Sometimes you may prefer the traditional classic that lasts forever.

Wonderful Classic 5 Bedroom Atlântico Villa with a central location and easy access to the beach.

A grand entrance hall welcomes you into this noble property, 2 guest suites lie off of a small corridor, with office and a TV snug completing this wing of the villa.

A grand formal lounge with dining room overlooks to the swimming pool area, while a fully fitted ample kitchen and laundry services the property.

On the first floor, there are two additional guest ensuites along with the master suite with extensive terracing. The basement has a double garage, gym and steam room.

Overall a great property with a Quinta do Lago golf title attached to benefit the new owners. Recently reduced price.

Key Details of this Property: 

• Dining room
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Studio or office
• Gymnasium
• Landscaped Gardens
• In the heart of Quinta do Lago
• Stunning Pool area
• Heated Swimming Pool

For further information about this fabulous property click here and mention the ref: QDLL1003.  For more information as to how you can secure my services for similar work, please get in touch.

A Tribute to Contemporary Architecture...

This stunning new build holds commanding views over the North course and out to Pinheiros Altos golf.

Of contemporary design, the villa is architecturally balanced with plenty of floor to ceiling windows to allow streams of Algarvian sunlight to penetrate all corners of the property.

A large entrance hall with a feature stairwell greets you upon arrival, which opens out into the main living areas of the house. An open plan fully fitted kitchen with pantry connects seamlessly to the lounge, dining room with an additional TV snug area completing the golf facing rooms.

There are 5 guest bedrooms split between three floors, all having great luminosity and private bathroom suits, the additional Master Suite has a dressing area, private bathroom and access to well-located sun terraces.

The clever basement design helps to bring natural light into all rooms and 3 of these rooms (gym, games room\bar and children’s playroom) have windows into the swimming pool, which casts a calming light throughout.

A double garage, laundry\Tech-room complete the lower floor.

Externally the manicured garden roll out towards the golf course, while the clever design of the two swimming pool (day and kids pool) helps with the overall flow of the villa.

Overall this is a very well located private villa, overlooking one of Europe’s finest golf courses.

Key Details of this Property: 

• Contemporary Design
• Golf Front with excellent views
• 6 bedrooms all en-suite
• Open plan living areas
• Fully fitted Kitchen and Pantry
• Lounge\Diner
• TV Snug
• Guest WC
• Covered Terraces
• Overflow Pool
• Kids Pool
• Water Features
• Landscaped gardens
• Wine Cellar
• Children´s day room
• Gym
• Laundry

For further information about this fabulous property click here and mention the ref: QDLL1010.  For more information as to how you can secure my services for similar work, please get in touch.

Unique and stunning views over the golf course at any time of the day!

Arguably one of the finest locations within Quinta do Lago, with unrivalled views out over both the San Lorenzo golf course and Ria Formosa nature reserve. Classical architecture and wonderful open design help to make this a simply stunning family home.

This four bedroom property has a simple but effective layout offering great accommodation for all concerned and includes a spacious lower floor with laundry, sauna and pool access.

A large heated swimming pool holds stunning vistas out over the lakes, while a secluded outdoor dining area and BBQ make for classic evening entertaining.

Key Details of this Property: 

• Plan living and dining room
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Studio or office
• BBQ
• The sound system in the living area
• Swimming pool
• Breakfast terrace
• Basement
• Garage
• Electric gate 
• TV satellite system 
• Exterior lighting
• Landscaped gardens 
• Irrigation system

For further information about this fabulous property click here and mention the ref: QDLL1059.  For more information as to how you can secure my services for similar work, please get in touch.

Recent property work for leading Luxury Real Estate company

Video walk-through's are just one part of the task when putting together a video on this type. Aerial footage is also required and is more challenging too. 

This unique property on the outskirts of the infamous "Laranjal Golf Course in Quinta do Lago" has 7 Bedrooms and was a project that required numerous takes done throughout the day. 

This property is a hidden treasure, well located on a large south facing elevated plot with wonderful views across the countryside and distant sea views.

A spacious hallway filled with natural light welcomes you into this wonderful residence and leads on to an open plan kitchen/dining area and comfortable lounge area.

Three guest suites and a separate cloakroom can be found on this level with access from all rooms out to a spacious south facing sun terraces.

The lower level of this spacious villa offers plenty of family entertaining areas such as a home cinema and games room, two extra bedrooms, a shower room, extra storage areas and a laundry. All have direct access out to the wonderful landscaped gardens and heated swimming pool.

The first floor hosts the wonderful master suite with stunning views from its private terrace and a desirable dressing room, a study and another guest bedroom with private terraces and great views.

The gardens are delightful and offer a unique and private setting in one of the most desirable areas the Algarve has to offer.

Key Details of this Property: 

• Seven bedrooms
• Seven bathrooms
• Study
• Cloakroom
• Laundry room
• Home cinema
• Games room
• Lounge
• Open plan kitchen 
• Dining room
• Air conditioning
• Electric Shutters
• Underfloor heating and cooling system
• Heated swimming pool
• Landscaped gardens
• Tennis court
• CCTV
• Boreholes x 2
• Spacious property
• 5 minutes from Quinta do Lago
• Golf courses nearby
• 20 minutes from the airport

For further information about this fabulous property click here and mention ref: QDLR2159.  For more information as to how you can secure my services for similar work, please get in touch.

Properties of this stature are definitely built to be lived in all year round taking total advantage of the 3000 hours of sunshine the Algarve boastfully offers!

It's always a pleasure to be given assignments like this truly heartwarming 7-bedroom villa. Great views and well located to amenities, this villa appeals to all ages of family members.  But don't take my word for it, see for yourself...

Open and light and airy this classical yet modern home offers a comfortable all year round living. A welcoming grand hallway with views straight out to the garden and golf course. A large living and dining area with a separate television room and access to a large kitchen with breakfast area.

A separate large room can be found close to the kitchen and used as a games area or office.

Laundry room with fitted electrical appliances

Hallway to 3 spacious and light guest suites with private bathrooms

Upstairs to three further bedrooms including a large master bedroom with walk-in closet, en-suite grand bathroom and adjoining large sun terrace with fabulous golf and countryside views.

The villa has a spacious basement area with a multi-functional room, 7^th guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a spacious garage and storage area.

External landscaped gardens with wonderful heated swimming pool and pergola with built-in barbeque area.

A true gem in the heart of Quinta do Lago within a 5-minute walk to many facilities offered by the resort.

Key Details of this Property: 

• 7 Bedrooms
• Ample & Light
• Air conditioning
• Underfloor heating
• Large windows
• Golf views
• Basement
• Garage
• Automatic irrigation
• Borehole
• Good access
• Elevated plot

For further information about this fabulous property click here.  For more information as to how you can secure my services for similar work, please get in touch.

Professional photography services are widely used for selling property, but with the Algarve and Portugal being awarded top golfing destination in the world for 2016, there are numerous benefits to use it for your rental property listings as well.

Having photographed well over €75m worth of properties throughout the Algarve over the years, Daracle Photography is securely a leading reference in the industry providing authenticity and credibility to any property being photographed.

Here are our Top 6 compelling reasons to consider professional photography with Daracle Photography for your "long-term", "short-term" or "Holiday-Let" rental property:

1. First of all, Daracle Photography helps to showcase your rental property to its maximum potential. Wide-angle lenses, professional lighting (when required), Aerial Shots (using drones) and digital image retouching all contribute to opening up your space making it appear brighter, airy and appealing wherever it's listed but without "Over Selling" it. 
    
2. Professional photography with Daracle Photography helps your rental listing to be seen easier, to stand out from the rest. Clarity, Sharpness, warmth and high resolution of top-quality images add credibility to your listing amongst an abundance of unprofessional smartphone or tablet (Phablet) handy work. 
   Needless to say that the results subsequently attract not only more viewers and enquiries but, at the same time, a higher calibre of guests /tenants too. 
    
3. For long term rentals, High-resolution professional photographs will provide you with an accurate record of the pre-lease condition of the property to refer to during, and after, a lease in such case that disagreements arise.
    
4. Based on the above reasons, listings with professional photography normally find themselves being let in a shorter period of time and for higher revenue than those without, which means the property is occupied for longer periods maximizing 'ROI' (return on investment).
   We recently did a simple test with a property for a local agent. The same property was listed twice on the same marketing channel, at the same time for exactly the same periods (exception of different reference numbers only). One listing had the usual amateur images with poor lighting, unpleasant angles as much quality that can be obtained from a mobile "phablet". The other had professional images taken from the same spot as the amateur shots. 
   The results where astounding, especially to the agent (who now use Daracle Photography for ALL imagery needed). The listing with professional images sold 90% of it's allocated period in less than ONE WEEK from being listed and generated 45 additional enquiries of which 30% went on to book other similar properties listed with them.
   
   
5. In the world of Holiday Rentals, credibility is constantly an aspect that all property owners and rental agents seek to ascertain. Increased and staggering numbers of fictitious properties were used to lure the unsuspecting holiday makers to part with deposits, sometimes as much as 50% of the full rental fees. However, upon arrival at the destination found that either there was simply no property, or if the property actually exists, additional holiday makers had also booked that same property for the same period...(double or triple bookings).
    
6. Daracle Photography has a solution for this for Property owners that employ our services with the "Daracle 5 Stars - Seen & Certified" seal of merit.
   A purposely designed watermark embedded into the image so that viewers can then ascertain and verify the authenticity of the image by knowing that a reputable professional photographer has actually visited the property. 

Are you a property owner in Portugal with your property listed on your own private website, or listed with one or more rental listing web sites such as, Holiday Lettings, Airbnb, Flipkey, HouseTrip, HomeAway, Lodgify, Kigo (to name just a few)?
Would you like see an increase in leads for your property(ies)? Would you like to give your property the chance to shine among other listings?.

Then wait no more...

Took my daughter down to training tonight and couldn't help but get that vibe of wanting to get back into the game. However, after over a year out of playing, it wouldn't be impossible, but my body wouldn't really thank me too much I don't think... stick to the padel.

Use the social Media buttons above to follow me if you wish and by all means, feel free to interact with comments below and more tomorrow...

So I was sat in my car in a car park just waiting for my wife to finish in the shop and a police car, lights flashing, siren piercing the evening silence, pulls over a car that must obviously been caught in a speed trap which is notorious for this stretch of road.  - Not the best way to star the New Year!! 

Use the social Media buttons above to follow me if you wish and by all means, feel free to interact with comments below and more tomorrow...

Today marks the 1st of 365 images to come. Yes, one Random photo taken by me on either my Mobile phone or from Shoots that may come up throughout the year. Topics will be totally random and hopefully geographically diverse too...

Use the social Media buttons above to follow me if you wish and by all means, feel free to interact with comments below. 

Feel free to leave your comment on the photo and if you want to follow me on either of the Social media channel then please do. 

Twitter: @daracle

Instagram: @Daracle

Was 2015 as exciting and complete for you as it was for me? I know it was for some of you!! 

You know that saying, when someone questions someone else's speed of doing something, "Well? What are you waiting for...Christmas?" or "We'll be here until Christmas at the rate you're going!"... I don't know about you, but it seems to me like Christmas was just yesterday! In actual fact, come Saturday the 26th of December, it will have been!! 
These last 12 months have been great on all fronts for me and, before I get stuck right into the Xmas Spirit of things, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of you with whom I've had the pleasure of working with, and for throughout 2015, a very merry Christmas and opulent 2016!! 

E se a vossa língua é o de Camões, então não esqueci de si... Desejo-vos todos um Feliz Natal e Bom Ano Novo!!

I have said in the past, and I’ll continue to say that quality photos are what sell a product or service. And there is no better example to use than that of the Vacation Rental (VR) industry. A while back I posted some of my tips and tricks (See link below) for preparing your holiday vacation rental property for a photo shoot, but I’d also like to go one step further with this post.

By that, I mean arriving at the decision to actually have professional photos taken of your property and what to do with them once you have them to ensure that you’re maximizing your listing’s booking potential with your photos. 

Photos build trust

A prospect may have had experience of booking their vacations or holidays online. However, you should always assume that it is their first time at this. The photos will go a very long way to vouching for the credibility of the listing on the website where it’s being promoted.

It’s therefore essential that the photos really do represent the property as a whole. 

Exterior shots and interior shots will be taken to showcase the property allowing your prospects to gain as much detail as they can without actually being in the property. Credibility builds trust and trust is the foundation of any agreement or deal. 
Remember, "Second chances at first impressions never happen!"

Your Listing will sell with photos

The first thing that catches a potential guest’s eye are THE PHOTOS! You can have a unique, detailed description of all the knives and forks, and the designer furniture in the property, but if the person looking to make a booking sees a better-looking picture for another offer, then that description won't even going to be seen, let alone read!

The photos you get from Daracle Photography will be Eye-Catching, high resolution and will give your prospects a real feel for the ambience and vibe your property provides. Where it’s located, the layout, and an overall general appeal for the listing that. Your prospect will be able to envisage themselves by that crystal clear pool in the bright sunshine!

Going the extra mile...Why not?

I have done numerous property shoots to date and I understand that it’s not always possible to have everything ready as if I, (the photographer), was the actual guest arriving for my weeks stay. But you should! 

Pushing the boat out, going that extra mile for me, means that I get to see and take photos of all the little details that will speak to your guests.

Chances are you already include some standout touches for your guests and I bet they love seeing these details, as they convey care and concern for your property and therefore portray the same for their stay. I already advise that fresh fruit should be readily available and also the odd bottle of wine or freshly made pot of coffee (love a cuppa for those early shoots!).

I also like to take shots of surrounding areas and activities that allow guests to idealize what they can expect during their vacation. These little, careful touches that you make, not only help to make you stand out but also allows me to make your property stand out.

So what about the tips?

So we have agreed that images and photos are important for guests to engage their willingness to book. Here are a few more tips to assist with keeping your listing in top shape.

• Maximize your image gallery

Some people say that quantity isn’t important over quality. I’d agree with them to a certain extent. However, I maintain that if you have a listing that is a 5 bedroom villa, it will be a tough sell with just 5 quality images of the swimming pool and garden on a sunny day! I provide you with as many images as it takes based on the size of the property listing. You then get to choose which you use but always take in mind that not using up your full allotment for images could be the difference of selling that extra couple of weeks!

• Quality…Paramount!

This is the second part of the previous point. Having 30 images that are not of a high standard (High resolution, correct angles and lighting), on your listing will have the same effect as not enough images. You might as well not have any. People don’t realize how much impact quality photos have. I can’t emphasize enough that they are very often the make or break of booking in a lot of cases and therefore simply paramount for anyone listing a property be it for vacation rental or realty purposes.

• Location, Location, Location or was it placement?

Think of your photos as a virtual “walk through” for your potential guest. The placement and positioning of your photos matter just as much as the content and quality of the photos. Position your photos in a logical manner that gives guests an understanding of the layout of your house.

• Maintain them updated

Finally, we come to the need to keep your images up to date. As the seasons change, and so should your photos! Having wonderful images that speak to people for a specific time of year will do just that. For the remainder, of the year they will be of no use whatsoever. I’m not saying have a property shoot every season, but at least refrain from using season specific shots. 

So How can I get these professional photos to showcase my property?

Once you've decided that you'd really like to expose your vacation rental property and make it work for you, then you next need to schedule a time and date for the property shoot. If you have your property listed with Online Vacations Rental sites such as "Holiday Lettings", "HomeAway", "FlipKey", "Owners Direct", "Airbnb", (to name just a few), there's a very good chance that they may provide you with the opportunity to have your property photographed by a professional at their expense.  If this is the case, the images will normally be their property and for use on the respective site only.

If you'd rather seek your own images for use as you see fit, then naturally I can help so please feel free to reach out.

If you are a Vacation Rental Agency or Real Estate Agent also looking to showcase some of your properties please feel free to contact me for further information.  

Don't forget to take these points into consideration as well.

Until Next time.

 

 

 

 

Wolf Valley Charity Fund StaffWolf Valley Charity Fund staff with the Christmas Hamper 1st Prize in the raffle.

This market, now in it's 4th edition, sets itself up as a great chance for people to take advantage of some quality products kicking off the Christmas shopping spree, (well at least for some anyway).

This years event was substantially larger than last years with numerous vendors also setting up stands and tables (and in my case, photo booths) near enough on the entrance door.  But it all added to the atmosphere of the event which was also a free entry occasion.

Doors opened at 11am with various performances taking the stage throughout the day. As well as all the 'goodies' exhibitors there were also the food stalls providing scrumptious menu's and snacks ranging from Indian flavors, right through to German sausages. I did have one of those sausages and boy, were they good! 

But anyway, as I was by myself, it was difficult for me to be manning my stand whilst nipping around the exhibitors stalls to take some shots. But where there's a will there's a way and to tell the truth, although it was a tiring day, I actually had a great time and managed to take some decent shots of the days activities.

Last year I did not have the luxury of being able to set up studio lights, but this year I was very lucky enough to source a set which meant that I could be a little more creative and give people a little bit of fun during the day.

My key promotional idea to have pictures taken whilst sporting your funky Christmas woolly, took off like a lead weight so I invented something else. So a few funny phrases on some card that people could hold up, a couple of Santa hats and reindeer antennae came into play and I think it worked pretty well combining nicely with the multi-colored floating Christmas bulbs on the white back drop. 

One of my favorite stage performances of the day was the Fashion Show organised by Jouk's Studio Fashion. Not your ordinary top model fashion parade, oh no! These ladies were leagues ahead and they new it! Catwalking to a very good selection of sixties hits like "Knock on wood", they had no problem seizing the attention of the audience who responded with cheers and applauds.  Jouk has been designing women's clothes for more than 30 years and makes a point of having real clothes, for real people.

We were also pleased to see that Santa put in an appearance with some very special friends of his who all the youngsters were happy to see. They even came past my booth of a quick snap...

On a stunningly sunny and bright November morning in the heart of the Algarve a market was being laid out in Vilamoura. Not your ordinary market with table clothes and handbags,  but a special market, a VERY special Market.

For over a week, the children who attend the Clube do Bibe Infant School in Vilamoura have been preparing a multitude of carefully crafted items with lots of love, care and dedication so that they can be sold to at the Market to raise funds for other children who aren’t as lucky as they are who are cared for by “EXISTIR - – Associação para a Intervenção e Reabilitação de Pessoas Deficientes e Desfavorecidas” who are based in Loulé.

If you were in the Praça Lusort in Vilamoura, where the Old Vilamoura Cinema is  on Saturday the 9^th November between 09:00 and 14:00, you would have been confronted with a number of stalls all nicely laid out baring lots of handicraft, cakes, books, Xmas Tree decorations, and lots of other goodies that were made by the children.

I was speaking to one of the parents that who told me that they were up until 2am a couple of nights during the week leading up to the 9^th to ensure that these items were ready!

There were also stalls from KoisasKomKarinho, Existir also had their own stall selling regional homemade honey and jams along with other items that are too many to list. Naturally, being November,  and a São Martinho market, it just wouldn’t have been the same without the wafting of smoke created by the “Castanhas” being baked by a local seller who I’m sure did a good trade.

There was also a bouncy castle available and Balões e Sorrisos were also present to transform young faces into works of art.

To  top it off, Daracle Photography, as a school collaborator, was very proud to be associated with this event and apart from taking photos and making them available for all for free, also assisted in raising funds for the cause by having a raffle  with a single prize of a Family Photo Session worth €120.00.

The draw was made on the day with the winner being Srª. Manuela Silva from the KoisasKomKarinho stall.

Congratulations Srª. Silva, we’ll be in touch with the details.

Apart from all the immediate necessities that were also donated by parents, I have heard that the total amount of funds raised by this intervention went well over €900.00!

So I think that it is worthwhile that everyone involved should give themselves a massive pat on the back and congratulate each other for this wonderful achievement.

Finally, apart from the photos in this blog entry, please  click on the link below for access to the Mercadinho São Martinho by Clube do Bibe Gallery

Gallery Link: http://www.daraclephotography.com/mercadinhosaomartinho2013

It's that time of year again...Summer has come and gone and you are already making plans for next year as to changes to make to your property for a rental basis, or you may even be thinking of putting it on the market. Whichever your situation, one thing is certain, you should seriously be seeking professional photos being taken or even a stunning video walkthrough done.

Capturing quality photographs is perhaps the most important step in marketing your property. At least results from recent studies suggest that images can be more powerful than endless lines of descriptive copy.

You need a photographer when you want a really attractive dating or cool social network profile picture; when you need a new CV image to put you on top of the pile; because you need photos of an upcoming Algarve Wedding or family reunion; or even when you want to sell your car so you can get the latest and greatest new model… Nothing beats a professionally taken photo.

In much the same way your business needs a photographer. Be it to show off just how amazingly spacious and cozy your restaurant is; to display and share your artistic shop window with all it's wonderful products; to promote your new bnb venture with its flashy interior design; or simply to record corporate and local industry events...Everyone needs a photographer!

"Striking, impacting photo's can be the difference between one lead and ten leads; one customer or ten customers”…

Why Me and Daracle Photography?

So we've agreed on one thing, but I think it's also important for you to understand why you're going to select me to be the photographer you need?

Well firstly, like you, I've also had the need for photographers in my time, (I am happily married and have some great shots to prove it!). Secondly, I've experienced those emotions that you're probably feeling as you wonder how hard it is finding and hiring the right photographer and if they'll be able to produce what you want. That feeling of being a little intimidated and possibly overwhelmed with all of the photographic terminology that you may have been subject to in your search up until now, I'll admit, I know I was!
This is where the word "trust" is introduced. You need to trust me. Others have, you will too. Don't worry I won't be speaking to you in any foreign language. But funnily enough, having said that, I do speak two languages, (English and Portuguese), fluently!

Daracle Photography is Your Satisfaction...

The same way that I have no doubt that you put great effort into your daily activities to succeed, I, like you, also firmly believe that I will only be successful if I invest sufficient effort into your photos, hence my slogan, "Perfection is forthcoming when actions are of pleasure". So as I'm passionate about what I do, I'm confident that you will be satisfied when I present you with your final images.

I'm sure you've already read a few of the testimonials from real clients, many of whom are now good friends. Dedication, honesty and trust are three key elements that ensure time is well spent to get you the shots you want, the shots that you expect.

But enough about you, here's a little about me...

I was born in the UK, moved to Portugal when I was 13 and have lived in the Algarve ever since. I'm experienced in Wedding photography, Maternity and Family shoots, Real Estate and Interior photography, Corporate, Portrait, Sporting and Social events and love working with kids. Not just as father, but as part of my personality, I am blessed with a high patience threshold, a valuable asset to be able to wait for the split second moment when "it", whatever it may be, happens.

People have said that I have a special rapport with them that helped them to relax in front of the lens during sessions and that they enjoyed the experience something that they were not particularly looking forward to beforehand.

A graduate of The Photography Institute, I am also a member of the Algarve Photography Group and share my knowledge with members at their exhibitions and I also coordinate and oversee their monthly workshops.

Like everyone, I understand that people preserve and cherish photos as they represent their family history and memorable moments captured throughout their lifetime. You can depend on me and my talent to create, capture and provide those moments for you.

Not quite sure yet?

Don't take my word or let the testimonials influence you (difficult I know). Whatever your need for my services, I'm sure you'll bond with them. They say photos speak a thousand words so I'm sure mine will also have their own words for you too.