Digicam 101 - #5 - Shoot a Home for the Holidays
- copyright 7/00 by Chas Campbell and MNRealty.com Inc. for MNRealty.com Inc. members only

Hello and Welcome.

Now that we've done our theory and technical classes, it's time to shoot a house! This lesson will be a walk-thru of a "virtual shoot." Since I've already written some info on shooting tips, I'll give you the link to check that out and then I won't have to cover that part here:-

Prior to the Shoot:
- Charge batteries (Get the Nickel-metal-hydride kind of rechargeables for your camera!)
- Check memory card to make sure it's empty (Download old photos to your computer and then erase)
- Check the direction the house faces (see other article)
- Check for owner/property readiness!!!

Arrival to Property:
- Think about the "best shot" (marketing-wise)
- Check for owner-home. Check for Alarm! :)
- Decide to shoot interior or ext. first depending on sun-weather (The BEST shooting is on a partly sunny/cloudy day when there is a small cloud blocking out the direct sun for a few minutes at a time - you use the clouds as "shade" for certain shots when you need it!)

Exterior:
- Shoot main shot at angle farthest from garage unless home design requires straight-on or other angle. (Try to show the front door if possible - if not, shoot an additional shot of a "close-up" of the front entry area)
- Shoot front from 3 angles left-front-right
- Do NOT shoot into sunshine - "cheat" and get camera under shade/tree as available (sometimes, you can shoot from the shadow of the home next door)
- Continue walking around the home. Shoot a side-detail photo if there is a side deck or window bay.
- Shoot back of home from most attractive angle - include pool or deck, etc.
- Shoot back YARD. Sometimes the nicest photo is one shot of the back, with the deck in foreground.
- Shoot any special amenities, such as pool, swingset, outbuildings, lake/dock, etc.
- Continue around home looking for any additional attractive details, entry gate, driveway, etc.

Interior:
- Check for animals. Alarms. ;)
- Turn on all lights. Open all curtains, shades, blinds. (OK to not fully open when design requires it)
- Move personal/untidy items to one spot in room where you think you will be shooting FROM... then they're not in the picture.
- Set up tripod if necessary
- Attach WideAngle lens
- Activate and Set Camera buttons - Flash=ON or Mixed. Quality=Std. or Basic
- Foyer - Usually a vertical shot to show atrium plus flooring.
- Main Room - shoot from corner showing both FP and windows (at angle to windows)
- DR - Corner - Avoid being too close to chandelier - try moving camera lower
- Kit - Avoid flash off of shiny cabinets - try a few at different angles - sometimes use tripod and Flash=OFF
- ID - show walkout and/or yard window. Shoot below chandelier - Also shoot showing ID + Kit together.
- Detail photo of amenities such as custom FP, Bookcases, Wet Bar, Stairway, etc.
- MBR - Shoot from corner showing outdoor walkout, windows, FP, etc. Sometimes a vertical too to show skylights, vaults. Also shoot sitting room if any.
- MBth - Jacuzzi w/view. Overall shot showing vanities and additional shower. Be careful of flash and Realtor refection in many mirrors! Use tripod w/out flash if you can't find a spot without reflections or just do a close-up shot of tub, etc.

If you follow the basic walkthru above, you'll end up with a wonderful "set" of photos of your listing that will fit on a floppy and/or become an "internet brochure!" It will be WAY better than a "Virtual Tour" because it is higher in quality, tells a better marketing "story" about the home, and doesn't cost you $100. Consider how powerful your listing presentation and brochures will be when you use this photographic marketing savvy. It also took me longer to write about it than it takes to DO it!