|
|
|
How to Take Photos that Move Houses - 2009-06-21 |
This week, I found a book that taught me some things about real estate that I didn't know. And more importantly, things that I need to know, and things that will help me show my real estate more effectively to both potential buyers and prospective renters.
You already know that I am a big believer in taking lots of color pictures of the inside and outside of your home, then posting those photos on a website so potential customers can easily view them from anywhere. Buyers who have seen your home on your web page are prequalified. In other words, they have already seen your house and it appeals to them. What you may not know is that I am not a very good photographer, at least up until now.
The book that has changed my picture-taking skill set is "How To Take Photos That Move Houses," by Ed Wolkis. Ed is an Atlanta-based architectural photographer, and his photos clearly demonstrate a dedication to perfection. But his understandable step-by-step approach to taking great digital photos gave even me the confidence to try again. The book is available at Amazon.com and at local bookstores.
The book points out that if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a great photo can mean thousands of extra dollars in your pocket, and he is right. And his book shows plenty of before and after examples of bad pictures (like mine) turned into great pictures (like his).
I learned that lighting is critically important: early morning or late afternoon sun is flattering to a house. I learned that using a tripod will eliminate the blur common to almost all my digital photos (I previously blamed earthquakes). I learned that, for interior photos, a wide-angle lens makes every room look larger, and helps make up for the fact that you can't get far enough away from the subject to take a good photo. I also learned that I was washing color out every photo I took by using the automatic flash in situations that didn't need a flash (once again, use a tripod).
Know that I use a point and shoot camera for dummies. I still don't understand focal lengths or megapixels, but I am now more likely to look in my viewfinder and take a few moments to "compose" the picture. I am also more likely to take half a dozen shots from different angles and later find that one was significantly better than the rest.
If you are in the business of selling real estate, and you rely on the MLS picture-taker to snap an image of your listing as he drives by at 30 miles per hour, you are truly doing your seller a disservice. This book won't make you into the next Ansel Adams, but it will give you great tips and ideas for dramatically improving the results of your real estate photography.
Questions or comments?
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Upcoming Events
REAL ESTATE INVESTORS INSTITUTE
3-Day Intensive
May 22, 23 & 24, 2010
This three day program presents a comprehensive program of wealth creation in residential real estate. Nine expert instructors cover all areas of investing. Day One is the nuts and bolts of the basics of finding and buying bargain properties, Day Two covers advanced topics such as the use of title holding trusts, etc. Day Three is spent actually viewing available properties and then making offers on those properties!. This is the most comprehensive course of its kind anywhere. Luncheon is included all days. Class size is limited to about 25 investors.
This course approved for 19 hours Continuing Education by the Georgia Real Estate Commission.
Location: Atlanta Realtor Center in Sandy Springs
Detailed information available via the "Seminars" button at the top of this page
|
Resources