Special offer

Photography Contest - main photo before and after

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA

For Dick Greenberg's contest, The ActiveRain 2016 Photography Contest, here is my entry for Real Estate Main Listing Photo.  

 

For this one, I'm doing a before and after.  

When I first visited the property to take the photos, the sun was setting, the seller's dogs were running around and I was trying to hurry because the seller had another appointment.  This first picture is what happens when I feel rushed and couldn't get more photos.  Emphasizing the garage was not my intention!

So I went out again, and re-shot the house, and I think this is far more of a "money shot" than my first photo.  If I had taken the time to reposition myself on the first appointment, I wouldn't have had to go back out.

It's always my rule to take multiple photos from different angles, and this lesson couldn't be more true in this case.

 

BEFORE

Before front photo

 

AFTER

After main photo

 

 

Posted by

 

Francine Viola, Realtor
In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

 

Serving Buyers and Sellers in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County, WA

Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc.  |  Olympia, WA

 

Cell:      (360) 359-0689

Email:  Francine.Viola@cbolympia.com

Web:     www.FrancineViola.com

 

       

 

Comments (10)

Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Francine - That was certainly worth a second effort, with a much more appealing result - a few feet can make a big difference. Thanks for your contest entry!

Nov 15, 2016 03:55 AM
Francine Viola

Absolutely - lessson learned on this one!

Nov 16, 2016 12:15 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Francine

The second photo makes a huge difference and make the home look larger as well. There aren't too many people who want to see exterior photo of garages! It's a good less in not rushing, bit also taking multiple photos from different angles to get it right when you are your own photographer!

Jeff

Nov 15, 2016 04:28 AM
Francine Viola

Couldn't agree more!

Nov 16, 2016 12:15 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Francine Viola ! It really helps to show the before and after. I took over a listing that the main pick did not show the 3 car garage ....anywhere in any picture!  So I made sure it was visible.  Your pic shows the garden, color, and better lighting.  It makes a difference!

Nov 15, 2016 04:58 AM
Francine Viola

Yes, it all depends on the house and what features buyers want and like.  A 3-car garage is definitely desirable!

Nov 16, 2016 12:16 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

That is a huge difference....a perfect example of the power of presentation! Too many agents list photos like the "before" and much worse, without even giving it a second thought. Nicely done!

Nov 15, 2016 06:11 AM
Francine Viola

Sharon, your before and after shots certainly inspired this!

Nov 16, 2016 12:17 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I heard a professional real estate photographer say to never shoot the house from the garage side. Your photos prove that the garage should not be the focus.

Nov 15, 2016 06:43 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Debbie - yes, I've heard that advice, too but didn't seem to remember that the first time I was at this property!  And their advice is correct! :-)

Nov 16, 2016 12:17 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

Debbie Reynolds I abhore these homes that have the garage front and center...what's up with that?? If it were me, they'd always be hidden in the back somewhere! 

Nov 15, 2016 11:48 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

It's not a bad garage, as garages go, the fence in the first photo was more not to my liking, but the second one gives you the ability to think curb appeal and the fence fades away.

Nov 15, 2016 11:47 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Gayle - I know - I'm not sure what is worse - the garage or the fence!

Nov 16, 2016 12:18 AM
faye schubert
Retired - Branson, MO
Living the Branson Lake Life

This is a super lesson for all to see. Trying not to focus on the side of the house with the garage is always a plus. 

Nov 15, 2016 08:33 PM
Francine Viola

Most people want to see the entry.  This house didn't have much of one but still I'm not going to shoot from the garage side again!

Nov 16, 2016 12:19 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Francine- you were smart to return because the After photo highlights the house!

Nov 27, 2016 07:54 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

That second shot is much better. I also take multiple photos of the same part of the house. For room shots I stand in each corner of the room and also at the entrance. 

Dec 01, 2016 04:46 PM