When it comes to selling or renting a commercial property, the power of a captivating image cannot be underestimated. In the digital age, potential buyers or tenants first encounter a property through its online images. Therefore, high-quality photography is vital in creating a positive first impression and generating interest.
Capturing the essence of a commercial space through a lens is no easy task. It requires a certain level of skill, an eye for detail, and a willingness to experiment. I recently had the opportunity to speak with an experienced commercial real estate photographer, and what I learned was truly eye-opening.
It’s All in the Lens
Commercial real estate photography is a unique art that demands a specific set of tools and techniques. The most essential of these is the lens. A wide-angle lens is a must-have for capturing the entire space, from the grand entrance to the back office. However, it's not just about fitting everything into the frame. A wide-angle lens also enables the creation of dynamic perspectives, making a room feel larger than its actual size.
Stabilization is Key
Having the right lens is just the beginning. Ensuring that the image is sharp is the next crucial step. This means utilizing a tripod and a remote shutter release. A tripod keeps the camera steady, especially in situations with limited lighting. On the other hand, a remote shutter release prevents camera shake when the button is pressed. This is particularly important when using a wide-angle lens, as even the slightest movement can distort the image.
Lighting is Everything
Perhaps the most critical aspect of commercial real estate photography is lighting. The right lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while poor lighting can make a space feel dark and uninviting. A skilled commercial real estate photographer knows how to make the most of natural light and supplement it with artificial lighting when necessary. This could involve using a flashlight to highlight specific features or a strobe to brighten up a room.
Post-Processing is the Secret Sauce
Once the shoot is complete, the real work begins. Post-processing is where the magic happens. This includes color correction, retouching, and compositing. Color correction ensures that the colors in the image match reality. Real Estate Lightroom presets tailored for real estate photography empower agents and photographers to present properties in their best light. By optimizing exposure, color, and clarity, these presets ensure each property is visually appealing and market-ready. Retouching is used to remove any unwanted elements from the image, such as power cords or trash cans. Compositing involves combining multiple images to create a single, final image. This can include creating a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image or stitching together multiple images to create a panorama.
Showcasing the Property’s Unique Selling Points
A skilled commercial real estate photographer knows how to highlight a property’s unique selling points. This may involve emphasizing the scale of the space through the use of people or props, or showcasing a property’s views using drones. Additionally, staging the space to create a desirable atmosphere can also be beneficial. This might include adding furniture or artwork to an empty space to give it a sense of scale and purpose.
Overcoming the Challenges
Commercial real estate photography is not without its challenges. One of the most significant challenges is working in difficult lighting conditions, such as dark, windowless rooms or harsh, direct sunlight. Capturing empty spaces in an interesting way can also be a challenge. This requires using creative angles, lighting techniques, and post-processing methods. Shooting in small or cramped spaces, as well as places that are busy or messy, are common obstacles as well.
The Final Product
A skilled commercial real estate photographer not only knows how to overcome these challenges but also how to turn them into strengths. They can highlight the potential of a property by using creative angles, lighting, and post-processing techniques. The final product should be a set of high-quality images that accurately represent the space while highlighting its best features and selling points.
The Importance of High-Quality Photography
In today’s digital age, the first impression potential buyers or tenants have of a commercial property comes from the collection of images they see online. Poor-quality images can turn potential buyers or tenants away, even if the property itself is exceptional. That is why it is crucial to invest in a skilled commercial real estate photographer who knows how to capture the essence of a space and showcase its potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of the day to shoot commercial real estate?
The best time of day to shoot commercial real estate depends on the lighting conditions and the specific look you want to achieve. Shooting during the golden hours, just before sunrise or just after sunset, can create warm and inviting images. However, shooting during the middle of the day can also be beneficial, as the harsh sunlight can create interesting shadows and highlights. Ultimately, it's about understanding the space, the light, and the equipment, and knowing how to work with them to create the desired image.
Why is the location of a property a key factor for the photos?
The location of a property plays a crucial role in the overall mood and feel of the space. A property situated in a bustling city center will have a different atmosphere than one in a quiet, rural area. The lighting and views can also be influenced by the location, which in turn affects the final photos. To successfully capture commercial real estate photos, it is important to understand the location and utilize it to showcase the property's best features.
How do you stage a commercial space for photography?
Staging a commercial space for photography involves creating a desirable atmosphere. It's about highlighting the property's unique selling points and showcasing its potential. This might include adding furniture or artwork to an empty space to give it a sense of scale and purpose. Understanding the space and knowing what to include or leave out is key to capturing an image that flows seamlessly.
What are the benefits of using a wide-angle lens for commercial real estate photography?
Using a wide-angle lens offers numerous benefits for commercial real estate photography. It allows for capturing the entire space in a single frame, from the front door to the back office. However, it's not just about fitting everything into the frame. A wide-angle lens also enables the creation of dynamic perspectives, making a room feel larger than it actually is. It is an essential tool for any commercial real estate photographer.
How do you shoot a commercial property in low-light conditions?
Shooting a commercial property in low-light conditions can be challenging. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to create stunning images. This may involve using a tripod and a remote shutter release to keep the camera steady, as well as adding artificial lighting to supplement the natural light. It's all about understanding the space, the light, and knowing how to work with them.
How does a photographer decide which parts of a commercial real estate photo to include or leave out?
Determining what to include and what to leave out in a commercial real estate photo comes down to understanding the space and what will best showcase its potential. This may involve emphasizing the scale of the space through the use of people or props, or highlighting a property's views using drones. It's about knowing what will make the space look desirable and what might detract from that.
How can you make a commercial space look bigger in photos?
Making a commercial space appear larger in photos requires an understanding of the space, the lighting, and how to work with them. This may involve using creative angles, lighting techniques, and post-processing methods. It's about creating a sense of scale and depth in the image, making the space feel larger than it is in reality. It's a skill that requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
Conclusion
Commercial real estate photography is a unique art form that demands specific skills and tools. It's not merely pointing a camera and pressing the shutter button. It's about understanding the space, the light, and the equipment. It's about knowing how to showcase a property's unique selling points and overcome its challenges. And when executed effectively, it can make all the difference in marketing and selling a commercial property.
Further readings: A Guide to Developing wellness real estate, How competitive is commercial real estate, Californiaʼs assault on the commercial Real Estate Industry