Getting Ready for a Date.

This is going to be fun, and you guys are going to enjoy it.

When making my Virtual Movie Tours, they are only going to be as good as the photographs. Additionally, after strolling through the MLS this weekend with one of my REALTOR friends, we were amazed at how many very ordinary photographs there were of extraordinary properties. Keeping in mind 80% of the time we work with properties that are one million or more – we were both surprised at how many million dollar listings had such bland photographs. The same photographs you would see on a $80,000 condo.

I have the privilege (and yes, it is a privilege) of working with two very talented photographers; Manasseh Lee and Jason Jones. This past week Jason and I had a project to do at The Enclave on the TPC Las Colinas Golf Course directly at the third hole. Listed just under two million, it was an extremely attractive property; moderately well maintained. While there were several highlights about the home – the one that struck me was the wonderful second story balcony where you could easily watch the PGA Tour Byron Nelson Championship without obstruction. The home was situated on a hill so that you might even be able to see the PGA Tour over spectator heads next to or in your pool. If you are a golf enthusiasts, this is priceless.

To me, every home has a story to tell – and that is how we approach our production. This week through my blogs I am going to share every thought process and conversation we have while photographing a property in hopes to see better photographs in the MLS. It should be fun for you guys to see before and after photos and hear the zaniness that goes on – but we never lose the focus that we are there to A) provide the REALTOR with 25 exceptional photographs that make this property stand out even if an identical property is for sale next door and B) create an emotional connection with the buyer that compels them to “must see” this property in person.

At the end of the week, after going over several photographs and what we did to hold your attention, I will show you the movie we created as the Virtual Movie Tour for MLS and REALTOR.com – and I welcome your feedback. In fact, I insist you give me feedback as your feedback is the only way we can improve our product and service!

First of all, we usually take three times the amount of photos needed. Maybe four. To get 25 good photographs you are going to need a pool of at least 100 to pick from. This takes time at the property and it takes time once we are back at our computers. Some people do not understand why we cannot download the photos and send them to them; “Why do I have to wait two days? When I take the photos I go home and download them and BAM, ready to upload to the MLS.”

Why is above.

Prior to this photography appointment Jason and I really talked about pushing the envelope with this property. Not just getting some good shots, but in post production, really brining out the spectacular lifestyle of golf course living. We were going to push these photos to almost Annie Leibovitz fantasy to show how enchanting living in a gated golf course can be, and (like all of our residential productions) it is not just a property, it is a lifestyle. Jason did an incredible job.

Above top, the west sun was blaring down on the back side of the house. It washed everything out and while it was a beautiful clear day I wanted to see more “richness” in the color of the lawn and sky. Also, the house had a wonderful exterior finish on it that was lost in the sunny photograph. In post production Jason was able to create a photo that was slightly enhanced, but also true to the structure and atmosphere. Later this week you will see some extremely altered photos made for dramatic effect – but this above is very mild. You have to admit, the lower photo is much more beautiful, eye catching and holds your attention as you imagine yourself living there.

Being an absolute control freak, I went in and took out the drain in the lower left of the photograph. To me it was distracting. False advertising? I think no more than what men or women do to get ready for a date. <GRIN>

Anytime this week, if anyone wants to send me one exterior photo of an active listing – I will pick a few and work some magic on them and post them Thursday (and send it back to you in case you want to use it), Friday I will post the movie we made from this photo session, it came out great and I cannot wait to share it with you!

Tagged as: effective marketing, gated communities, Jason Jones, Luxury Property International, Manasseh Lee, outside the box, photography, The Enclave at TPC Las Colinas Golf Course, Virtual Movie Tour