“Robert does several things that make this image successful,” points out Mandana Namvar (Director of Photography). “First, he starts with a great, even exposure. He uses a combination of the available light coming in from the large windows and a bounce flash to create an even image with great window detail.” Casey Sachen (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region) agrees, adding “Robert maintains excellent window detail, showing the great view from the lounge area.” He adds, “The perfect exposure of this image shows the wonderful area that a potential renter can lounge in.” Vern Steinman (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region) goes further: “Robert was able to create what looks like an overcast day so that you can still see some detail on the buildings outside the area.” Contrary to logic, overcast days actually provide better lighting for photographs than do sunny days. Vern reiterates that “Robert did an excellent job of controlling his flash.”

“The image is also impressive,” adds Vern, “in that the white chairs in the foreground did not get over-exposed.” “By including the two swivel chairs in the composition,” adds Mandana, “Robert created an intimate living space. He also included the large column, which gives it a loft-like, urban feel.” Overall, Vern points out that “the image has good symmetry, which makes it very appealing.” He does this by using the plant and the TV to bookend the photo which, in turn, gives it a balanced look. Robert also makes very good use of our signature three-wall approach, which gives the viewer an accurate sense of the space and architecture of the area by using three walls to frame the shot.

We love this comfy and modern living area! Now: what can we do for your property?

Leeah’s photo really captures the unique layout of the sundeck and the features of its surroundings. Casey Sachen (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region) agrees, explaining that it “shows just how close you are to the water, showing off the resort-style feel of the pool. The unique shade for the sundeck is also a central feature, which shows how modern the property is.” “The area is nice,” thinks Vern Steinman (Manager of Photography, Western Region), “and shows the sun deck right on the lake. This is great for potential renters who want that quintessential “on-the-lake” feel.”

Technically speaking, Mandana Namvar (Director of Photography) points out that “the image is an example of even exposure.” With so many variables to account for – sky, pool, shadows, and sunlight – it is difficult to make sure that each area is exposed properly. “This was a tough situation for the photographer,” explains Vern, “since the overcast sky will tend to fool the camera light meter. Since Leeah is an experienced photographer, she realized this and made sure the exposure was right so that our Ad Developers will have no problem brightening and touching up the sky.

Great job, Leeah! Now, what can we do for your property?

As spring starts to creep in to many parts of the country, this warm and inviting pool shot is a treat for winter-weary eyes. Casey Sachen (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region) agrees, and thinks that “this photograph evokes a mood of a nice summer day relaxing by a pool with the warm sun on my face. People will see this and know that a nice, relaxing day by the pool is to be had if they rent here.”

Technically, Jeff also did a wonderful job with his exposure of the space. “It can be tricky shooting a pool surrounded by mature landscaping on a sunny day,” explains Mandana Namvar (Director of Photography), “because the exposure difference between the ground, water, and shaded areas can be extreme. Jeff does a great job of getting an overall exposure that doesn’t allow the shaded areas to go black.” “This is also a tough exposure,” adds Vern Steinman (Manager of Photography, Western Region), “due to the leopard lighting (or spotty shadows) caused by the sun and the trees surrounding the area.”

Additionally, Jeff made a conscious choice to include the palm trees in their entirety, and Casey explains that this is “an excellent way to frame the shot and create more depth. “ If Jeff chose to crop the trees at their palms, the viewer wouldn’t get a sense of the true size of the space. And that space certainly makes us want to take a dip!

Now, what can we do for your property?

Robert really captures the modern design and vibrant color scheme of this community room! He also manages to find a unique angle (against the windows) to capture as much of the space and its features as possible: the lounge, game room, fireplace, and TV area. “This photo really stands out as exceptional,” remarks Casey Sachen (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region), “because it shows off the large size of the game room.” Vern Steinman agrees: “Robert’s image shows not only the wide area of the room, but the exposure lets you see into the areas that make up the club house.”

Robert also used the room’s “leading lines” to pull the viewer’s eyes throughout the space and make it a more compelling photograph. For example, the lines of the furniture edges in the foreground coupled with the face of the fireplace lead the eye to the TV room, where the column then leads the eye to the high, colorful walls, which then lead you to the game area, etc. This makes the photo dynamic and active, and draws attention to different areas of the space instead of toward just one subject.

Finally, Robert’s composition plays an important role in showcasing the room. “By placing it in the foreground of his photo,” says Casey, “Robert invites you to come and sit by the fireplace. This gives renters a solid idea of what they can potentially come home to.”

And did you catch the alligator head?

Now, what can we do for your property?

The photography team thinks Joakim’s photo is a great image because it captures the distinctive angle of the sun deck, as well as its relation to both the pool and the clubhouse. Casey Sachen (Manager of Photography, Eastern Region) thinks “it’s a great photo because it shows off the unique modern architecture of the property.” “Joakim’s image shows the modern design of the property,” agrees Vern Steinman (Manager of Photography, Western Region), “with a game room/activity area inside and a great view and sun deck outside.”

More specifically, “This is a great image because Joakim shows 3 spaces in 1 – recreation area, sun deck, and pool.” explains Mandana Namvar (Director of Digital Photography). “Joakim also manages to keep a fairly even exposure despite the major light differences.” Vern agrees: “The exposure shows the different colored buildings and an additional deck near the pool area with lounge chairs and an outdoor fireplace.”

If you take a closer look at the image, you’ll also notice how narrow the deck is for shooting the space while trying to include all of its surroundings. In fact, Joakim had to stand against a wall to capture the curve of the sun deck’s architecture, while also making sure to include as much of the environment as possible. This would normally affect the outcome of the image, causing the lines to warp or converge. Mandana takes care to note that “despite standing in a narrow, awkward space and against a wall, he manages to eliminate any signs of warping from his lens. There is virtually no parallax on the image.” Joakim was able to capture the shot, showcase the distinctiveness of the property’s architecture, all while avoiding the technical pitfalls of trying to shoot an awkward space.

Fantastic job, Joakim! Now, what can we do for your property?

The first thing that jumps out is the iconic skyline: if you’ve been anywhere near New York City, you recognize midtown Manhattan just across the Hudson River! By showcasing the skyline, Gerard gives the viewer an unparalleled sense of the property’s location. Casey Sachen (Photography Manager – Eastern Region) agrees, saying, “Gerard does a great job of not only showing off the beautiful skyline, but he also helps people know where the property is located.” Additionally, Vern Steinman (Photography Manager – Western Region) thinks that “Gerard’s photo gives a great view of what renters can come home to. It shows the availability to docks and the great skyline that residents can see.”

The photo itself is also technically exceptional, both in detail and exposure. According to Mandana Namvar (Director of Photography), “The basic fundamentals of great, even exposure and the Rule of Thirds draws the viewer into the image.” (In essence, the “Rule of Thirds” is a principle that states that if a photo is broken up into 3 horizontal and 3 vertical lines – or “thirds” – and one or more of the subjects falls upon one of these focal points, then the photo is aesthetically pleasing). This is illustrated by the shoreline resting on one horizontal “third”, and certain buildings resting on other vertical “thirds”.

At the same time, the photographer’s physical positioning adds to the quality of the shot: “By centering himself on the pier and using the strong architectural feature of the black iron hand rail,” explains Mandana, “Gerard successfully creates depth and draws the eye to the center of the image.”

It sure makes me want to visit! Great job Gerard! Now, what can we do for your property?

Make sure to check back for more quick tips!

Peak rental season is right around the corner, so I sat down with the Apartments.com Director of Photography, Mandana Namvar, to discuss the importance of photos and what her department can do to get your property spring-time-ready!  If you have any questions for Mandana make sure to comment below and if you would like to talk to someone about scheduling a photo shoot for your apartment community please email sales@apartments.com.  Thanks for watching!