Meet Amanda and Trent!
Q&A With Twist Tours Issue #2: Our San Antonio Rockstars
Let’s start with an apology. We rocked your world back in the Spring with issue #1 of the Twist Tours Q&A and then never called you. We’re sorry! It’s not you; it’s us.
You see, we didn’t ghost you, we’ve just lost track of time creating stunning photos, online tours, 3D models, aerial images, virtual staging, floorplans, and more for our amazing clients.
Would a little real estate humor break the ice?
…Because with curb appeal like that, you’re a prime property in our heart’s MLS…
….and because we’re photographers, we can really picture you in this house…
Forgiven?
Sounds like it’s time to introduce issue #2 featuring our San Antonio rockstars: Amanda Terry and Trent Heady. These guys are true real estate photography professionals, and we’re grateful to have them on our team. Day after day they create truly beautiful images, making a home listing shine the brightest.
Q: What did you do before real estate photography, and how did you get started in this industry?
Amanda: “I got my photojournalism degree from UT Austin. I ran hotels from there to the Caribbean, then chartered sailboats in the Virgin Islands. A friend from college knows Allison and introduced us when she first started Twist Tours and I had moved back to Texas. I was her second photographer.”
Trent: “I was working in video production of live sports broadcasts and music events. I was looking for other ways to supplement my income and found a post for real estate photos. As the Austin real estate market was taking off, I saw that this type of work could be a real opportunity. I began researching existing companies in the area and connected with Allison and Twist Tours, the rest is history!”
Q: How would you describe your photographic style?
Amanda: “Realistic. Documentary. Fun.”
Trent: “When photographing a house my first focus is composition. I want a nicely balanced photo that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and highlights unique features of the property.”
Q: What are some funny or cute pet surprises you have encountered?
Amanda: “I just shot a house that had a puppy named ‘Boeing’ and recognized the art. A pretty unique name – what are the chances of two dogs with the same name in houses I just happened to shoot? Turns out: same guy, same dog, two years apart.”
Q: Any Human Surprises, ghosts, or creepy encounters?
Trent: “I took photos of a bedroom only to realize someone was asleep in the bed. People never cease to amaze me. I once arrived at a house where the sellers were gone, I announced my arrival and began to work through the house. I finished in the upstairs bedrooms and had one more to shoot. The door was closed, and when I opened it, a young lady was sitting on the bed in pitch black just staring at the wall. She just got up and left the room without saying more than two words. One of the strangest encounters I’ve had to this day.”
Q: What was the most surprising thing about this line of work that you’ve learned:
Amanda: “Ceiling fans really should be wiped down once in a while. Everywhere in San Antonio is 30 minutes from itself.”
Trent: “The amount of driving I do is unreal! I probably spend more time driving than shooting, but you have to go where the work is!”
Q: What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
Amanda: “I like to say to agents ‘Lots of people take pretty pictures. We care about you and your clients and give you an awesome platform to help sell a house.”
Trent: “People seem to think I only shoot lake houses or big mansions, 90% of our work is your everyday 4 bed 2 bathroom house.”
Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of real estate Photography?
Amanda: “The driving.”
Trent: “Shooting a super dark house with dark walls and dark furniture is always challenging and something we run into often. Other than that, shooting unique and custom homes can be a challenge, yet rewarding.”
Q: What’s the best thing about being a real estate photographer?
Amanda: “Getting a peek inside how people live. I love it when agents tell me ‘the house looks so good in the photos they don’t want to move anymore.”
Trent: “It’s so interesting for me to see how people live and all kinds of different properties. You never know what you’re walking into or what surprises you might encounter. No two days are the same, and I love that about this industry.”
Q: What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
Amanda: “ABC: Always be charging (batteries/ equipment/etc.).”
Trent: “Outside of mastering the techniques and learning how to photograph all types of spaces and properties, you really have to learn how to manage people, and create working relationships with the agents. You are selling your talents, but you are also selling yourself and your personality. That is how you get repeat business and become partners with a realtor.”
Q: What other photography do you do outside of Real Estate?
Amanda: “Travel documentary, taking selfies of me and my brother BBQ-ing.”
Trent: “I occasionally work on a TV show, The Texas Music Scene, as a videographer.”
Q: What’s your secret to success?
Amanda: “Hump it like a Marine during high season (April – August). When it’s time to work, you work. Downtime/ vacation happens in the winter.”
Trent: “Have a great work ethic and personality. Clients gravitate to people who they can trust and know they will get the job done.”
Q: What do you do in your free time?
Amanda: “Run to salt water, sail, and fly fish.”
Trent: “I love to play golf and be outside (fishing, beach, lake, etc.) Other than that, most of my time is spent with my beautiful wife Sarah, our two kids, Ella and Truett, and our golden retriever, Gracie.”
Real estate rock stars
Working with the best real estate photographers in the business is an absolute honor. At Twist Tours, our team of professional and determined photographers ensures that your listing is going to soar to new heights, and we have fun while doing it. As experts in real estate marketing, we know how to showcase your home in the best light.
We promise not to keep you waiting long for the next issue, and in the meantime, we’d love to hear from you.
