Baird & Warner Launches New Image Services Division

Chicagoland’s largest independent brokerage building in-house visual marketing unit led by new hire Shannon Lange, formerly of VHT Studios and Matterport

Baird & Warner, Chicagoland’s largest independent real estate services company, today announced the launch of its new in-house Image Services division, which will deliver high-impact visual marketing solutions for the firm’s agents and clients. The announcement follows recent news that VHT Studios, a pioneering provider of real estate listing photography, is abruptly ceasing operations after its parent company, Matterport, was acquired by CoStar Group in February 2025.

Baird & Warner’s new Image Services division will be led by Shannon Lange, former area sales and account manager for VHT Studios and Matterport, where she worked with the region’s largest brokerages. Lange, who is also a licensed real estate agent, brings over two decades of experience, extensive industry knowledge and a strong reputation for building high-performing visual marketing solutions. Working alongside Lange in key management roles will be two highly respected VHT/Matterport veterans, Michael Johnson and George Tsakanias.

“With the sudden closure of VHT Studios, we saw an opportunity to do what we do best: innovate and build an in-house capability that not only maintains, but enhances the marketing tools available to our agents and customers,” said Laura Ellis, chief strategy officer and president of residential sales at Baird & Warner. “Within less than 48 hours, we had conceived a new unit and hired top talent to run it, representing a substantial investment in avoiding disruption for our agents and ensuring the continued success of our business.”

The new Image Services division will offer professional photography, immersive 3D virtual tours, floor plans, videography and aerial drone footage, all designed to help Baird & Warner agents attract more buyers, sell properties faster and strengthen their personal brands. In keeping with Baird & Warner’s commitment to making real estate easier, the division will operate through a streamlined booking and distribution platform that delivers high-quality visual content from a trusted network of experienced image professionals.

“As an independent family-owned business, we’re able to quickly pivot to overcome obstacles and meet the evolving needs of the market,” said Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. “We’re excited to welcome Shannon to the Baird & Warner family as vice president of Image Services. Her expertise, leadership and deep industry connections will be the driving force behind creating a best-in-class visual marketing platform for our agents and their clients.”

The launch of the new Image Services division builds on Baird & Warner’s history of investing in innovation and agent empowerment. Recent milestones include the rollout of the MAXA digital marketing platform, the firm’s November 2024 brand refresh, and the recent acquisition of Dream Town Real Estate to form Chicagoland’s largest independent real estate company and the region’s second-largest brokerage by combined number of properties sold in 2024.

About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:
Established in 1855, family-owned Baird & Warner is Chicagoland’s largest independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation and integrity for more than 170 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a 10-time Chicago Tribune Top Workplace award winner, and with more than 3,000 broker associates and staff in 32 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, insurance, and relocation services, it ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.

Baird & Warner_Shannon Lange_Headshot: Shannon Lange has joined Baird & Warner as vice president of Image Services, bringing more than two decades of experience in real estate visual marketing and leadership roles at VHT Studios and Matterport (photo courtesy Baird & Warner). *This image was enhanced using AI.

Baird & Warner_VHT Property Listing Photos: Two home listings by Baird & Warner as shown in photos from VHT Studios. Baird & Warner is launching its own Image Services division to replace VHT, which is ceasing operations, and has hired a number of former VHT employees (photos by VHT Studios, courtesy Baird & Warner).