Demetrius Borges: A Journey Through Commercial Real Estate Photography
Demetrius Borges’ rise in the realm of commercial real estate photography is a remarkable story of passion, adaptability, and precision. His journey, from a young photographer in Brazil to the founder of Map Drone Services in Miami, Florida, showcases an enriching blend of artistic vision and technical acumen.
Early Beginnings in Photography
- Brazilian Roots: Borges began his photography career at just 16, driven by curiosity and talent.
- Military Background: Simultaneously serving in the Brazilian Air Force for 30 years, he honed his skills at his father-in-law’s photography studio in Tijuca and Barra da Tijuca.
- Experience Gained: Captured weddings, corporate events, and commercial projects, mastering the fast-paced environment of a professional studio.
Transition to the United States
In 2016, Borges made a pivotal move to the U.S., a decision that significantly influenced his career trajectory.
- Founding 2B Art Studio LLC: He embraced photojournalism and collaborated with ArcheiUSA Newspaper and Hama Editora, adding to his portfolio.
- Diverse Content Creation: He contributed to marketing campaigns, commercials, television shows, and the Brazilian Film Festival in Miami.
The Rise of Map Drone Services
With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Borges launched Map Drone Services, marking a significant evolution in his offerings.
- Drone Photography: His military background facilitated easy acquisition of an FAA license.
- Popularity: His aerial imagery has surpassed 18 million views on Google Images, solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Specialization in Commercial Real Estate Photography
Borges shares insights on his specialization in commercial real estate photography, emphasizing the following:
“My journey into commercial real estate photography began back in Brazil, but became a stronger focus about seven years ago after moving to Florida.”
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Understanding the Market
- Research and Adaptation: He studied the U.S. industry thoroughly, identifying gaps in quality and consistency faced by realtors.
- Luxury Real Estate Demand: Recognizing the high demand for premium images, he deepened his specialization.
The Essence of Capturing Properties
For Borges, the artistry of commercial real estate photography lies in expressing each property’s unique identity.
“Every property has its own unique identity, and my job is to visually express that identity.”
Key Techniques
Borges highlights his approach, which balances artistic interpretation and technical precision:
- Sensitivity to Space: Understanding light, lines, color, and perspective is vital.
- Technical Skills: Mastery in color correction, spatial accuracy, and consistency are paramount for market demands.
The Importance of Creativity in Commercial Photography
Borges insists that creativity is intrinsic to successful commercial photography:
“Creativity separates average work from memorable, impactful imagery.”
Art Meets Commerce
Borges adeptly navigates the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability:
“It’s possible to be an artist while working on commercial projects… The key is balance: respecting the commercial objective without sacrificing your artistic identity.”
Highlighting a Case Study
An engaging example from his portfolio involved Brilliant Smiles of Boca Raton, a high-end dental clinic:
- Visual Refresh: The management sought a modern brand image.
- Techniques Utilized: Soft lighting, clean tones, and balanced compositions were employed, creating a complete visual experience.
Mastering Aerial Photography
Borges reflects on a memorable project that highlighted his precision, artistry, and courage:
“In 2000, I photographed a flight inspection aircraft in mid-air… It required real-time communication and meticulous timing.”
This experience illustrates the intersection of his military precision and photography passion, resulting in powerful, published imagery.
Adapting to Industry Changes
Borges identifies how remote work has transformed the commercial real estate landscape:
“The rise of remote work has changed the nature of spaces I photograph — companies are seeking more versatile, smaller spaces.”
Enhanced Role for Photographers
This shift magnifies the necessity for high-quality commercial photography:
“With many companies operating remotely, images now serve as the primary connection to potential clients, highlighting the strategic importance of photography.”
Distinctions Between Photographing Spaces and People
Borges elaborates on the differing techniques required for capturing static structures versus dynamic human subjects:
- Static Structures: Offers time for meticulous planning and detail observation.
- Photographing People: Focuses on emotional connection, requiring empathy and timing.
Capturing the Soul of Spaces
Borges emphasizes the “soul” of a space and its portrayal through photography:
“Even static objects have a ‘soul’… my sensitivity reveals the underlying emotion and energy.”
This artistic insight enables him to turn structures into emotionally resonant imagery.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Journey
Demetrius Borges’ journey exemplifies how passion, technical skill, and commitment culminate in success in the world of commercial real estate photography. His insights offer invaluable lessons for aspiring professionals, highlighting the importance of adaptability, creativity, and collaboration in capturing the essence of spaces. With his focus on the "soul" of a property—whether through aerial imagery or intricate interiors—Borges elevates commercial photography into an art form, making him a prominent figure in the industry.
For those in the commercial real estate space, Borges’ work serves as a compelling reminder of photography’s transformative power and strategic significance.