Paler

When Mr. Allison placed the fern on the floor, Mr. Paler objected.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

In total, Mr. Paler estimated that he has photographed about 10,000 properties across the city over the course of his career.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

Mr. Paler and his competitors are hired to craft pixel-perfect images that will lure prospective buyers in the door, making high-end homes stand out from the crowd and finding creative ways to present the best sides of cramped properties.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

"If you take a picture and make this small place look huge, people come in to the apartment and they become disappointed," said David Paler, 44 years old, who has spent more than a decade shooting tiny studios, sprawling penthouses and everything in between.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

"It's a tricky business because we have to shoot what's there," said Mr. Paler.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

Mr. Paler fussed with decorative pillows before removing them after deciding they obscured the image.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

David Paler The Solarium, this recently completed doorman building in Queens, N.Y., is LEED-certified and incorporates materials like a roof pavers made from recycled tires.

Houses With Recycled Materials 2011

David Paler A 2,470-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in the building has a private back yard and a rooftop terrace.

Houses With Recycled Materials 2011

After using a remote control to take a series of shots, Mr. Paler asked the agent to have a look.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012

"This is a tough shot," Mr. Paler said, his body contorted in the shower as he twisted the super-wide-angle lens.

The Property Photographer's Art Maya Pope-Chappell 2012