Congratulations on your upcoming senior year! This is an exciting time in your life, and you’re probably looking forward to all the fun and memories that are ahead. But before you know it, it will be time to graduate and move on to the next chapter. That’s why it’s important to schedule your senior portraits early and we have a 2024 senior special just for you.
There are a few reasons why you should schedule your senior portraits early. First, it will give you more time to plan. You can choose your photographer, location, and outfits. You can also take your time getting ready for your session, so you can look and feel your best.
Second, scheduling early will help you get the best prices. Many photographers offer discounts for early bookings. And if you book your session now, you can take advantage of our special offer for high school seniors: save 50% on your portrait session fee and receive a complimentary 8×10 print.
Third, scheduling early will ensure that you get a spot on your photographer’s calendar. Senior portrait sessions are in high demand, and slots fill up quickly. So if you want to make sure you get the date and time that you want, it’s important to book early.
Finally, scheduling early will give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about finding a photographer or booking a location at the last minute. You can relax and enjoy your senior portraits, knowing that everything is taken care of. There are also so many other competing priorities once Senior year starts, this doesn’t have to be one of them.
We believe that senior portraits should be fun and creative. We want to capture the essence of each student, so we take the time to get to know you and your interests. We also offer a variety of locations and styles, working with you to create something amazing for your student.
If you’re ready to start planning your senior portraits, contact us today. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Schedule your senior portraits today!
As a real estate photographer there are certainly some skills that are necessary to be really good at producing top-quality images. The other side of that is having some awesome equipment that can help you get the job done effectively and efficiently. I will share with you 5 of my favorite tools that I use daily in real estate photography (I will note that I am an Amazon Influencer and the equipment mentioned below can be found on my personal link. I’d appreciate your support if you decide to purchase from my link.
A good quality DSLR or mirrorless camera: A good quality camera is essential for real estate photography. It should be able to take sharp images in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunny days to dark interiors. It should also have a large sensor and a good selection of lenses to choose from. I personally am a Nikon shooter (but just about every manufacturer has excellent choices). My preferred camera is the Nikon D850 or Nikon Z7II.
A wide-angle lens: When shooting real estate, a wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the entire room or building in one shot. Look for a lens with a wide-angle range of 16mm or wider. With my DSLR I prefer the Tokina 16-28. It’s an amazing piece of glass for a decent cost (around $700). It gets the job done day in and day out. I currently have the Nikon Z 14-28 on my list and hope to get that later this year.
A sturdy tripod: A tripod is necessary for taking sharp images, especially when shooting in low light which we are always faced with in REP. I use the flambient process which means that I combine an ambient shot with a flash shot and that wouldn’t be possible without a tripod. In addition, tripods help to ensure that you can get level images. Make sure you get one that is sturdy and adjustable so you can position your camera at the desired height and angle. I love Benro Tripods and Manfrotto tripod heads.
A flash and an umbrella or small softbox: These are great for adding extra light to a scene, especially when shooting inside. Flash is critical for shooting flambient exposures and window pulls. You will want enough power for most homes and sometimes will simply need to do multiple pops in a room. My favorite is the Godox AD200 pro. It’s a compact but powerful enough light to tackle most needs. I personally love the round head that is available too.
A remote shutter release: A remote shutter release will allow you to take long-exposure shots without having to touch the camera. This can be very useful for shooting real estate at night or in low light. I find it even more useful to shoot wirelessly tethered because in REP you can end up in some pretty tight spaces and this allows me to control my camera settings, ensure everything looks good on a much bigger screen (my iPad) and capture the image. The CamRanger 2 is truly one of the most essential tools in my real estate photography arsenal.
So there you have it. A quick list of some of my favorites for real estate photography. The comprehensive list is in my link that is posted throughout this blog. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to respond quickly.
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the team at Subkit. It’s always cool to share the story of being an entrepreneur. You can view the article HERE Please share your thoughts below
I hope you are all having a fantastic summer with some fun built in. If not, you still have time…
Many Thanks
THANK YOU. I truly appreciate you for trusting me with your listings. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be your real estate visual branding partner and I look forward to growing with you as your business booms!
What’s Inside?
I wanted to take the time to introduce you to a new Real Estate Portal that we are migrating to. It is an amazing tool that includes many of the same tools from the previous system and a few more. The new portal also consists of a mobile app which makes it even easier to schedule appointments or download images. We are also introducing real estate videos to our product offerings. We have a 60-sec social media option and a full 2-3 minute walk-through video to enhance your listings.
Don’t worry, you will still be able to order the way you always have (If you prefer texting or calling that’s cool. If you prefer ordering online, that is fine too. Whatever works best for you.)
In addition to the ordering process, you have access to an awesome marketing kit which includes a property website, flyers, social media graphics, and postcards. I understand how busy you are. My team will get your account started. All you have to do is send us the office/brokerage name, website, license number (if you want that included), a headshot, your social media names, and your business logo. We will ensure that all information is in your account and ready to go. We can also set up your floor plans to include your logo and business colors as a standard if you like a customized and consistent look.
The anticipated launch for the new portal is August 1st (Can you believe it’s AUGUST). You can check out the new portal by clicking HERE. All links will be updated by August 1st.
Recap:
New Real Estate Portal to make your life easier. Includes a mobile app. Flexible and simple to use.
Send us the following, we’ll handle the rest:
Office/brokerage name
Website
License number (if you’d like)
Your favorite headshot
Social media names (IG, FB, Twitter, and LinkedIn)
I have had the pleasure of working with Uhhhmazing Real Estate Agents here in North Carolina. The one I’m introducing you to today is no exception. Victoria Hairston is a super cool young lady, an awesome realtor, and a model (so much more as well). I have had the pleasure of working with Victoria and wanted to feature her this month (Small Business Month). She brings a smile and great energy to any room she enters. So pull up a chair and check out my interview with her.
When I think of Victoria Hairston, I think of fun. What keeps you smiling and full of joy?
Genuinely doing what I love. My purpose is fulfilled with every real estate transaction, in spite of wanting to give up from time to time. I am good at it and I have friends and family that support me. Having so much love around me makes it so much easier.
You are pretty multi-talented. How did you get into Real Estate and why?
Back in 2019 is when it all began. I give credit to my boyfriend. He asked what I really wanted to do and I said real estate. So he said let’s do it and got with my friend and they paid for my classes as a birthday gift (one of the best gifts ever). I love the constant of corporate but love the dynamic of real estate and the flexibility it brings even more.
So you recently just left your 9-5 to go FT in Real Estate. Congratulations first off, and secondly, what was the process like for you? How did you prepare and when did you know it was TIME?
I left in September of 2021. I knew it was time before that but it was so familiar and comfortable. Business has drastically picked up, and I would have to take time off to manage listings and showings. I prayed and waited for God and at the same time making sure my finances were in order. It’s so important to have a year’s worth of savings because entrepreneur life is not for the faint of heart. Getting the finances together was tough but so was building up the courage to actually do it.
I see you model as well, how do you manage all that you do and still keep everything moving in the right direction?
Time management is key. If you don’t own your schedule it will own you. I work hard on time blocking to ensure I can stay on top of everything. Modeling is sporadic but real estate is flexible so they work well together. Modeling slips in between the gaps of real estate work. It’s a great combination for me because I love them both.
What is your favorite thing about real estate?
Closing day. Genuinely seeing the joy and excitement on clients’ faces. Seeing the completion of a journey, through the ups and downs. Knowing that I helped someone find their forever home. It’s the joy for me.
Personal time and self-care are so essential. How do you recharge? What tips do you have for those who are always on the grind, but seldom recharge?
I enjoy doing things away from real estate. Hanging with friends, and enjoying the shut down from real estate to have fun. Manis and pedis always help. Believe it or not, cleaning is therapeutic. I can throw on some music and vibe as I clean. Putting things together is also therapeutic. I love crafting as well. And if you know me, you know I enjoy my naps, they are everything.
What is your motivation?
Making my parents proud. I love hearing them say I’m so proud of you. I am also excited to prepare the next generation for better.
How does faith play a role in your business?
It’s the first thing, the most important thing, everything. No matter what the situation, trusting in God is necessary. I remember when I was going to take a month off but didn’t consider the months to come. Then the expenses and weight of it all came and my first instinct could have been to panic. Instead, I prayed and put my trust in God. Let me tell you I didn’t lose sleep, miss a meal, or a payment. God worked it all out and always has! I’m a firm believer that what’s for you is for you so I trust Him and keep moving forward.
It’s the year 2026, what is new with Victoria? How has your business grown?
Oh, 2026 is going to be amazing. I see myself with an entire team, licensed in multiple states. GROWTH on every level. I will be helping others when they are starting out, teaching and showing them how to be successful.
Do you have any advice for new realtors?
Trust the process. It doesn’t happen overnight. Repeat People come in focusing on making money and think it will be easy. It’s not easy and it takes work. Put in the time, take your time be authentic, and let God do the rest.
The wrap-up
So by now, I’m sure you can tell why I love working with Victoria. She is super genuine, caring, kind, and has a vibe that makes you feel at home in her presence. She is definitely a TOP tier leader and realtor under 30. So what is Victoria’s secret? Well I don’t know but she has a VLOG channel you don’t want to miss, check it out HERE If you are looking to buy or sell your home she’s an amazing realtor https://victoriahairston.myrealtyonegroup.com/ you will NOT be disappointed.
Real estate agents need pro photography even in hot markets
The goal of hiring a professional real estate photographer is not just to sell the home – it’s to sell the agent who is selling the home. That may sound a little strange, but that concept is what underlies the need for real estate agents across Winston Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte to hire a professional photographer for every shoot, even when homes are selling crazy fast. You want to build a comprehensive approach and reputation that establishes you as a leader in the market. Here are 3 reasons why:
Reason #1. Your brand is defined by your marketing efforts.
Twilight Real Estate Image
When we’re talking about a Winston Salem real estate agent’s brand we’re talking about the way they are perceived by their potential clients. For example, when a potential client sees an agent’s marketing for a home on their street, what assumptions do they make about that agent? If all they have to make a decision is the marketing material for that listing then that marketing campaign has an important role to play. Using photos from a camera phone or that look amateurish might not impact the sale in a hot market, but they will surely impact the assumptions made by potential clients about that agent. And we know how important first impressions are. Compare those assumptions with an agent that uses magazine-quality photography, and it’s not hard to see that a seller that’s looking for an agent to sell their home will choose the agent that makes their listing look as amazing as possible given what they had to work with, not the agent that took their own photos.
Reason #2. It’s not for now but for later.
Details matter
Homes might be selling within days or even hours of hitting the market here in North Carolina, but as we are starting to see now, the market is starting to shift. As the market slows it will take longer for homes to sell and listings will start to dry up. When this happens, home sellers will be much more selective about which agent they hire because they know they will need a good one if they want to sell fast and at or above the asking price within the first 60 days or maybe 6 months. Where do sellers go to find an agent? They go online and look for agents in the area, taking a close look at the images they find. They also talk to family and friends. What do they look for in an agent? One of the first things they probably look at is the sales history for that agent. They will also look through previous listings to review the photos and other marketing materials that exist online. For some sellers, that’s as far as they get. The decision on which agents they will actually talk to can be decided in those lists of past sales where they ask themselves: “Given how that agent has marketed homes in the past, do I want that agent handling my home the same way?” If the photos don’t look good, the answer is probably a decisive NO! We recently sold a home before the market went bananas it was imperative for us to work with an agent that not only had a great track record but someone that we knew would put their best foot forward when marketing our property to get it sold and our agent, Sheena Baker, did just that and in record time. Trust me, the quality of photos matters. If you get it wrong and your listings look undesirable compared to your competition then you can easily lose sellers to other agents.
Reason #3. Sellers Talk
Imagine this conversation happening between a recent seller and their neighbor, somewhere in Winston Salem, Greensboro, or Charlotte. Tanya: Congratulations on the sale of your home! How did things go? Erica: It was amazing! I mean, the market is hot, and the house sold in 2 days, but we were super impressed with our agent. Tanya: That’s awesome, who did you use? Erica: We went with Sheena Baker and her team was so fantastic to work with. She didn’t cut any corners in the process and went all in. She hired a professional photographer and even purchased a floor plan of our home. Tanya: Agents still do that? Erica: Some do and some don’t. I looked at other listings here in Winston Salem and some of the pictures were horrible. I was so impressed by the professionalism of the photographer she hired and the images were amazing. I would recommend Sheena to everyone.
Conversely, can you imagine how things would have gone if the agent had taken their own pictures? Of course, the home would have still sold, but the conversation would probably have been drastically different.
After the sale will your sellers boast about your willingness to hire a photographer even in a hot North Carolina real estate market or will they only talk about the speed of the sale if anything at all?
I cannot say enough positive things about Marc's work. As an Airbnb host, pictures are the most important part of my business, and Marc's work was incredible. Marc worked with me to get every angle, as well as detailed amenity shots. He also added some post-production magic to ensure every picture looked as good as it could. I will be exclusively working with Marc from now on and have recommended him to all of my partners and colleagues.
Sascha Joi
2023-01-19
Very professional and knows his craft! Marc is a phenomenal photographer. He has handled all of our photo shoots with class and excellence. I will travel to wherever he is to book a shoot with him!
Lindsay Colvin
2022-12-26
Marc Anthony is an excellent photographer that is kind, patient, and always professional. I have worked with him for branding photos and real estate photography for the past two years. He is highly recommended.
Patrick & Brittany Ray
2022-12-25
Marc Anthony’s expertise and skill are unmatched. Clear, crisp images and always amazing suggestions have made significant difference in our business this year!
Kadesha Kearns
2022-10-13
Beautiful work! Great communication. Overall wonderful experience. Marc is truly a team player and goes above and beyond to assist.
Pamela Woods
2022-10-08
Images By Marc Anthony always deliver first class service With prompt turn around for all of my real estate listings. 🎉🎉
Kai Smith
2022-08-22
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with Marc Anthony. He arrived early, was extremely professional, went the extra mile and delivered the most gorgeous gallery of photos taken of our short-term rental property. He is incredibly knowledgable and thorough! I would 100% work with him again.
Jayme Currie
2022-06-18
Marc is a pleasure to work with! Whether it be listing photos, home measurements, or professional headshots I know I can always count on Marc for prompt and professional service. Marc, thank you for all that you do for me and my clients!
Montrell Brown
2022-05-14
We highly recommend Marc. He did our listing photos today. Was very professional and prompt from the beginning. Provided great information to assist us with prepping our home. Was very flexible with our schedule. When he arrived, he was on time, personable and very laid back. Walked and talked us through the session which was very appreciated. Marc is awesome 👌🏾.
