The right real estate photography can build excitement, anticipation, and ultimately influence a buyer’s decision. Learn how to capture stunning photos for real estate listings using these top tips.
Shoot at different times of day to see how lighting changes throughout the day. Also, practice by taking photos of the same room at both head and shoulder height to avoid distortion.
Natural Light
For professional real estate photography natural light is a key tool. It can enhance details and colors in a way that artificial lighting cannot, and it can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the image that can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Additionally, using natural light can minimize the need for expensive and environmentally-unfriendly artificial lighting equipment.
Choosing the right time of day to photograph properties can also be critical. For example, residential real estate photographers may need to shoot interior images in the early morning or during the golden hour just before sunset, while commercial real estate photographers may need to use twilight photos to showcase exteriors of buildings at their best.
In addition, it’s important to consider the weather on the day of the shoot, as cloudy or rainy conditions can cause unflattering shadows and make it difficult to capture clear, crisp shots. To maximize the benefits of natural light, it’s also worth experimenting with post-processing techniques such as exposure blending. This technique can combine several differently exposed versions of the same photo to create a balanced and natural-looking final image.
In addition, the use of dodging and burning can be used to highlight specific areas in an image while still retaining a natural look. However, these tools should be used sparingly and only when necessary, as overdoing these adjustments can make an image appear unnatural.
Drones
Real estate drone photography isn’t just a novelty – it can provide a whole new perspective on the home and yard. Potential buyers can view a property from above and get an idea of the size and scope of the home, as well as how close it is to local roads. They can also see features that would be difficult to capture on the ground – like solar panels, pools, whole yards, and more.
The best way to get a good aerial shot is to fly the drone as close as possible to the house. This isn’t a great option if you want to show the entire neighborhood or the roof of the house, but it is important if you are looking to showcase the unique features of a property. For example, if you have a beautiful backyard pool or a spacious porch, these are the kinds of features that will draw in buyers.
When taking drone photos, it’s essential to have a good understanding of your camera’s settings and capabilities. It is also a good idea to bring extra drone and remote batteries, as well as SD cards and neutral density filters. You should always shoot in RAW to give yourself maximum flexibility with post-production editing. Lastly, it is important to be flexible on-site and adapt to what the property and weather conditions are offering.
Aerial Images
While real estate photographers can get by with a bare-bones camera set up of a wide-angle lens and a tripod, if you want to take your photography to the next level, invest in a drone. This will allow you to capture stunning exterior images of the property and the surrounding area, giving buyers a complete picture of the home and its surroundings.
Drones also give real estate photographers a unique perspective that they can use to highlight unique property features that might not be visible from the ground. For example, if a property has a tennis court or rooftop deck, these features can be highlighted using aerial photos and videos to attract interested buyers.
When shooting real estate photos, it’s important to keep your camera steady on a tripod to avoid blurry images. A tripod will ensure that your images are straight and even, which will help to create a professional-looking finished product.
Lighting is also essential for real estate photos. It’s best to shoot at a time when the sun is low in the sky, as this will provide the most beautiful natural light. Similarly, make sure to set aside enough time to edit the photos properly so they look sharp and clean. Be sure to correct any distortion issues in the images, as well as ensure that there are no varying colors or light temperatures between shots.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
A good real estate photographer knows how to work with a client to create a comprehensive photo package that includes both exterior and interior shots. They’ll take the time to walk through each property with a homeowner or agent, compiling a list of desired photos before arriving on site to capture them.
They’ll also know how to plan their shoots in advance, recommending ideal times based on the location and type of property. For example, residential properties may focus on natural lighting, so photographers will often recommend shooting during the “golden hour” (1-2 hours before sunset). However, architectural and exterior photography may require a different schedule to capture the right atmosphere and light conditions.
One important real estate photography tip is to invest in a good tripod. The better quality ones have a geared head, rather than a ball head, which flops around and is harder to level. Also, real estate photographers will need a wide-angle lens to help them frame their images and prevent or diminish perspective distortion.
Another essential real estate photography tip is to always shoot in RAW. While jpeg files are readymade, RAW files allow you to make all of the important decisions about exposure, sharpness, color, and saturation in post-production. This will give you more flexibility and control over the finished product, which is important for a professional real estate photographer.