Why Professional Photography Matters to Interior Designers

Everyone has a camera now.  It is estimated that ten percent of photographs ever taken were taken in the last year.  More photographs were taken in the last two minutes than in the whole of the 1800’s!  And approximately 140 billion photographs have been uploaded to facebook.  So, with this huge pool of imagery, it’s obviously important that if you want your business to stand out, you need to have outstanding photographs done.

And as an interior designer, great photography is part of your brand.  You have a website, a social media presence and a portfolio of images that you would like to use in magazines and even books.  Those images need to really show off what you do.  It’s not good having a set of pictures that are not well composed, badly processed and too small for printing in the best magazines.  

You have put huge time and effort to design the space with beautiful furniture, beautiful colors and thoughtful decisions made about height, light and texture.  You have done your side of things, now you need a professional photographer who can present that in the best light.

Why can’t you do it yourself with your (admittedly excellent) iPhone? An interior photographer has a proper set up of lenses and a camera that can record very high resolution, most importantly the experience about how to combine natural light and speed-lights (Flashes) to make the details and colors pop.  The sensor on my camera (Canon) captures a range of light levels, from they darkest corners to the brightest window highlights, and in post production I blend a stack of layers to create natural pictures that show the viewer just what the room looks like to the human eye.  

Who does think a professional photographer?

1. The image is level.  Verticals MUST BE vertical and the viewpoint is natural and doesn’t look too fake with overly wide angle distortion.

2. The images are properly exposed.  Those high and lowlights need to be properly recorded so that in post production they can all be combined and blended seamlessly to create the perfect exposure.

3. Composition.  A beautifully designed room needs to be shown off.  It should be natural looking, ideally not ‘into a corner’, and it should show the main points of the rooms design… and combined with various ‘details ’ that compliment the main image the photographer can build up a true impression of your work.  

4. The images are sharp!  As mentioned earlier, the lenses of today are incredible, and a decent interior photographer can ensure that the lens is set up so that the image is sharp from front to back... or NOT!  Sometimes a little soft focus in the right places can look lovely, but a good photographer know when and how to use this technique.

5. Post production is key to a days photography.  It will take nearly as much time on the computer as on the actual shoot to create beautiful work, and a good interior photographer will be fully proficient with various software to ensure that unsightly blemishes are seamlessly removed, colors are correct and balanced, highlights and shadows are well balanced.

If you have been working on a project and are looking for a professional interior design, give us a call, we will be honored to have the opportunity to work with you.

Portraits of Raleigh - Voyage Raleigh Magazine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Mendez.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I was born and raised in Venezuela. I own a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in PR and Advertisement. I also own a Master’s degree in Marketing Management. I worked at InterContinental Hotels Groups for 7 years in Venezuela as a Corporate Sales Manager; then, I worked at Coca-Cola FEMSA de Venezuela for about 4 years in Sales and Marketing. My two last positions were Brand Manager and West Regional Sales, Manager. I moved to the US back in 2017. I worked at the Embassy Suites by Hilton for about 2 years as a Corporate Sales Manager; in early 2020, once COVID hit, I lost my job.

In 2020 during the pandemic, I was looking for other options. I decided to be an entrepreneur but was unsure about which patch I would take. Based on my academic background, I was related to the communication arts; even though my concentration was closer to marketing and sales, arts like painting and music were always my thing. I play drum professionally with several bands in Venezuela. That said, I knew I wanted to do something similar to what I loved for my new full-time job. I have a good friend ( 20 years of friendship) named Fernando Hevia, also a Real Estate Photographer in San Antonio, Texas. I was always admiring his job, but just that. I liked his content a lot, but I never thought of going to the same industry because I was so happy and also busy working with Hilton. I recall I called him, and we spent about 2 hours discussing real estate photography. I told myself I would be the best real estate photographer, and that is how I decided to do this: my new full-time job. After this first decision, many things have happened in a photoshoot, thousands of hours in post-production, and a lot more in classes, mentoring, coaching, learning process, and mistakes.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even a little bit; the process of becoming self-employed is hard. Mainly as a real estate photographer (good), photography implies many things besides all the process with photos; the difficult part was putting my name out there is a small market like GSO., where the real estate photographers were all set. I recall I googled, how many agents are in the Triad? I did some numbers and said there was an opportunity for me. I recall that the number was close to 2000 ( my marketing background jumped onto my, and the following search was Real Estate Photographers in the Triad. I remember the number was close to 10. The most difficult part was reaching out to people because my main language is not English, it is Spanish, and I was very afraid to speak with someone about my services. I had 2 options to do nothing or send emails. We were locked down, so I worked on my website, client database, and prospecting for at least 18 hours. I did that for about 3 weeks (plus studying to have my drone license). I recall sending about 1000 emails during the first 2 weeks. Emails were not working well, with no reply or feedback, so I added Instagram and Facebook messages, which worked a little better than making the best decision ever. I decided to make phone calls despite my accent and, of course, the mistakes. I called several people, and at least I was able to have the opportunity to talk with people about my services, which also included people who speak Spanish. After 2 years in business, I am still reaching out to people through emails, phone calls, texts, and messages. It is a process that never stops.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
That’s a good question. There are excellent photographers in the Triad area. I specialize in Real Estate Photography, MM Triad Photography which is my company is the top rated real estate photography company on Google from the triad. This makes me proud because people do not know about the hours and thousands of work behind this. What makes me different is that I am always learning. I never stop purchasing tutorials and also assisting in classes and conferences. Now, I am also trying to get my company into Architecture Photography, which is different from Real estate Photography. I am also proud of an award that we received a week ago. I got the award of being the best business of 2022, according to threebestrated.com. I am one of 3 best business commercial photographers in Greensboro. As I said, even though I concentrate on Commercial and Architecture, I love everything about photography. I also have had the pleasure of photographing weddings, headshots, products, and lifestyles. I plan to get busy on other segments besides real estate and architecture/Commercial.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the location of NC ; it is close to everything and very diverse regarding options. We have mountains, beaches, and good culture and traditions. I also love that we have 4 seasons. Thinking like parents of 2 boys, I also like that NC has good universities. I love everything about NC.

Pricing:

• 1,500 Architecture Photography

• 800 Commercial Photography for companies

• 300 Interior Design Photography

• 800 Weddings / Events Photography

• 139 Real Estate Photography

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mmtriad.com / www.marcomendezphotos.com

• Instagram: @mm_triadphotogtaphy / @marcomendezphotos

• Facebook: MM Triad Photography / Marco Mendez Photography

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcvQwTgkawCbqe7W1096VMA

• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=BZ4jdNDrV2D5umzNbw332Q

You are more than welcome to read the article in the link below.

Voyage Raleigh Magazine: https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/meet-marco-mendez-of-greensboro/

Top 3 Benefits of Real Estate Twilight Photography

The photography is of utmost importance when we are talking about real estate property for sale. The best real estate photographs create significant effect on home buyers. One of the interesting photography styles in real estate is, “Twilight Photography.  The Triad Photography own.

If you are wondering, is Twilight photography worth your investment or not, then, read on. This article shares top 3 benefits of real estate photography:

1. Showcases property in more eye catching way
Twilight photography increases the beauty of the property and showcases it in a way homebuyers like to see. The combination of dusky sky and the correct lights of the house, captured by expert real estate photographer, create magic for real estate agents as it gives amazing residential pictures for property catalog. The twilight photography provides very good pictures which can be added to the catalogue of real estate agents. It is specifically used to capture eye catching shots of the exterior of a house. It showcases great landscape and property lightning, backyard, pool, fire pits and similar property aspects attractively.

2. Attracts more buyers
According to a survey result, homebuyers are more likely to inquire for properties which look elegant. Also, the pictures play a vital role in attracting homebuyers. The twilight photography captured by experts will ensure that your residential property looks like a dream home. It resonates with your potential buyers’ expectation and increase inquiries for the property. The buyers find twilight shots more attractive, and that’s why you must have at least a few twilight shots to attract more buyers for the real estate property.

3. Increases portfolio value of real estate agents
The well captured real estate pictures will not only bring more inquiries from online listing, but will also contribute in making the portfolio richer to real estate agents. It will make the property catalog look professional as well as increase sales, which will empower real estate agent’s portfolio and profile.

The twilight photography spread its magic, but, it has to be captured by the experts. We, MM Triad Photography, have the required expertise to showcase your property in an attractive way. Let’s discuss more, Contact us NOW!

About the photo:

Sedgefield Entertainer’s Dream! Only steps from Sedgefield Country Club, Home of the Wyndham Championship, is this beautiful 6 BR, 5.1 BA gem! Primary suite on main level fea. dbl vanity, garden tub and lg shower. WI closet w/wood built-ins. Updated kitchen, 2 story GR, wet bar, study & DR on 1st level. 2nd story has 3 BR & BA. 3rd floor offers a Game of Thrones room perfect for playroom or guest suite. Finished basement has BR suite, billiards, wet bar & screened porch. Fenced yard w/driving range views. Custom treehouse. Storage bldg, 2 car garage, 1 car det. garage w/loft. Generator, irrigation & much more!

Best Business of 2022

We MM Triad Photography are listed as on of the top 3 Commercial Photographers in Greensboro. We are proud of this award, but, what does this award means?

What Is Commercial Photography?

Commercial photography is photography that is used to sell or promote a product or service, or otherwise support a business or organization in making more money, which can refer to product photography, lifestyle photography, architecture photography, interior photography, depending on the client and the product or service being sold.

With that being said, the fact that we are recognize as one of the top 3 commercial companies in Greensboro, NC is because all of our customers are happy with the quality and the service we provided.

Commercial photography is way different compared with real estate photography. we as photographer are thinking n our customers’s goals to achive the result that our clients want.

If you are looking for a commercial photographer we will be happy to help.

Do I Need Professional Photography For My Airbnb/VRBO Rental?

Airbnb and VRBO are third-party listing websites where property managers and homeowners sell short-term rentals (STR). If someone is looking to book vacation accommodations for a house or unique, private lodging, they search these sites. 

So, how popular are these rental platforms? Very. Airbnb has over 7 million listings in 100,000 cities globally. Each month, 14,000 new hosts join the site. 

When you list a rental on Airbnb and VRBO, you want to intrigue potential renters instantly. There are several areas on your listing page where you can shine. Your listing page includes rental images, a descriptive headline, quick home stats, what the listing offers, reviews, and more. 

Professional listing images are proven to capture attention faster and hold visual attention longer than those taken by an amateur photographer. When you compete with several similar STRs in your neighborhood, first impressions are crucial. This is especially true on sites like Airbnb, where the first thing users see is an image thumbnail of your property.

Vacation rental listing pages that feature professional photography receive 2.5 times more clicks than ones that do not. This statistic should be eye-opening for hosts. 

If you do not receive clickthroughs from potential renters, you will not get bookings or grow your business. More than half a million people search Airbnb per year, and they only click a listing if the thumbnail looks intriguing or if the price is appealing. 

We as professional commercial and architecture photographers have the skillset to make an Airbnb or VRBO listing look spectacular. We know the right angles and composition to offer excellent visualization of the space, we also understand how to adjust the lighting and color in post-production.

410 Dogwood Trl, Kernersville, NC 27284

This "castle" home! Stunning, renovated Tudor in one of the "hidden gem" neighborhoods in Kernersville. So much space and fantastic updates where no expense was spared! Multiple areas for entertaining, chef's kitchen, cozy den for casual gatherings on the main floor. Upstairs houses the spacious bedrooms including the primary suite with DUAL BATHROOMS and CLOSETS! Basement has been upfitted for a full GUEST SUITE complete with bedroom, sitting room, kitchenette PLUS a separate entry. Copper trim and cedar on the exterior, new HVAC systems, new fixtures, flooring and so much more! A stone's throw from Kernersville Lake, 4th of July Park, DTK, schools, shopping and restaurants.

1808 Canaan Dr. Greensboro, NC 27408

Incredible home ready for you to move in and enjoy. Canaan at the Noles, offers low-maintenance living in a highly desirable area of Greensboro. Convenient to EVERYTHING! Close to hospitals, shopping, dining, recreation & major traffic arteries, you will love the location. Main-level primary suite has gracious bedroom with double tray ceiling, well organized walk-in closet & primary bath with separate tub and shower. The floor plan has a huge great room with a tray ceiling that opens to the large dining room. room, Bright kitchen and breakfast room has alot of storage room and a joy to cook and entertain in. Upstairs has an additional 2 bedrooms with a shared bath and huge unfinished room to store extra items or future expansion.

147 Tillingham Trace. Stokesdale, NC 27357

147 Tillingham Trace! This home has so much to offer- from spacious 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, plus loft area and oversized bonus room. Inviting open living room and kitchen with large island- Beautiful formal dining room with coffered ceiling and drop zone just off the garage! Stunning landscaped lawn with fence , nice size deck and oversized patio and storage building!!... Schedule your showing today to view this beautiful home!