“One thing that I do offer that separates me from other realtors is that I’ve been doing real estate photography for five years. I already know a lot of the ins and outs of what to look for and how to present a home,” says Don, a real estate agent with Summer House Realty. “My advantage is that I’ve been on both sides of the camera. In front as a realtor listing, showing, and selling homes; behind the camera making things look good for the seller and buyer. Therefore, combining two different perspectives.” Don is one of only a handful who does both real estate and real estate photography in the CSRA. He has worked with photography for over thirty years with various projects but five years ago he became a real estate photographer. A benefit from that is he already knows what’s coming to the market before it's officially listed.
Don was previously a graphic artist for corporations developing their ideas visually until the businesses changed how they were doing proposals. He found himself seeking work when his nephew called him. “I was looking for work and Joe [Don’s nephew] was looking for a photographer.” They decided to work together and Don would photograph and edit photos with him.
What sets Don apart from other real estate photographers is his knowledge of how to best showcase a home. He uses a minimalistic point of view where less is better. “You don’t want clutter at all. When I go in, whatever catches my eye, I get rid of it. My concept is, if my eye is drawn to it, others are as well.” Don refers to items in the home as ‘Drama Babies’, meaning that whatever it may be, it might be cute, but it’s ‘crying out’ taking attention away from the room. It’s best to put away personal things and if you desire a decorated home, to hire an interior decorator.
While Don mostly photographs large, luxurious homes, he also has a passion for older homes. “There are some really beautiful homes. The old homes I just really enjoy doing. I just did one in Edgefield where George Washington stayed at the place. The first house where he had stayed had burned down and they built a house right on it and I photographed it. It was built in the 1800s and it’s just absolutely gorgeous. That’s probably my favorite, getting into the history part.” Another reason Don likes to shoot older homes is because his family’s farmhouse was built in the 1800s.
If you are interested in having your home photographed or in need of a real estate agent, you can reach Don by calling (706)294-9992 or email Don@SummerHouseRealty.com