Posts filed under Photographs

Property Photographs — 12433 N Oakmont Ct, Dunlap :: Peoria, Illinois, Real Estate Photographer

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

This lovely, large four bedroom home sits in a secluded cul-de-sac neighborhood just north of Peoria, Illinois. Beautiful tile and hardwood floors grace the open first floor. Spacious and move-in ready.

Jackie Hoerr has the listing; you'll find all the details on Realtor.com: 12433 N Oakmont Ct, Dunlap, IL 61525.

By the way—if this home looks familiar, it was featured in the before & after video I showed the other day. I'm developing some new interior lighting techniques and pleased with the way this home photographed. Thanks again to Tracy Molendi from Simply Organized & Staged for her fabulous work.

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior basement photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior basement photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior basement photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior basement photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior walk-in closet photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior walk-in closet photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior back porch and deck photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior back porch and deck photograph for real estate in Dunlap, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Posted on December 20, 2016 and filed under Photographs.

Property Photographs — 712 Taylor Street, Morton :: Peoria, Illinois, Real Estate Photographer

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Another move-in ready home, this two-story ranch in Morton, IL, has been updated almost entirely throughout.

Four bedrooms and three full baths, formal living room and dining room, spacious family room, and a nice deck on the back. Easy access to everything Morton and Peoria have to offer but set in a quiet neighborhood. 

Kudos to Tracy Molendi from Simply Staged & Organized for another stellar staging job. You can see Tracy's exceptional work on two other homes I've photographed in Peoria, here and here.

Get all the details on this home at Realtor.com: 712 Taylor Street, Morton, IL 61550.

Our photography session was excellent. Michael delivered professional photos in an amazing time frame. I would highly recommend his services.
— Pam Goings, homeowner
Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining area photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining area photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen and living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen and living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Morton, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Posted on November 29, 2016 and filed under Photographs.

The Simplest Way to Get Home Buyers (Literally) Lined Up at Your Doorstep

If you're on the fence about getting professional real estate photographs to sell your home, this before vs. after comparison just might push you over.

Imagine yourself in the role of a home buyer.

You're sitting at your kitchen table on a Saturday morning, sipping coffee and browsing real estate listings on your iPad. You've got a neighborhood and price point in mind. Flip, flip, flip—you're waiting for something appealing to entice you.

And then you see it.

Wow—a home shown with stunning photographs. They look like they might be featured in a magazine.

You click through. You like what you see. You call the agent. You schedule a showing. The next thing you know, you're signing a contract. All because the sellers cared enough to show you great pictures of their home.

Now flip this around.

You're selling your home.

You take the time to rake and mow the yard. You vacuum and clean. You get the kids' toys put away. You declutter and stage all the rooms.

And you hire a professional real estate photographer. Not just someone with a fancy camera but a pro who has the equipment, skills, and know-how to make great pictures of your home.

You're doing everything you can to make your home shine because you know your photographs will be one of the big attention-getters for buyers.

Given the choice between the kind of listing images you usually see online versus professional real estate photographs, which would you want for your home?

I recently photographed a home near Springfield, IL, and made some before/after pictures while I was there. The before images were taken with an iPhone 6s—pretty common for MLS listing photos. I'm calling these images amateur.

The after images were taken with my usual real estate kit and method. These are the professional images.

This home presented some real challenges. Large rooms with dark floors and rich paint schemes don't photograph easily. And parts of some of rooms were especially bright from direct sunlight while other areas remained hidden in shadow. As you'll see, the before photos look pretty, well, different from the after photos. 

Child's Bedroom

Before - amateur photograph of child's bedroom

Before - amateur photograph of child's bedroom

After - professional real estate photograph of child's bedroom

After - professional real estate photograph of child's bedroom

Master Bedroom

Before - amateur photograph of master bedroom

Before - amateur photograph of master bedroom

After - professional photograph of master bedroom

After - professional photograph of master bedroom

Formal Dining Room

Before - amateur photograph of formal dining room

Before - amateur photograph of formal dining room

After - professional photograph of formal dining room

After - professional photograph of formal dining room

Kitchen and Family Room

Before - amateur photograph of kitchen

Before - amateur photograph of kitchen

After - professional photograph of kitchen

After - professional photograph of kitchen

Here are the same images presented in galleries as you might see them in an online listing.

Before :: Amateur

After :: Professional

If you were shopping for a home, which photos would you click on—the murky before pictures or the clean, bright after pictures? If your listing has amateur photographs, you may be missing out on attracting potential buyers.

Professional real estate photography helps your home stand out. If you're in central Illinois (Springfield, Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities), I'd love to help you get your home the attention it deserves.

By the way: if you're interested in learning more about the home featured in these photographs, check it out here.

Posted on November 15, 2016 and filed under Advice, Photographs.

Property Photographs - 209 W Aspen Way :: Peoria, Illinois, Real Estate Photographer

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Yet another move-in ready home in Peoria. Lots of space—five bedrooms, a beautiful master bath, formal living room and dining room, family room, office, sun porch, and more. A quiet neighborhood, fresh paint and super clean, it's ready for you.

More details at Realtor.com: 209 W Aspen Way, Peoria, IL 61614.

Note: the home was staged by Turning Point Spaces in Peoria—as you can see, their team did a great job.

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior sun porch photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior sun porch photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining area photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining area photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior office photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior office photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Posted on October 31, 2016 and filed under Photographs.

Property Photographs - 1613 W Kingsway Dr :: Peoria, Illinois, Real Estate Photographer

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Exterior home photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

UPDATE (10/27/206): Did you wait? Sorry—this one went under contract in 12 days

Need a move-in ready home in Peoria? This recently renovated four-bedroom home has everything you need: lovely hardwood floors, new carpet, spacious rooms. A beautiful new deck off the upper floor and a large fenced yard complete the package.

As you'll see in the photographs, staging by Peoria's Simply Organized & Staged, LLC gives the home fantastic appeal. If the look is familiar, Tracy Molendi's team staged another home on Kingsway drive for this same seller last year. For the record, that home sold in just one week after it was marketed with professional staging and photography.

All the details for this listing are available on Realtor.com: 1613 W Kingsway Drive, Peoria, IL 61614. Don't wait long on this one.

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room and living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room and living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior living room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior dining room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior kitchen photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior master bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bedroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior family room photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Interior bathroom photograph for real estate in Peoria, IL :: Illinois Home Photography by Michael Gowin, Lincoln, IL

Posted on October 17, 2016 and filed under Photographs.

Property Photographs - 1316 Eastport Drive :: Bloomington, Illinois, Real Estate Photographer

Looking for convenience in Bloomington/Normal? This is it.

Three bedrooms, three baths (with master bath), fireplace in the family room, and a fenced backyard. Nifty home theater space in the basement and an additional room for an office as well. Minutes from restaurants (Olive Garden, Starbucks, Biaggi's, and Caffé Italia—one of my faves), the airport, and all the shopping a person could want.

See the full listing details on Zillow: 1316 Eastport Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704.

Posted on May 2, 2016 and filed under Photographs.