We Set the Scene

To guarantee you get the best looking photos, before starting every shoot, we take the time to set the scene: we’ll do a quick walk through and turn on all lights, fix the curtains, place the chairs and cushions, straighten furniture, and remove any objects that may be out of place or that may serve as distractions. Of course, this takes a bit of extra time, but we always schedule more time per shoot than needed – this way, we’re always ready to deal with the unforeseen, from decluttering a room to dealing with a photobombing pet!

And in order to help you (or the owner) ensure the property is as ready as can be before the photoshoot, we have prepared a comprehensive and detailed checklist of preparations that we will gladly provide to you for your clients.

HDR Photography, the Best Tool for the Job!

It’s happened to all of us: we take a photo of a room, and it just doesn’t look quite right – the windows are blown out and all white, and shadows cast by the furniture is just way too dark, and… it just doesn’t capture reality the way your eyes would perceive it.

That’s where High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography comes in. This technique consists of taking multiple photos of different exposures that will then be merged into one final image containing a wider range of details in the highlights and in the shadows for a more realistic rendering of the scene. And that’s why it’s ideal to showcase real estate properties.

We offer a wide range of packages to fit your needs and your budget while taking into consideration property size. And these packages come in two varieties: basic HDR photos, or HDR photos with high-end editing. What’s the difference you ask?

Basic HDR: Here, images will faithfully reproduce what your eyes would see when viewing in person (in terms of lighting and ambiance). Processing images is usually very fast as it is done in batches (same day delivery in most cases), and less costly. However, color accuracy may be affected by variations in lighting sources (walls may appear orange instead of white because of tungsten lighting in the room), and visible details through windows may appear bright and desaturated. Although this style does get the job done, it is not recommended for any property for which you truly want to invest in marketing and should only be considered when there are financial or deadline restrictions.

HDR with High End Editing: In comparison, adding high end editing to the workflow allows us to apply extensive color correction to the images touch up some of the finer details. Final results look more polished: color accuracy is much higher despite lighting situations (whites remain truly white); views through windows are clear, crisp, and very colorful; blue skies with white clouds are added to exterior photos and to window scenes; virtual fires are added to all fireplaces; etc. This type of editing takes more time though, so photos will be delivered the next day. Unless specified, all photo requests will be of this category.

Bottom line: if basic HDR photos allow us to show the property as it is seen, high end editing allows us to showcase the property as it should be seen, under its best light, weather and lighting notwithstanding.

We’ve Got It Covered, All of It!

When on location, we ensure to take a variety of shots, covering every room, every angle, and every feature that may be pertinent to show to your clients. This also allows us to offer post-shoot flexibility in our packages – if you initially requested a 25 photos package, but then decide to upgrade to 35, we’d probably already have enough photos taken to meet your needs without having to go back and reshoot, saving time and energy for both you and us!

Without U, there Is no “Us”

A common complaint we’ve heard in the business is that some photographers often don’t take enough photos and blaze through shooting the property, seemingly to get out of there as soon as possible. Time is money, that’s true, but great customer service is undeniably a better investment!

Let’s face it, the only reason we exist is because people and companies, like you, exist and require our services. We take this partnership very seriously and understand that, in this line of work, there are A LOT of unexpected circumstances that can cause last minute schedule changes that are out of your control. We get it, and that’s why we offer hassle-free scheduling and re-scheduling with easy communication via phone, text messaging, email, or even Facebook and Instagram. No cancellation fee, no postponing fee, no attitude, no problem! Granted, we may not always be able to accommodate same day rescheduling if other shoots are booked, but if we can, we will; and if not, then we’ll work with you to ensure you meet your deadlines!

Oh, and did we mention we have flexible payment options as well? You can pay as you go, pay monthly, or even quarterly if that is easier for you. Invoices are updated after every shoot and will contain all of the year’s work on it. This way, you know exactly how much you paid and when – a great tool for or calculating your expenses or when comes time to prepare yearly income taxes.

(For best experience, please view following photo slideshow in full screen mode)

Other Tools to Help You Flourish

Our goal is to help you reach yours, and to do so, we also offer other real estate related services to help you stay ahead of the game.

Twilight Photos: If impact is what you’re looking for, then twilight photos may be one of the best options to get your real estate listing to jump off the page and to get people to notice it.

Drone Photos & Videos: Recently, we’ve added drone photography and videography to our arsenal, allowing us to literally reach new heights and get those shots we simply can’t get from the top of a tripod. 

Virtual Staging: Listing an empty property? Think your clients may have trouble imagining how they’d organize these empty rooms? Virtual staging may just be the thing you’re looking for to give these vacant homes a lived-in feel your clients can relate to.

Matterport 3D Virtual Tours: Furthermore, with everything being done online nowadays, Matterport 3D virtual tours are a great addition to any listing. They’re intuitive, easy to use, and give people the opportunity to view the entire property at their own pace. And with the faithful 2D and 3D floorplans that are included with these packages, it’s an add-on your clients are sure to appreciate. A small extra that will surely set you apart from the competition.

Sometimes, It’s the Little Things

As a realtor, we know your schedule is hectic. We know you spend half your time driving from property to property, and if you can avoid certain trips, it means more time can be devoted to your clients.

Since we’re already going to the property to take photos, if there are a few things we can do to help, why not? For a small fee, we will gladly pick up and go set-up lockbox and for sale sign, and will even take room measurements if needed (ideal for vacant homes or cottage listings).

We’re Everywhere!

Established in the heart of the Capital region, our services are offered throughout the Outaouais, covering from Allumettes-Island to Maniwaki to Mirabel on the Québec side, and from Carleton-Place to Kemptville to Limoges on the Ontario side. And if that’s not far enough for your needs, feel free to discuss it with us and we can make arrangements!

We look forward to working with you!

Looking for More?

To access useful documents, such as a Real Estate Photography Preparations Checklist for your clients, sample invoices, Matterport link customization tools, PDFs of sample photos to show our services to your clients, etc., just click here: https://show.tours/0KvdeX5NCOFYETU1IauG

And if you'd like to view more of my work, you are more than welcome to check out this photo gallery:

https://show.tours/darkstonephoto-en/player