What makes a good estate agent snap?

Pressure does funny things to people.

Some grow, some shrink, some growl and some shriek.

Being in front of a camera also does strange things to people.

Some freeze, some pout, some glare and some hide.

I’ve seen cameraphobia a fair bit during my career as a journalist and now as a PR man.

I had a London buses moment last week. Just when you’ve waited ages for a client to ask about the power of good photography three come along all at once.

For various reasons, web profiles, business cards and a news release.

Getting good photography on your website, business cards, email signatures and marketing materials is a BIG step forward in improving your agency’s image and the way people perceive you.

You want to look professional yet personable. Cheap, badly thought out photography will put people off you and your agency. In this age of people making snap decisions a decision to cut corners on your snaps is a bad one.

Below are some simple pointers using the Clint Eastwood method.

Good

Think SAS – Smart and Smiling.

Look at the camera. Feels more sincere.

Relax – A good, experienced photographer will know how to get you to relax, – a bad one won’t.

Bad

Take your hand from underneath your chin – you ain’t David Brent.

Take the phone away from your ear – staged pics look staged and fake.

Don’t stare mystically away from the camera into the distance like a poet musing over their next verse.

Ugly

Male or female – don’t pout – Save that sexy stuff for Facebook / instagram / Tinder (notice I didn’t mention Linkedin – prospects who are social media savvy will often check your profile on there – ensure you have a good snap on LinkedIn).

Don’t look too cool for school – it puts people off. Ditch the pic of you sat behind a massive desk, leaning back in your chair etc.

The worst of all – the selfie or cheapie. You’ve spent thousands on your website then won’t invest a few more quid in getting a professional photographer in to take shots of the team, your office, local area.

I’ll leave you with this line from a photographer I was working with when I was a junior reporter.

We’d been sent to interview and photograph a local councillor who was, to use a journalistic term – an absolute eejit and lovingly known in our office ‘as the big rude fatty’.

So while the snapper is taking Councillor Charm – Less’ photo he barks an instruction: “Make me look slimmer in these photos.”

The photographer, never known for his diplomacy and an equally grumpy pumpkin, reply still echoes in my ears.

“I’m a photographer not a bleeding magician.”

Thanks for reading and here’s to your next instruction.

Jerry

PS: I’ve come up with a bundle of estate agency canvassing letters and content for sales brochures and guides.

If you are interested in being the first in your area to hear about it just ping me an email saying ‘Bundle!!!!’

PPS: I’ve plenty more tips but they’re for my retained clients. You could be one to – to have a chat about this email me – Jerry@propertyprexpert.co.uk

PPPS: The pic accompanying this blog is a ‘staged’ example of a crap snap.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Minister Accepts Supply-Demand Pressures Increasing Rents

In response to comments by Treasury Minister, Emma Reynolds MP, that rental prices “are ultimately determined by the total supply of housing, relative to demand”, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “The Minister is right. Rents are going up because there are simply not enough properties to meet demand, and…
Read More
Breaking News

The Property Redress annual report

50% of cases resolved through early resolution despite 20% rise in complaints, 56% increase in amount awarded for decisions and 31% rise in agency expulsions  The annual report on complaints received against their property agent members by Property Redress is released today. In its eleventh year, the report from the UK’s largest lettings redress provider…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Full Year Results 2024

47% earnings growth1 driven by significant Sales market share gains2 and strong returns from Lettings acquisitions. Next phase of the growth plan now firmly in focus. Foxtons Group plc (LSE:FOXT) (“the Group” or “Foxtons”) has delivered another year of growth. Strengthened operational capabilities, combined with strong returns from Lettings acquisitions, have underpinned 47% earnings growth. The Group…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

What is commonhold? What estate agents need to know

Mark Chick, director of ALEP and a Partner at Bishop & Sewell LLP On Monday 3 March, the government published a Commonhold White Paper and announced plans to bring the sale of new leasehold flats to an end. So what does this mean for the sale of leasehold properties, both now and over the next…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Roller Garage Doors: 7 Essential Buying Tips.

Roller garage doors vary in quality, design, and the components used. Recognising these variations is essential when making a purchase, as it ensures you choose a product that provides long-term benefits. Here are seven key factors to consider: 1. Environmental Impact For superior insulation, sectional garage doors may be a better option, even though roller…
Read More
Breaking News

Glenigan Construction Index: Pockets of regional resilience, do little to offset faltering confidence

The value of underlying work starting on-site during the three months to February decreased 6% and remained 17% below 2024 levels as activity remains relatively stagnant Lowered expectations on economic recovery dent residential construction, with starts down 10% on the preceding three months, slashed by 14% against 2024 figures Non-residential project starts decreased 2% against…
Read More