Local luxury real estate marketing firm turns its Center Street studio into a creative hub
by Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
For Keen Eye Marketing owner Andy Lassiter, having a keen eye means thinking outside of the box, embracing creativity and developing a unique style. Lassiter studied Environmental Science at The College of Charleston and was working in the Folly River as a river guide for Flipper Finders when he discovered a hobby in photography.
“I really enjoyed making something tangible, being creative and helping people tell a story,” said Lassiter, who purchased Keen Eye from a friend about 10 years ago. “I just kind of took it and ran with it.”
When the opportunity arose to have an office on Center Street, it was a dream come true for Lassiter, who jumped at the chance. Today, Keen Eye specializes in high-quality photo, video, and drone services for real estate and marketing. An area where Lassiter was ahead of the curve was his early work with drones.
“Drones allow you to capture a unique perspective,” said Lassiter, whose clients range from luxury homes on Kiawah Island to historic houses in downtown Charleston. “The rising tide of creativity has raised the bar for the industry. Higher client expectations has brought a demand for professionally produced media content to support. Social media has become an expectation instead of novelty.”
A social media kit includes 3-D tours, floor plans, aerial imaging, and property boundary visuals. While looking through a lens, Lassiter strives to go above and beyond to capture the personality of a property, whether it’s wildlife, landscaping, or subtle textures. In addition to homes, Keen Eye has filmed 20 different luxury sailboats for a sailboat brokerage.
Lassiter continues to expand the business beyond the real estate industry. He recently filmed a quail shoot on a plantation south of Walterboro near Yemassee. Lassiter also believes that artistry and nonprofit projects are good for karma and keep everyone vibrant and enthusiastic about the business. He filmed a rapid-fire highlight video for Surfer’s Healing and published it on the same day as the event.
“I am lucky to work with so many young creative people and share my knowledge of videography and editing with the next generation,” Lassiter said. “I have an incredibly talented team of photographers, videographers, drone pilots, and air traffic controllers.”
Beyond his camera and marketing work, Lassiter has turned Keen Eye’s Center Street space into a creative hub. Local husband-and-wife duo Joel Timmons and Shelby Means, who perform together as Sally & George, recently recorded several of their original songs at Keen Eye Marketing Studio on Center Street.
In addition to performing original music together as a couple, Timmons performs with the Charleston-based rock band Sol Driven Train, and Means is a Grammy-winning bassist who recently released her first solo album after years of touring with bluegrass stalwarts Molly Tuttle & Her Golden Highway. Steep Grade, who has performed at Chico Feo’s Songwriter Soapbox, is another musician who has recorded music at the studio.
“My goal is to make it feel raw … like you’re right there in the room,” says Lassiter regarding sound mixing and editing, a feeling inspired by the NPR Tiny Desk series.
“I am looking to get other unique Lowcountry artists who needs a platform to record in the studio,” said Lassiter, who is a musician himself who used to perform regularly around Folly. He’s actively seeking partnerships with local businesses to sponsor three or four-song recording sessions in the studio for local musicians. He also sees the studio as a place to host visual art events.
“There is still a lot of heart and soul out on Folly, and it’s great to be a little part of it,” said Lassiter, who lives on Folly Beach with his wife, Ashley Anne, and their daughters, Sage and Kya.
Keen Eye Marketing is located at 36 Center St. For more information, call (843) 224-9213 or visit www.keeneyemarketing.com.
