Mark Bailey

If you have done some research on how to sell your home fast and without stress, then you have probably come across this tip: Take great photos of your property and if possible, hire a professional photographer. The reason is simple. We are moved by what we see. Take purchases you make online for instance. The pictures you see are the first representation of the item you want to buy. As such, the pictures have to appeal to you mostly before you go through with the purchase, and a poorly taken photograph misrepresents the item which has a huge influence on your decision to buy or not to buy.

The case is the same when buying a home, except that it is a bigger purchase. This means that when you are looking to sell your home, you have to get the best photographs that will be enough to strike an interest in prospective buyers who are likely to first see the picture of your home, before visiting the property. Given that images are important in this respect, how then do you ensure that you get the best photographs? Here are some tips that help:

Use the Right Equipment

Go to the website of any real estate agency, and the pictures you are likely to find when you visit their site look great. This largely depends on the type of equipment used. Usually, an SLR camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod, which helps to keep the camera steady while shots are taken, are ideal for property photography. Since it is a digital camera, you can get great pictures and enhance them with the help of photo editing software. Shooting in high resolution also improves the quality of the images that you get. In addition, you may want to focus on catchy features of the property such as a fireplace, and so on.

Lighting is Everything

Getting the best photographs of your home takes some effort, but it is an investment that is worth it. You may want to engage the services of a professional property photographer, in which case, you can be sure of high quality and enhanced images captured using state-of-the-art equipment. On the other hand, if you decide to do it yourself, one thing you should be conscious about is the lighting. You may need to turn on all the house lights and even use lighting equipment to enhance your images. This also includes taking note of the time of the day as the way natural light hits your house at different times of the day or year, affects the exterior appearance of your home.

Get the Setting Right

You need to get the interior setting of your home right as well, to project a certain homely ambience that can be reflected in the photographs you are looking to take. You could get creative and add props to give a bit of character while taking away insignificant details. Take care to clean the rooms in the house with Kwik Sweep services of and focus on getting the right angle that can help you correctly represent your property, or take the help of Cleaners of London to clean your entire apartment.

As a portrait photographer, you need to have a thorough understanding of your subject, whoever it is, to get the best results on camera. Women are particularly tricky – they’re probably the most self-critical people you can ever have the pleasure of taking photographs of. And a photo shoot should be a pleasure, never a torture, for both the photographer and your female client.

However, this is exactly where the problem lies. How many women do you know who hate having their picture taken, who don’t like at least some aspect of their physical shape and appearance, who think they’re just not photogenic? Leaving aside the younger #selfie generation who is much more practised (and therefore confident) at taking pictures of themselves for posting all over social media, the vast majority of women over, say, 30 years of age will tell you that they always look bad in photos.

It’s not even so much the actual photoshoot that they’re afraid of – it’s the results! Little wonder when you consider the albums full of unflattering holiday snaps, awkward portraits in unfavourable poses, with bad lighting, wrong clothes and no camera direction, that everyone has at home.

The challenge this presents for the photographer is not to be underestimated. Of course, a consummate professional should be able to make any woman, regardless of age, size or appearance, look fabulous on film, but success with women depends as much on getting into your model’s psyche as it does on your technical abilities, if not more so.

If you want to get great results from a photo shoot with a female client, here Dakota Murphey working alongside award winning photographer Boggio Studios, has given 4 key things you should consider.

Build a Relationship

Prepare your subject mentally and emotionally before the day of the shoot. For your lady client to feel comfortable, you need to develop a rapport with her, gain her trust and confidence and make her feel comfortable about the experience to come. Schedule a meeting beforehand and/or talk to her on the phone to find out what she wants and get on the same wavelength.

Be sympathetic to any body issues she may have; these are very real to her and must not be brushed aside. If your client hates her arms, teeth, size etc, she is bound to be self-conscious about exposing her ‘bad bits’ to the camera. It’s up to you to relax her in a way that takes her concerns into consideration, while boosting her confidence by complimenting her on the ‘good bits’ she probably doesn’t even realise she has.

Outfits

Treat her photoshoot as her own personal fashion shoot and spend some time talking about the best outfits for the photoshoots, and give helpful advice on the sorts of clothes, colours and styles that will really flatter her shape.

Agree on clothes that are not too tight, as this won’t look good when she is in a seated position, regardless of her size. Choose tops that cover her arms, perhaps pushing up the sleeves to make the arms look slimmer and longer. Bear in mind that V-necked tops elongate the neck and are more flattering that round or polo neck tops. A white top under a jacket is a good way to reflect more light onto the face, while black clothing has the opposite effect.

Be In Control

Taking great photos is much more than having the subject stand in front of you and hoping they will know how to pose or just look good how they are. She won’t have a clue what to do – you need to TELL her. Take control of the photoshoot and give constant direction. Your model will rely on you to tell her what to do, how to move, where to look, and how to position herself so that you can get the best shots.

Positioning is crucial. Sit her down on a chair or on the floor and have her move around to see what looks best. Experiment with standing poses or have her lie on the floor. Make her legs look good by moving a foot out slightly or by turning her knees. Ask her to turn her arms or shoulders to create a better silhouette. Ask her to stretch or lean forward. Get her to position her face by putting her chin down and forwards, elicit a slight smile, a smize or a full-on laugh.

Make sure you change your camera angle all the time to get the greatest variety of shots without her having to move too much. Don’t forget to shoot from above too, with her looking straight into the camera; no-one ever looks good pictured from below. And don’t even think about full length shots if you know that she’s not happy with her weight.

Location

Studio shoots allow you to choose the most flattering lighting and background, but location shoots can be a great way to obtain fun and spontaneous pictures. Again, you will need to use the ‘softly softly’ approach to first build her confidence for posing outside or even in a public place.

Maybe start off in a ‘safe space’ indoors until you’ve built up a good rapport and your subject feels relaxed before you move into a doorway or porch and then, finally, outside.

Most photographers are familiar with the hydra-headed monster that is called time management. You have to balance the demands of meeting clients’ needs (which could involve travels), process images and getting them ready, sourcing for new clients as well as seeking new tips and inspiration to improve your photography skills. Throw in the demands of family and it is easy to see why many photographers default on delivery times. This piece takes a look at trusted tips that can help you to better manage projects overall.

Designate Business Hours

This is important for both part-time and full-time photographers. When you have business hours, you will be able to achieve more during these times. Clients can contact you during this period and you would work on delivering photography projects at this time. This removes the possibility of distractions or working at periods that are less than optimal (translates to shoddy jobs or procrastination).

Never Take on More than Necessary

If you have 20 hours free in a week, divide projects across these times in the most efficient way possible. Think about grouping projects in one location on the same day and back-to-back. Always factor in travel time before accepting any photography projects. Consider presenting the option of bringing the photoshoot to your location and do not take on a project before you have carefully considered the time implications. You won’t magically have spare time!

Delegate Tasks Where Necessary

As your photography business grows, you have no option but to delegate tasks if you need to improve efficiency. Think of delegating tasks like your graphic design needs and hiring people to help with setting up shooting sessions and editing. This allows you to contribute your quota to the growth of young careers whilst keeping your sanity and using your time for the things that matter, which is offering your clients top quality work.

Stay Organised

When you are not organised, you can end up forgetting schedules, clients you are supposed to contact or where you are with projects.  If you are having problems with staying organised and remembering everything you need to do, use external solutions like Team Week to manage your time and duties. Such applications can allow you to schedule tasks by order of priority, including expected completion time. If you are able to quickly see what you are supposed to do at a time in a glance, there is a higher chance of delivering on schedule. You will no longer feel choked.

Specialise or Increase Prices

Every photographer knows when they are at this stage. You have done all that you can but it simply doesn’t look like you are making any headway in trying to keep up with balancing work and life. At this point, consider specialising in either being a wedding photographer, fashion photographer, a photographer for seniors or other options. If specialisation isn’t viable, consider increasing your prices. Shooting less and getting paid the same amount or more should be your goal when increasing your prices.

With these tips, you can begin to see improvements in your project management.

Do you want to be a photographer? These days, it is no longer enough to be good at what you do and spend all of your time honing your craft and taking beautiful pictures. Now more than ever, photographers need to be thinking outside of the box when it comes to creating a successful career; competition is fierce, and a good business strategy is a must.

Taking Action: Turning Photography Into A Career

Before we go any further, stop comparing yourself to other photographers like David Dooley , regardless of how similar their style is or how well they’re doing. Photography is an incredibly personal pastime, and the shots that you take matter to you for any number of reasons. If you’re disheartened by a perceived lack of success or by the wealth and success of others, it is time to do something about it. While shouldering your way through the competition and putting yourself out there might seem like huge steps, they are necessary ones if you want to have any hope of turning your passion into a successful career. It’s time to approach your photography career from an entirely different angle.

Get Creative

As a photographer, this first tip will probably be music to your ears. Do you need any more excuse to embrace your creative side? Passion for your craft is infectious, and it can inspire potential clients to choose you over anyone else. Don’t just take pictures; project a little of your personality into each one. Once you have worked out who your photography appeals to and created your brand, remain true to yourself.

Don’t Wait For Clients To Come To You

Sorry, introverts, but you’re going to have to put yourself out there if you want to attract clients and earn a decent living from your images. While you could spend hours setting up a website, writing a blog, and honing your craft, little good will come from your efforts if no one is checking in. Use special promotions and discount codes to create a buzz around your business, and ensure that clients know they’ll be paying for an experience rather than a handful of half-hearted shots. It is important to let your images do the talking, but don’t be afraid to sell yourself.

Make Your Photography Accessible

Unless you intend to create niche photography, it’s important to make your work accessible, which means thinking carefully about branding and marketing, creating a clean website that is easy to navigate, and maintaining an up-to-date portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities. Consider the benefits of an online booking system and contact form. Clients are far more likely to approach you if they are able to do so at a time and pace that suits them. Now might also be a good time to think about invoicing, as you’ll want every aspect of your business approach to reflect your brand. You can get a free invoice template from a professional site such as invoicehome.com, which will remove any stress from the business side of your photography venture.

Embrace Social Media

Social media is a vital part of everyday life, whether people are using it for personal or business use. In fact, there is a good chance that hundreds of your potential clients are logging on and checking their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts as we speak. You need to make such platforms work for you. Social media is the modern equivalent of word of mouth, so engage with clients and encourage them to like, share, and comment on your posts. You will also want to get to grips with tagging, regularly posting relevant content, and responding to comments. Could you run a competition for your clients? Consider offering a free photo shoot to the winner, with discounts for all entrants.

Take The Professional Approach

You love taking photographs and capturing moments, but you’re going to need to embrace the administrative aspects if you want to attract clients and make money. Consider your brand and invest in professional business cards, a website, and email address that will reflect your photographic approach and style. Do you already have a website? While it may be utterly gorgeous and a true reflection of your talents as a photographer, do you know how to make that site work for you? Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO, is vital for those fighting their corner in a saturated market, so be sure to seek the advice of an online marketing specialist.

Keep Your Contacts Close

The people we meet and the interactions we experience go a long way toward shaping the kind of business we operate and our successes or failures. It’s not enough to meet a client once any more; make sure their details are always close at hand for follow-up promotions and opportunities. You will also want to explore the avenues of collaboration, introducing yourself to businesses that might require your services. Where are your potential clients likely to notice you? How can you and other local businesses help one another?

Your approach to your photography business should be as personal as the shots you take. While we can offer extensive guidance regarding the ways you can attract clients and earn money, it’s up to you how you handle such advice. After all, potential clients are going to see straight through you if your heart is not really in it. Choose a few of these ideas that appeal to you, and aim to integrate them with your existing business plan if you have one. Photography is a rewarding career if you’re prepared to put the work in, but don’t ever lose that passion.

As an aspiring photographer, the question you’ll often ask yourself at various stages of your career is: should I focus on a variety of subjects or should I become a specialist? Although the term “jack of all trades” carries with it some negative connotations, the reality is that spreading your interest across a range of genres and mediums is never a bad thing.

Indeed, as a beginner, it’s often advisable to shoot as many different topics and angles as possible. Only by exploring the patience it takes to capture the perfect nature shot or working on the perfect angle to show a model in the best light can you know where your strengths lie. However, when you’ve dabbled and found a niche, should you stick to it? Do the best of the best really narrow their focus to such a point they reject anything that doesn’t fit into their chosen subject matter?

Show People What You Want them to See

Well, if we look at the world of business for some inspiration, there are plenty of examples of companies that have taken a singular approach and been extremely successful. Apple, for example, has not only set the benchmark in terms of mobile technology, but it’s done so on its own terms. Founder Steve Jobs was famously quoted as saying: “A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them”.

This strategy allowed Jobs to build the first Mac not for consumers, but for themselves. Today, Apple still operates on the same ethos with much of its software either being produced in-house or exclusively for the brand. Although fans of Android mobiles will argue that this has made iPhones and iPads too restricted and limited, the numbers don’t lie. In 2016 fiscal year, Apple made £178 billion. Despite being a 9% drop on 2015’s takings, the company is still one of the biggest money-makers in the world.

When there’s One Option, People Either Love It or Hate It

Similar to Apple, Bitcoin casino operator BitCasino.io has taken a similar approach. Eschewing the industry norm of offering multiple deposit options across a range of standard currencies, BitCasino only accepts Bitcoin. Although it does provide a selection of ways to make a deposit (Visa, MasterCard, Neteller etc), they all end up at the same point: as Bitcoins. Essentially, if you were to visit now and play, everything from blackjack to Money Farm slots would require a Bitcoin stake.

In each example, the people in charge have decided to home in on something particular (i.e. preparatory mobile technology and a single deposit currency) in order to make their product the best it can be. Naturally, this approach does have its drawbacks. If a consumer doesn’t like the angle you’ve taken, they won’t buy into your product. However, if you do things right, you’ll win over people and, more importantly, have a stronger brand and a truly unique selling point.

One Shot at Glory Can Pay Dividends

Indeed, there’s a reason everyone in the world knows who Usain Bolt is and not Ashton Eaton. Although both men won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bolt is a specialist in the 100 metres (although he’s quick at the 200 metres as well) while Eaton was a decathlete. Because Bolt has a singular focus on one event, he’s the best in the world and it’s easier for people recognise that. Although Eaton is the best all-rounder in the world, he isn’t a master of one discipline and, for casual fans, that doesn’t seem as inspiring.

Essentially, if you’re going to specialise and put all of your eggs in one basket, you run the risk of falling short. In contrast, if you fire enough shots at multiple targets, you might hit one or two. However, when you do make those shots, they won’t be nearly as impressive as the person who took just one and hit the bull’s eye.

If you’re interested in making a steady living from photography, then it’s probably best to spread your interests. But, if you want to become the best at what you do and, potentially, earn critical acclaim for your work, then you have to narrow your focus and become a specialist. The best of both worlds is probably the safest approach: if you’re new, start off by exploring various niches, but once you’ve found what you have an aptitude for, stick with it and you’ll be rewarded.

The look and interface of any website has a lot of impact on the interest of every person who visits the site. Using photos and pictures that match the brand can make a massive impact on how people perceive your site. It’s impossible to ignore the first impression effects on human beings. The first impression, whether good or bad, decides whether you decide that you are interested in staying in a given website or not. When looking to capture more visitors through creating a good visual impression, you should have the following in your considerations:

Location

The simplicity of locating information in any given website is important in creating a good interface. A website that offers flowing instructions and a step-by-step explanation will most likely interest the visitors. You should ensure that you maintain your focus by linking previous details with the current so that readers can easily catch up. For instance, you can create links that redirect readers to a previous article that they may have missed.

Maintaining Focus

Instead of mixing information, it’s important to handle every task individually to the end. Avoid handling multiple tasks together because it will create confusion to your audience. Once you concentrate on a specific task, make sure you work on it to the end before you can embark on another one. This will also ensure that people follow what is relevant to them by focusing on specific information. Good pictures can really focus attention and ensure people feel connected to the website.

Language

Language is the main means of communication between the writer and the reader. How well the writer articulates and delivers the information determines what impact the text will have on the reader. When providing guidelines to your audience, you need to use a language that is clear and easy to understand. Offering ambiguous and complicated explanations might make you lose your audience.

Suggestions

The best way to identify what clients or visitors to a website want is by getting their point of view. Welcoming interface suggestions from the website users will make things easier when it comes to meeting user expectations. Once these expectations are met, it will be easy for people to return to the website in the near future. It will also improve engagement on your website.

Collaboration

Working with other developers will help you gain more knowledge in creating the right interface. Ask questions from those who are more experienced to know what works for them. This will reduce the time taken to achieve your goals, and it will also narrow the possibility of making mistakes.

Metaphors

You need to apply elements that have already been applied in other interfaces. People will identify easily with things they have used in the past in comparison to newer ones. When using commonly known elements, you will reduce the struggle of trying to know the preference of your audience. Again the pictures you use can have a massive effect on how people perceive your site.

Feelings

Try to capture people’s attention by considering things that affect their feelings. Focus on things and messages that will increase happiness and reduce anger to the audience. Users who are satisfied about an interface will most likely play a big part of improving your brand.

Reduce the Mistakes

One of the most important roles of the interface is reducing mistakes. Use past data to correct errors and improve your website.