Farm Gate Imaging

Product Photography - It's In The Details

2012-01-30T17:38:00.000-04:00

Product Photography - it's more than just throwing an item down on a table and snapping off a quick shot with your iPhone - it's in the details.

It takes planning. It means understanding what the final shot will be used for, envisioning what it will look like and then getting to work on making it happen.

This is a combination of two shots made for a company that imports amber. The key to these shots was to bring them to life. Showing off the details, colour and clarity of the stones was top of the priority list.

Thanks to Prep for the styling services!

Contact us for your next promotional piece that needs to make a splash.

A Wish for Good Tidings & Cheer

2011-12-23T15:21:00.000-04:00

As Christmas Eve approaches and we are all buzzing around trying to get those last minute errands done and frantically checking our lists two and three times to make sure we haven't forgotten anything, remember this.

This is the time of year to spend with those we love.
Forget the quarrels and find forgiveness.
Take a breath and show some kindness.
Stop and watch the snow fall.
Take the time to really see what's right in front of us.
Value what's important and let go of the rest.
Enjoy the children for their excitement.
Sit with the elderly and watch the twinkle in their eyes
Fill your heart and empty the fridge.
Spend your time well.

Merry Christmas One and All.

Perception IS Everything

2011-11-29T19:05:00.000-04:00

How do people perceive your product or service? Do they think of it as a discount service or a high end product? Are the 'people' right, or have they yet to receive the memo on how great your products really are?

Avoid the pitfall of mis-communication. Communicate with potential clients by using graphics to explain and illustrate what you offer. It's corny, but true; a picture is worth a thousand words. The key is to choose the right one.

In the photos above, we could use words like natural, holiday, seasonal, color, hue, font, texture, wood, bark, greenery, floral - the list goes on and on - to describe each and every part. Why waste words when we can use a photo?

If you want your customers to love your product as much as you do, call a photographer and start off on the right foot with the right impression.

Give Your Advertising A Creative Edge

2011-10-25T16:36:00.001-03:00

Farm Gate Imaging and Prep are happy to announce a new service for discerning business clients. Showcasing our photography and styling talents we create tailored displays and images to meet your promotional and advertising needs.

We invite you to view a visual sampling of our work at http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/288314

304 Southampton Dr., Dartmouth, NS

2011-09-01T11:52:00.000-03:00

Curb appeal with the WOW factor

Bright dining area

Kitchen and dining are the centre of this home

relaxing atmosphere

Efficient prep area

perfect for entertaining

for more information on this listing please contact Kathy Johnson.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in photography for real estate and other commercial applications, serving the HRM and Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

Staging provided by Prep Home Staging.

Bedford Condo

2011-08-24T11:54:00.000-03:00

Another fantastic listing from Kirk Mosher. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on two levels, this place feels like a house with the convenience of condo living.

Efficient kitchen with more than ample cupboard space

Bright, spacious living area

Lower level bedroom

Inviting upper level bedroom

Main bath

main bath with decorator details

For further details on this listing please contact Kirk Mosher.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in photography for real estate and other commercial applications and serves the HRM and Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

Preparing Your Home for a Photo Shoot - Part 3

2011-08-10T09:28:00.002-03:00

The kitchen always seems to be the hub of any home. It's where the family gathers, especially here in the eastern provinces of Canada. It's a busy place with family and friends coming and going at any given moment. The space in front of the refrigerator is usually occupied by a teenager holding the door open to peer inside and wonder 'what's to eat?' It's the place where bake sales take shape and the command centre of any dinner party. Where to begin with getting it ready to present to the market?

Kitchen

Clear off counter tops and remove any small appliances and clutter (i.e.: toaster, coffee pot, knife block)
Remove photos, notes and papers from the refrigerator
Clean the major appliances (refrigerator, oven, range hood) and wipe down counter tops and sinks
If the room contains a table, place a low bowl of fruit or centrepiece on it
Remove any pet feeding stations
Remove trash cans to the garage or shed

Preparing Your Home for a Photo Shoot - Part 2

2011-08-02T23:15:00.000-03:00

In the last post we talked about general preparations for a real estate photo shoot that you could do throughout your home to improve the quality of the image content. This time we will concentrate on the exterior of the home to make the most of the all-important curb appeal image.

The Home Exterior

Remove all vehicles from driveway(s) and do not park directly in front of the house
Move garbage cans out of sight
Remove all garden tools including hoses and sprinklers
Remove all children’s toys, bikes, etc. from the yard or driveway
If you have a pool, remove the pool sweep, cleaning equipment and any pool toys
Mow and rake yard
Sweep driveway, sidewalks and patios

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography business specializing in photography for real estate and other commercial applications serving the HRM and Valley Regions of Nova Scotia.

Preparing Your Home for a Photo Shoot - Part 1

2011-07-27T10:39:00.000-03:00

Photos create the first impression of your property in prospective buyers’ minds. You can have a direct impact on how well your house will look in the advertising photos. Let’s make it a good first impression so that we can generate a call, that turns into a showing, that turns into a sale. By following these guidelines you will be well on your way to making the all important first impression.

Throughout The House

De-clutter rooms which may be excessively furnished as they do not photograph well
Throw rugs and runners in entryways, kitchen, and bathrooms should be removed
Replace any burned out light bulbs in fixtures and lamps
Remove and store any religious or potentially controversial items
Remove and store any valuable pieces of jewellery and artwork

For more information or to book your session, please contact Farm Gate Imaging

812 Blomidon Terrace, Wolfville

2011-07-23T11:12:00.000-03:00

812 Blomidon Terrace, Wolfville, NS

Affordable condo living with Million $$ views. Please see MLS # 55281166 for more information.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in Photography for Real Estate and other commercial applications in photography serving the HRM and Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

44 Woodcrest, Halifax, NS

2011-07-23T10:43:00.000-03:00

Recent Work at 44 Woodcrest, Halifax, NS.

For more information on this listing, please contact the Realtor, Tracey Rudolph.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in Photography for Real Estate and commercial applications in photography serving the HRM and Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

2011-05-18T16:51:00.000-03:00

Barbara Corcoran makes regular appearances on The TODAY Show with Real Estate tips and information on the market. Earlier this year she talked about '5 Smart Ways to Sell Your Home'.

Time it Right for the market
Price it Wisely
Do a Pre-Sale Inspection
Offer Incentives Upfront
Wage War Online with Great Photography

Photography for Real Estate - Judging the Portfolio

2011-05-11T12:59:00.000-03:00

In the last post I talked about how the quality of a photographer's work can reflect on you as a Realtor or homeowner. As an extension of that post and to help you with the decision making process I thought I should take it a step further.

When choosing a Real Estate Photographer I highly recommend taking a few minutes to view his/her portfolio. The portfolio of work is usually a good indication of the photographer's style, ability and talent to show a property's best assets from the best angles and in the best light. Here are a few basic guidelines to help you with the process.

Images should be in focus and easy to look at.
Good composition of an interior photo will rarely, if ever, include a pillar or vertical wall running straight down the centre of the image.
Photos should convey a true and accurate sense of the space; not under or over exaggerated.
Horizontal lines (ie. where the ceiling meets the wall) should actually be horizontal; parallel to the top edge of the photo. If the photo makes you feel as if you are on the deck of a sailing ship in a storm, you should ask why.
Vertical lines (ie walls and window frames) should be vertical; parallel to the left or right edge of the photo. If the photos look as if the walls will fall away like a house of cards at any moment, you should question it.
Photos should be well lit; if the window in the room looks great but the rest of it looks dark, it's not well lit.
The images should also show signs of having good light balance - The room will appear natural and not exhibit a colour cast. A colour cast will appear as if you are looking through glasses with blue, green, yellow or orange lenses.
Lamps and ceiling fixtures will not have an overly exaggerated glow or look as if they are about to light the walls on fire.
If there are two views of the same room, the walls should be the same colour in both shots.
The generally accepted rule of thumb when it comes to windows; it should appear as if we are standing in the room looking out at the scene beyond - not so bright as to be mistaken for a nuclear explosion on the front lawn.
Some photographers may try to get a little artsy. Leaning to the side of artsy, if done correctly and hits just the right note, can be a good marketing tool. It is up to you to decide if this type of presentation will be to the benefit of you and your client.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in photography for real estate and serves the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Annapolis Valley regions of Nova Scotia. You can reach Farm Gate Imaging at info(at)farmgateimaging.ca or at 902.757.2808.

The Value of Quality

2011-05-10T16:59:00.001-03:00

As a photographer who strives to provide a quality product to my clients I often cruise the MLS and other websites to see what is being posted in terms of photography work. I want to ensure my work measures up to today's quality standards and see if there is something I can be doing differently to better serve my clients.

When hiring a professional photographer to photograph a listing you are entrusting this person with a portion of your client's trust in you, a portion of your marketing, and a portion of your reputation as a Realtor. You put your trust in the photographer to deliver the goods in a way that will deepen your client's trust in you, support and improve your marketing, and finally, uphold and strengthen the reputation you've worked so hard to build.

A few things to consider:

You get what you pay for! If at first the fee a photographer quotes or estimates to complete a job surprises you, think about how much of an investment you are willing to make to maintain your client's trust, your marketing and your reputation. The photographer's work will be a direct reflection on you so their ability and talent become a consideration.
It's OK to ask for samples of work. If the photographer understands you are trusting them with a portion of your business, they won't mind providing you with a portfolio of work to prove they can do the job. It is an accepted practice for photographers to post an on-line portfolio in order to showcase their talent.
It's OK to ask what credentials a photographer has. Personally, I hold a certificate in photography from a recognized institution, but many are self taught and excellent practitioners of the craft.
Does the photographer belong to any professional associations? Does the association have a code of ethics?
As always, ask for references.

Farm Gate Imaging is a locally owned and operated photography company specializing in real estate images and serving the Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis Valley regions of Nova Scotia. Farm Gate Imaging can be contacted at info@farmgateimaging.ca or at 902.757.2808.

Love It or Leave It? Tips for better Real Estate Photos

2011-04-04T11:19:00.000-03:00

Are buyer's Loving your listings or Leaving them behind to search for something that more closely matches their ideal? If they are leaving to look for greener pastures, why are they doing it?

With over 85% of home buyers searching online listings for their dream home, we need to be more diligent and take a few extra minutes to prepare for the photography portion of the listing process. To help Realtors with this stage of the process, I've come up with a few things to think about before taking the all-important curb appeal shot.

Most importantly, remove all vehicles from the driveway.
Store garbage bins, hoses, toys and other outdoor items in a shed or out of the photo frame.
Take note of the angle of the sun - if it's behind the home, come back later to take the shot.
Be sure to get all of the home in the photo frame.
Ensure your camera is on a good horizontal level so the home does not look like it's sliding out of the photo frame.
Finally, take some time later to edit the photos to ensure a crisp, clean look.

It's listing season in Nova Scotia so let's make the most of it!

Farm Gate Imaging is a locally owned and operated photography company specializing in real estate images and serving the Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis Valley regions of Nova Scotia.

Halifax Real Estate

2011-03-13T17:11:00.002-03:00

UPDATE - this listing was sold on the first showing!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a great property in Halifax. It's clean, bright and has a fantastic view - complete with ducks! Much of the interior has been upgraded making it feel fresh and comfortable.

For more details on this listing please visit http://www.brendak.ca/

Photos by http://www.farmgateimaging.ca/

Staging by http://www.prepstaging.com/

All new cabinetry

Window floods the kitchen with afternoon sunlight.

Living Room looks out on a pond - complete with ducks!

A pellet stove adds some extra winter warmth

There's nothing like the feeling of space in a master bedroom

Customer Service: Sweet or Sour?

2011-02-18T01:09:00.002-04:00

Well, last Friday I happily packed up for a little road trip to Cape Breton. I was headed home to see an old friend and celebrate (without grace or dignity) her milestone birthday of hitting the big 4-0 with about 99 or so of our closest friends gathered in her brother's kitchen. Now, anyone from a rural upbringing in the Maritimes understands how this is accomplished and also understands how the basement of any house can be transformed into a rocking dance floor just as the back deck becomes an extension of the kitchen and is considered usable living space, even in winter. If you don't know what for, you can't possibly have reached the age of majority yet, so please don't ask; you are still an innocent!

I left the farm fully equipped for the five hours of driving ahead of me. I had coffee and clean clothes and my wallet. All I ever need on a road trip are these three little things. Cell phone? Those are for the faint of heart GPS? Who needs one? I know how to read the big green signs so strategically placed at just the right spots along the highways of Nova Scotia. I traveled for years without a map to all kinds of little out-of -the-way places that no one's ever heard of and have never had trouble finding my destination. There's always someone at the local gas station that knows the way. And besides, this is Nova Scotia - Everyone is friendly here!

The day was bright and the roads were dry. Perfect February driving weather! The radio chirps and babbles, I sip my coffee and watch as the traffic roars along the highway, getting off here and there. Counting cops is one my fave things to do on a road trip. I met 13 of them on my travels this particular day. I was on a bit of a tight schedule and needed to be in Bras d'Or before 6pm. Very important party to get to that night, ya know! After spending an unscheduled 45 minutes in the horse paddock up to my knickers in a snowdrift adding a little extra security to the side gate (that means tying it closed with a rope) before actually getting to do any road tripping, I thought it best to make my stops few, but not too far between.

A little better than an hour into the drive and I've encountered nothing of significance. So far, so good. No accidents. No ambush type spot checks. I flew past the Truro exit and followed the ramp to Hwy 104 East. Homeward bound and no traffic in sight. WoooHooo! Smooth sailing. By this time it was well past midday and the sun was showing me my own shadow. Cute or what?!?

Oh, OK! So what if all I could see was the outline of a Toyota Corolla that didn't even belong to me? Yes, it was the Granny model, but what did I care? I was going to a party tonight! Life was good. Life was really good! Except, I needed to pee. I could hold it though. No problem. I'm a trooper when it comes to road trips and I know how it's done. No more sipping till I found a place to relieve myself and then everything would be fine. Just keep driving to the next exit. No worries. I guess taking Exit 22 is out of the question since I just drove by it! Ha! Ha!

Have you ever noticed that almost all highways look the same? Same white dotted lines in the middle. Same solid white line on the right. Same solid yellow line on the left. Same green signs telling us the next pee stop is only 14km away! Have you ever calculated how long it takes to drive 14kms at 120km/hr? I can tell you that it takes approximately 7 minutes and I swear, if you tell the cops how fast I was going, I'll will find you and introduce your arse to my barn boot!

Exit 21 - no services! Dammit! This is not good. How do you spell emergency? Ask any woman and she will tell you P-E-E! Who is responsible for the redesign of this highway, anyway? Did no one consider the need to pee? No worries, just keep going. Breathe deeply. Exit 20 - Service Loop! Cha Ching - Jackpot!

I veer off the highway and roll through the stop sign (don't tell the cops, 13 of them could have stopped me that day, but didn't) and hang a left toward the services on the service loop. Almost immediately, like a Rembrandt rising over the earth, overflowing with the promise of love and desire the lusty Coast Gas sign appears out of nowhere on the right hand side of the road. It's the sign of relief. It's the promise of not having to introduce my hiny to a snowbank for the second time that day. It's civilization and a porcelain toilet! As I come to a screeching halt in front of the building, I have the car keys in my pocket before the engine stops humming. Exploding from the car, I gun it for the front door. Once inside, I look around and ask the good fellow behind the counter where the washroom is. Now, I'm sure I can detect a little smirk on his face as he responds "It's for customer use only"

What exactly does one say to that? I'm in total shock! The man had me 'over the toilet tank' so to speak. I would have paid him almost any price to use the can. It didn't have to be a thrown, a simple bucket would have sufficed. No tissue required either – I would have happily used the crumpled up old Kleenex in the bottom of my coat pocket from last winter's Swine Flu season. When I asked if he was joking, he was very quick to reassure me that the washrooms in that fine, grease-laden establishment were most definitely for “customer use only.” I shared with him my new (and unholy) name for him and left – without becoming a customer!

Screeching from the parking lot, I headed east on the Service Loop in Pictou County. I was a little worried about having to pull over and make that chilly introduction to the snowbank. I wanted to avoid that if at all possible. Time seemed to be standing still as I wiggled in my seat. Maybe if I pray? “Dear God in Heaven! Just send me a bathroom!” OK, I'm a little rusty on that score. No one's perfect!

Turn after turn on the so-called service loop produced nothing. It was a barren landscape of empty white promises casting dreary shadows of despair. Nothingness! No cars. No houses. No businesses. No civilization. A sea of white banks on either side of the road stretched on for what seemed like miles. I could almost hear the noisy yellow plow barreling through in the dead of night to clear the way for all those in need of services on the Service Loop, but yet there was no sign of life. And then, Oh, Blessed be! The Lord loved me after all. Happy Harry's was before me!

Again, screeching to a halt, I bounded out of the car as if being propelled from a slingshot. I entered the 10x10 showroom to find a lady comfortably resting the right hand portion of her rump roast on a pallet of hardwood flooring, one foot swinging lazily to and fro in that nonchalant, I'm a little bored now that lunch is over, kind of way.

I looked at her with desperation in my eyes, my legs crossed and my hands folded as if about to pray and said “Please! Tell me you have a bathroom I can use!”

Her foot stopped swinging. Her lips pursed together like a nasty school teacher that spent too many nights picking pink Bublicious gum out of her badly permed hair. Her arms folded together like protective armour over her chest. Her eyebrows arched over a set of beady black eyes as they narrowed and targeted my own pleading, blue orbs. She shook her head in disgust, looked down her nose at me and said “We don't have a public bathroom.” For the second time in less than 20 minutes I unceremoniously baptized someone with an unholy name and left.

I didn't know a Corolla could move quite as fast as I was pushing the one I was driving. Tires spinning and snow flying up behind me, I pulled back out onto the Service Loop in search of a toilet. Never before have I felt like dropping my pants in public, and in that moment of need and total desperation I don't know what held me back. I kept driving. 120km/hr in an 80km/hr zone is a little excessive, I admit, but when Mother Nature is calling you must run to answer. Turn after turn I kept hoping until finally, there it was in all its glory – IRVING. Oh blessed IRVING. Not just a toilet; a clean toilet! Now, if I can just get from the car to the porcelain thrown inside the building without leaving a trail of …. well, you know!

Long story short, I made it! Phew! I even stayed long enough to fill up on a burger and some fresh coffee. I know, I know! Coffee is what started this whole thing to begin with. It's just not a road trip without coffee to sip on.

Fast forward a few hours and I've arrived at my destination after enjoying the scenery between Pictou County and Bras d'Or. I must say, approaching the Seal Island bridge is rather breath taking.

I get settled in Dad's Motel, change clothes and head for town in search of a birthday gift for the guest of honour. Dollar store is always good for the gag gift - Check. Now on to the more serious 'I really am your good friend' gift. I checked out a few of the little boutique type stores and didn't find what I was looking for. On a whim, I walk through the big box store, expecting to find nothing, when, surprise the manure outta me, they have the perfect little gift. And, I could have kissed the girl working in the department she was so fabulous! I needed gift wrap and she had some tissue paper. I had to do the wrapping myself, but the sweet little thing found scissors and tape for me to use. While I wrapped and she rang up my purchase, we had a nice little chat about my experiences of the day and just what customer service really means!

Oh, and by the way, the party was fantastic!

Photo Gear - What to Take for a Weekend Getaway

2011-02-10T13:23:00.001-04:00

Strawberry covered with white
chocolate and candy hearts
by Fruitful Expressions

Heading out for a Valentine's Day weekend getaway and want to make sure you can capture a few photos to remember the occasion? There's no need to overburden yourself with too much gear.

Think about where you’ll be traveling and what you are likely to be doing while there. Will you be stopping along the way to take a few scenics? Will you be exploring the town? Do you have any excursions planned? Make that mental checklist and think about whether or not you need a full DSLR kit or if a good compact will do the trick.

No matter what kit you decide to take with you, remember to pack the essentials for any kit: lens cleaning kit, extra batteries, and charger.

Choose a bag that is light-weight, easy to carry and just large enough to hold what you plan to take. If you are flying, be sure it will fit in the overhead bin of the aircraft.

If you are driving and decided to go with your DSLR, choose 1-2 lenses that will cover focal lengths of about 28mm through to 200mm. This will give you an extended range without adding unnecessary bulk and weight to your luggage - always a consideration when you are going to be walking around with the bag.

Instead of taking the laptop with you, consider packing a couple of extra storage media devices. They are small, light-weight, and store easily in a pocket. Remember to charge all the batteries prior to leaving home and again each night while there to avoid the oh-so disappointing fatal battery failure!

Most importantly - Relax and enjoy the time away! Happy Valentine's Day from Farm Gate Imaging

The Role of Photography In Advertising

2011-02-04T22:49:00.002-04:00

I was reading a post from Media College today and was pleased to realize that it supports everything I've been thinking (and blogging) about how photographs impact selling real estate. In essence, when a home is listed for sale, the Realtor is advertising and promoting it using the MLS and other forms of online media, social networking sites, television, print ads and features, flyers, window displays, and several other methods. The centre of the ad campaign always revolves around the photograph. Why is that?

It centres around the photograph because in an instant our brains can take in thousands of pieces of information from a photo that words can never come close to describing. The image we see before us triggers an association of some kind in our brains, wether good or bad depends on the image, but the point is that it "... must convey real feeling and evoke an emotional response."

Check out the full article from Media College here.

Visit our website at http://www.farmgateimaging.ca/

What Triggers The Urge To Buy?

2011-01-31T13:54:00.000-04:00

I've been doing some reading lately on what triggers the urge to buy, so I thought I would share some of what I've learned.

There are a multitude of reasons people buy things. Whether it's a small item from a discount store or a large purchase like a vehicle or a home, it all comes down to psychological triggers and emotions. The most powerful trigger: People want more money!

People want more money because they equate a larger bank balance with success. If they are successful they have achieved a life goal, can provide for their family and enjoy the comforts of life. With this in mind, think about how the words 'investment' and 'value' compared to words like 'cost' or 'pay.'

Investment is a word that promises return. "If I invest in this market fund I will make more money than I've put into it."

Value, for instance, infers that when I spend my hard earned money I will have gained something in return. If I buy car brand X vs. car brand Y, I will save money because car brand X has a reputation for longevity and fewer trips to the garage for repair, therefore it offers me more value for the money I'm laying on the table.

The word cost has a bit of a negative association. It seems to be associated with budget constraints and repetitive expenses in our lives. I'm sure everyone would like to live a financially carefree life, without the reality of the costs of groceeries, mortgages and car payments associated with our monthly budgets.

You make a friendly wager with your buddy and by some crazy allignment of the stars, he/she wins the bet. What's the first thing you hear? That's right! "Pay Up" He/she may even rub a little salt in the wound with some light ribbing - just to make it sting a little more! The words Pay Up are like the first alarm bells you hear when you regret doing (or not doing) something.

So think about the products and services you are offerring to your clients. Are you asking them to make an investment or are you creating a cost? Are you offerring value or are you expecting them to Pay Up?

Cold Weather Photography Quick Tips

2011-01-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

It's cold outside - really cold! Protect your fingers and your favourite photo gear.

Special care needs to be taken with photo gear in these freezing temperatures. All sorts of little annoyances and serious damage can be caused in extreme cold or hot weather. It's cold today, so we'll focus on cold weather care and try to avoid lens fog, battery power loss and condensation forming on all parts of the camera.

Keep the batteries warm

When venturing out in cold weather, we often think it's best to keep the camera warm by keeping it inside our coat and close to our bodies. Please avoid this as once it is taken out into the cold to start photographing, condensation may form on all parts of the lens and body. Instead, simply keep the batteries in a pocket next to your body and insert them when ready to begin shooting.

Conserve Power

To conserve power turn off the battery between shots. Also turn off power sucking features such as the LCD and continual autofocus. After taking photos, put the battery away until the next shot.

Try not to breathe on the camera body and avoid putting it down anywhere that might be moist or snowy. When the temperature is at or below the freezing point, melted snow on the lens can freeze and potentially cause damage. Wipe off any moisture immediately with a lint-free cloth.

Bringing a digital camera in from the cold

When bringing the camera inside from the cold, it takes time for it to adjust to room temperature. First put the camera in a cool room for about an hour before bringing it into a warm area. Leave it in it's bag to minimize condensation.

If you think there may already be damage, remove the battery, memory card and lens cap. Open all compartment doors and let it sit until the condensation has evaporated. Better safe than sorry, so give it a day or so before taking it back out in the cold.

Staging and Photography - Not Just For Selling Real Estate!

2011-01-21T17:35:00.002-04:00

In addition to making photographs for real estate, I also board an extra horse here on the property. Recently, the current horse we look after was sold and will be moving at the end of the month. This left me with the task of finding a new horse/owner combination to fill the empty stall.

Great! My first thought was 'I have work to do.' Renting out a horse stall is not that much different from selling real estate. It boils down to the fact that I have a product that needs to be properly presented to a particular audience. So, taking my own advice, here's what I plan to do this weekend. Volunteers welcome to come and pitch in! :)

I will put on my old scrubby clothes and head for the barn with a 'To Do' list. Lucky me, it's been raining and freezing lately which means some extra effort on my part. My task list looks like this:

Exterior
1. How does it look as I approach? - what needs to be fixed, removed or returned to its proper place?
2. Are the roads and walks cleared of snow? Sand any icy patches.
3. Is the manure pile easily accessible? This is a daily task that should be made as easy as possible.
4. Are the gates and fencing secure and in good repair?
5. Clean the paddock and sand any icy patches.
6. Fill the water barrel - again! (that's a never ending task with horses).

Inside

1. First, the daily chores of mucking the stalls and refilling with clean sawdust.
2. De-Clutter - take a good look around to see what is garbage, doesn't belong in the barn, or needs to be put away in its proper place.
3. Clean everything – I'll break this down by area (stalls, aisle, tack room, bedding storage, front deck) I'll start with the dirtiest job and work my way through to sweeping the front deck, making sure to clean the corners, get rid of cobwebs and sweep up any hay seed on the floors.
4. Clean water buckets and feed pans so they look like new - they need it anyway!
5. Hang up blankets and rain sheets to dry so they are ready for the next use.
6. Fold and store saddle pads.
7. Clean and hang halters, bridles and girths.
8. Now that there will be more space available and it will be clean, I can make the space more inviting for potential boarders. Efficient and safe are the big factors for horse owners, so, with that in mind I have to set to work on clearing the aisle way, securing the feed bins, checking latches, and hanging stray tools in their rightful place on the wall.
9. Replace burned out light bulbs.

Photos

Now that it will be extra clean and presentable, I have to take a few pics for the ad. Also useful for the next time I have to advertise. Here's what I plan on doing.

1. Exterior - from a pleasing angle as I approach the barn
2. Tack Room - it's small but has a south facing window that makes it light and bright, so we'll see how that works before posting the pic.
3. Stalls - so folks can see that an equine can lay down in there.
4. Aisle - to show how much space there is to work around a large animal.

5. Depending on how it looks on photo day, I may also take a shot of the paddock and riding ring covered in snow.

Infuse New Energy into the Business of Selling Homes

2011-01-10T12:09:00.003-04:00

It's a new year and with it comes great aspirations to do better things, improve our health and our wealth and try new things. What's on your agenda? Family vacation? Higher sales targets? Engaging with clients? Volunteering? Networking? New product lines? The list is endless!

I just read an article in the Chronicle Herald about a farmer in the Annapolis Valley who didn't let grim circumstances stand in his way when it came to running his farm. He took action and found a way to ensure his farm would not just survive, but thrive, even though the local market for his product was drying up. He, along with three others in the area, expanded his horizons. He looked beyond the traditional and the mainstream. He shook things up. He's still in business.

Change can be good! Like a fresh coat of paint on the living room walls, it lightens things up and infuses more energy into our lives or businesses. People notice the fresh coat of paint and often will offer a compliment, making us feel good about taking the time to plan it and see it through - whatever 'It' happens to be!

The whole concept of change is what inspired me to start photographing real estate in the first place. I was shopping for a new horse for my daughter. As I was browsing through on-line ads I was horrified that someone thought it was acceptable to present a $10,000 equine in a few haphazard snapshots - none of which showed me anything I needed to know about the horse. What made matters worse, the owner didn't even bother to clean the mud off before clicking the shutter. My reaction: "If you expect me to hand over 10grand of my hard earned dollars you better get off your lazy kiester and offer me something I perceive as being valuable! NEXT!"

So, how does shopping for a horse relate to shopping for real estate, you ask? OK, I admit, horses and houses, although both large ticket items, are very different. The similarity is in how we shop for them. We browse on-line ads, taking a closer look at those that catch our interest with an attractive photo of a well presented home/horse. Even Kijiji knows that you get more views if you upload a photo or two. Then, we make a short list and get ready to make some phone calls to ask questions or set up a viewing/test ride. We make the trip to see chosen houses/horses and make a decision on which to buy based on our needs, wants, desires and what we've experienced along the way.

When it came down to it, we ended up buying a horse that was well presented in the ad - bathed, groomed and photographed with and without saddle from various angles so we had a good idea of the quality of the animal before even picking up the phone. After the inquiring phone call (to a very pleasant and knowledgable breeder) with all questions answered, we made the two hour drive to take the test ride. We evaluated the mare and how the kiddo interacted with her. That evening, we called the breeder and said 'SOLD' We've never looked back!

Bathing, grooming and saddling the horse was the equivalent of staging a home. Taking the photos from various angles and being sure to present the best as the lead photo was the equivalent of taking the time to hire a photographer to showcase the staging. I've often recommended this breeder to those in the market for a new horse because she takes the time to effectively present what she's so lovingly put alot of time into raising!

Remember the farmer in the Valley? He shook things up. Farm Gate Imaging and PREP Home Staging are here to help you shake it up and make the changes required to Infuse New Energy into the Business of Selling Homes.

Info Session Topic Suggestions

2011-01-06T06:25:00.004-04:00

Friends, Realtors, Homeowners! Lend us your ears!
Topic suggestions needed for Prep and FGI info session
"Preparing for the Spring Homeselling Market"

What do you want to know about Staging and Photography when it comes to preparing your home for the market?

Send us your questions - we want to hear from you!

Better Holiday Photos

2010-12-09T14:23:00.003-04:00

So, it's Christmas! The kids are getting excited as the time grows closer. You are looking forward to seeing the look on your little one's face when they open that shiny, new, exciting toy that Santa has delivered. And this year, you want something that's worth sharing with friends and family when you snap the shutter on your camera.

All too often we start out with the best of intentions when it comes to snapping off a few images for prosperity and wind up dismally disappointed for numerous reasons. It's not quite what it looked like in our mind's eye. The issue here is that cameras don't see quite the same way humans do. They have so many capabilities these days that we think they see like we do, but in reality, we, as mere humans, have to dial in and adjust settings to 'make' them see something similar to what we see.

The human eye is an amazing machine but alas, man made technology never works at the same level of intuitive auto adjustment. But, don't close the door on capturing that smiling face this December 25th. We would like to share a few tips on improving those much sought after holiday photos.

A few things to keep in mind to compose better photographs this holiday season:

1) Before you snap the shutter, decide what you want your shot to say. Is it a simple recording of little Suzie's Christmas dress? Perhaps, it's really a record of what Suzie herself looks like on this particular day that you are after.
2) Once you decide what you want your photo to say, take a look at the background and decide if it suits your purpose. Is it a plain wall so you can record a full length shot of Suzie in that dress or are Suzie and the dress being lost to a background that is super busy with clutter and toys? Maybe sitting on the sofa would be a better option.
3) So, you know what you want to say, and what background you think will work best. What next? Bring little Suzie out a few feet from the background - especially if it is a wall. This will help avoid hard shadows that are very distracting and lend a hard edge to an otherwise pleasing image.
4) Focal Point: remember what you decided was the main point of the photo in the first place and make it centre stage. A focal point can be created by placing the main subject in the foreground or by filling the frame with it. A mistake many people make is they don't get close enough to really fill the frame - don't be afraid to get closer - often times, one step toward the subject will make a huge difference.
5) If you are taking a photo of someone who is standing, use your camera in the vertical position. This accomplishes two things: you can get closer and fill the frame, thus creating more of a focal point, and, because people stand in a vertical position it usually looks better if we give them that vertical room to stand in.

Good luck and Merry Christmas from Farm Gate Imaging!

Emotional Connections

2010-11-06T14:04:00.004-03:00

We've all done it: been browsing in shop windows at the latest fashions, or driving by a car dealership and see the newest model parked at centre stage on the lot and think 'I want that' or 'I need it.' On an even larger scale, we see the luxury home or cottage of our dreams that we 'just love.' What is it about seeing these items that makes us want them so much?

Emotional connections are powerful. They speak to us like nothing else can - subconciously. The images in catalogues and online, on billboards and busses are created to speak to us, the consumer, in such a way as to make us desire what we see before us. They deliver a message of fun, prestige, affluence, love, acceptance and friendship. They create desire for these feelings and, in turn, inspire us to purchase.

Beer commercials are famous for creating messages of fun-loving lifestyles and convincing people that if they simply buy the brand of beer, they too will experience the same level of happiness demonstrated in the commercial or photo. Beer companies are on to something!

Let's look at the larger scale of things. For most people the single largest item they will ever buy or sell is thier home. If we take a page from the beer company book of marketing and apply it to the real estate market, we would all be using home stagers and photographers to present a home for sale. But why would we go through the trouble of hiring these professionals when all we have to do is dust the house and then take a few snapshots of the rooms? DIY projects are all the rage - but do you want to put your decorating and photography skills to the test on one of the largest sales you will ever make? Would you want to risk losing thousands of dollars on the sale because your home was not properly prepared and presented to make the emotional connection with potential buyers?

http://www.farmgateimaging.ca/

Home Staging & Photography - A Winning Combination

2010-11-04T20:11:00.005-03:00

You hired a home stager to prepare your property for sale! Give yourself a pat on the back for taking a step in the right direction! You are well on your way to a successful sale all due to the fact that you've done your homework and realize that you need to present a home that buyers can picture themselves in. Great! What next?

You've gone this far and now you need to show the world the beautiful home that could soon belong to them. How do you do this? Photos of course! Yesterday I had the good fortune to be recommended by Avril Brown, of PREP Home Staging and Redesign. She had some good things to say and I would like to share them with you. Simply follow the link below!

http://prepstaging.com/blog/2010/11/03/real-estate-photography/

Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter

2010-10-20T23:18:00.003-03:00

Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter spoke this evening in Halifax to a full house. He delivered a message of hope and belief in one's self even in the face of almost unsurmountable odds.

While serving 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, he wrote The Sixteenth Round which later became a Hollywood blockbuster starring Denzel Washington: The Hurricane.

Debbie Travis Visits Windsor, Nova Scotia

2010-07-27T14:07:00.004-03:00

Debbie Travis visits Windsor to promote her new television show, One For All. Debbie inspired residents of the historical Nova Scotia town to participate in this new project with her usual charm and easy-going manner - with a few jokes thrown in for good measure!

Nova Scotia Real Estate

2010-07-08T12:19:00.022-03:00

Historic homes get me every time! Especially when they are as well cared for as this one.

Located in the historic town of Pictou, Nova Scotia, it conjures images of a horse and buggy pulling up to the front door delivering guests for an afternoon of tea and socializing.

A true gem!

Hi-Speed Has Arrived in Rural Nova Scotia

2010-06-09T12:01:00.002-03:00

Hi - Speed Internet has finally arrived ....

After 10 years - yes, that's ten years - of waiting and wondering when I would finally have access to hi-speed internet service here in the country I finally have it.

The friendly technicians arrived early this morning to do a signal test and install the antenna on my house. I have full signal strength and I'm noticing a vast improvement from the old dial-up system already.

I can now breathe a sigh of relief ...

Smiley's Provincial Park

2010-06-06T16:29:00.002-03:00

A 4-H Day....

We headed out to Smiley's Provincial Park this morning at 10am. Five girls in a pick up armed with cameras of all sizes and shapes. The rain held off for the most part and allowed us to get through a few lessons and test shots. It was quite productive.

A couple of us were even able to sneek up on a woodpecker - he was most cooperative - posing in several locations!

Add Sparkle to Your Real Estate Listings

2010-02-09T20:43:00.003-04:00

Photographs - Professional Photographs - are becoming more and more important when it comes to selling homes. Top quality images cut through the clutter and make a listing stand apart from the crowd in any media-rich environment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) - Feb 09, 2010 - According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, over 85% of home buyers are using the internet to research their purchase. These same buyers rated photographs as the single most important tool in their search - even above written descriptions of a property.

Everything from print ads and flyers to website marketing relies heavily on the images of a property to make it stand out. It stands to reason that if the photograph is so important in marketing a property it should be done by a professional who can consistently produce the centrepiece of the campaign - not to mention the fact that most will prepare the images in the correct formats for web and print, saving you and your Realtor valuable time.

Survey results have pointed a fat finger at the significance of photographs. The more photos a listing boasts, the fewer days it will spend on the market due to increased viewer traffic leading to showings and higher offers. The flip side of the coin, however, is if the photos look shoddy it will have a negative impact on both the property and the agent representing it.

A professional real estate photographer is skilled in choosing the best angle, overcoming architectural challenges, and sonsistently producing uniform results that convey accurate visual information. Pro photos will look and feel light, bright, crisp and inviting. Viewers are not able to put a finger on why they like them, they just do. Because of this gravitation toward quality, potential buyers spend more time looking at a listing with great photos than they do on one with low quality imagery. What does this mean? The listing with the better photos becomes one to put on a short list for viewing.

Professioanl real estate photography is generally done at the agent's discretion. If you would like to generate more interest, attract more viewers, entertain higher offers and enjoy a faster sale, go ahead and make the call to a professional in your area or ask your Realtor if they regularly use a seasoned professional.

Broadband For Rural Nova Scotia

2009-12-11T08:54:00.003-04:00

Broadband For Rural Nova Scotia

After a debate in Public Accounts on December 9, 2009, Vanessa Lentz of Farm Gate Imaging was contacted by Nova Scotia reporters to comment on the topic.

Following 10yrs of requesting high speed internet service, finding out there will be at least a 3-5 month delay was frustrating.

Watch and read the full reports here:

CBC News Dec 9, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Local_News/NS/ID=1354648811

CBC Website Dec 10, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/09/ns-broadband-rural.html

The Chronicle Herald Dec 10, 2009
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1156997.html

The Halifax Metro News Dec 10, 2009
http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/392702--province-s-high-speed-internet-plan-falls-behind-schedule

Teresa's Closet

2009-06-26T22:54:00.003-03:00

Wayyyyyy back in late winter I did a shoot to update and fill in some gaps in my portfolio of work. It was a collaborative project if ever there was one.

I needed a location, a model, and clothing! It all came together with punch and pizzaz!

Brenda (my saviour!) arranged for me to borrow a wedding gown from her shop, Teresa's Closet, located in Wolfville, NS. Erin White was a fantastic model and tollerated me and the cold temperatures. And, of course, the folks at Mill Island, Windsor, NS., were kind enough to donate the space in the old Nova Scotia Textile Mill.

Please take a minute to read the post on the blog pages of Teresa's Closet and check out what's hot for Spring and Summer.

http://teresascloset.blogspot.com/2009/03/vanessa-lentz-farmgate-imaging-used.html

A Cozy B&B Inn

2009-06-21T13:33:00.021-03:00

There's nothing like the feeling of home when you are travelling.

This holds true when you stay with Heather Jupp, owner of At The Harbourfront B&B Inn, in North Sydney, NS.

Located near the downtown and the Marine Atlantic ferry terminal, Heather is preparing to create a new website.

These are just some of the images you will find when the site goes live.

Cozy rooms and warm company - there's nothing like the hospitality at a Cape Breton B&B.

Gaspereau Vineyard

2009-06-18T10:20:00.002-03:00

On a recent 4H shooting expedition we visited the Gaspereau Vineyard, just outside of Wolfville, NS. It was a great place to challenge the members ability to deal with both indoor and outdoor shots.

This is one of my shots from the trip.

A big Thank You to the Vineyard for allowing us to roam the property. The staff was so helpful and accommodating.

Foaling Time

2009-06-18T09:15:00.003-03:00

Meet Shelbie, a 3 day old Quarter Horse.

Shelbie, also known as 'A Tough Gamble', is a long-awaited addition to a 'horsey' family located in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Shelbie has proved herself worth the wait. She is curious and playful and at only 3 days old, shaping up to be a perfectly adjusted animal.

Her human mom is thrilled with her - as is her equine mom!

Farm Gate Imaging In The News

2009-01-21T15:42:00.002-04:00

Negatives open gate for business - If a simple picture says a thousand words, then art rooted in photography surely must be a book. This is the story of Farm Gate Imaging, a home-grown business in West Hants owned and operated by Vanessa Lentz. Located in Hillsvale, FGI offers both commercial photography services and art works made from her photographs using a special transfer and mixed media process that captures your memories in the new 'old world' style. “With this alternative photographic transfer process, you too can have a piece of artwork reminiscent of the masters adorning your living room walls,” says Lentz. With several years local experience with school groups and 4-H, Lentz specializes in school, equine and sport team/event photography. Formally trained in photography at the Holland College Centre of Creative Arts in Charlottetown, Vanessa worked for several years in portraiture but then found herself moving away from photographic work where she explored several traditional avenues of employment. “In the end, life just wasn’t complete without my art,” says Lentz.. Vanessa’s work can be viewed online on her website and purchased through the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Gift Shop or by contacting her directly. All photos are printed by a professional, industry standard lab. “Home-printed photos often fade within a few years," says Lentz. “We’ll help you remember the good times long after the event has passed.” Farm Gate Imaging Phone: 757-2808 or http://www.farmgateimaging.ca/

2008-11-05T06:48:00.003-04:00

Fun with Fruit...

Whether for fun or for a commercial application, Farm Gate Imaging can provide creative, high impact images. If it's a layout you need, no problem! Farm Gate Imaging has the know how to work with designers to come up with a layout that will WOW 'em all.

One of A Kind Art Portraits

2008-11-04T19:52:00.000-04:00

Capture Your Memories in the New 'Old World' style...

Traditional photographic portraits are out the window. With this alternative photographic transfer process, you too can have a piece of artwork reminiscent of the masters adorning your living room walls.

Is it art or photography? Many will debate this for hours. The truth of the matter is that it is art rooted in photography.

Equine Enthusiasts Take Note

2008-11-04T19:38:00.003-04:00

Especially for Equine Lovers...

Farm Calls by Appointment: 902-757-2730

Has your horse become part of the family? Farm Gate Imaging will create images that capture the essence and inner spirit of both you and your horse.

A trip to your farm will include both candid and posed photos in your most familiar and relaxed environment. Tack up, ride, snuggle your best barn buddy and then choose your favorite photos.

Enlargements available in color, black & white or sepia.

Coffee Table Books, Brag Books, Canvas Art Prints, Calendars

2008-11-04T15:21:00.003-04:00

Farm Gate Imaging is offering professional photographic services to those who wish to sell their property using high impact images for their real estate advertising.