Using high-quality photos for Real Estate listings has proven to sell houses. Dean Holtz Photography has developed an expansive portfolio of services including photos, slide shows, and walk-through videos. “I also provide aerial photography and videography. The drone pilot I use is very experienced and knowledgeable,” explains Dean Holtz. Recently, he launched the 3D interactive showing platform. “It uses the RealVision® system which is the most advanced system out there. I’m currently the only provider in Sarnia-Lambton, London, Chatham-Kent and Windsor.”

What started out as a hobby has turned into a lucrative professional venture. In 2006, Holtz and his wife were looking to purchase a new camera to capture photos of their growing family. “I’m very thorough and do my research. A visit to Carmen’s and a discussion with Chris sold me on buying my first SLR camera,” Holtz says happily. He saw an opportunity to provide this service to agents and introduced it to the Sarnia-Lambton market in 2008. “I’m proud of this fact. My first client was Mark Reynolds. From there I did some presentations to offices like EXIT Realty and other individual agents.” His presentations included statistics that showed using professional photography helped sell homes quicker and for more money.  A meeting with three agents at Magic Realty acted as a springboard for the business. “When Rob Simrak, Rob Longo and Steve Park started using my services, things started to take off.”

To date, Dean Holtz Photography has worked with nearly sixty agents and has photographed or filmed more than 1,700 homes in Sarnia-Lambton. “Ten years ago, I was the first. It’s exciting to see others in this space. It proves that it’s a valid industry and that you can make a living from your art.” Holtz has done other commercial shoots for Lowe’s Canada, the federal government and Enbridge. “I’ve developed my own proprietary technique of shooting and editing. There’s a quality and finish to them that nobody else produces.”

Holtz brings diverse experience to his business. He has had many creative outlets over the years. He was a pastor at his church for eight years and produced a faith-based CD. “I performed at churches in and around Sarnia.” Holtz remains very active in his church and community. Holtz was also the convener for the church’s volleyball league for ten years, the largest in the city. He also sits on the board of the Celebration of Lights Committee and chairs the events planning committee. “I have really enjoyed being involved with the Celebration of Lights. This is a really important community event that I want to see continue on.”

Business is a very important part of Holtz’s life. He believes strongly in its benefits and has motivated others to start their own business, including family members. “My father started a counselling business that he ran for eleven years. My experience has inspired others.” Photography has become another means of expressing himself. “I’m a musician and photography is another artistic expression. I’m so lucky to do it for a living.”