Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | [email protected]
There are many benefits of choosing a professional Real Estate Photographer who is also a Certified Drone Pilot.
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.
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.
Related Articles:
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 | [email protected]
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Real Estate Photography by Alan Boucher
651-485-8809 | [email protected]
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 on a tripod - 11MB
(press image to view it larger, then press browser back button to return)
- 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 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.
- 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:
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 | [email protected]
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!
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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
Up CloseVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
A special relationship developed between Vince and the bears. By the mid-eighties, Vince became known as “The Bear Man.” A growing number of people came to witness the amazing relationship between Vince and “his” bears. Even today, when the bears are in the two-acre meadow they accept the presence of people. Outside of this area they revert back to their normally wild and elusive ways, exhibiting their natural fear of humans.
Capturing the Black BearVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Mom and CubVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Twin Cubs Hanging OutVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
That's a Long Way DownVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Got Milk?Vince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Rock ClimbingVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
That's My Food!Vince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
RRRRRVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Coming in from the ForestVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Keeping WatchVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Up CloseVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Papa Bear Quenching His ThirstVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Feeding TimeVince Shutte Wildlife Sanctuary on August 17, 2016
Just before 5:00 PM, the bears know that dinner is coming. By then I had taken about 1,200 digital photos. After this long, enlightening day with lack of sleep, I appreciated Rich driving all 5 hours home.
See all my favorite images here: Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.
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On Friday, I arrived about an hour and a half before dinner. So I checked in and stopped at Palisade Head where several adventurers were getting ready to rappell down the rocky cliff. A couple of guys agreed for me to take their photos, while kayakers paddled below.
Rappelling and Paddling along the Lake Superior ShorePalisade Head in Beaver Bay, MN on May 20, 2016
After having dinner at Camp 61 and our meeting to go over our agenda, some of us went to the Lake Superior shore to capture the full moon.
Full Moon Rising Over Lake SuperiorSilver Bay, MN on May 20, 2016
SunriseSplit Rock Lighthouse in Silver Bay, MN on May 21, 2016
Then when photographing the other side of the beach, much to our amazement, a yearling and her mother appeared at the edge of the woods. We all had our wide angle lenses on for capturing landscapes, but it turned out that's all we needed. The yearling confidently walked right past our camera bags and Terri, sitting on the beach, to get a drink from Lake Superior. I think she was about 4 feet from Terri and about 10 feet from me. All five of us photographers were completely still, not to spook the deer and ruin this magical moment.
Thirsty YearlingNear Split Rock Lighthouse in Silver Bay, MN on May 21, 2016
Be Careful of Those StrangersNear Split Rock Lighthouse in Silver Bay, MN on May 21, 2016
Eventually, the mother doe decided it was safe and joined her yearling for a drink.
I Told You It is Safe MomNear Split Rock Lighthouse in Silver Bay, MN on May 21, 2016
We had a well deserved breakfast at the hotel, while telling Peter what he missed while he slept in. Then off to West Branch Falls, where we spent lots of time learning to capture silky water along with colorful foreground flowers.
Marsh Marigolds by the RiverWest Branch Falls on May 21, 2016
Then before lunch we stopped at Glen Avon Falls where there are many opportunities to capture different mini water falls.
Emerging WatersGlen Avon Falls on May 21, 2016
Hands-on Lesson on Capturing the FallsGlen Avon Falls on May 21, 2016
MistyHigh Falls in Tettegouche SP on May 21, 2016
As usual, Don was giving great expert photography tips on location.
Giving Expert Tips on Capturing the FallsHigh Falls in Tettegouche SP on May 21, 2016
Then on the way back we went down the steps to photograph Two Step Falls.
Swirling WatersTwo Step Falls in Tettegouche SP on May 21, 2016
Looking down river we were treated with a rainbow when the sun hit the spray.
RainbowTwo Step Falls in Tettegouche SP on May 21, 2016
After having dinner at the Northwoods Family Grille in Silver Bay, that evening we endured the extreme lake effect temperature drop at the beach in Silver Bay to capture the full moon rising over an island.
Moon Over the IslandFull Moonrise over Lake Superior in Silver Bay, MN on May 21, 2016
On Sunday morning, Don gave a great Lightroom / PhotoShop lesson along with critique and advice on our images we presented. Then off to Caribou Falls where three of us wanted to get a unique perspective. So we walked through the flowing river to the rocks below the falls to capture scenes like this...
View from the River BelowCaribou Falls in Little Marais, MN on May 22, 2016
After hiking back from Caribou Falls, we changed into dry footwear and stopped at Camp 61 again for lunch to reminisce about our fantastic weekend!
The GangPost Waterfall Workshop
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!
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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: !
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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.
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.
At another stop on the loop this beautiful immature bald eagle circled overhead.
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.
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 !
]]>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
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.
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Just after the park office I saw these does laying in the brush.
Then going by this field I was going to take a photo of these wild turkeys and suddenly a doe appeared in my lens.
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.
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.
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American White PelicanSpotted a landing place.
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Enjoy!
Alan
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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.
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...
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