The trouble with Murphy’s law is, it’s usually right and almost always negative. When it comes to photographing real estate, Murphy’s law usually comes in the form of the weather not cooperating on shoot day AND it will have been gorgeous the day before. Murphy was in RARE form when it came to shooting this STUNNING semi-custom home in San Elijo Hills. Now normally I can work around a less than sunny day for shooting a house, sometimes it’s even better. However, when you’re shooting an over 6000 square foot home with drop dead views of the Pacific Ocean, even a sunny day doesn’t always cut it.
When Compass realtor, Shiann Haydon, called me to shoot for her this past Friday, mother nature REALLY made us work for it (and yes, Thursday was crystal clear and a postcard day). Yes, Friday was sunny, but as so often happens, there was just enough moisture in the air to completely hide the ocean from my lens. Nonetheless, I shot what I could and we made a plan to return on Saturday. So I returned at 7am...no good. And again at 11am...no good. And AGAIN at sunset...no good. Sun yes, ocean no. Ugh.
Then Sunday rolled around and with it, the rain. Total washout. At this point, Shiann and I were more than a little stressed. Could we get it on Monday and then turn images around to list on Tuesday??? Finally around 1pm the clouds began to clear and the sun broke through. Rather than trusting the weather app, which said it would be clear at sunset, I crossed my fingers and drove back to the house for a FIFTH time. And guess what, I could see the ocean!!! I ran around the house like a kid in a candy store shooting all the views and even re-shooting a bunch of interior shots that showcased the ocean view. I even got the drone up for a killer shot showcasing the nearly 50,000 square foot lot and it’s unique placement atop San Elijo Hills looking down to the Pacific.
I had hoped to wait for some golden hour magic, but sadly, as the sun dropped toward the horizon, that diabolical marine layer reared it’s misty head once again. The ocean was gone. So, five trips, and about ten hours over three days to get the images that would “normally” (as if there is such a thing) take about two hours in one day. But if you’re still reading this, have a look at the images and you tell me if it was worth it. And while some photographers would say I’m crazy to put this much time and effort into one house, I realize it’s worth going the extra mile and hopefully get a client for life.
If you’re interested in this gorgeous home, there are open houses scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact Shiann Haydon at Compass Encinitas
