Elizabeth Dooley, one of VHT’s top photographers, takes what some might call a dangerous step out on a ledge to get a picture perfect shot for a client.
If New York-based photographer Elizabeth Dooley could describe her job in four words, she’d say: extreme real estate photography.
Whatever it takes to get the shot – climbing a rickety water tower above the Manhattan skyline in a dress and flip flops, climbing out a high-rise window, clambering up trees and 12-foot ladders – Elizabeth believes it’s all part of the job in shooting pictures that will seize the attention of picky home buyers and get more showings for home sellers and their real estate agents.
And her job gets a little crazy sometimes.
“I’m a risk-taker,” said Dooley, who is based in New York City and a member of VHT Studios’ nationwide network of professional real estate photographers. “And sometimes I put myself in a precarious position in order to get the best shot,” continues Dooley.
Dooley welcomes the opportunity to gain access to a rooftop, fire escape, water tower, window ledge or crossing beams in a split-level loft or any other vantage point that will create a visually extraordinary shot.
“If I see a shot, I go there, much to the fear of my clients. ‘I can’t look!’ is something I hear quite often from them when I’m photographing properties,” she said.
Agent Rose Marie Laster of the Corcoran Group – East Side has had to cover her eyes watching Dooley go out on a high-rise ledge. “Elizabeth was shooting an apartment I was listing on the 19th floor on East 57th Street off Sutton Place, when I suddenly realized she was halfway out the window. I was horrified. She was capturing the view of the river and the bridge. I said, You come right back in here!!” Laster recalled.
“Elizabeth is fearless,” said Jamie Zimpelmann, a fellow VHT real estate photographer.
Elizabeth Dooley climbs to new heights on a rickety old water tower to get the ideal shot.
Daredevil photographer Elizabeth Dooley does whatever she needs to do to get the best photographs for clients.
The real estate agents Dooley works with agree that great photographs make all the difference in selling a property to jaded online buyers. Sellers who want showings can’t offer mediocre photographs of their homes to consumers who are clicking on listing after listing on their smart phones, laptops and tablets, making quick judgments based on visual appeal.
“Elizabeth maximizes the view in every property she photographs. I wouldn’t use anyone else. Her photos look like they are out of Architectural Digest,” Laster said.
Dooley, who frequently shoots landmark properties and celebrity homes, loves the constant “visual stimulation and social interaction” offered by her job. Three such properties for Elizabeth include shooting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s New York City high-rise, Director Barry Levinson’s (Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietnam, Diner) posh Soho loft, and philanthropist Brooke Astor’s now landmark estate. When photographing Astor’s country estate overlooking the Hudson River in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., Dooley was able to capture what the New York socialite was known for; she adored animals, especially dogs, flowers and books. Floral patterns and animal sculptures were decorative motifs throughout her homes.
Clockwise from top left: entryway, living room, backyard view of the Hudson river, and bedroom or Brooke Astor’s Briarcliff Manor home. Photos by Elizabeth Dooley.
Director Barry Levinson’s Soho loft. Photographed by Elizabeth Dooley.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s NYC high-rise. Photographed by Elizabeth Dooley.
“VHT Studios provides me with a client list that allows me access to the most amazing, historically significant properties in the New York, Westchester and East of Long Island markets. I get to see the best of the best, and I consider it privilege. Plus, VHT Studios provides excellent customer service and stellar photo editing that makes my pictures look the absolute best they can be,” Dooley said.
Each day brings something different for Dooley as she jets around N.Y.C. photographing beautiful properties. She never knows what kind of precarious situation she will find herself in, but Dooley is always up for the challenge and the experience.