Real Estate Photography Tips
Real Estate Photography Tips
When it comes to selling or leasing a property, one of your most important assets is high-quality photos. We recommend employing the services of a professional photographer, but we understand that not everyone has the budget for that. Here are some great tips to help you take fantastic photos that will help sell or lease your property.
Take Practice Photos
Even professionals don't rely on getting it right with the first shot. Test different angles, take lots of photos, and don’t worry about deleting the bad ones. Capture each room from every possible angle to find the best perspective.
Get Photos in Natural Light
Natural light enhances most rooms and images. Space and natural light are two qualities that home buyers always look for. Shoot during the day when your home is filled with natural light.
Use a Tripod
Blurry images are a no-go. Using a tripod ensures stability and allows you to shoot with a lower shutter speed, bringing more light into your images.
Houses with Furniture Look More Inviting
An empty house shows just floors, walls, and ceilings with no sense of scale. Furniture helps demonstrate how large the space is and how it can be used. Rearrange the furniture to capture more space.
Don’t Overdecorate
You want the photos to be about the space, not the decorations. Keep it simple and let the home’s features shine.
Use Landscape Orientation
Our eyes and brains naturally prefer horizontal (landscape) imagery over vertical (portrait). Always shoot in landscape orientation for real estate photos.
Prepare and Plan Every Room
Make a plan for each room to emphasize its best features. Check out our detailed report, “Preparing Your House - Room by Room for Photography,” for more tips.
Use Some Colour
While neutral colour palettes are recommended for home presentation, adding a bright pillow or piece of artwork can make your photos come to life.
Take Outside Photos at Dusk
Dusk brings out the best in the exterior of most homes. It provides a warmth that the middle of the day can't. Wet down any concrete and lawns, and turn on some glowing lights for an inviting feel.
Use Drones
Drone footage can make a dramatic impression and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Find a student who may be able to help, and make sure you follow all regulations.
Use Only the Best Photos
Take your time to go through each photo and pick out the very best ones of each room.
Use the Best Hero Photo You Can
Your hero photo is the first photo that potential buyers see, so make it count. It’s your best chance to spark a connection with a buyer.
Use a Virtual Staging Service
If you can only get shots of empty rooms, consider using a virtual staging service. There are affordable options that can make your photos look fantastic.
Use Video or a 3D Virtual Tour.
Good images are great, but a video or 3D tour takes it to a whole new level. Many people now expect this. Check out our separate detailed article on this.
Think Like a Buyer/Renter
Probably the most important tip: Think like a buyer or renter. They want to see themselves living in the home. Consider the demographic and try to appeal to their preferences.
Welcome Home
At JKL, we’re committed to helping you showcase your property in the best light possible. Follow these tips to make your home shine and attract the right buyers or renters.
Experience our JKL real estate family. We’ll put the welcome mat out for you!