Picture Perfect
A picture says a thousand words. Imagine what a collection of pictures of your home could say… Real estate photography is vital to increasing traffic and engaging audiences on your home’s listing. Not only should your home look good in-person, but it should also be exceptionally inviting in pictures. The visual that you create should be one worth buying!
Basic Photography Equipment:
If you’ve never snapped a picture outside of your iPhone, the world of cameras, tripods and lenses may seem daunting. First things first, go for the wide angle. A wide-angle lens will allow you to augment the spacious view of interior and exterior spaces with the click of a button. In order to capture all of the unique architectural details that make your home so marketable, take step back. This lens, having a wider view than the human eye can see, enhances the perspective of the viewer and allows them a better look at the space’s entirety.
Secondly, while holding your camera manually may suffice for your holiday picture, this is a job for a tripod! Without the assistance of a tripod, your priceless images are almost guaranteed to be fuzzy and blurred. The clearer it is, the more professional it looks.
Don’t take all of the elements and capabilities your camera has to make your space look even more desirable for granted. From flash settings, to cable releases, to wireless triggers, your camera is the painter for your masterpiece.
Lighting:
How is the sun hitting your home at 12:43 p.m.? Not sure? Check Google Maps or Google Earth! Time your home’s photoshoot appropriately to best showcase the natural lighting. As a pro tip, right after sunrise, if your home does face the sunrise, is the perfect time to organically capture the exterior. Not a morning person? No problem. Real estate photographers are supporters of the dusk or dark technique. Through this technique, all the lights in the house are turned on and the exterior of the house is photographed. The setting sun juxtaposes the bright exterior to showcase the interior of the home from the outside.
When working with smaller spaces, limit your flash use to only one flash. In larger spaces, utilize more than one flash or rely on natural light.
Showcase Your Space:
With so many memorable and unique areas of your home, make the best spaces front and center. Before investing in any pictures or camera equipment, invest in a cleaning service so that your photos are absolutely spotless. Your clients want to see the main living spaces as well as the hidden gems. Prioritize your living room, kitchen, dining area, master bedroom and master bathroom. Other features of interest to your clients could be office or library spaces. An important concept to remember is capturing the correct angle to best feature the entire space.
Leverage your personal style and include elements such as furniture, décor and windows to enhance the photographed area. Your primary living area should be warm and inviting, while reflecting the stylish elements of the home itself.
Take these tips into consideration before photographing a space:
- Remove personal items such as cards, magnets and notes from the living spaces.
- Clean all surfaces to ensure that they are clear of dust and dirt.
- Set the dining room table with a festive arrangement.
- Add flowers or plants to brighten different areas.
Learn From the Best:
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the best picture; however, you want your images to look like you did. Do your research and explore the top works in real estate photography. If you are looking to hire a professional for help, continue your research to guarantee the best fit for you and your client’s needs.