realtor - Turlock Homes
We have some agents in my area who haven't updated since the George Bush Sr. was in office.  I like to keep it fresh and usually do a new photo with every card order.
Sep 06, 2006 10:58 AM