Bad Photo Editing = Bad Advertising

If sites like PSDisasters are any clue, people have become keenly aware of photoshoping and photo editing in mainstream advertising; and can recognize when it is manipulative and done poorly. I personally don’t consider myself a “technology person” but even I have been able to recognize some very poorly manipulated photos posted online by well meaning Realtors (not by any that I’ve worked with ; )

So, I thought I’d post some examples of what not do to. Ever. Seriously!

Original:

Here is the example photo I’ll be using, and I will be manipulating to show off the kinds of things I’ve seen done online : )

The Stretch: 

I think that this is a mistake that is often started honestly. The Realtor decides to crop out something along the edge of the photo, and then stretches the photo to fit the original size.

Look at the way the microwave and stove are stretched. I have seen this technique used on photos of small kitchens, and bathrooms (where all of a sudden the sink looks disproportionately huge).

People viewing this photo can tell it has been cropped and stretched, and it will make them question the integrity of the Realtor (as well as assuming the worst about the size of the room).

The Color Change

Again, this can start as an honest mistake. The coloring of the photo are off, or the lighting is off, and all of a sudden what started out as a few simple tweaks spirals out of control. A potential buyer should never be surprised that the wall color/carpets/etc. are not as they appeared in the ad.

The Eraser/ Clone Away:

I’m sure everyone has seen this at least once. Where obviously there was something in frame that the Realtor decided would be better to just paint or clone out. Of course the potential buyer can tell this has been done, and the things they imagine could have been in that photo are nearly always going to be far worse then whatever it was. They will also wonder what else the Realtor is trying to hide about the house.

Easiest way to never have these problems? Hire a professional stager and professional photographer : )