Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | aboucher66@yahoo.com
 

There are many benefits of choosing a professional Real Estate Photographer who is also a Certified Drone Pilot.

CloseupAerial View

Professional Drone Photographers can capture unique aerial perspectives of the home and property. A bird's eye view can be visualized providing a full scope of the property for sale. 

90 degree angleAerial View

A drone can be raised high enough to capture the surrounding area to include any special features such as beaches, lakes, and parks showing prospective buyers the benefits of the location.

Straight DownAerial View

Related Articles:

• Do I Really Need a Professional Real Estate Photographer?

Check out my Real Estate Photography services and receive a FREE photo shoot as a first time client!

Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | aboucher66@yahoo.com

Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | aboucher66@yahoo.com

A picture is worth a thousand words and can be thousands of dollars. Hiring a professional Real Estate Photographer can not only help you sell a property much sooner, but in some cases even help you reach a higher asking price!
 

People no longer physically go to all homes for sale to find their new dream home.  Instead we go to Zillow, Realtor.com, etc., enter a region, plug in our preferences and sit back and view images of homes on our large, high resolution monitors.  Professional photographers produce high quality images that can be displayed on these large monitors without loosing their quality.

Benefits of hiring a professional Real Estate Photographer
 

• A Professional Photographer will capture all the details and lighting in each room then display it properly on the finished images.
  • Here is what a Professional Photographer's image looks like:

Fujifilm X-T2 DSLR Professional Camera - 11MBReal Estate Photography

Fujifilm X-T2 DSLR Professional Camera on a tripod - 11MB
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• Here is what a smart phone image looks like, taken from the exact same spot just seconds after the previous image.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Mobile Phone- 102KBReal Estate Photography

Samsung Galaxy S10 Mobile Phone handheld - 102KB
(press image to view it larger, then press browser back button to return)
 

• The difference is obvious.  Also, when you click on the images to enlarge them, you will see better quality in the top image.

• A Professional Photographer will highlight the unique features inside and outside the home.

Stained Glass WindowReal Estate Photography

• A Professional Photographer sees details in staging the home that others did not realize.  Especially in lighting, whether to put lights on or off and to open or close blinds / shades.
   
• You can utilize your time more efficiently.  While the photographer is capturing images of the home to be sold, you can be going over details with the seller or lining up potential buyers. 

Related Articles:

• Benefits of Drone Photography for Real Estate

Check out my Real Estate Photography services and receive a FREE photo shoot as a first time client!

Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | aboucher66@yahoo.com
 

This marathon is a celebration of John Beargrease who delivered the mail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais by dog sled in the winter, over 100 years ago. Each sled in this race actually carries a bundle of official U.S. mail. Each musher is sworn in as an official U.S. mail carrier, and takes the letters to a post office at the end of the trail.

It was a blast being a spectator of this event.  I loved watching the excitement of the dogs and the mushers as they head out on their long, grueling journey.  

Here are some of my favorite images.  You can see them all at John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2017.

And there off!

John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017

John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017

John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017

John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017

John Beargrease Sled Dog MarathonStarted in Two Harbors, MN on Jan 29, 2017

Yes, I did put down my camera to have some fun too.  We had lots of delicious meals including fresh seafood of course, walked the beach and relaxed in the jacuzzi in the evenings.  And on the last day before going to the airport we had a delicious brunch with a co-worker of mine whom I never met face-to-face and then we went to Busch Gardens where Rachel and Rick braved all the rollacoasters, while I visited all the animals around the park.

Here are a few of my favorite images.  Just hover over each image to see a description. 

You can see more of my Florida images here: Florida2016.

Enjoy!

Ibis Up CloseBradenton, FL on December 29, 2016

Scrumptious Rock ShrimpSwordfish Grill in Cortez, FL

Two BridgesRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Little Blue Heron Stocking PreyRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Osprey Spots AnotherRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Osprey with a FishRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Florida OrangePalma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Star FruitPalma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016

Great Egret on the ShoreMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

Anticipating the KillRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016

Aligator on the ProwlMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Aligator on the ProwlMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Egret FishingMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Egret FishingMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Wood StorksMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Wood StorksMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Cormarant Dancing on the LakeMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Nice Catch!Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 SpoonbillMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Great Blue HeronMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Can You Canoe?Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Great Egret and Little Blue HeronMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

Above the CanopyMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

3 Wise MeerkatsBusch Gardens in Tampa, FL

Upclose and Personal with a Reeve's Muntjac - One of the Smallest Deer in the WolrdBusch Gardens in Tampa, FL

The first morning we stopped at the visitor center, which closed a week earlier for the season.  The bird feeders were teaming with bird activity along with many Red Squirrels.

Red Squirel under IcyclesSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

I think the only time of the year a bog could be so beautiful is during the time we were there.  So we had to stop to capture it's beauty.   I brought out my heavy duty tripod and put on my landscape lens...

ArchSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Pines by the RiverSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Tunnel of TreesSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

While scouring the trees looking for an owl on Admiral Road, I happened to spot a bump on a branch.  Finally an owl?  Nope, just a porcupine...

PorcupineSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

When we approached Highway 7, I spotted this white raptor flying low along the side of the road, hunting for an unexpected rodent.  Could it be a Snowy Owl?  We stopped along side the road so I could attempt to capture this allusive flying object.  When we got back to the lodge we  enhanced on of the image in Lightroom and determined it was a Northern Harrier.

Northern Harrier on the HuntSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

One of my favorite areas of the bog is where the Red Willow stands out from the snow.

Red WillowSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Red WillowSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

On Saturday while I was waiting for the gang to get ready for our evening shoot, I went out side the lodge to capture the Redpolls and Chickadees by the feeders.

Common RedpollSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Black-capped ChickadeeSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

On our way to find a sunset scene we stopped to photograph a lone deer in the field.  But just a little further was this old shed with nice pines in the background.

Old Shed by the PinesSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

While back on the road we noticed around 6 deer on the move.   This bald eagle must have been perplexed because it looked like the deer were trying to imitate him.

Bald Eagle soaring aboveSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Super DoeSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

Super DoeSax-Zim Bog on March 19, 2016

I did not capture any special sunset images but the next morning we got up before sunrise to get in position to capture these beauties about a half mile from the lodge.

Old Barn at SunriseSax-Zim Bog on March 20, 2016

Sunburst through Old BarnSax-Zim Bog on March 20, 2016

Sunburnt ShedSax-Zim Bog on March 20, 2016

Sunday morning on our way out of the bog, we spotted a few Ruffed Grouse eating buds from a tree.

Ruffed GrouseSax-Zim Bog on March 20, 2016

On the way home we stopped to capture the raging river below the recently opened Thomson Dam in Carlton, MN.  I experimented with and without my Neutral Density filter.

Raging RiverThomson Dam in Carlton, MN

Raging RiverThomson Dam in Carlton, MN

Raging RiverThomson Dam in Carlton, MN

Raging RiverThomson Dam in Carlton, MN

To see full size images go to Sax-Zim Bog.

I hope you enjoyed my blog.  Comments are welcome!

Capturing the FlowBaptism RIver - Upper Falls north of Silver Bay, MN on June 27, 2015

The weekend of June 26 - 28, 2015, I took part in Don and Peter's North Shore Spring Workshop to learn some techniques to improve my landscape photography.  This weekend included many beautiful locations, great food, and terrific outdoor photographers.

On Friday, Phil and I drove up and stopped at Duluth to have a nice lunch at a sandwich shop.  Before reaching Silver Bay to check in, we stopped at Gooseberry Falls to capture some quick images.

Upper FallsGooseberry Falls on June 26, 2015

Then we met up with another photographer from our group and went out for delicious local Lake Herring and beer at Camp 61 in Beaver Bay.  After dinner, we all got together for an hour to go over some tips for the very long day ahead.

To catch sunrise near the summer solstice you need to get up very early.  So on Saturday morning we met in the lobby at 4:15 AM.  We headed to Sugarloaf Cove to spend a couple of hours trying many different sunrise techniques.

Beginning of a Beautiful DaySunrise at Sugarloaf Cove on June 27, 2015

Gold!Sunrise at Sugarloaf Cove on June 27, 2015

The next stop was my favorite, Baptism RIver - Upper Falls north of Silver Bay.  Here is where I practiced using a neutral density filter and a long shutter speed to capture the flow of water.

Moving WatersBaptism RIver - Upper Falls north of Silver Bay, MN on June 27, 2015

Don and Peter never had their cameras with them at any of these locations.  They were there to provide expert one-on-one advice and instruction.

Hands OnBaptism RIver - Upper Falls north of Silver Bay, MN on June 27, 2015

Hands OnBaptism RIver - Upper Falls north of Silver Bay, MN on June 27, 2015

Next stop, Cascade River State Park, featuring beautiful cascading waterfalls.

Flowing FallsCascade River State Park on June 27, 2015

Flowing FallsCascade River State Park on June 27, 2015

After having lunch at My Sister's Place in Grand Marais, we drove all the way up to Grand Portage to capture the Lake Superior Coastline.

Lake Superior CoastlineGrand Portage on June 27, 2015

Lake Superior CoastlineGrand Portage on June 27, 2015

Then we spent some time by the Kadunce River, where we learned that the lower you can place your camera, the more creative you can get with moving water.

Flowing Little FallsKadunce River on June 27, 2015

River Eye ViewKadunce River on June 27, 2015

Finally, we made it to Grand Marais to capture sunset.

End of a Wonderful DayGrand Marais, MN on June 27, 2015

After taking many magnificent images for the day, we had a 10:00 PM dinner at the only restaurant open in the North Shore, then finally back to Silver Bay by midnight.  Don wanted us to meet in the lobby at 4:30 AM the next day.  But only 2 determined sun-risers, not including me, joined Don to capture sunrise the next day.

After breakfast and a great Adobe Lightroom and image critique session, we headed to Gooseberry Falls.  But it was pouring rain on the way there.  When Phil and I got there it stopped.  So we spent some time photographing the falls before joining the rest for lunch in Twin Harbors.

I'm extremely happy we stopped, because I couldn't wait to practice what I learned on Saturday.  I think I passed the course.

Flowing Lower FallsGooseberry Falls on June 28, 2015

After lunch we all met at Stoney Point to capture one last landscape before heading home.

Old Barn on the ShoreStoney Point on June 28, 2015

The details in this old barn was a good opportunity to try a black and white.

Really Old BarnStoney Point on June 28, 2015

On the ride back to the cities, Phil and I took the scenic route, which featured a couple of detours on dirt roads.  However, as Phil mentioned, it must have been serendipity because we happened upon some Sandhill Cranes in a field alongside the dirt road.  I stopped to capture one of them before they dissappeared into the woods.

Sandhill Crane in the fieldCaptured on June 28, 2015

Check out all of my images of the North Shore here:  North Shore Spring Workshop!

In order to get close to these grouse, we needed to be in blinds before they dance, which meant by 5:45 AM.  As we walked to the blinds we could already hear them hooting and clucking. 

Blinds on the Sharp-tailed Grouse LekAitkin, MN on April 11, 2015

Shortly after sunrise this male came about 20 feet from our blind.

Male Sharp-tailed Grouse Coming out to Dance at SunriseImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 11, 2015

When dancing, their wings rattle sounding like a lawn mower.  You can listen to their dance here: Sharp-tailed Grouse Sound.

Dancing MaleImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 11, 2015

On Saturday afternoon, Tim and I went on a 3 mile wildlife loop around Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in McGregor.  I spotted this porcupine up in a tree.

Porcupine in the TreeImage taken in Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in McGregor, MN on April 11, 2015

At another stop on the loop this beautiful immature bald eagle circled overhead.

Imature Bold Eagle Soaring OverheadImage taken in Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in McGregor, MN on April 11, 2015

That evening we went back to the blinds to see if the males would dance before sunset, but no such luck.  However, the sunset was worth capturing.

Sunset from the LekImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 11, 2015 Sunset from the LekImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 11, 2015

Leaving the blind in the evening, there's a great chance to see whitetails.

Whitetails on the MoveImage taken in Aitkin, MN on April 11, 2015

Then next day from the blind started with some more hooting and clucking.

Male Sharp-tailed Grouse HootingImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

Following by the Dance.

Dancing MaleImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015 Fully SpreadImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

If you look closely you will see a strange brown bump on this male's chest and also a wire sticking up.  We found out later that the MN DNR hired someone to tag and track grouse in the area this year.  This male was wearing a transmitter.

I think Tim had a remote control to bring this male closer to us so we could get some great shots.  :)

Sporting his TransmitterImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

Here are two males ready to dance for a female.

Let's Dance for that HenImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

Here's their dance off.

Dance OffImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

Well, who won?

2 MalesImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

This male was about 15 feet from the blind.  There was one opening in the blind at grouse eye level.  I crouched down to capture this image through that opening. Great nature shot except for the radio transmitter. 

Male Sharp-tailed Grouse Sporting his TransmitterImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

When we captured enough of these males dancing, we opened up the blind to spook the remaining few.  I caught this one as he circled back.

Male Sharp-tailed Grouse on the moveImage taken from blind in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

On the way from the lek to a well-earned breakfast there were a couple of Sandhill Cranes on the edge of a farm's field.

Sandhill CraneImage taken in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015 Sandhill CraneImage taken in Aitkin, MN on April 12, 2015

Check out all of my images from this weekend at Dancing Sharp-tailed Grouse!

Well Bailey did fine on our 2 plus mile walk, during which I noticed lots Bald Eagles flying around.  Then as we were leaving there were 3 immature Bald Eagles on the trees right between the road and the river.  I had to pull over and take out my camera, leaving Bailey in the car.

I went to the river's edge and observed around a dozen mature and immature Bald Eagles fishing in the recently open waters of the Mississippi River.

Bald Eagles Fishing in the Mississippi

Check out all images at Bald Eagles Fishing in the Mississippi.

After practicing capturing some of these eagles in flight and eating their lunch, I went back to the car to find Bailey wondering where I went.

Bailey Patiently Waiting for his Shutterbug DadCaptured on March 8, 2015 by the Mississippi River in Jacees Park in Hastings, MN

Just after the park office I saw these does laying in the brush. 

Doe lying in the brushPhoto taken on August 27, 2014 in Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, MN.

Then going by this field I was going to take a photo of these wild turkeys and suddenly a doe appeared in my lens.

Deer crossing turkey's pathPhoto taken on August 27, 2014 in Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, MN.

Then after doing some scouting around, I came across a family of around 6 deer.  One doe appeared to have an injured leg and let me get within 10 feet while she laid down chewing her cud.

Doe chewing cudPhoto taken on August 27, 2014 in Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, MN.

Finally I spotted what I was looking for, a spotted fawn.  After nearly tripping over the injured doe, I spent about 30 minutes following this fawn,  getting closer to get better angles for great images.  The fawn and it's family seemed to trust me as they all laid down in spite of my presence.

Close	Closer
Fawn relaxingPhoto taken on August 27, 2014 in Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, MN.	Fawn listeningPhoto taken on August 27, 2014 in Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, MN.

American White PelicanSpotted a landing place.

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Enjoy!

Alan

Loon Family

On Monday, June 9th, for my early 50th birthday present, my lovely wife sent me on this Loons and Chicks Workshop. This workshop was led by Professional Wildlife and Nature Photographer Nathan Lovas.  Nate brought me and other photographers up close and personal with many loon families on Clearwater Lake in Annandale, MN on his pontoon boat.  He gave us pointers on camera settings and told us when a great moment will be coming up for a photo shot, without even picking up his own camera to shoot.  He even let me use his Canon 100 – 400mm lens the whole time.

Nate’s philosophy for wildlife photography is something like this: Pick a species, learn what it eats, where is sleeps / nests, and its breeding behaviors. Then you will be ready to go out and anticipate when a great moment will occur to capture fascinating images.

So here is what I learned about loons using my favorite images.  Click on each image to see in full screen.

Both male and female loons dive under to catch minnows and worms to feed their chicks. Here is a male with a nice catch!	Male bringing a minnow to a lucky chick.
	Here is the female loon bringing a worm to her chicks.
Mom feeding a minnow to one chick.  The other chick wants a piece too.
	Here you can have one too.
Here are a couple of plump, happy identical twins.
	And another pair of chicks at play.
When the chicks are full they like to rest on the comfort of mom’s back.
	Some chicks find extra security under their mom’s wing.
And some chicks just can’t get enough to eat.
	The chicks learn to dive within the first week of life.  This one’s wondering where everyone went.  Seconds after this shot, he joined his twin under water.
The adults routinely preen to keep their feathers clean.
	Once they are done preening from head to tail…
they breach,
	spreading their to wings to stretch and dry them.
Loons continue their activities during the evening hours, such as feeding…
	and breaching.
And also just enjoying each others company.
	As the sun sets,
they sleep over deeper water, away from land for protection from predators.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my loons and chicks adventure almost as much as I enjoyed learning about loons and capturing images of their daily activities. I also took photos of Red-necked Grebes, American White Pelicans, Great Egrets, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.  Check out those photos too...