Top tips on how to be ready for your real estate photography session!

      Over the past year, I have been diving into the world of real estate photography. I have been blessed to work with some wonderful agents from Keller Williams, Associates Realty, Realty Executives Legacy, TW Chicago, Berkshire Hathaway, and D'Aprile. Here are a few tips to get your home photo ready. Staging is great for real estate photos, but if you are still living in the home, you can stage it with items you might already have around the house.

Curb Appeal

 

Remove the cars from the driveway

Have the grass freshly cut and hedges trimmed and freshly weeded

Make sure planter boxes either have flowers or remove them

Family Room

 

 

 

Turn off all the ceiling fans

Open up all the window blinds and curtains so we can let the beautiful natural light in

Clear any personal photos, and everyday objects like remotes, phones, and tissues

Turn on any lights that are in the room and make sure none are burnt out, Also be sure they are the same color

Dining Room

Make sure all the floors, especially hardwood are cleaned and carpet is freshly vacuumed

Set the table and have a centerpiece, fresh flowers are always a great choice for this

Have all chairs even and pushed in neatly

Open Floor Plans

If you have an open floor plan be sure to have all the rooms tidy since we will want to photograph the whole space showcasing how open it is

Make sure you have all the lights on in all the different rooms

Don't forget to clear any clutter from all the rooms 

Kitchen

Clean off countertops

Remove any food from sitting on the counters

Remove any magnets on the fridge

Make sure there are no dishes in the sink

Plants can help add a pop of color

Remove appliances from the counter

Office

Make sure the area is not bare and decorate with some accessories

Make sure the computer screen is off

Eliminate any unnecessary cords and hide them

Make sure there is no personal clutter or papers showing

Master Bedroom

Make the bed and use those throw pillows

Remove any personal items or photos

Make sure you don't see anything stored under the bed

Clear the nightstands

Kids Rooms

Remove the Diaper Genie and trash cans from the room

Clear the diaper changing area to remove clutter

Make crib, just like you would a bed

Remove any stick on wall decals

Clear out all the toys that are on the ground and put away the foam play matts

Pets

We all love our pets but sometimes buyers will be turned off if they see that the current owner has a dog or a cat

Remove all water bowls, liter boxes, animal beds, toys, etc.

Make sure to have air fresheners in home to help combat any pet smells for showings

    Please contact me to photograph your real estate listings if you are in the north west suburbs of Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Barrington, Bull Valley, Cary, Carpentersville, Dundee Township, Elgin, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Gilberts, Greenwood, Hebron, Holiday Hills, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lake in the Hills, Lakemoor, Lakewood, McCullom Lake, Oakwood Hills, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, Richmond, Ringwood, Sleepy Hollow, Spring Grove, South Elgin, Trout Valley, Union, West Dundee, and Wonder Lake. When you have your properties professionally photographed they will show more and sell faster and for a higher price. That is a win-win for you and your clients!

Six Month Photo Session in Western Springs

Rachel had emailed me just a little while back after seeing photos of the adorable Cooper. She wanted to capture her adorable Leah at one of my most favorite ages to photograph, six months. At six months babies start to sit up on their own and are so expressive. We photographed around the beautiful home in Western Springs indoors and out. The natural light in their house was wonderful and their front and back yard was just made for photography. Check out some images from their session and if you have a baby close to the six month mark be sure to contact me to set up an appointment to capture all the cuteness!

Mommy and Me Mini Sessions in Lake in the Hills

I had the pleasure of photographing Miss L again but this time it was a special mommy and me mini session. How sweet are these two! I am now offering mini shoots Monday-Friday for the special price of $300 though the end of June! These sessions are short and sweet and best for milestones, mommy and me, daddy and me, or kids by themselves. Please contact me for booking as session times during the week fill up fast! 

Top 3 tips for businesses looking to market themselves with photography

Do you have your own business? Do you know how much of an impact the photography you use to represent yourself and your businesses make? Here is a quick rundown on my top 3 tips!

1. 60% of consumers are more likely to consider or contact a business that has an image show up in local search results.

How many times have you been in the market for a new hair stylist, dentist, chiropractor, doctor, lawyer, restaurant and etc, tried to see what the person or space looked like only to find nothing at all or really low quality images?  People need to put a face to your buisness, especially when you are in the buisness of working directly with clients. This will help put your clients at ease and feel more comfortable picking up the phone knowing who is on the other line and making that appointment or heading to your store. In order to run a profitable buisness you need customers and images will drive your marketing in all facets.            (Source of information MDG)

2. Establish your brand identity and stick to it in all areas, including photography.

Every business should have cohesive brand and marketing scheme style and this also includes the photography. If you are a lawyer representing important clients, perhaps a more corporate and conservative look is what you are after. If you are a wedding planner, a more lifestyle session with light and airy photography might be the best look. Whatever you decide on stick with it and make sure to have the right photography. Photography for businesses is not only a head shot but also images of you in your retail space, your products, and details and lifestyle images of you and your team, engaged in doing work. These images can then be used for email marketing, facebook, instagram, websites, brochures, etc.

3. Go beyond the head shot and avoid using stock images.

In order to really connect with your audience and clients, go beyond just head shots for your buisness and include images of you working and details to fit your brand identity. Stock images will always be lacking since they don't include you, your staff, or your space. Stock images also have a certain quality to them that scream "I AM A STOCK IMAGE" and quality stock images can cost more then having custom work done at times. 

A dental office with smiling friendly faces and a comfortable looking space

Click for Hope Branding session, the owner sells t-shirts, jewelry, and other handmade goods to go along with her charitable photo sessions 

7 month old lifestyle family session in Winfield

Cooper just couldn't be any cuter for his 7 month session at his gorgeous home with his mom Heather and dad John. Cooper was all smiles this time and hammed it up for the camera giving smiles and giggles all the way though. He was also on the move this time showing off his crawling skills! 

In-Home Chicago Lifestyle Session

I was excited to visit the {R Family} at their Chicago home this past weekend and do a lifestyle shoot for them. Their little guy was turning one so these photos were to celebrate that. Him and his big brother loved to play together so we also got some pictures of the two of them. Enjoy!

Dentist Office Environmental Head Shots in McHenry

I have been doing more head shot work these days and I love it! Last week I went to Dr. Hasken in McHenry to do their teams head shots and also update some of their website images. Take a peek bellow

Environmental Head Shots of Ratio Wellness & Chiropractic in Downers Grove

I was excited when Dr. Ratio contacted me about updating some head shots I had done for him way back in 2012. I love doing these types of sessions on location so they can be photographed in the space they actually see their patients in. Dr.Ratio is a wonderful doctor and has even treated me in the past when I had horrible back pain.  If you are looking for someone in the Downers Grove area for Chiropractic, Sport Medicine, Acupuncture or Nutritional Guidance I would highly recommend him.

Head Shots for Everyone

I have really enjoyed working with D'Aprile Properties and being able to provide their agents with head shots as the start their careers in the real estate market. Having a good head shot is important no matter what your profession. In the visual world we live in now it's more important then ever. Contact me today to book your session today!

Head Shot Session in Arlington Heights

I was excited to have a head shot session this past week. If you are thinking you would like some fresh new professional head shots I can come right to your home no travel required.