17,000 Sq Feet of home!

in , ,
Yesterday I drove out to Bakersfield to photograph for new client Vartan Kebabjiam. Vartan is part of SPK Realty. Vartan asked me to come out and photograph and shoot virtual tours of his client's house.

Housing cost in Bakersfield is significantly lower than in most parts Los Angeles. So I was very curious to see what 4 million dollars would get you....the answer is a mansion! Gor-geous home right on the Kern River. Not kidding. The lawn rolls right out to the edge of the river. Three levels of lawn and garden from the house to the river. Lots of little nooks and crannies for seating. That's just the back yard!

Walking into the front yard was like walking up to the white house. Huge collumns and huge pool-size fountain. Grand is the best way to describe it really.

Walking into the house is rich woods and textiles. Museum quality prints and antiques mix in with warm cozy seating. If there ever was a way to make a home feel grand and yet welcoming and inviting...they did it.

Now, as you can imagine, it took me quite a few hours to photograph this place. It's gonna take me quite a few to edit these images! I'll post some photos as I get through them. I just wanted to tell you about this house. One of the biggest homes I've photographed yet! I wouldn't know where to start with 17,000 sq feet!

Organization

in ,
One of the things that I find essential in life and especially in business is organization. I love it and I especially love the process of organizing.

As a paperless business, this means keeping every file and image in the correct spot. I need to be able to pull up an image at any time and I need to know exactly where it will be. Luckily I've found a system that works for me. It took me a while to figure out what works. However, once I found that system and actually applied it to my existing files, it's been a cinch to up keep. I know where I will find any information or photo for a client.

The one part of my organizing that has been lacking, has been keeping my contacts and addresses all consistent between my iphone, online contacts and my business cards. So, after working yesterday, I decided to spend an hour making sure all three address books were up to date and consistent.

5 hours later, I was still working away. First, I had no idea how many contacts I had in my email account. Quite a few thousand contacts later (no kidding!), they are now categorized and sub categorized. I then went through all my business cards and made sure that they all match up with my online information. Now I just have to make sure my phone contacts all match up with my online contacts. This will be interesting. It amazes me how the phone numbers can add up!

And even though I still have to sync in my phone, I feel so much more clear and organized! Organizing the everyday stuff creates a clarity that makes work that much easier.

Now, to put this newly organized contact list to work for me! I will now be sending out special coupons and deals to my contacts. Would you like to receive new offers and coupons? Send me an email with your information -or- enter your email into the box on the left. We'll send you a confirmation and you're set!

It's in the Genes


My father was a great photographer. After many years as my fathers photography subject, I picked up the camera also. Photography was one of those things that really connected us. As a photographer he was jealous when I got into Brooks Institute of Photography, but as a father he was also very very proud. He took many photography classes. We spent weekends trecking around with our cameras. When he retired his photography was his job. To say that he took thousands of photos is an understatement.

When my father passed away five years ago, we were faced with boxes and boxes of his photography. We wondered what we'd do with all of his work. I assume my father had the same problem, otherwise there wouldn't have been that many boxes for us to go through.

Being the photographer of the family, I was left in charge of this task. He was a film photographer. He'd not yet made it to digital, so not only did I have prints to go through but also negatives. It was daunting looking at box after box of photos and realizing I'd have to look at every one.

It made me think of one of my teachers in school, Ralph Clevenger. One major piece of advice he had for us was editing. He had told us during one class, that organizing and editing down our photography is a very important task. Also, a difficult one. Most of my classmates and I had binders full of negatives. He told us to go through all of those binders and get rid of all the negatives that just didn't cut it. You don't need a full roll of negatives when you only have one image that is a keeper.

One day I decided that this was something I would do. It was so hard to scrutinize all of my work and actually throw out negatives that weren't worth keeping! I remember spending many hours and the better part of a weekend reviewing every photo I had. My three roommates walked through proclaiming how brave I was. I think that for many of us photographers, there is a part of us that feels that our negatives are us. It not only shows our history as a photographer but the more negatives we have, the better we are...right? At the end of my big editing project, I felt like I knew right where I stood at a photographer. Not only did I get rid of all the mediocre work that just took up space, I knew I now had one binder full of strong images.

Now I had to do this to my father's work. I've officially finished going through all the prints. I have two small photo boxes full of my father's strongest work, fun stuff and photos of my family...one box for me and one for my sister. I think the negatives will take quite a bit longer to get through and maybe a bit harder to let go of.

I still think about my father every time I take out my camera. I know he's proud of my photography and my business. Now I have this great little box of photos to look through and enjoy any time I want.

Hollywood Billiards

in , , , ,
I got a call from Amber Fonzen, Event Coordinator for Hollywood Billiards, to photograph their facilities. I had heard of Hollywood Billiards from my husband's stories of studio wrap parties there. Other than that, I had no idea what to expect. I was very excited to see what I was up against.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see such a cool building! There are some really great nooks and crannies around for parties or just a nice night out playing pool. This place has great ambiance and a great feel. All in all, I think I was there for 2 hours photographing still photos and virtual tours. Amber, the owner Jeff, and the staff were really great to work with and so helpful.

Take a look at the virtual tour and the still photographs below.
Take a 360 Virtual Tour






I'll definitely be back to Hollywood Billiards. I plan on adding HDR(high dynamic range) into my photography and I think their building would be a perfect test. Also, Jeff and Amber offered me a few free games of pool...we're definitely taking them up on their offer! Thanks Amber and Jeff!

Real Estate Photos and Virtual Tours for 2169 Lorain Rd in San Marino

in , , , , , ,
Recently, I got to work in a section of Pasadena that I have never been to before...San Marino. Eileen Garrison called me to photograph a home for her in San Marino. The beautiful homes and manicured lawns won me over immediately. Of course the house Eileen was listing was gorgeous also!

The highest quality in design and materials has been used in the remodeling and enlargement of this character Spanish style home, completed in 2001.

Now approximately 2,500 sq feet of living space, this elegant home features high ceilings throughout: Three fireplaces: Family Room/Great Room with built-in

Entertainment center: New custom kitchen with granite counters and top-of-the-line built-ins: Elegant formal dining room: Breakfast room: Master suite with Spa tub: Custom made window treatments throughout including Plantation shutters: Limestone floors: Security system: Professionally landscaped yard with automatic sprinklers: Central air and heating. This home has lots of sunshine and natural light throughout with many French doors opening out to various patio areas and yard.

Take a look at the Real Estate Photos and Virtual Tour!






Real Estate Photography and 360 degree Virtual Tours for 3860 Fountain Street, Camarillo

in , , , , ,

I had the opportunity to work with Santa Barbara realtor Mary Adams a little while back. While she works mostly out of Santa Barbara, she is helping to sell a friend's house in Camarillo. I love working in beautiful Camarillo, so I was happy to get her call. Not too far from old town Camarillo was a great neighborhood that this house was in...

Highly Upgraded Pristine 2005 Single Story 3
Bedroom, 2 Bathroom plus Den/Office. This beautiful
home features an open airy kitchen with granite
counter tops and stainless steel appliances all flowing
into the spacious family room with cozy fireplace. High
ceilings, plantation shutters, crown molding, ceiling
fans, and recessed lighting all contribute to this home's
appeal. Manicured backyard includes a covered
stamped concrete patio, perfect for entertaining. All
this and more... Must see.

Take a look at the photos and 360 degree Virtual Tour!





827 N. Sierra Bonita Ave.

in , , ,
Monday I worked with another new client Jeff Giordano from Keller Williams. He was wonderful, fun to work with and just let me loose on the house. It was a great house. Beautifully staged by Kelly Rollings at KLA Home Staging & Redesign. The house was ready to shoot...and perfectly ready for me to move in. I love this house. For more information take a look at the property website...www.827SierraBonita.com

In the mean time take a look at the virtual tour and photos...







I love it...

in , , , ,
I love it when a client calls to let me know that I single handedly sold a house for them. While I was photographing his own home that he was listing, Lior Kane told me that I had sold this house for him. I laughed when he said this. However, he said he wasn't kidding. The virtual tour that I had taken of the house had caught the eye of a couple in Los Angeles. Pasadena wasn't even an area that they had considered looking. Then they saw my virtual tour and immediately called. They were at the house for a viewing the next day and made an offer.

I have to admit I'm pretty happy. I know virtual tours are a really great tool, but that is such a great example of how they can work for you.

Now the real question...where's my commission Lior?

Photography for Sale!

I've finally decided to put some of my travel photography up for sale. So I've opened up an Etsy shop! I'm pretty excited. So far all of the photography on there is from traveling...most of which many people have never even seen.

So keep an eye out because I'll be adding more and more photographs on there. There are even a few on there that I might order...cause I'm vain like that and I actually like some of my own work!

Spread the word people!

Rancho Dr., Ojai

in , ,
I love when Vivienne Moody from Coldwell Banker calls me for photo shoots. She always has great houses to photograph. Of course she's in Ojai and it's always beautiful in Ojai! This house was at the top of a hill with wonderful views all around. One thing I have learned working with Vivienne...always wear tennis shoes. She loves her views and wants them photographed. However, she always is there with me hiking around trying to get the right shot. She's just one of those truly nice and caring people and I always love working with her. Take a look at the new property she's working on...













The Lost Files...

in , ,
One of the things I do at the beginning of the year, is a lot of organization. During this time I have been finding some of my photo shoots that I haven't put online. I've decided to show you some.

Last May I photographed the Woodland Hills Holiday Inn. I was hired through a website designer who is redesigning their website. It was a long but great day. The staff was very accommodating and fun. The website designers were great to work with and had great ideas.

Click Here for the Virtual Tour and here are some of the photos...




















Other Types of Photography

in , , ,
I had the opportunity recently to photograph something other than Real Estate Photography or Virtual Tours. A friend of mine has recently gone into business for herself selling her own jewelry. I really love the jewelry and when she asked if I would photograph her jewelry line, I jumped at the chance.

I thought it would be really fun to try something different. I haven't been in the studio since school and have always enjoyed it. Well, I had a blast! Jewelry photography is definitely a different animal than real estate. It was a learning experience for sure. However, I'll do it again. It was a nice break from the norm and she's already told me that she has more to photograph. I'm up for it!

Take a look at the Magnolia Collection





If you are interested in any of the jewelry you see contact
Tricia Meyer
805.750.0808
magnoliacollectioninfo@gmail.com

Property Rentals

I started out in this industry photographing apartments and rentals. I feel like that aspect of photography is something I know and really enjoy....I know there really isn't much difference. My real goal when I photograph a rental or a house for sale is to show the room size and the extras that make it special.

Pamela Rich from Condos LA gave me a call to photograph her house. I have been to her home before and just love it. It's a very young, fun house. Modern and just the right amount of space. They decided to rent out this home and move to the coast...I'm very envious!

Take a look...









Photographing Your Childhood Home

It's been decided that it was time to sell our family home. The house that I was born and raised in. I'm actually the first person to encourage the move. However, looking through the camera lens made me look at it a little differently. It was the first time that I realized that it might not be there for us. I'm a little sad. However, we are excited to be moving on.












It's a wonderful warm house. However, the best part of the house really is the neighborhood. Most of the families have lived there since the neighborhood was built. The rest have been there for at least 10 years. One neighbor even lived next door to my father when he was a child. It's one of those neighborhoods that gets together for BBQs, birthdays, and even for a chat. We consider them our family. That is the hardest thing to leave behind!

So why would we want to leave? It's time for us all to move on. However, a fancy retirement community awaits my parents. I'm very excited for the future and I'm excited to see who buys our little house and makes it theirs.

I'm Back

in , ,
Alright I've been back for two months but I sure haven't updated my blog. I've kept nice and busy...I love it.

One of my clients is Randy Rohrer from Pacific West Commercial and Industrial, has used my photography for a few commercial properties and a residential property. On this latest shoot, we were talking about the compliments he's gotten on the virtual tours of his commercial properties. He's really happy the virtual tours and has even had someone tell him that he should get virtual tours on all of his properties...I completely agree Randy! As I was working on the virtual tour I couldn't help but notice how well commercial properties and warehouses show with the virtual tours. I just feel that the virtual tours really show the spaces well. Take a look at this commercial property on Naomi St. in Burbank

Take a 360 Virtual Tour

Click here to take a look at another one of Randy's properties on West Palm

I think the virtual tour looks very slick. If you're interested in having your commercial property photographed...let me know!

I've Run Away

It's been busy lately, but I have taken a week off and run away to Hawaii for my honeymoon. We are in Kuaui and it's amazing here! The weather and water are perfect. I didn't bring my "work" camera however, I have of course been taking some photos. Here are a few...





If anyone needs me to come out to photograph...I'm totally up for it!

Pet Photography Anyone?

in ,
I think I should start taking photos of peoples pets. I love animals and I just can't resist taking a photo of them. I had a real estate virtual tour and photo shoot this weekend. While they were still readying the rooms, I was off photographing the exteriors and pets. Take a look at this pup. She was so sweet. This home had a sweet dog, a very very loving cat and a bunch of crazy chickens. It was pretty fun. Take a look...