It relays trust and confidence; it communicates professionalism and expertise; it shows that you are approachable; it is a part of the brand recognition process; and it translates into sales. Many real estate agents don’t realize how important a great photo is to their business, their reputation, and future sales. Make sure your photo is the appropriate up-to-date representation of your personality and your selling style. A good photo can be the deciding factor on whether a client comes your way or not.
How do you ensure that you get a great photo?
How do you ensure that you get a great photo?
Update your photo at least twice a year. Don’t go any longer than two years between shoots.
Make sure that your in-focus image is available to you at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). This allows your image to look good in print as well as on a website. This resolution can prevent pixilation, or the grainy look, when the image is increased in size. The larger you want your image, the higher the resolution should be.
Ladies: Don’t wear too much make-up and don’t over-glamourize the jewellery. Make it simple and be natural.
Guys: Don’t make a significant style change such as colour your hair or beard, get a different haircut or toupee, or grow facial hair, unless you will keep the look until your next photo shoot.
Be creative and comfortable with your photo position and location. If you aren’t comfortable, it will show in the photo. Try seated and standing positions: get full-body, ¾, and headshots. Get your photos done from different angles. Go outside.
Make sure your clothes fit properly.
Don’t include anything with a logo.
Avoid trendy or dated colours, patterns, or adornment.
Make sure there is nothing that can detract from YOU! This includes background scenery or props.
Shoot until exceptional.
What should you expect to pay a professional photographer for a photo session? Consider that on-location, you will be charged about $375. In the studio, expect to pay a bit less—$275. This should be for about 1 ½ hours of your time. Find a photographer who has instant image viewing capabilities. This option allows you to see the final images as soon as they have been shot and, if necessary, go back for on-the-spot re-takes without the hassle of booking another session. For more information and your photo update, call KLIC Photographic Design at (905)562-6008 or email us at info@klicphotographicdesign.com
Kelly Masterson Schmidt of KLIC Photographic Design (www.klicphotographicdesign.com) has been a photographic artist for over 15 years. She is a contributing photographer for Homes & Land. Kelly has done photos for real estate agents, authors, wineries, and CEOs of major Canadian corporations; and has won awards for her work. Visit her at her studio or make an on-location booking.
