Bad Photoshop can ruin your first impression

Apr 6, 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Professional photography will help ensure a quality first impression; the right “angle” can make all the difference.
  • Photoshopped assets can remove objects and background settings that create consumer connection challenges.
  • Rendered assets can be used in social media, websites, and printed collateral.
@tmz

People can’t stop talking about KateMiddleton’s Photoshop fail 😳 #TMZ breaks down all we know about the royal scandal — so far!

♬ original sound – TMZ
Bad Photoshop can create chaos for your brand.

This past month, speculation about Kate Middleton’s whereabouts ran wild on social media platforms. It’s all because of a poorly photoshopped photo. Today’s consumers are savvy and can spot a fake from a mile away. You have seconds to make a first impression with your target audience and have two choices when creating a plan to serve your client. 

@tmz People can’t stop talking about #KateMiddleton‘s Photoshop fail 😳 #TMZ♬ original sound – TMZ

You can roll the dice and hope that basic photography will fulfill your branding needs, or you can invest in professional business photography to guarantee measurable results and support for your brand

In other words, creating a first impression is not only part of your job but also part of your strategy to meet your current client’s needs and how future clients will judge whether they will work with you.

Challenging Positions

Marketing can be incredibly challenging if your asset exists in a less-than-ideal setting. The home or business you are trying to sell or brand is hard to focus on because of its current environment.  Obstacles include poor landscaping, lighting, seasonal issues, obtrusive objects, and construction debris. 

Identifying that your asset needs assistance is where professional photography services can help. Professional photographers can assess the situation, know the angles to capture it and place your asset in the best light.

Meet FNB Bank, one of our latest clients

One example is a recent commercial project we took on for a new local bank in Stephens City, VA. The marketing team for FNB Bank knew that to showcase this beautiful new building, they needed to invest in a team with the experience to highlight all its best features. 

First impressions online matter. Consumers often learn about new options online and drive by the location second.

We investigate each client’s specific needs and create a custom strategy for the asset. This type of work is not a one-size-fits-all option.

Before

This beautiful modern building was being finished right in the heart of winter, leaving its surrounding background dull and lackluster. There were also additional challenges of a storage facility recently built directly behind it. 

To meet the client’s needs, we did an in-depth exterior and interior shoot, followed by professional resolutions to give an established springtime feel to the exterior of the building.

After

The final result allowed the team to have evergreen professional assets for marketing promotions and press releases. The final high-resolution images in their premium package will be used on printable assets, websites, and social media platforms.

Final thoughts

When you work with our team at Absolute Altitude, we want you to know we are committed to helping you achieve the best results possible.  

When the asset you are trusted to market, sell, or brand presents challenges, we are here to help you overcome them and turn them into a boon for your portfolio to show your clients why YOU are the pro they want to work with.  

Don’t be afraid of Photoshop, but don’t try to DIY it, or you may end up the next viral Photoshop fail meme! We are here to help. To learn more about our packages, feel free to call our team or message us personally. We are always ready to discuss what’s next for your brand and your business. 

Joel Yocca is the man with the plan, the owner & CEO of Absolute Altitude. The A2 team is prepared to provide you with the assets you need to level up in any market.

We plan your shots

Planning is key to capturing effective B-roll. Typically we are following a custom script that details each shot we want to get while we are at the property. 

We do this to make the best use of your time, and to make sure we can get in and out of the shoot efficiently.

We also specialize in the direction we give to the agent or other hired talent. The fact that we have experience in story-telling and directing people on what to do when adds big-time value.

We often identify unique features and architectural details that deserve attention. Consider the story you want to tell about the property – is it modern and sleek, cozy and rustic, or luxurious and opulent? Absolute Altitude will tailor your B-roll shots to align with this narrative.

     

     

     

     A focus on details

    Close-up shots of design elements like doorknobs, light fixtures, backsplash tiles, and unique architectural elements can add significant value. These shots give potential buyers a closer look at the quality and design features that set the property apart. Use a long lens if necessary to capture intricate details clearly.

    To make your video dynamic and engaging, we  vary your shots in terms of angles and movements. Here are a few techniques:

    • Panning: Slowly move the camera from one side to another to reveal a room or a feature.
    • Tilting and Pedestal Movements: Move the camera up and down to show the height and space either using a hinge or pole.
    • Tracking: Move the camera along a path, following a subject or moving through a space.
    • Static Shots: Hold the camera steady on a tripod to focus on specific elements.

     

    We Use the right equipment

    While a high-quality camera is essential, additional equipment can elevate your B-roll footage. We often get feedback about our price points, and that others are more affordable. We are very transparent about the quality we bring to each project. This means that we use the best equipment to capture high-resolution footage that is in focus, doesn’t shake, and is the appropriate color. We take pride in using the latest tech to make sure our clients and their collateral are captured in cinematic-quality footage.

    Some basic tools we use are (If we listed everything it would be a whole other blog, but here is a short break down of the types of tools that are in the back of our vehicles):

    • Gimbal: For smooth, cinematic shots, especially when moving through spaces.
    • Tripod: For steady, static shots that highlight specific features.
    • Wide-Angle and Prime Lenses: To capture more of the space in a single frame, giving viewers a comprehensive view. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length for tack-sharp images and dreamy depths of field.
    • Specialty lighting: Our lighting kits for high-end shoots are something that you will not find in your average real estate on-site shoot project.
    • Multiple cameras that are specific to the type of scene we are shooting.
    • Drone: For breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the property’s location and surroundings.
    • All the portable power and batteries to power your project!

     

     

     

    Final thoughts

    Capturing compelling B-rolls for real estate videos involves thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and the right equipment. Depending on the project we could have a multi-age script that we have crafted to make sure we create wow-worthy experiences for your portfolio.

     By focusing on the unique aspects of the property and using various shooting techniques, we can create a rich, immersive video that stands out to potential buyers. Remember, the goal of B-roll is to enhance the story you’re telling about the property, making it more appealing and memorable and that is our favorite story to tell.

     Joel Yocca is the man with the plan, the owner & CEO of Absolute Altitude. The A2 team is prepared to provide you with the assets you need to level up in any market.

     

     

    B-Roll Basics

    B-Roll Basics

    Creating an engaging real estate video involves more than just showcasing the property's main features. B-roll footage, the supplementary shots that add depth and context, plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual storytelling of a property tour. Essentially good...