Do you have a favorite property you’ve photographed with us? What made it stand out to you?
Reflecting on all the properties I’ve photographed for Smiths Gore, Sol Y Sombra in Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda stands out as my favourite. I was fortunate to spend an entire week alone at this stunning, multi-million dollar beachfront villa, an experience few ever get. Every corner of the property is uniquely designed and beautifully executed, making it hard to choose a single highlight. But if I had to, it would be the moment you step through the entrance into the expansive open-plan living room, where your eyes are immediately drawn past the oversized pool to the ocean, glowing with the colours of the setting sun.
What trends are you seeing in real estate media right now (e.g., drone shots, twilight photography, cinematic video tours, etc)?
Social media is transforming the Real Estate industry. Today’s audiences crave short, high-energy videos, typically under 20 seconds, that deliver instant visual impact. Real Estate videographers have quickly adapted, producing cinematic property showcases packed with dynamic transitions and professionally engineered audio to capture attention and stand out in fast-moving feeds. I too have been exploring new ways to expand my photography offerings for clients. One option that has proven especially successful is the creation of interactive aerial maps. These allow viewers to click or tap on various waypoints to explore the property from multiple angles, offering a highly engaging and immersive experience.
What advice would you give to real estate agents or developers who want to elevate their marketing with visual content?
- Prioritize quality over quantity
- Think Mobile-First
- Most people browse listings on their phones. Create vertical content (9:16 aspect ratio) optimized for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Keep it fast-paced, visually engaging, and under 30 seconds for maximum retention.
- Tell a story, don’t just show a space
- Use drone footage wisely
- I have personally been integrating the use of FPV within my real estate videos to enhance artistic visuals for the viewer
- Add personality
- Step in front of the camera sometimes. Buyers are more likely to trust and connect with agents who show their face, explain the home, or share insights. It builds brand recognition and relatability
- Collaborate with creators
- Partner with influencers or real estate-focused videographers who understand visual storytelling and social trends. It can expand your reach and give your content a professional edge
In your experience, how does high-quality imagery impact buyer perception and property interest?
High-quality images capture the light, textures, and atmosphere in a way that helps buyers imagine themselves living there. It goes beyond just showing a space, it tells a story. Stunning imagery can elevate the perceived value of a home. Even mid-range properties can look premium when shot well, while poor visuals can make even luxury homes look underwhelming. The style of staging I use always depends on the property itself, I aim to strike the right balance between a clean, minimalistic look and a warm, 'homely' atmosphere.
When working with high-end properties, I tend to de-clutter almost everything, particularly personal items. From there, I bring in my own carefully selected props: floral arrangements, magazines, towels, books with reading glasses, wine or champagne, and even sombreros, depending on the vibe of the home. I’ll often go as far as setting the dining tables, indoors and out, which helps potential buyers emotionally connect with the space. I typically collaborate closely with the property owner to achieve the best possible staging. When working with Smiths Gore, I’m fortunate to often work alongside Bernadette George, whose attention to detail is exceptional and always adds to the overall result.
Post-production is another critical part of creating the perfect image. I’m lucky to have a talented team who works with me to bring each photo to life. For every image, I capture somewhere up to 10 shots - five HDR and five with strategically placed flashes to light all areas of the room. My editors then hand-blend these frames, often spending up to an hour per image. This process ensures every photograph has a beautifully balanced light, both inside and out, creating a striking, true-to-life result.
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How do you approach a new property shoot to ensure it captures the best possible angles and atmosphere?
It’s not always easy to put into words, but as a videographer / photographer you just feel it. Every property has its own character, and part of the craft is tuning into that unique personality. There are of course the essential shots: the smooth forward glide into a living room, or a wide pan revealing the kitchen around the corner. But to truly elevate the video, it’s about going beyond the basics, using a combination of different lenses, camera movements, and creative compositions to highlight textures, depth, and atmosphere. The goal is to not just show the space, but to make the viewer experience it. A very important factor before you start shooting is staging the property.
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Can you walk us through your shoot day for Indigo Point — what went into preparing and executing a
session for such a luxury property?
The shoot at Indigo Point spanned three days, which gave me the time and flexibility needed to capture the property at its best. I was fortunate to work with a fantastic owner who had meticulously prepared the space ahead of my arrival. I spent the first few hours walking through the villa, studying each room, staging, and identifying the angles and features that stood out to me most. Once I had a strong sense of the layout and flow, I planned my shooting schedule to align with the natural lighting throughout the day. From there, everything came together smoothly.
