This one simple sentence defines the life of a professional.

First impressions are everything, from the very first interview for a job, to working your way up the ladder for promotions; they tell the world that you are here and you mean business. So, why should a first impression only relate to people. Cars, cities, restaurants, food…all these things can make first impressions. Real Estate and Professional Photography should seriously go hand in hand. I mean, the old saying that we ‘eat with our eyes first’ carries over to the rest of our lives. First impressions are key and photos of a home, whether you like it or not, are the one and only first impression buyers get of a home. With almost everything we do today being based online, the image portrayed by a listing through photographs is of utmost importance and you would think that hiring a professional to take pictures of a new listing should be like second nature to EVERY Realtor. Sadly, it isn’t.

Second to being what is necessary to creating a wonderful image for a home being sold, professional photography is also a fantastic feature during listings appointments. Home owners want the best for their home when considering to sell it, and Realtors that use professionals are more likely to be hired than ones who don’t. When we first started, Donny and I decided that this was a must, regardless of the size or price of the listing. We love art, and feel this is a form of it in so many ways. We all live art in our daily lives, from hair, to clothes and makeup. It is a part of who we are as people, so naturally, we wanted to make it part of our business as well.

It seems today that you can find a good photographer anywhere. It’s become something that is somewhat easy to pick up, and of course make a decent living from. However, I would like to talk about just one. Mr. Ray Baker. Upon our first listing, his was one of 3 names that was suggested to me. He was my second choice, but from the moment I met him, I knew he was my guy forever. He is a unique soul who’s love for imagery and photography of all kinds just flows from him at every angle. He talks to himself and his camera and makes no apologies for it. Someone like him just shows how beautiful a life can be through photos.

Ray has been in Baldwin County since 1971 when he moved here with his family after his father retired from the Air Force. Ray’s father took a lot of pictures, which inspired him to do the same. He has been photographing Alabama for the last 20 years. He actually has his Real Estate license, but had a bought with cancer a number of years ago and, being afraid it would return, just now does the bare minimum to keep it active. Through his treatment he had to have 9 operations in 10 months, so, needing something to do, he turned to photographing homes, and has been doing so for the last 2 years.

“I believe there are millions of people with cameras, so I try to turn my casual photography into art.” He has websites filled with beautiful abstract art prints he formed from his original photos. Its truly amazing what he does. So, if you happen to see Ray riding around Fairhope on his Harley, give him a wave. You’ll be glad you did.

And for any Realtor getting a new listing, please do your fellow agents and your listing a favor and hire someone like Ray.

The Parker Team Realty

Donny and Melissa Parker

205-541-5005

TheParkerTeamRealty.Com