Marketing Materials: The Portable Portfolio Continued - The iPad

I posted a little while back about the importance of owning and using an iPhone/iPod Touch/Android Device to showcase your portfolio when you’re out and about. Well, add the iPad (or any other tablet device for that matter) to the list, because I have a feeling this sort of presentation method is going to catch on. 

When I told my wife I was thinking about getting an iPad, she wasn't surprised - but she didn't really know why I wanted one. She thought I just wanted one to play games and surf the Internet while she was watching terrible reality TV shows - which was partly true - but those were just the side benefits of having one. I wanted it for a presentation device. I want to put my portfolio in a potential client's hands and let them swipe through my portfolio at their pace. Sure, you could have them 'click' through it on a laptop, but an iPad is more interactive and holds their attention in a different and, I think, better way. No plugs, no arrow keys - just an intuitive touch-based interface. 

So that's in-theory, what about in-practice? I went to a coffee shop on Monday evening to meet with a couple about photographing their wedding, I showed up about 10 minutes early, sat down next to two complete strangers, got into a conversation, 5 minutes later they had already cruised through my entire portfolio and asked for my business card. The key differences between the iPad and a laptop presentation is, a) the iPad isn't threatening and, b) doesn't turn me into a salesman in the same way a laptop does. The laptop is a complicated device, the iPad is an intriguing device. The laptop presentation requires thought and motivation to produce a slideshow, the iPad allows you to give a presentation on-the-fly, if you even want to, that is. I’m not on display when people look through my portfolio on the iPad, my portfolio is.

I'm advocating that you consider the iPad for your business, but at the same time, I'm suggesting any tablet device that allows you to present your work in this fashion, the iPad currently happens to be the one I decided to go with. Another reason to give this presentation method some serious thought is the fact that our competition will probably be doing the same thing.

On-Location, Yet Again

Hi All,

No podcast this upcoming week - I actually have everything recorded and produced, but it's sitting on my DROBO at home, and that's not where I am at the moment. I won't be back until the middle of the week, so it'll have to wait until next week. Thanks!

Episode 134: Post-Production Tip #5

Brainstorming the Detail Shots

One of the reasons I like real estate photography so much is due to the nature of the work - it's a fine line between documenting and story-telling. After the location has been documented with creativity, it's time to start telling the story. 

Everybody brainstorms a little bit differently, but I have to say, there's nothing like old-fashioned pencil and paper. By first writing down a list of special locations in the property, then writing down things people do, and finally combining places with activities, you have yourself a shot-list. The image coupled with this post is exactly what I'm talking about. 

The brainstorm is this: the pool has these little tables and stools built-in, but nobody seems to know what they are when they first see them. People like to relax and drink wine by the pool. Well, combine those two ideas and now I'm ready to tell a story. We head on down to the store, pick up a bottle of wine, pour it into some glasses, wait for the sun to start going down, then take a few minutes to make the shot right. After that, onto the next shot on the list.

So make a list, piece things together, tell a story.

On-Location Again

Hi All,

Unfortunately, there won't be a new podcast this week as I'll be on-location again in St. John beginning tomorrow - I didn't have time to record anything during the week and I definitely won't have time while I'm down there. I'll make sure to bring back some goodies for the podcast though. Thanks!

Mike

The Onion on Real Estate Agent Photos

I couldn't resist posting this fake-news article after I read it this morning - click here to read it. First, it's hilarious. Second, it speaks to the heart of the matter about the typical head-shots agents have come to use as their first impressions. Here's my favorite part: "...there's nothing like a poorly lit, oversaturated photograph to let me know that I'm working with a friend and not just someone out for an easy commission." The second part may not be true, but it's still funny!

Episode 133: Gear Tip #2

Episode 132: Interview with Michael James

PiXel LV-W1 for Pole-Aerial-Photography

I came across this newfangled device the other week and did a double-take - a serious tool for pole-aerial-photography that would actually improve my workflow? Possibly…

The PiXel LV-W1 is basically made up of two components, the transmitter and the receiver, with a few cords in between. The transmitter hooks up to your DSLR and shoots its live-view image over to the receiver via the 2.4 GHz spectrum, at which point you compose your shot and remotely trigger the shutter. All of this can be done up to 80 meters (262 feet) away, but I doubt that would necessary for PAP. It should be noted that you do need a camera that supports live-view and has a shutter release input to use this device, as that's how you get the video feed to the receiver and trigger the shutter.

Personally, I see a great deal of potential in a gadget like this, especially for pole-aerial-photography. Being able to see exactly what your camera sees when it's 15, 20, even 30 feet up in the air would be incredible - it takes the 'guess-and-check' approach out of the equation. Sure, there are solutions out there now that allow you to achieve similar results, but none of them have the range, the live-view feed, the 3" screen, the shutter release, and the rechargeable battery - unless you build it yourself, of course.

Update: Michael James of the hdriblog.com has directed us to a few other products that accomplish this task in a similar manner. Each is unique in how they do it, so be sure to check them out and pick the one that fits your workflow best.

Here's a rundown of the specs:

• LV-W1 image transmit is using 2.4GHz frequency channel, 3 specific channels.
• Shutter control is using 433MHz frequency channel (available to use another frequency channel). 3 specific channels.
• Operating distance range is up to 80M.
• The display is protected by coating; it’s not easy to get scratch.
• 3inch TFT display, adjustable the brightness .
• Resolution: 960 X 240
• 3.7V 1200mAh lithium battery. Working hour: Transmitter --- 8 hours or above.              Receiver ---   5hours or above.
• The receiver is usable to connect the camera directly, just like CT-122. Use VD-936 (optional) to connect and transfer the live view to PC.
• Compatible for camera which included AV Output and shutter release socket.
• Charging method: via charger or USB cable for charging  the battery inside the device.

You can check out the PiXel LV-W1 here and purchase one here.

Episode 131: Q and A Session #1