THE WHITE LIE

many shades of light colors

As photo editing software continues improving with easy-to-use AI functions, there has been an increasing percentage of ‘plastic’ listings. Images so 'hospital white' they more resemble a Pixar movie environment than an actual home. Real professional editing will not wash away the lighter tints, but instead, bring out the character of a room. Below is an example of the 'white lie' listing. Photos so processed a potential buyer may feel manipulated when viewing the property firsthand.

ProPicFix will not turn out overprocessed photos like these:

foyer with seating bench

Looking over this listing initially it appears a fresh coat of professionally applied interior finishing has recently taken place. A wise selling strategy. But as you progress through the slideshow one cannot help but notice some abnormalities. . .

family room with mid-century cabinet

Just like the foyer, the family room highlights flawless white covering of the ceiling and walls. In fact, even the mid-century cabinet is finished with a matching white. Not vanilla. Not eggshell. But absolute carbon-copy pure white color.

sitting room with bright white ceiling and walls

Upon closer examination, it is evident that the lamp shade, planter, clock face, and light fixtures all match. They are not rice or daisy, but the identical pure white. In fact, the framed print and house next door are also absolute color equivalent. That is plausible, right?

pure white kitchen counters and walls

Most countertop materials would have some type of grain or texture. Yet these are perfectly white – with no veining, staining or marks – and not a hint of tone different from the walls or ceiling. Even the table in the background corresponds. Not cotton. Not pearl. Pure white.

bedroom image with color bleed

Here is the first room with bold wall coloring - and we can see the mistakes. Desaturation alone would not work. But while highlighting the walls you can see color bleeding into the lamp shade, pillowcases, and bottom of the curtains. This editor either lacked the time or ability to finish properly.

bathroom with bright white walls

The unapologetic alteration of colors grows more obvious with every additional image in the listing. In the master bath we see cabinets, countertops, garbage can, toilet, shower tile, and even clothes hangers all with the same theme. Not porcelain. Not bone. But 100% desaturated white.

childrens room with bright white walls view looking toward bathroom window over processed white room image drywall work on room with slanted ceiling

A children's playroom with clean white walls? Sure. Why not? Another bathroom with coordinating countertop, sink, and fixtures? Okay. Then we have the guest suite - where the decorators managed to locate a corresponding closet curtain. Not frost or salt, but pure white. My favorite photo of all in this collection would be the 'still under construction' guest loft. Pure white drywall. Apparently, this contractor has decided to mud the seams and paint the drywall panels before even finishing installation. Or . . . more likely . . . these images have been ultra-manipulated.

Photo Processing Can Be Done Right

family room everything white

Why has all the color been removed? It is easier that way. Brightening an image while preserving the colors requires more skill.

family room with natural color

Proper processing returns the character - and does not discolor other objects out of expediency.

kitchen image completely desaturated

Desaturation tools make it easy to transform any room into a sterile hospital-like atmosphere.

kitchen image with natural color

Preserving wall coloring - even subtle differences - will portray the real-life personality each room contains.