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How important is photography?

Okay, I'll admit, we use a simple digital camera for our before and after staging pictures, and this seems common for listing pictures as well. But a recent experience with a professional photographer, (we staged specifically for the photo shoot) has me wondering. How much do you invest in camera equipment? When do you bring in a professional photographer?

Posted by Tracey Wood -ReFeathering: Staging and Design on 12/05/2008 06:41 PM

Comments (12)

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12 Comments on How important is photography?

DEC

2008

Ideally I would always use one, and I always suggest it to my clients. Unfortunately, they are not always understanding the importance of those minature pictures on the MLS, no matter how hard I try to explain.

But I will continue to recommend it, despite the responses.

I think as huge as staging has become, real estate photography will be the next really big thing to up the ante with agressive sellers and agents. It's a natural progression to complete the presentation and generate a big splash when a home goes on the market.

The pics are the marketing these days.

~Michelle

Tracey - There's nothing better than the ability to hire a professional photographer. However, in the event one isn't used, then the greatest opportunity for the home stager is to make the investment in the best camera that they can buy. I did that last year by purchasing a Nikon D80. I've recently upgraded to the D90 and absolutely love it. Not only will this investment benefit the seller (whether it be a home owner, a builder, an investor, etc....) but the agent and the home stager as well.

Hope that helps.

Kathy

P.S. I agree with Michelle - The pictures make an incredible difference in marketing the home.

Hi Tracey, I just posted about how one of our staged homes sold this week due to the photo gallery the out-of-state buyers saw on-line. Professional photography makes a huge difference. Great staging + great photos = a sold home!

Michelle, Kathy, Diana, thanks for your responses. It's probably time for a new camera purchase. Plus, we do have some good contacts for professional photographers. Getting clients to bite off on that will be difficult, as Michelle mentioned, but we need to at least offer it to them.

In our area (Seattle-metro) the real estate agent is the one who usually will pay for professional photography. However, often they will do this only if the price point of the home is on the higher end, or if the client demands it. I am fortunate that my business partner/sister's husband is a fabulous photographer and he offers his photography as part of our staging services. As everything in real estate gets more competitive, I think a professional looking photo gallery will be more the norm.

Tracey, I recently teamed up a a professional photographer in my area that I found here on AR. She offers me a discount because she knows Realtors will see her work through me. I love using her, she really makes me look good. I agree with Michelle, I think this will be the next big thing. So teaming up with a professional will only add to your services.

DEC

2008

Before you spend any money on a new camera, invest in learning Photoshop. Even pictures taken with a great camera still need to be touched up. Learn how to correct barrel distortion, bad verticals, white balance issues, always use a tri-pod... If you don't have the time or patience to learn, find a professional.

DEC

2008

Hi, Tracey:

I did a consult for a REALTOR before Thanksgiving, and she had already had photos taken by a professional photographer, and posted the listing online. Of course, I printed a copy to bring with me, and I could not believe it was the same home. The pictures were wonderful - everything was perfect: Lighting, angle, etc. I could not have pulled it off with my cruddy digital camera.

Of course, I did point out that she did it backwards. But this particular Relocation Company does not waste any time: they list right away, then work out the details. On orders from Corporate.

The Stage Coach Home Stager Austin Home Staging Round Rock Home Stager

Some have a photographer as part of their package, some take their own photos. The question is, can you tell the difference? Almost always. SO, that does that tell you? Do you charge enough to give them the very best? Should you put it as part of your package? Is your demographic one that can absorb that cost? Business planning questions for next year perhaps. Or reluanching your business with new programs.

If a home does not look great in the photos on line then its chances of selling quickly are greatly reduced. It will not get as many showings.

I have a Nikon D90 on my Christmas list along with a Nikon 14-24mm lens. I doubt Santa will get me both, so if I have to pick, I will choose the lens. I can use it on my current Nikon D40 body, and get pretty darn close to professional grade photos - 100 times better than most photos on the MLS.

I highly recommend the Nikon D40 with the 18-55 mm lens if you are going to up-grade your camera. The package is $400-500 and it is worth the investment to get great portfolio photos. And yes, the quality of your portfolio photos is one of your key tools in marketing your work.

Photoshop proficiency is also invaluable.

I would love to be able to include a professional photographer in my staging package, and I offer it as an option, but no one has taken me up on it yet.

DEC

2008

I typically take my own photo's although I have brought in a professional photographer on occasion. I upgraded my photo equipment last year to a new Canon DSLR with a wide angle lens that really has proven to be a great investment. As Terrylynn said you can almost always tell the difference.

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JAN

Tracey, getting the best photos possible is tremendously important. I have a professional camera but I also just teamed up with a professional photographer to use when I need him.

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