Approach: My goal is to provide high quality photographs using traditional digital photography with thoughtful post production editing in order to represent homes in their best, and most realistic light.
Pre-shoot discussion: I prefer a pre-shoot discussion about what should be emphasized, the flow through the house, or any special requirements. This can take place on the phone or at the location.
Access to the property: I have a Supra eKey so I can operate independently. Of course, I know agents frequently like to meet on site to review the approach etc., which I encourage if your time permits.
What do I mean traditional digital photography? I am not a photographer that comes in, takes one to two minutes per room using HDR automation, finishes in 30 minutes, and moves on to the next house. HDR (High Dynamic Resolution) is a fast process that allows for high volume photography. In my view high volume and high quality have an inverse relationship. HDR quality varies greatly, and while I have the ability to use the exact same process, I am more interested in the output quality than I am maximizing how many shoots I do in a day. My approach is to use traditional methods, taking the time to get the best views of the rooms, and the most favorable lighting, which includes supplementing natural light. I have the ability to take ultra wide angle shots, but I rarely do as they exaggerate the size of rooms and have a lot of distortion. Instead I stay as close to a normal wide angle shot as I can in order to represent the home realistically.
This approach takes time, and most houses take at least two hours. For 45 to 60 shots, it may take 3-4 hours, but you can’t rush quality, and for homes that require that many shots, you want the best quality possible. The result are colors that accurately represent real life. Light that is balanced, not yellow, not electric blue, but what you naturally see in the scene (electric lights, depending on type, cast a wide range of color which can be overpowering in photos). The agent receives both high resolution and low resolution (MLS) pictures.
Post production: I rely on Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and always have the most up to date versions. Each photo is cropped, leveled and squared, white balanced, and properly exposed. At times I use special techniques to overcome ultra bright outside light coming through windows that “blows out” detail in the room as well as outside. All of this takes time of course, but I take whatever time is necessary to make each photo the best. Its not about volume, or my revenue per hour, its about providing the best pictures I can.
Turnaround: Typical turnaround is 24 hours. For special situations I can provide expedited service.
Delivery: I usually deliver completed work through DropBox, but I have worked with realtors that use other sites as well. Please let me know if you have a preferred method when we discuss the shoot.
Payment: I accept checks, credit cards, or can bill through PayPal.
Client Satisfaction: I stand by my work, and will re-take shots in the event they do not meet your expectations. I recognize that re-taking shots impacts the agents time, and I try to avoid it by providing great shots to begin with.
Real Estate Drone & Photo Atlanta 