Media Carrot

Mobile Virtual Tours are Here!

2011-08-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that all our virtual tours are available for viewing on your smart phone! We've waited so long to have this option and it's finally here for you!

We offer two different types of virtual tour. Both have their respective mobile versions and they are both beautiful!

Glenridge Dr.

Malcolm Ave.

Take a look on your smart phone and tell us what you think!

Overhauling and Photos

2010-02-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

We're currently in the process of pulling new images for my new website. Yes a new website. Over the holidays we took the time to really look at www.MediaCarrot.com and found that the site isn't representing MediaCarrot like it should.

The images are old and not representative of the quality of work we produce. We don't feel the galleries show a full property. We'll also be changing the pricing and order structure. A full full overhaul!

We'd love to hear any suggestions you have to make viewing and navigating our site easier for you. We're excited to get started and definitely excited to see it finished and running!

In the mean time, take a look at some samples of water scapes, pools, and landscape designs from Politi Design...

Mind2Body

2009-10-05T22:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend I photographed a great pilates studio named Mind2Body. Beautiful space, awesome equipment, and the nicest owner Lani Pelino. If you have been looking for a new spot to work out, check out the Mind2Body Studio!

View this tour in a new window.

Virtual Tours in Los Angeles County and Beyond

Business Cards

2009-09-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

When I started MediaCarrot photography about five years ago, I did what all new business owners do...I had a ton of paper products printed up. A friend told me that I would need letterhead, envelopes, and of course business cards. So I ordered a bunch of each. Always looking for a good deal, I took the printer up on their offer for a discount on a higher quantity.

I have since realized that I run a paperless company. Rarely do I print anything out. I do hand out my business cards. However, everything else is easily sent in an email.

Every once in a while, the guilt of printing up all the letterhead and envelopes does pop up. It's at that time that I find myself printing marketing up on the letterhead then stuffing them into the envelopes. Then out I run to hand out the marketing info to local businesses. Because of this I've finally run down my supply of paper and envelopes. I do not plan on printing up more.

Let me tell you though, I have plenty of business cards left. I must have printed up a million of those suckers. I have gone through three quarters of them. However, one full box sits on the shelf. Should this really be a problem? Normally it wouldn't.

However, I have a couple of different issues going on here. The first being my last name. I was married last year and my last name is now different. Easy fix really. But I haven't ordered new cards yet. This is because I'm in the process of revamping the MediaCarrot logo. However, the biggest problem for me is that I find it hard to waste that last box of business cards.

I draw the line and crossing out the maiden name and handwriting in the new name. And I've finally gotten tired of handing out my business card and then getting the questioning look..."who is Laura Nelson?". It's officially time for new business cards!

I'm excited. New logo and new cards with the new last name. My question is...what do I do with this whole box of business cards with the old last name?

17,000 Sq Feet of home!

2009-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-07-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Have I told you I love compliments?

2009-04-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

"WOW!!! I am so impressed with the photos they are fantastic! Thanks Laura… I won’t ever be using anyone else again."

Jeff Giordano
Keller Williams

827 N. Sierra Bonita Ave.

2009-04-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

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...

4167 Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles

2009-03-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last week I photographed for new client, Mary Cronin of Keller Williams. She and her trainee, Pier Moore, were great. They were so relaxed and outgoing, and just let me loose on the house.

Cute house with a great feel and a huge backyard! Click here to view the virtual tour. Take a look at the photos...

I love it...

2009-03-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-02-26T23:51:00.000-08:00

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!

www.laura616.etsy.com

Rancho Dr., Ojai

2009-02-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

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...

~Click here to view the virtual tour~

The Lost Files...

2009-02-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

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...

Glendale Ranch House

2009-02-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

Friday I photographed a house for my client Lior Kane with American Realty Centre. It's a beautiful little house in the Glendale hills. 2 Bedroom, 2 bathroom with beautiful built-ins and great details around. It really was a cozy home. Take a look at the virtual tour here...

Photographing Your Childhood Home

2009-01-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

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

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

2008-10-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

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...

Missing In Action

2008-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

In has you haven't noticed the last few blogs have been far and few between. I apologize, I have been very busy. The last two months I have been planning my wedding and of course the minute we set our date to get married, business went through the roof. So the last two months have been wonderful, stressful at times, and busier than I could have imagined. Last weekend was our wedding, now I'm back, you have my full attention, and I have lots of houses, condos, vacation homes and buildings that need to be added to my blog.

So my second task here is to let all of you know my new last name. You will now be receiving emails from Laura D'Anna. Don't be afraid it's still me.

If you read the last blog, you know that I was called Mrs. Carrot at a restaurant a few weeks back. A great friend of ours was the officiant of our wedding. Knowing the Mrs. Carrot story, he introduced us as "Mr and Mrs Media Carrot...I mean Mr and Mrs Mario D'Anna". Luckily it fit with the rest of the ceremony! It was a great day!

PS Here are some photos from our wedding last weekend. I was luck enough to have one of my good friends photograph my wedding. It pays to have photographer friends! I personally think she's one of the best photographers in Santa Barbara! Katie Moos Photography Check out her site and blog. She really is an amazing photographer...

Carrot...Media Carrot

2008-08-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I was at dinner with my very-soon-to-be-husband and my sister-in-law. It was a nice dinner. We sat outside, so there was some great people watching, there was great food, but the best part happened after dinner. Sister-in-law and I decided to split the bill. I paid with my business credit card. When the waiter returned with the two charge slips, he said "Thank you Ms Sister-in-law and Thank you Ms Carrot!" Yes he called me Ms Carrot. My card says my MediaCarrot and right below it is my full name. He must have thought my parents were hippies...I love it!

1153 Fuller

2008-08-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Another great property from agent Pamela Rich at CondosLA.com. I got a call from her assistant Vincent to come out and shoot this great condo on Fuller in West Hollywood. It's a great 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom condo, with a nice large open floor plan. Very cute! Take a look at the still photos.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-07-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking on my blog updates, however this means only one thing...I'm busy! I have tons of cabins and some houses to blog about.

I will start with a beautiful home I photographed a few weeks back in Ojai. One of my favorite agents in Ojai, Vivienne Moody, gave me a call to come out and photograph a property for her. She never disappoints! 821 El Toro Road in Ojai has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and is on a huge piece of land. I really loved it. The house is on a beautiful tree lined road with a huge backyard. I would have been happy to move into the basement apartment. It's a split level house and the basement apartment opens out to the huge backyard. Enough talking take a look at the photos and virtual tour...

Domain Granite and Cabinet

2008-07-25T15:13:00.001-07:00

If you are ever looking for cabinets or granite, take a look at Domain Granite and Cabinet. They are a husband and wife team who design out beautiful kitchens and give you a great deal at the same time. I have photographed for them on several occasions and create slideshows for them. They are really great to work with and if you are updating your kitchen, definitely give them a call!

Not as Cool as I Think I am

2008-06-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last week up in Big Bear I got to photograph some beautiful cabins. It was a nice cool beautiful day after that heat wave and I was happy. I was photographing the first cabin on my list. I had shot the entire interior and was working on the exterior. My car was parked in the drive and I was trying to decide if moving my car would get me a better shot of the front. I looked up and noticed a gate where I could walk up the hill a little and take a nice shot from above. Perfect because I wasn't feeling it from where I was. So I walked around to the back of my truck and had the shock of my life! Two huge deer standing on the other side of my truck, one with huge antlers! ...then I realized they were plastic. However, it was too late, I had already let out a loud embarrassing scream.

I know they don't look so big and scary but, I swear that big guy was challenging me! And yes I realize they were facing the other direction.

Practice Practice Practice

2008-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love that we never finish learning new things. However, I think we sometimes forget that we need to practice and relearn some of the things we have already been taught. I decided today will be a quieter day for me(although my phone already seems to be ringing like crazy), so today is a practice day. It's a day to make sure I'm headed in the correct direction with my photography.

There are so many opportunities to learn new things in photography. One of the most important lessons I've learned is, the better you photograph the subject in the first place, the less work you have later. I photograph buildings, houses, businesses, etc. I could very easily use the same technique for all situations, but I would be compromising quality, not utilizing the uniqueness of each situation, and also creating more work in Photoshop. Photoshop can enhance, correct and save photographs, but it's the initial work you put out in place that is going to determine the end result.

Today I'll work on my capturing the image, reminding myself of all that information I learned in school and put that degree to good use!

Big Bear Vacations

2008-06-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Last time I posted I mentioned going up to Big Bear Lake for a photo shoot. I didn't want to say to much and jinx it but, I was going up for a test shoot for Big Bear Vacations. Big Bear Vacations is one of the top property management companies in Big Bear. Turns out they were very happy with my test shoot. I now have a contract with them to photograph 200-300 of their properties(they are getting new vacation rentals every time I go up there)! Woo-hoo! I love it. I get to drive up to beautiful Big Bear once or twice a week. It will be a project that we'll work on for the next year. I'm very excited to photograph all their vacation rentals and they seem just as excited to have new photos and virtual tours for their rentals.

Anyone looking for a nice place to get out of town, Big Bear is a two hour drive from Los Angeles. Beautiful, relaxing, small town feel and not too far to worry about the amount of money you'll be spending on gas, but lots of blue lake and blue skies! From what I hear it tends to be a big snow ski area and quieter in the summer. I say Big Bear is the place to head this summer! The summer rentals are very reasonable and very cozy...as I photograph the cabins I'm picking out which I intend to rent when I have some time off! Take a look at some of the photos. I'll keep you updated on how this project is going and the best cabins up there to rent! In the mean time give Big Bear Vacations a call! (800)524-6600

This is Cabin 991 "Winding"

This is Cabin 977 "Hillside Hideaway"

Big Bear Photo Shoots

2008-06-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

I drove up to Big Bear today to photograph a Lodge and some cabins. It was a great drive. Traffic was great, I was happy to get out of Los Angeles. All was great and then I hit fog. Then that fog turned to rain. I started to worry about the photo shoots. However, I was curious why I hadn't heard from my client about the rainy weather yet. So, I kept driving. The rain stopped and that was great, but the fog was insane! It was so foggy I could barely see the car in front of me. Tule fog. Then all of a sudden it was clear and I was above the fog bank and it was beautiful. No wonder the client hadn't called about the rain, it was perfect up there! So, I stopped and took a quick photo...

AMLI on the Boulevard

2008-06-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last week I photographed an apartment complex for the third time...no it wasn't a reshoot and they weren't unhappy. It was for different different owners or publications over the last 5 years. The apartment complex is called AMLI on the Boulevard. I used to live in the area so I would drive by this complex all the time. It has such a great feel and look, you can't help look at it when you drive by. And every time I have photographed it, I have really enjoyed it. Take a look at the photography...

Bel Air Rd Property

2008-06-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a Argyropoulos Design. The owner had a house he wanted photographs and a virtual tour for. He was also interested in renting the home out for a filming location, so I showed him the property website that I had made for Granada Hills Estate. He loved it and wanted something with a similar feel. I made him a very very simple website with a slideshow that I really like. He was so happy with it and says he plans of bragging about me to some other friends that might be interested in my photography. I say brag away! In the mean time take a look at the photography...it's a beautiful house!

Granada Hills Estate

2008-06-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a home owner looking for photography, a virtual tour, and a property website earlier last month. He had decided to put his house up for a filming location rental and general rentals. He just let me go wild with the photography and I had a great time. I got to experiment with my slideshow software and also make him a nice little website. Take a look at the Photos and Virtual Tour...

Falling Behind again!

2008-06-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

I've been busy again and have fallen behind on my posting again. I apologize! However, I wanted to catch you up on some of my favorite shoots lately.

At the end of April, I got a job from the company that hosts and creates the software for my virtual tours, RealTour Vision. They send me photo shoots from time to time. I got my second Roys Hawaiian Fusion photo shoot. So far I have photographed the banquet rooms for the Anaheim and Los Angeles Roys. They are very enjoyable to photograph for. They managers and waiters are so nice and helpful! Take a look at some of the still photos and when you get a chance definitely have dinner there. Wonderful!

Sienna Residential

2008-05-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

I was contacted back in April by David McKinzie of Sienna Residential to photograph some of their model homes in Oxnard. The homes were only blocks from the beach...who wouldn't love that! I love photographing model homes. Model homes by the beach are even better. Take a look at the photographs. I love the landing on the roof of the homes with a straight view to the water...Take a look at the virtual tour.

Another Pamela Rich Condo

2008-05-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was called again to photograph some real estate photos for Pamela Rich at CondosLA.com. This time is was for a unique condo on Curson Ave. The architect who designed the condo was currently living there but he and his wife had decided to move. Let me tell you, I love photographing for architects, designers, and stagers! They all think about the lighting as a part of the design. There is extra detail put in the lighting lighting. You'd think as a photographer and knowing how lighting can change space, that I'd have an incredibly lit apartment. Me, I think about utility. The great lighting in my office and living room was all designed out by my handy and thoughtful boyfriend. Anyway, this condo was great to photograph. Lots of angles and odd shaped rooms. It was a little challenging and I definitely felt a little more pressure on me. The architect also being an artist, I wanted to make sure he was happy with my representation of his design. However, don't worry, I try my hardest to do my best with any and every building and home I photograph! Well, take a look at the photos!

1968 House in Pasadena

2008-05-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

I love this house! I realize that if I were to move into this home that I would totally have to change my decor to 60s chic. Hoever, If I lived in this house would totally be alright with that! I was hired to photograph some real estate photos and virtual tours for this house in Pasadena back in April (I'm very behind on my posts!) The exterior of the house was normal if not a little plain and hidden behind big shrubs and hedges. However, the minute the owner opened the front door, I was sold! Right inside the door is the coolest fireplace. Not only that but the dining room has the same dark wood paneling that I grew up with in our 1960s house, and the most perfect dining room table and light fixture that room could have. This house was amazingly preserved! Chuck(the homeowner)took great pride in his hilltop house in Pasadena. The house was built in 1968 and he bought the home from the builder in 1969. I wish him lots of luck selling his house. I hope it's someone who can really appreciate some of it's 60s charm. Take a look at the virtual tour here and that view!

Busy Week!

2008-04-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

So I have had a nice, busy week with lots of little shoots. I was in Los Angeles, Sierra Madre, Oxnard, Camarillo,and Pasadena shooting real estate photography and virtual tours. All my shoots this week were great, but I think out of all the shoots this week the Sierra Madre shoot was my favorite. It was just a nice simple virtual tour shoot in beautiful Sierra Madre. If you haven't been, you really should. Manicured lawns, beautiful houses, an old town square. It really is a lovely town.

This photo shoot was for Reni Rose at Prudential California Realty. It was really great to work with Reni and her wonderful assistant Joyce. She was really great to speak with. And making my week even better they gave me a great recommendation...

"It was very nice to meet you today and thank you so much for your every efficient service. You showed up on time, were very business like as well as personable and pleasant...and you got the job done very quickly. We are very happy with what you produced for us. The results are just what we wanted. Thank you, again, it was a pleasure and we will certainly call again when we have a need for another virtual tour."

Click here to take a look at their Virtual Tour!

Los Feliz

2008-04-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

I got a call earlier this week to photograph a condo for a Realtor that I had worked for a month back. Pamela Rich's marketing manager, Vince, gave me a call to photograph a great condo in Los Feliz. First I have to say, I think it's brilliant of her to have hired someone to do her marketing and creative. I know, we can't all hire someone to work all our marketing for us, but it is really top notch and just great looking! Take a look at their website CondosLA.com.

Now I tend to like the manicured look of Los Feliz Blvd. but this was a great apartment. Nice space, hardwood floors, and lots of light! I liked it and was told I should purchase it. I would love to, but it's up to all of you realtors out there to hire me...lots and lots of work! Anyway, this is a one bedroom, one bathroom, with a nice nook area that would make us a nice office. Take a look at some of the photos...

Real Estate Websites

2008-03-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Over the last year that there has been more and more interest in showcase websites of homes for sale. Using the address as the domain name, when a buyer drives by a home that is for sale, when they get home they can type in the address www.8262WoodshillTrail.com. There they can find out any in contact information, photographs, virtual tours, and all those other details of the home.

During the last year I have been toying with the idea of providing websites for real estate. I think they are a clever idea. Most buyers will look for the home on Realtor.com first, but if it's not listed on Realtor.com where do buyers look next? The Multiple Listing Service(MLS) can be a bit confusing, which area MLS is it listed on? However, using the address as a domain name, when you have the address of the home for sale, you have the website name. Once I realized how smart this really was, I decided that I had to start offering the real estate websites in my packages.

So, I have spent the last week figuring out how to make these websites myself. I'm actually finding it very fun and different for me. My goal is to keep them simple, clean, and keep information available and easy to find. Here is my first version. click the image or the URL above to get a full view. So let me know what you think. You'll be able to see real estate websites added into my packages in the next week or so. I'm pretty excited!

Insight Virtual Tours!

2008-03-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce another virtual tour photographer friend. Through RealTour Vision, the company that produces the virtual tour technology that I use, I met Lori Nunes from "Insite Virtual Tours". Insite Virtual Tours is located in the coastal area of central California. You can find her running around San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cayucos, and everywhere in between. Lori is new to the business in the last year but Insite Virtual Tours has absolutely taken off! Let me tell you I have been learning a lot from her. Lori is a networking wiz! If you are located in the San Luis Obispo area and are looking for a great photographer to photograph your business or real estate, give Insite Virtual Tours a call!

www.insightvirtual.com

Las Palmas

2008-03-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a beautiful home that I did still photography for last week. It was a home for Pamela Rich Properties. Her team was really great to work with and the home was fun to shoot. Take a look at the slideshow...

Bel-Air Bar & Grill Part 2

2008-03-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

I know I posted about the Bel-Air Bar & Grill last week, but I just realized after a year of owning my slide show software that I can create slide shows for my blog! I love it! So I went back and made a slide show of the Bel-Air Bar & Grill and I'm including the virtual tour that I photographed for them.

All About Virtual Tours!

2008-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that I absolutely love my job, I can really be thankful for the friends that I have made while being a virtual tour photographer. One of the first people I met was Dawn Schaffer, Owner of All About Virtual Tours in South Western Washington. She's a wonderful person to talk with. We seem to end up on the phone longer than we ever intend to bouncing tons of ideas back and forth. Not only has she been a great friend and supporter, but she's a fantastic photographer! If you are located in Southern Washington and need virtual tours or photography give her a call. She's a wealth of information and has lots of ideas! Thank you Dawn!

www.allaboutvirtualtours.com

Friendly Quotes

2008-03-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have a great friend who sends me great quotes almost daily. Where she finds them, I have no idea. But I love it! Here is today's quote sent to me. I thought it was great and decided to share it with you...

To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, and to be given a chance to create, are the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy!

- Bette Davis, actress

Bel-Air Bar & Grill

2008-03-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph still and virtual tours for the Bel-Air Bar and Grill. It's a great restaurant off on Sepulveda near the Getty Center. Moody lighting, a great bar and patio area. It really looks like a nice place to have a drink with a friend!

Fun Photo Day For Me!

2008-02-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

I spend so much time photographing for everyone else, homes, businesses, restaurants, apartments, cabinets, etc., that I sometimes forget to take photographs for myself. Part of it can be attributed to the fact that I love love my job, I get to practice my photography all the time, so I don't think to just photograph for me. However, there is definitely a different excitement and creativeness between shooting for hobby and shooting for work.

So last Sunday, my wonderful boyfriend took me to the zoo and let me go crazy taking photos of the animals. First, I really do need to thank him for his patience at the zebra habitat...I might have been a little too excited about all their patterns and wouldn't leave for a long, long time. Long Time. He was very patient as would I think I was ready to leave and then turn around and spend another 10 minutes there.

Zoos are really a great place to practice your photography. Not only are there a great amount of animals that you aren't likely going to run into on any normal day, but there are great habitats and tons of people there to practice on. Photographing at the zoo also tends to be sentimental for me. My father used to take my sister and me to the zoo when we were young budding photographers, I visited the Santa Barbara Zoo plenty of times to fulfill assignments while I was in photography school and while traveling in Europe with my sister, we visited a few zoos to photograph. So, photographing at zoos tends to take me back to very fun, creative and even comforting times.

My First Celebrity Home!

2008-02-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you CSI Miami fans...go ahead and feel jealous! Yesterday, I was lucky enough to photograph the beautiful home of one of the CSI Miami's actresses, Khandi Alexander. It was very exciting for me because I am a huge CSI fan!

What was a fixer-upper for her, is a dream house for most people. It looks like a smaller modest home from the front opens but up to a huge four story estate. The last photo in the slideshow really shows how big that house really is. It was a very beautiful house and that makes it so easy to photograph! Click here to view the slideshow.

A trip to Big Bear!

2008-02-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

I got the opportunity to photograph five cabins in Big Bear last week. What made it even better was that the owner let us stay in one of the cabins for the night. Only one night away but what a nice time! It had snowed the week before, so there was alot of snow every where. It gave me the chance to practice my evening and sunrise photography. It's was worth standing knee deep in snow to get these shots...Also, click here to view some of the virtual tours!

Bear's Lair

Pine Tree Cottage

Summit Ridge

Meadow Lake Cottage

Embed A Tour on Your Website!

2008-01-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time...let the goofiness begin!

2007-12-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

It takes a while to load but it's fun! Staring me, my boyfriend Mario, my sister Lindsay, Mario's mother, Isabelle and sister Angela. I'm pretty sure Isabelle and Angela won the fight. I think I'll have to make a new one or my own mother will feel left out!

Chatsworth Hills Academy

2007-11-13T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a sample of what your virtual tour window would look like. I pulled the colors directly from your website and your logo.

Chatsworth Hills Academy

3629 Corinth St.

2007-11-12T23:49:00.000-08:00

I shot a really cute house out in Los Angeles last week. A broker is selling his own house and needed tons of photos for it. It was a really great house. A little waterfall in the back yard, a sunken dining room, and a bunch of little sitting area's in the backyard off of each room. Click here to view the virtual tours.

Active Rain

2007-10-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

I started blogging not to long ago, recently followed by another but similar blog on ActiveRain. Active Rain is a Real Estate Network, tons of great people on there and lots of good ideas and information. Not only that but I have some connected with some friends and made some new friends. If you are in the real estate profession at all, I highly recommend checking it out!

Where's the Virtual Tour?!

2007-10-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

One thing I have heard lately is "I have a listing but, it's not worth a virtual tour". This is something I don't understand, because that is exactly the house that needs a virtual tour! Not only should those big beautiful houses get virtual tours, but those little homes need them also. Nothing makes a drab home look worse than out of focus, dark, distorted, less than good photos. Well composed, well exposed, professionally edited photos can really show the real potential that a home has and get those buyers in there!

Something I feel strongly about is that your client wants to know that you are doing the best to market their home. However, something else I think should cross realtor's minds is this...Do home buyers think that if a realtor doesn't feel a home is worth professional photos and virtual tours, maybe it's not even worth looking at?

Believe it or not, there were many times when I have heard someone looking for a new place say, "if it doesn't have a virtual tour than I don't even waste my time." Believe me this wasn't said by my friends to make me feel better as a virtual tour photographer. I have heard this from co-workers and people in general. I used to work for Realtor.com and their apartment and rental site. One thing we wondered was why take the time to post a listing or apartment online, and not take full advantage of that internet marketing and post virtual tours and photos? From what I understand purchasing a quality virtual tour is less expensive than posting a listing in a real estate magazine or in a newspaper for the length of time a house is for sale.

It seems simple to me. It's your job to market that house to the best of your ability, and it's our job as photographers to make that marketing even better! Now I know I am very enthusiastic about virtual tours, but there are so many times when I just don't understand... why you haven't ordered your virtual tours yet!

Travel

2007-10-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have been a Real Estate photographer for only 4 years but, I have been taking photographs for as long as I can remember. I met some of my best friends in photography school. It's a career, but also a hobby that I have been lucky to share with people very important to me. My father was a very talented photographer although he didn't always see it. I think my sister and I both inherited his talent but there are times when I think my sister got more of it. Now I love my photography if you don't mind me being a little less than modest, but she has this natural style that amazes me constantly. A few years ago I was able to take the trip of my dreams to Europe with my sister. We packed up our photography gear and trucked around England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria for over three months. Now I am sitting on a couple thousand photos that many people haven't ever seen. So I thought I might start showing those off just so you can see a different side to me.

Home Staging

2007-10-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

It used to be that the only time I saw staging was in larger apartment buildings. Now I am seeing staging a lot more. I think one of the best things to do when selling your home or renting an apartment is staging. on average staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than non staged homes.

Why stage your home? What you want to do is create a setting that inspires the visitor to imagine themselves living there. You want to show your house in it's best light. By taking out your personal mementos you are making room for the visitor to visualize their things there.

Staging is becoming much more popular and much more affordable! What was once reserved for large companies is now available and more widely used by the public. Still not sure about staging? Try these tips from "Get Staged to Sell" ...

Inside:

Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items.
Clear all unnecessary objects from kitchen countertops, tubs, shower stalls and commode tops. Keep only your most needed cosmetics, brushes, perfumes etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. As owners, many times we have too much furniture in a room. This is wonderful for our own personal enjoyment, but when it comes to selling we need to thin out as much as possible to make rooms appear larger.
Take down or rearrange certain pictures or objects on walls. Patch and paint if necessary.
Review the inside of the house room by room
Paint any room needing paint.
Clean carpets or drapes that need it.
Clean Windows.
If you need room to store extra possessions use the garage or rent a storage unit.
Leave on certain lights during the day. During “showings” turn on all lights and lamps.
Have the stereo FM on during the day for all viewings.

Outside:

Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., into the garage.
Check gutters for roof moss and dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
Look at all plants...prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. You can’t sell a house if you can’t see it! Plants are like children—they grow so fast!
Weed and then mulch all planting areas. Keep the lawn freshly cut and fertilized. Remove dead plants or shrubs.
Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys etc. (Put them in the garage or a storage unit.)
Check the paint condition of the house—especially the front door and trim. Curb appeal really works!

New Employee!

2007-09-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

A great friend of mine from school started working with me in the last few weeks. Tracy Melchiori is one of my old roomates Brooks Institute of Photography and we have stayed great friends. A few weeks ago I had a big project for KB Homes and conned her into helping me shoot. Turned out she really loved it! So she has decided to finally take me up on my offer to work with me. She'll be working partially as a Marketing Manager and Photographer. So far we have been bouncing a lot of ideas off each other and it's all working out really nice! I'm pretty excited! This is a great job for her to work part time and work on her Fine Art Photography! The last few years she's supported so many other photographers and not worked on her on work. So I want to be able to help her in return and push her to work on her art! I'll try to get her to show some of her work on the blog!

Great Condo For Sale!

2007-09-24T00:15:00.001-07:00

It's been a few weeks! I've been busy and I think it's time to update the blog! Last Friday I got an email from Jim Parrish wanting a quote for his condo that he is selling and at the bottom was a PS saying how great my blog was. I love to hear that! He said it made MediaCarrot seem more human. I had no idea that my little blog would really catch attention, but I'm sure glad it does.

So Saturday morning I went to his beautiful huge condo and took some virtual tours and photos. Jim and his wife Sara (spelled just like my mother's name...that either means she's a great lady and probably a little wild!) were just really really nice people! It was such a relaxed and nice shoot. It was a great nice Saturday morning! So, take a look at the Virtual tour here!

San Diego

2007-09-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

We were in San Diego a little while ago and I thought I'd put up some of the photos that I took. There are a few I think are pretty fun. We had gone to ComiCon (I'm not sure how it's spelled) It's the huge comic convention in San Diego. My boyfriend is an Animation Board guy. He had quite a few friends at booths in the convention and just running around. It was my first time but it was pretty fun, well I go back and forth between it being nerdy and fun. But we will probably go next year. Mario will be working on putting out his own books.

While at the convention we took a lunch break with some friends. I have to say, it was the best lunch I have ever had! If you love to be abused by your wait staff and love even more to watch other patrons be abused, you have to go to Dick's Last Resort! We stayed twice as long as we needed and I laughed so hard! If you ask for a straw they throw 20 at you. If you want a refill, they bring you a pitcher all to yourself. They really love making a fool of you, but it's great! Really really fun.

Afterwards, we took off for the water front to look at the boats and see the "Star of India". We didn't see the star of India but we toured the Russian Submarine there and another pirate ship. Check out the photos I took there. The green photo is taken on the submarine threw the parascope, I think it's one of my favorite photos!

Wedding Weekend

2007-09-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend in Paso Robles, CA for our friends' wedding. They are wonderful friends that I got as a bonus when I started seeing my boyfriend. Let me tell you, I have been excited for their wedding for months! It was beautiful! As hot as it could be, but well worth it.

The ceremony and reception were held at the Still Waters Winery. The view was incredible and the grounds beautiful. It was a short wedding ceremony and a nice long reception with lots of wine. Even the caterer marinated the tri-tip in the wine from the winery. What could be better than that!

It was really a great weekend full of fun with all of our friends and all the family that comes with these friends. Yes some very crazy family... the Bride's father for one! He said he'd be coming back to CA for my wedding next summer as long as I didn't marry my boyfriend (he really did love my boyfriend!). So I guess we'll have to start planning! Here are a couple shots of the rehursal and one of the wedding. I'm not a wedding photographer but look at that view!

Bella Vista

2007-08-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Equity started building this gynormous apartment complex a couple of years ago in Woodland Hills. I used to drive by it on my way home and watched it progress. Somehow I knew then that I would shoot the photography and virtual tours on it. Sure enough I shot them last week.

Let me tell you I love to shoot for Equity! I've shot a few of their buildings around Southern California. They have the most fantastic models! They are staged so well and really do their job of making you want to live there. This new building has some new floorplans and they are pretty nice...I must have shot more Equity apartments than I thought if I am recognizing their floorplans!

Linda Drive in Torrance

2007-08-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I drove out and shot a cute little house on Linda Dr. in Torrance. Ante Perkov filled out my order form online and I went out there 2 days later. Apparently he's been reading this little blog here, when I walked up, he said he felt like he already knew me from my website and blog. So now I know this isn't just fun but it works!

I'm still not sure what Ante does formally. Obviously an agent, I think Investor, owner of Ante's Restaurant, and apartment building owner. For some reason I think there's more on that list. Either way he is helping his friend sell her house. Check out how cute this house is and check out the virtual tour.

Another Ojai Photo Shoot!

2007-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

After Shooting for Jeff Goodman a couple of weeks ago, he passed my name on to couple other Realtors. Low and behold I got a call from Vivienne Moody from Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe. I drove out last Thursday and shot two beautiful houses for her. I was ready to move into both houses.

One was atop of a hill, beautiful views but lots of walking up and down the hill for photos! There was just so many different places to photograph there; Reflection Pond, wine cellar, Great rooms, and gardens! I had such a great time shooting and the owners were so fun to talk to. Take a look at the virtual tours here.

The other was a warm family home. Smaller but so welcoming and great little outside areas to hang out. A beautiful porch area, firepit area, hamock, a huge tree to sit under. I loved all the outdoor areas to lounge around. Inside was a nice big fireplace surrounded by a huge open living area. I liked everything being open, being able to visit with the family while working in the kitchen. Take a look at the Virtual Tour!

Sulphur Mountain

2007-08-08T17:51:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from Jeff Goodman from Goodman and Associates. Jeff hired me to shoot a beautiful house on Sulphur Mountain Rd. What I didn't expect out in the hills and farmland of Ojai was this beautiful Tudor style home. Add to that 19 acres of beautiful hills and trees and an amazing view of Ojai Valley and you have an incredible property! Take a look at the virtual tour here.

When I was in school I would drive out to Ojai from Santa Barbara and shoot any of my photo assignments that I could out there. So it was really a treat to get out of Los Angles and take the drive up to Ojai.

And now I owe Jeff a huge THANK YOU! He has passed my name along and now I have two photo shoots in Ojai tomorrow afternoon. It should be a beautiful day out there!

Little School of Music

2007-08-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

A friend came to me a couple of weeks ago, asking if he could surprise his girlfriend with a virtual tour of her music academy "Little School of Music". Mindy would be going out of town the next week and she left him a copy of the keys. I thought this was one of the funnest ideas!

One evening when everyone was gone, we snuck in and shot. It's a beautiful little school in Santa Clarita. Teaching music to children from toddlers on up to 10 years old. As you can see in the virtual tour, it's a really fun place that any child would want to learn in! Chris wanted to make sure we got the right feel of the school. We must have done well because all I've heard from him is how we got the exact feel and how much everyone loves it! So take a look and let me know what you think!

My First Blog!

2007-08-05T00:32:00.001-07:00

Beginner here! Blogs seem to be an effective business tool for many companies, so I thought it's time to give 'er a try. It's also a chance to show the other types of photography that I shoot. I'm actually looking forward to this quite a bit. I want to show my personal photography, and also the beautiful houses and businesses that I get to take photos of(you might even get a glimpse of my family and friends).

I also plan on creating virtual tours of Los Angeles. Once I get this project started I will put the link up for anyone to use. This will be an ongoing project for me. I want everyone to feel free to use it. This can be something that realtors send to new clients planning on moving to the area, for use on websites, and to also use as a virtual tour sample. I'm sure we'll think up many more uses. It should be an interesting project to help me come up with new ways to photograph and new places to see. Stay tuned!