A Quick Story: Why That DM Should Lead to a Pro Photo Shoot
It was 8:17 AM when my phone buzzed with a DM from Jessica, a Brooklyn-based realtor juggling three new listings:
“Morning! Be honest—can’t I just shoot these apartments on my iPhone? The camera’s amazing now.”
Instead of firing off a bullet-point list, I shared a little story:
The Tale of Two Listings
Scene 1: DIY Shots
Last spring, an owner tried the smartphone route. The living-room windows in her Park Slope condo glowed white, the hardwood floors looked dull, and the kitchen—small but charming—felt cramped. Online, the unit blended into hundreds of “just okay” thumbnails. After 34 days and two price drops, it finally went under contract.
Scene 2: The HDR Upgrade
Two weeks later, I photographed an almost identical unit in the same building. We used my HDR package: multiple exposures, balanced lighting, crisp window views. The gallery showed warm oak floors, skyline-framed windows, and a kitchen that suddenly looked Pinterest-ready. That listing booked 12 showings in the first weekend and accepted an offer—$22,000 over ask—by Day 9.
Why the Second Story Wins
- Instant Trust – Buyers couldn’t tour in person yet, but the polished photos made them feel confident enough to schedule.
- True-to-Life Light – HDR kept the Manhattan skyline visible while revealing cozy interior details—a trick no phone’s auto mode can match.
- Scroll-Stopping Thumbnails – On StreetEasy, the brighter, balanced cover photo earned nearly double the clicks of comparable units.
- Agent Brand Boost – The realtor behind the HDR listing got two new seller referrals that month—clients noticed the quality.
- Faster, Higher Offers – Better perception translated into real dollars and fewer days on market.
My DM Back to Jessica
“Sure, your iPhone is great for brunch pics. But when thousands of commission dollars hinge on a first impression, you deserve magazine-level images. Let’s give your listings the HDR treatment and make the story above your success story.”
She booked three shoots that afternoon.
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