Who takes your pictures?

Pictures are so important on our listings. I am starting to put more pictures on my listing flyer, too.

A professional photographer is on my wish-list, but more for the fact they would save me time than get a better picture. The only thing between me and a better photo is a better camera, but the auto-fix feature on Adobe works wonders. On the other hand, time spent taking photos is time NOT creating new business.

Nice job.  I see the difference.

Photographing a home well is a must now.  Years ago there was no internet, just a book.  Now you get just one chance to make a good impression.

Thank you for the link,  what great pictures, Sometimes in cloudy Michigan we don't get very good exterior pictures, so I take them WHEN we have a sunny day I go back and make some new ones.  We are required to have snow and no snow pictures on our listings.   Thanks again,  Jane

I actually love photography love taking great photos of home....they make all the difference in the world. 

Changing the angle or shooting away from a window will often improve a photo. However, for great shots it is best left to the pros. Thanks.

Photography for fun is enjoyable but your post makes some good points about using photos in our business.  Great examples.  Thanks.

I've been taking pictures for a while and its really nice to be able to go and take a picture of a property.

Interesting post on one of my pet peeves.  I actually enjoy taking pix of our properties and do a decent job (I think....check out our website and let me know your thoughts!) But just today, once again, a local agent posted a $2.4 million property on our MLS with no photos at all!  And last week, a $4.2 million property with seven pictures of the dining room and none of the rest of the house!!!!  I don't get it.

Never mind hiring a professional photog...I would be happy to consistently have agents take pictures at all!

Simply put, agents are just too cheap! In general, people do not place a high value on the creative arts. Just about everyone is a "Photographer" because in today's world, imaging is easy. The difference, and one that passes most folks by, is that taking the time to learn how to create great imagery is just too time consuming. It is the attitude of just getting the pixels captured is enough. Don't get me started. To those who take time to create good stuff, congrats, you are head and shoulders above the rest.

I am learning, and appreciate posts like this very much.  Thank you Anna!

It is crazy how so many Realtors could care less about the photos they use to market a home. I have seen on more than one occasion a picture of someone watching TV in the living room instead of the actual living room. We always make sure that we get the best pictures we can since on-line marketing is such a huge part in selling a home.

Anna,

Welcome to activerain-I see you are off to a great start-nice examples above!

We are always looking for talent at my company. Where did you get you formal photography education and how long have you been making a full-time living with photography?

(I lived in Columbus, Ohio for several years growing up-GO BUCKS!)

Blog on!

Steve

Obeoman

The contrast between photos is amazing.  Thank you for posting your atricle.

In today's market, photos are key! I hire a professional most of the time for my listings. It does make a difference.

Anna,

We are always looking for talent at my company. Where did you get you formal photography education and how long have you been making a full-time living with photography?

 Steve

Obeoman

Real Estate Photography is something all Realtors need training and education on! My husband is a photographer and has taught me many lessons on taking pictures and learning tricks to help with the pictures. It amazes both of us how many realtors use 1 or 2 shots of the outside of the home and nothing on the inside, or they take shots staight on and leave much to be imagined.

We are both in real estate and recently viewed several homes that did not sell and were either withdrawn or expired and the owners did not want to list again. The reasons we saw were on one listing the realtor took a shot of the front of the home, and you could not see the house for the two huge trees blocking it.  The other listiings failed because no signs, no pictures on the listings, or 1 picture.

Curb appeal, a clean, staged home, photographed correctly sells faster than one that was thrown out there.

Thanks for the article here and your photos are wonderful.

Cathy W.