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Professional Photographers

I love to seek feedback through Active Rain, in fact, a great deal of my blog posts are ones that ask questions. So here it is again: what has your experience been with using professional photographers? The reason that I ask is because I uploaded a new profile picture today, one that was taken by a professional. Everyone in our office had professional pictures taken a couple of months back, and I finally decided to use some of them (one here on AR). For those of you that have used photographers for personal pictures, listing pictures, etc..., what has your experience been? Has it been worth the money?

Posted by Patrick Foley on 01/04/2009 04:32 PM

Comments (8)

Photographers in the ActiveRain Channel

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8 Comments on Professional Photographers

JAN

Hi Patrick -- I know your question is directed at people who have used professional photographers, so sorry for butting in. My photo was taken off a snapshot but I am thinking of getting a professional photo taken soon. I see more and more agents using casual photos nowadays. All the best.~

Million dollar photographer + Million dollar camera DOES NOT = a memorable photo, IF you don't smile.

A smile shows many things to your potential clients... confidence, friendliness, etc.

It would be worth another take to get it just right.

Cameron Novak
Corona Hills Real Estate Broker
The Homefinding Center
Corona, California
951-212-7479

Corona Short Sale Agent Profile

Shirley - I previously used a home photo, but many people in commercial real estate look for a more "professional" image.

Cameron - I agree, I just have a terrible smile, haha. I need to work on that one. I have some pics with smiles that were taken, maybe I'll try those after a few weeks of this one online.

Professional Photo is well worth the money...or buy expensive cameras and learn to shoot

Patrick Foley Patrick - I certainly recommend a pro for portrait photography. But I wouldn't have someone into your office to set up for a single snap. Have the photographer take a series of different shots at slightly different angles then you have some choices. I do my own photos of listings (and want to do some professional work for other agents) and I find that my secret to getting good shots is to take a lot of bad ones. I find that I see things on the computer back at the office that I may have missed on site - so I recompose by cropping and post processing with photo software to change lighting and other variables. (Photoshop Elements is an excellent program that is cost effective - the Photoshop Elements/Premiere Elements bundle gives you some flexibility with video too). Initially you can do some photo editing with on line services which are free to use (Picasa or Picnik for example). The biggest improvement in listing photos, in my opinion, is lots of images to choose from and some effort at the computer after you get back from the shoot.

Your AR head shot is good and presents you as a professionsl - but I would recommend that you crop the image. You are the product - not your tailor. I do not have the high res image to change for you, but the low resolution image on AR produces the result pictured here. Your head should use more of the frame and I would have you slightly off center. Just my opinion (like politics - photography involves subjective judgment)

If you want to be interested in photography - you will find AR has many experts who range from experienced non-pros to real artists who do amazing architectural work. But all are willing to help and advise you and all make a living trying to solve the same photographic problems you are working on. They are truly a great resource. And your contributions will also be welcome. As you solve problems you have encountered, you can be sure that others here on AR are trying to solve the same problem and would like to hear from you.

There is a Photography group (several actually) and a Photoshop Elements for Real Estate group if you are interested. (Some of us who have been around a while have not adjusted to the channel navigation yet)

Welcome to ActiveRain.

JAN

Ted - Thanks for the lengthy response. I do have several other shots, this was just the one I happened to opt for. The photographer must have taken 40 or 50 of just the headshot. I will certainly look into cropping the picture as you suggest, it does make sense to make the person more of the focus. Thanks again!

JAN

Patrick:
My 2x cents - on casual versus professional - the line is pretty vague in Austin. More importantly, I think having an updated photo is more important. When I go out to meet a new REALTOR, I look up their webpage to see if there is a photo of them. 9 times out of 10 - I still do not recognize them. But they recognize me, since I update mine every six months or so.

I keep thinking of those people who have a picture from the 90's on their card - you know the one: sunglasses on top of their head, Cell phone up against their ear. Those pictures used to show: "Hey, I have a cell phone, I can be reached all of the time..." But every one has cell phones now. Update that headshot!

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

JAN

Professional definitely! But there are a lot of amateur photographers who can do a great job for less price so you can keep them updated and it not be so costly. Perhaps different looks for different business cards for those who like to have more than one type of card.

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