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Chris Hayes is a photographer, videographer, and CEO of two businesses, Your Outdoor Production Company LLC and Girl Dad Photography LLC. He recently tested the RICOH THETA Z1 and RICOH 360 Tours to shoot content for an on-site job in New Mexico. We chatted with him about his experience working with THETA Z1 for his professional photography and using 360-degree imagery for the first time! Keep reading to find out more.
Chris, how did you get into photography and establish your businesses?
I got into photography and videography in my mid 30's, kind of on a whim while I was looking for a new career. As soon as I started taking classes, I realized that I absolutely loved it and immediately started honing my craft, taking additional classes, and never putting the camera down. Once I was confident enough in my skills, I started two businesses, Your Outdoor Production Company LLC, and Girl Dad Photography LLC.
That’s amazing! What is your approach to photography and what industries do you specialize in?
I work as a freelance videographer for several television shows on The Outdoor Channel and The Sportsman Channel, and for other clients in my local area. I also work as a freelance photographer in my area, specializing in Real Estate Photography along with Family Photography, Business Lifestyle Photography, and Product Photography.
How long have you worked as a real estate photographer and outdoor photographer? And how has RICOH THETA helped capture your content?
I've been in the photography and videography industry for about two and a half years. This year, I'm averaging about 3 listings a month. The RICOH THETA camera is extremely helpful in situations where basic photos cannot perfectly depict the layout of a house, specifically large houses. A 3D walkthrough of a home gives the viewer a far better understanding of the layout and floor plan of the house, without having to physically visit the property. This is especially beneficial to real estate agents who are working with a client that is moving into the area and is unable to visit the home in person.
Projects Chris used the camera on to include in blog:
● https://girl-dad-photography-llc.aryeo.com/sites/6994-kona-dr-gainesville-va-20155-4125128/branded
● https://girl-dad-photography-llc.aryeo.com/sites/110-applegate-dr-sterling-va-20164-4167492/branded
What are the top benefits that RICOH THETA offers to your real estate photography business? How do clients react to 360 photos?
Real Estate Agents love working with photographers that have multiple photography options, and 360-degree photos and3D walkthroughs are excellent options to be able to provide. Clients are always impressed with the 3D walkthroughs that I provide them. My wife is also a real estate agent - I provided her with a 3D walkthrough and her client received an offer on the house from a buyer who had not even visited the property yet!
Do you have experience using 360-degree cameras? If so, what models have you used?
Up until getting my hands on the RICOH THETA,I had no prior experience with 360-degree cameras!
As a new RICOH THETA user, what are your favorite features of the THETA Z1?
I'm still familiarizing myself with the camera, but being able to take photos in full manual mode is something I'd imagine most photographers would see as a positive. I recommend taking all of your photos in manual mode. Being able to control the aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance manually can help you achieve the look you want.
That’s great! How do you save, manage, view, and share your 360-degree images?
I save my RICOH photos to my phone, as well as to a hard drive, and a backup hard drive. For my real estate photos, I use the RICOH360 Tours program. It is very simple and user-friendly. I also edit my photos using use Adobe Lightroom.
Do you use RICOH THETA for your outdoor photography business as well?
Yes! I recently was hired to film a hunting trip in the mountains of New Mexico and I was able to get some amazing landscape photos around sunset, at a very high elevation, using the RICOH THETA Z1.
That sounds amazing! What 2D imaging devices have you used?
I run mirrorless cameras for all of my 2D images. The RICOH THETA Z1 certainly adds an element of realism compared to 2D images, especially for real estate photography.
Do you use RICOH THETA in other ways outside of your business?
I have not had a chance to yet; however, there are many applications that I plan on using RICOH THETA for in the future. Camping trips with the family, in the tree stand for personal hunts, family vacations, etc.
Do you think the use of 360-degree images will continue to grow in the real estate industry? If yes, how do you expect this technology to advance?
I believe 360-degree images and 360 tours will grow immensely in the real estate industry. There are times when the market is extremely lopsided, benefiting sellers, that buyers almost have no time to waste in viewing several houses in person, and they just need to make offers. Being able to take 360-degree image tours will help buyers be able to make offers with confidence and feel like they have a realistic tour of the property, without actually being there.
You can follow Chris & his work on Instagram and Facebook!
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