I thought of this home as a possible contender for Laurie's challenge to "show [her our] local Craftsmans!" The sun was at a low angle when I shot it, so I was able to catch some of the wrap-around porch without much shadow.I ended up using a house with more pronounced Craftsman elements for the challenge, but I still like this one. It's giving me ideas. There are homes for rent and for sale in Pasadena. Would you like to see some? We've got all kinds: mansions, cottages, gorgeous monsters and run-down fixers. This one's got four bedrooms and two bathrooms, it's in a historic district (Orange Heights) and it even has its own website.
I'm shy about photographing people's homes. I imagine someone's going to come storming out with a shotgun and shoo me away from the property. But so far that hasn't happened. People here are used to having their houses photographed. And if there's a For Sale sign out front I feel bold.
So what do you think? Want to go home shopping in Pasadena with me?
Update: Either I'm prescient or this real estate agent knows where I live. I just received a flier about an open house at this very house this Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 PM. If you're interested or nosy, now's your chance.
30 comments:
Realtor Petrea, I love the color mix!
Bring it on Petrea! Can you find anything in the $100,000 range for a young couple? Ha ha. I wish.
The music on the house's website startled me a bit, as did the pop-up add asking me if I wanted to be contacted about purchasing the home. Pretty funny.
Cafe, go to bed!
Just remember this: As long as you are on public property, like the street, you can point your camera any direction you want. :)
Nice house.
Ooooh, this is a great shot! I feel the ball is definitely back in my court...
(And yes. I want to go house shopping with you!)
Yes, I'd love to! I love looking at the variety of architectural styles that you see, in the States more than over here.
And if you like looking at the insides of houses as well, check out this hilarious site:
http://www.lovelylisting.com/
Yes yes yes, more Pasadena real estate!! This craftsman is just too cute and I want to move in right now. Probably a bit out of my price range though. That doesn't mean I don't want to be a lookey-loo though!
Love the house. Love the home shopping idea. But pricing is relative: our house has, over the last dozen years, swung more than $500k up and down, and it's somewhere in the middle now. Was it even affordable when we first bought? Still relative...
Regarding your "dark porch" conundrum: I saw a professional photographer taking a shot of a Craftsman house for sale in Pasadena, and he had hidden Home Depot worklights (lots of them) lighting the entire porch area. I got the postcard later on, and his picture looked beautiful. (He had also added more worklights into the interior, so that the house sorta "glowed" in the photo -- kinda false advertising, but I bet it helped sell the house.)
Oh I wrote the book on nosy!!!! Bring it on. Are you bold enough to take some shots through the windows so we can see the furniture too???
I've been chased by two cars and one shovel when taking house photo's as part of a past job. Exciting but not fun. I am hesitantly careful about posting someone's home for all the world to see. I believe there are many things to consider despite it being perfectly legal.
That being said, I hope to join in the fun soon!
I think in this market, almost ANYONE would want their home to be "showcased" online in any forum, if it might get them a buyer. Things are so slow for some regions they're offering cars and anything else to get people just to buy the freekin house, PLEEEEEASE!
HC's comment about lighting reminded me of several shots I have seen of Craftsmans----they do need that internal lighting to help bring out the inner glow. Also reminded me of YEARS ago when Sunset came to photograph some friends home---they brought in tons of lights even though the house had almost no window coverings---and the pics ended up looking almost a little dark! I was amazed.
So---to get a good shot, you may need permission and help with lighting.
And, I'm with Ben...something in the $100k region, ready-to-move-in condition in a good section of town...we're there! ;-) rotflmao!
LA, for P & U, Irina, a loco realtor, will be there Sunday!
Give me a couple of days, Ben, I might have something. Warning: it's a bit of a fixer-upper. I didn't realize there was music on the site. I never have my speakers on.
Vanda: It's legal. But one day someone pulled up in front of my house in a BMW sedan and took a picture of it. The house isn't for sale. I was creeped out and scared. As a photographer I'm sensitive to how people feel about having their homes photographed. And also to how they may react. See Keith's comment.
Thanks Laurie. Does this one count as a Craftsman? It has elements, but I wouldn't call it an example.
Saretta, that site is a scream! I bookmarked it.
You and me both, Katie. John says, "lookin' ain't buyin.'" (This is only a saying. In truth he has good grammar.)
Hearken: when we shopped our current home the seller's agent would show it only until 2:30PM. I thought she had schedule commitments. Now I know it was because of the light! I love our house, but I'd love more light.
Not yet that bold, Virginia. I'm brave enough to peek over fences but not to trespass.
Keith: ouch.
Trish: that lighting would be necessary to photograph any house for advertising. "Practicals," the term for available lighting, are almost never sufficient to light an ad photo. But I don't plan to do interiors! That'll really get the shovel chasers after me!
Brad Pitt took lovely photos of the Blacker house - have you seen the coffee-table-sized book? Perhaps you could get him to come along and give you a few tips? Can I tag along too?
Daisy, I haven't seen the book but I like your suggestion. I'll give him a call and let you know the upshot.
Update: If you're interested in this house, or just plain nosy, now's your chance. I just received a flier about an open house there this Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 PM. Either I'm prescient or this real estate agent knows where I live.
958 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena.
I have this problem sometimes when I sit in the street and draw people's cars or houses, some people can defensive...here, because I never had any problems in Europe.
Even more difficult when I sketch people in public places, I have to be inconspicuous, i'm like a spy :)
"can be defensive" sorry.
What can you find for $200,000 with 3 bedrooms?
It would be fascinating to see what's for sale in California, I think. Any "monstrosities" for me?
Fun idea. Yes, I'm curious; bring it on.
MH, remember - no drinkin while bloggin! No matter in what form.
I think u need to make an apptmnt 2 c Dr Burchard again!
Oh yes, do go shopping! It'll be fun to virtually tag along with you :>)
Real nice home - looks well maintained & has lots of charm. Does it have a nice steep price?
At the Ralph's in Santa Monica I was told I could not photograph the FLOWERS! What it that all about? They've got such unique arrangements??
Stef, you sneaky man.
Christie, a $200,000 3 bedroom house in Pasadena would be a monstrosity. But! I know what you mean and I'm on the lookout! I think of you when I'm out with my camera and I'm looking for a grand old Victorian pile just for you!
AH, I'll search Altadena, too.
Miss H: Mwah. Did that come out right? Perhaps I should say XOXOXO.
Shopping it is, Ms. M. And Tash, "steep" is relative. The website says "Offered at $699,900." It's a place to start.
You know, gang, most houses have been photographed both from the front and from the air by google maps (street view and satellite view). It's kind of scarey to know that people can scope out your house and can "case the joint" from the air while sitting at their computer. Will the next step be viewing peoples' houses from the air in real time? "Honey, whose white station wagon was parked in our driveway all afternoon?"
If people don't want their houses photographed, they should cover them with termite tarps. That's what I say.
Ah. Now I know why all those houses are covered.
Petrea, just let me know when you want to go into the homes to take pictures. We'll set up a private tour and protect you and the camera from danger. :-)
Ooh, Irina, too good to be true! Email me please, I don't have your email address.
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