Advanced Photo Class For Realtors

www.FranklyRealty.com/photoclass

by Frank Borges LLosa of FranklyRealty.com

Here is the video from 10-21-08's NVAR class.

To buy the Kodak v705 go to ebay and searching for: v705 GOOD
Use the "buy it now" option. EMail me about getting batteries too.

More blogs on Photography that I wrote and more about the v570 and v705: TOPIC: Photography by FrankyRealty on ActiveRain Blog

Also subscribe to my main blog at blog.FranklyRealty.com

- Link to Bad Photos of the MLS Email me if you have any questions
Frank@franklyrealty.com

Kodak v705 HOW TO

Previous classes: on March 2008

Here is the 2 hr Audio for the class: Download Audio

Below is the low budget video from the 2 hour class. (watch it full screen by hitting the arrows icon in the upper right of the video)

Part 1 of the Photo class (1 hour)

Part 2 of the photo class (1 hour)

MESSY NOTES BEGIN HERE:

Mood setter: Norm’s Photo Hall of Shame: www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=830679

Cameras to buy

#1 Best = Professional Photographer (www.MouseOnHouse.com , www.HomeVisit.com or search www.Craigslist.org )

#2 Best Option= The 23mm Kodak V570 and v705 (no other model!!) Info at: http://tinyurl.com/2dwpad

One is 5 Megapixels and one is 7MP. All you need is “3” for real estate. The price difference is $10-$50.
How to get one on Ebay.com? Search v570, then click digital cameras, and then Buy IT now, then “save this search”) Rather try winning an auction? Use www.Bidslammer.com and try to win one for under $300 Or check daily on www.Amazon.com

#3 25mm DMC-FX35 10 megapixels. For $305 on www.Amazon.com

#4 28mm Canon SD800 or SD870 (larger screen, better controls) for $260. Not other Canon Point & Shoot Models!

Other Must haves:

- Tripod options ($20 Monopod, $5 tripod, $25 tripod, and/or $15 Joby)

- Memory card 1 gig for $10 or on sale locally.

- Back up battery, (keep eye on battery indicator). Turn off Flash if low on power

3 Top Tips for Photos like a Pro:

#1 Flash!!!!!! Flash!!!!!! Flash!!!!!! Flash!!!!!!

Flash is the least understood principal in photography. When in doubt take EACH photo in 3 modes

1) No Flash (Self Timer mode to remove shake, or Long Exposure, best with a Monopod)
2) Forced Flash (Look for the lightening bolt, not Auto)
3) “Fill Flash” (Look for a symbol with a man and a star or sun beyond them)

(Flash example in class: Shooting diagonally DOWN a wall)

#2 TURN ON ALL LIGHTS, not only in YOUR room, but neighboring rooms. Light will spill in.

#3 30 Photos! (at least 20)

Can’t shoot 30? Think again. Try: Close ups of the countertops, appliances, laundry room, attic, new windows?, trim detail, woodfloors, closets!, down the street neighborhood shot, nearby parks, metros and activities.

Other Photo Tips (all cameras)

Camera over your head. Either 3 shots at a time or 1 at a time and readjust (some have beams).
End the photo before the beginning of the next wall
Move furniture. Ie back of sofa seat, move it.
Best time of Day is Twilight, great balance or blue sky and foreground and lights on
Don’t use Flash when something is in the foreground

Examples Part 2

- Show class MLS links

Software: Free PC software www.Picasa.com

www.Gimp.org Free Photoshop type software. (More Advanced, for color balancing and text and collages)

How to Make a “4 Photo” Collage on www.Picasa.com (note main image must have at least 1 front shot)

Examples Part 2

- Show class uploaded images

Buyer Agent Photo Albums (Ask your broker for your firm’s guidelines)

Horrible memory after seeing 20 properties? Save having to “see it again” with a custom album.

Make private online album for your BUYER clients using Picasa.com (or flickr.com).

Start with a photo of the front of the house,
Then the listing paper
Turn off the flash and fire away. Ugly shots are fine. “Realistic” shots vs pretty shots.
Take 30-60 photos per property
Send your client a link at the end of the day.

Domain name for each home= $9.

1) Use Namecheap.com No dashes, only .com, keep it short. Ok to drop the www. If you want. Ie 6210n12st.com

2) (in Class loginto Namecheap to show how to buy and change where the domain points)

3) Link to Homesdatabase.com/MLS#, your broker’s long address to your property, or Matrix Link to your property (show how)

4) Consider buying a sign rider for $20 at SignsByTomorrow

5) Put domain on your flyers and when asking for feedback and on Craigslist.

6) Want something fancier, use: www.singlepropertysites.com

Features you should know about on the Kodak v570 camera (and some other cameras):

- Menu Mode (button on left)

o Self Timer, the secret Tripod killer. 80% of blur comes from button press

o Change resolution- Can change it a few times without affecting other shots. Save room on chip and on your computer

o Advanced is LONG EXPOSURE

o Menu “Set Up” (bottom of list)

§ Scroll down to Distortion compensation, turn that ON.

- I hate red Eye reduction mode, avoid it. Turn it off in the settings or avoid the EYEBALL graphic.

- Panoramic mode (click SCN button on top after turning on camera, scroll to the icons with arrows)