I am always excited to work with new clients, meeting people and becoming part of their team is one of the best parts of this job.  Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of photographing a property for Kathran Helps of Royal Service Real Estate in Port Hope. Even though I have the good fortune of meeting and working with many wonderful people, it was immediately apparent that Kathran is the kind of person who truly cares.  Everything she did and the way she conducted herself, the care for the presentation of the property and her kind and personable approach was truly extraordinary.
This beautiful rural property just north of Port Hope will make an amazing home for its new owners, and Kathran went above and beyond to make sure all of its virtues were on display.  I don't think her clients can possibly know just how hard she works on their behalf!

The beautifully wooded lot near the end of a road terminating into a picturesque forest trail (no through traffic - awesome!)was just a wonderful place to spend some time.  I know I didn't want to leave!  Its great to be able to walk out onto the porch and just take in the peace and quiet - yet know that you're 5 minutes away from the 401 if need be! 

The house itself is beautifully laid out and the interior was magnificently displayed thanks to the efforts of Sherry Wright of House of Esselle, who's staging brought an artists eye to the interior design and really made the home shine.  Her vision really brought a simple country home together with the most tasteful elements of contemporary design!  It's easy to make beautiful images when the subject is a work of art! 

At the end of the day we got everything wrapped up just before the rain came, and I think the images will speak for the professionalism, care and attention to detail that Kathran brings to her work!  I really look forward to future projects!

If you ask an architectural photographer to make some beautiful images of a building, he or she will do a few things first:

*figure out which way the building is facing (east, west, north or      south – somewhat in between?)
*find out when the sun rises and sets at that spot on the proposed      dates of the shoot
*based on that information, the photographer will arrange for a time that puts the client’s desired view in the – quite literally – best light

Depending on the budget and the final concept, he or she may rent boom trucks or sky-jacks, perhaps lights, perhaps close off the parking areas to the building to make sure the views are not obstructed by random vehicles (in extreme cases on high budget shoots the streets may be shut down, etc – just like for a high budget movie production!)
In addition, the photographer will want full access to the building and its lights.  Everything is just so, and the final piece – is the weather.  Using sophisticated, meteorological reports, a date is chosen.  And if the weather plays a trick, the shoot is rescheduled.
A few hours later, a couple of perfect views of a building are captured.

Of course that’s great if you are working with a multi-thousand dollar budget and have complete control over time and all other variables on location… But… Then there is real estate photography.  The house needs to be on the market on Monday.  The cleaning company was unable to deliver their bins because of a two day bout of freezing rain.  You can shoot the house any day of the week you want… as long as it's Sunday.  Sunday morning, specifically, because anything after noon is a “no go” with the owners and or the realtor…
And you’re a photographer who is not willing to just say “oh well, it is what it is”, you pride yourself on setting YOUR client apart with exceptional, eye catching photos.  
You show up on Sunday.  There is a slight wrinkle – it’s a blizzard.  Quite literally, visibility measured in feet, not yards, lovely giant flakes of snow falling sideways from a slate grey sky.  What do you do?
Well, some variation of this theme happens pretty much all the time in real estate photography.  You are not the master of when and how, usually.  Your clients understand that it would be better if you were, but that’s just not the reality of the business.  From backlit houses and harsh shadows to full on blizzards, it all happens.  Sure you could come back and reshoot the exteriors – but you have two other shoots that day (joke’s on you – they’re all facing the wrong way anyway by the time you get there).

This is why you’re a pro – you make it work.  Most people could take a decent photo under perfect conditions if they get enough tries at it.  A professional is called in to make a great image regardless of what conditions or challenges are presented; to solve problems, to find a way.  To put it bluntly, this is what we get paid for.
I was inspired to write this post based on a recent experience.  Have a look at the before and after photos.  See what an out of the camera shot looked like, and what was delivered to the client.  You have to know your craft very well, and when the unexpected happens, you can count on your technical knowledge and artistic vision to fall into place and combine for a result that makes your clients truly happy that they had you on their team.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Robert Vaid of Coldwell Banker in Coubourg while shooting his listing at 2046 Highway 2 in Port Hope.
What a cool property this was - almost low-key and unassuming, yet brimming with unique features, all packed into the charming package of a fully updated century farm house!

The tall hedge and mature trees make this a very private place to call home, yet the 401 is less than 5 minutes away.  The first thing that strikes you as unique is all that beautiful, century old wood: from the wide barn board floors, to the beautiful staircase and exposed beams of the living room, and even a "princess" balcony in the second bedroom!

It was a really unique place to shoot, lots of fun and the kind of challenge a photographer just loves! And it was a lot of fun to watch a true pro and just a really personable guy like Robert at work!  You could tell from the rapport he had with his clients that they were in very good hands and the level of personal attention was remarkable.  Like I always say, this is in many ways the best part of the job - meeting new people and working with them!  I look forward to any and all future collaborations, as this was truly a pleasure.

Had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim McKay of Right At Home Realty - this lovely home in south Bowmanville is literally minutes away from the lake, and near by sports facilities and parks.  For those who commute, its very conveniently located near the 401, yet you would never know when relaxing on the porch or in the spacious backyard!

Jim was a consummate professional and the attention to detail in this property really showed.  I can only say that very little will be left to the new owners of this home, just move in and enjoy!

This is really a lovely, well kept home in perfect shape, well appointed and very tastefully finished - for more photos have a look at the slide show HERE! Enjoy!

The best part of the job for me, are the people I have the privilege to work with.  At a glance, I would say that doing what I love, what I have a passion for would be the best part - and it is in many ways - but none of it would be possible without my clients.  Ansel Adams said that there are two people in every photograph: the photographer, and the viewer.  I would go as far as to say that in this line of work, there is a third person, equally important to the whole process, the client.  A person who commissions the work, who's notion of how a professional operates and the standards they adhere to, set the wheels in motion.  This past month I had the pleasure of welcoming Troy Gaffoor of Royal LePage as a new client when we met at this charming bungalow in Peterborough, Ontario.  

It was immediately apparent that Troy is very good at what he does, and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and go to work for his clients became even more obvious as we begun the shoot.  Energetic and resourceful are words that come to mind, and as much as this made it a pleasure to work with him, I know that those qualities pay true dividends to his clients.   

The home itself is truly charming, both because of its bright and spacious lay out and because of its unique location.  It resides close to a green space on the crest of a large, sweeping hill.  This offers something unique in a home located in a city: a view!  One could picture sitting on the porch looking over the vistas stretching gently to the horizon.  It would truly be a lovely place to call home, and it is deceptively close to all the amenities of the city, yet gives you the feeling of space and light, both inside and out.  
Once again, it was a real pleasure to welcome a new client aboard, and I truly hope this is the first of many projects we will undertake together.  If you would like to contact Troy, please click on his name and it will take you to his email address, the images link to the listing on his web page.  I know you will be in good hands.

You guys remember the line from the Batman movie?  The one where The Joker says: "Where does he get all those wonderful toys?!"
Well, sometimes I feel like that when Kelly Welton of Coldwell Banker in Cobourg calls me for a shoot of one of her listings. They are always unique, always special in one or more ways and make me think: "I didn't even know that was possible here!"
This listing is no exception and that's why I wanted to share some of my excitement.  The property is only 15 minutes North of Cobourg with all of its amenities and conveniences, literally surrounded by endless, protected forests with riding and hiking trails, and a hat's throw away from Rice Lake!  Its situated on 12+ acres of beautiful land with interesting topography, allowing for complete privacy yet providing gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside from just about every window in the house.

And then there is the house!  A wrap-around, covered porch surrounds the pretty, character filled building sitting on its own hill, like a castle of old, surrounded by mature trees ensuring complete privacy.  Even in the barren, snow-less February we have been enjoying this year, you can not see the house from the road or the surrounding properties.  Yet, in 15 minutes you're in Cobourg, with all the city stuff you may need!  Unbelievable!

But we were supposed to talk about the house.  At first glance you'd think this place was somewhat old timey, it certainly has that look - yet the inside greets you with huge vaulted ceilings, anchored by a beautiful, two sided stone fireplace that is the centre piece of the main floor.  The entire back wall of the house is pretty much one giant bank of windows overlooking the vistas of the rolling hills and huge patio with a sitting area.  During the day this place embodies the words "airy" and "bright".

The current owners have lent their excellent taste to decorating the place in a simple, elegant and tasteful, yet inviting and comfortable, fashion. They're wonderful people and that quality carries over to every detail of their house.  It simply feels like home, like a place you want to spend time: from your morning coffee on a summer morning, to a cup of hot chocolate to wrap up a full day of winter adventures.  Its one of those places you can immediately see yourself in, feeling at home and just enjoying all that it has to offer.

Once again, Kelly brings a unique gem to the market, that makes me wonder how does she do it?! Give her a call with any questions you may have.
I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed making them!

Had the pleasure to photograph a beautiful 145 year old home in the hamlet of Hampton (Durham Region, North of Bowmanville/Oshawa).  
First things first, it's always a pleasure to work for a consummate professional like Kelly Welton of Coldwell Banker in Cobourg, Ontario. Kelly is a real pro, but even more importantly a wonderful, caring human being.  
The owner did an exceptional job with this home - she has exquisite taste and it shows in every detail.  The house is fresh and bright, it's inviting and has all the modern amenities, yet its character and history is wonderfully preserved and showcased.  Bravo. 
Located on a gorgeous piece of land, bordered by a large pond, this property is nestled in a quiet corner of this already quaint, historic community.  Have a look at some of the photos: 

This property is truly a hidden gem.  I think anyone who walks in the front door and has one look at the close to one acre of beautiful property nestled between a quiet, tree lined lane and this gorgeous pond will immediately feel at home.  This place is more than a house and it was a pleasure to photograph.