The quality of your real estate photography can make or break a sale. Beautifully captured photos not only capture a buyer's interest but also lead to more showings and higher offers. So, if you want to take your real estate photography to the next level, here are 25 tips that will help you achieve amazing results.
1. Visit the Property in Advance
Before the shoot, take the time to visit the property. Familiarize yourself with its unique features and quirks. This will allow you to plan your shots and unleash your creative imagination.
2. Consult the Seller
The seller knows the property better than anyone else. Consult with them to learn about the home's selling points and any hidden areas that may not be immediately visible. Use their insights to capture the best angles and perspectives.
3. Ask the Seller for Help
Save time and effort by asking the seller to prepare the home before your arrival. Request that they clean the entire house, including the exterior, declutter the space, and store away unnecessary items. This will allow you to focus on capturing outstanding photos.
4. Use Natural Light
Whenever possible, schedule the photoshoot during the daytime to take advantage of natural light. Vibrant colors and inviting atmospheres can be achieved by harnessing the power of natural lighting. Check the weather conditions beforehand and plan accordingly.
5. Consider Twilight Shots
Twilight shots can add a touch of drama and allure to your photos. Experiment with capturing the property at dusk, playing with interior and exterior lights to create stunning images. Include distant city lights for added visual impact.
6. Shoot at Eye Level
To capture lifelike images, keep your camera at eye level and avoid tilting angles. Balance the perspective by capturing enough of the floor and ceiling. Take your time to find the right perspective that accurately represents the space.
7. Adjust Camera Settings
Optimize your camera settings to achieve better quality images. Use an aperture value from f/7.1 to f/9 to ensure sharp focus. Adjust the shutter speed based on the amount of available light. Experiment and find the perfect settings for each scenario.
8. Control ISO Settings
Avoid excessive noise in your photos by setting the ISO below 400. High ISO values can add unwanted digital noise to your images. Familiarize yourself with your camera's ISO capabilities and find the sweet spot that delivers clear and sharp pictures.
9. Keep the Lines Straight
Pay attention to the vertical and horizontal lines in your photos. Keep them straight and avoid any bending or curving. If necessary, use photo editing software like Photoshop to fix any perspective issues.
10. Enhance Natural Light
Make the most of natural light by opening blinds and allowing it to fill the space. Natural light adds depth and realism to your photos. Consider using LED panels and reflectors to enhance the available light.
11. Turn On All Lights
Experiment with different lighting scenarios by turning on all the lights in the space. Artificial light can add warmth and create a cozy ambiance. Alternatively, shooting with the lights off can bring a cooler, more serene atmosphere.
12. Adjust Color Temperatures
Be mindful of color temperature differences in your photos. Artificial lighting can often result in unwanted color casts. Use photo editing software to adjust the yellow or orange sliders and achieve natural, balanced lighting.
13. Correct Lens Distortion
Perspective distortion is a common issue in real estate photography, especially when using wide-angle lenses. Invest in the right equipment to minimize lens distortion or use photo editing tools to correct it.
14. Rearrange Furniture
Position the furniture in each room to create an open and inviting look. Experiment with different layouts and staging techniques to bring out the personality of the home. Even minor adjustments can make a big difference.
15. Pay Attention to White Balance
Avoid strange color hues in your photos by balancing white lighting. Use a flash to blend artificial and natural light or make adjustments during photo editing. Aim for a natural and appealing look.
16. Eliminate Clutter
A cluttered room can be distracting and make the space appear smaller. Work with the client to remove unnecessary items before the shoot or use photo editing techniques to declutter digitally. Remember, less is more.
17. Depersonalize the Space
Allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home by removing highly personal items. Take down family photos, vacation memorabilia, and children's artwork. Create a space that feels appealing yet neutral.
18. Replace the Sky
When faced with unfavorable weather conditions, consider replacing the sky in your photos. Skies can be retouched and adjusted during photo editing to create more visually striking images. Experiment with different sky variations to add depth and character.
19. Embrace the Season
Add a touch of charm and seasonal flair to your photos by incorporating hints of the current season. Whether it's flowers in spring, warm tones in summer, autumn leaves, or winter scenery, seasonal elements can enhance the overall appeal of the property.
20. Use a Full-Frame Camera
Invest in a full-frame camera for top-quality real estate photos. Full-frame cameras excel in low-light situations and produce sharp and detailed images. If a full-frame camera is not within your budget, consider using interchangeable lenses to elevate the quality of your photos.
21. Invest in Wide-Angle Lenses
Good lenses are essential for high-quality real estate photography. Invest in a wide-angle lens to capture the maximum amount of space and create an open and inviting look. Be mindful not to overuse ultra-wide lenses, as they may distort the proportions of the room.
22. Utilize External Flashes
Avoid shadows, uneven lighting, and color discrepancies by using external flashes. Standard built-in flashes are often too weak, so invest in external flashes that provide more control and versatility.
23. Stabilize with a Tripod
Eliminate camera shake and ensure sharp, stable images by using a tripod. Tripods are especially useful in low-light situations or when longer exposure times are required. Invest in a sturdy tripod to achieve professional results.
24. Experiment with Polarizing Filters
Polarizing filters can help reduce glare and balance harsh lighting conditions. Choose a circular polarizing filter that matches your lens size and experiment with different levels of intensity to achieve the desired effect.
25. Find the Perfect Angle
Avoid taking photos from the corner of a room, as this can distort perspective. Instead, find interesting angles that capture the maximum amount of space and showcase the unique features of each room. Step back and evaluate the composition to ensure that it accurately represents the size and layout of the space.
PhotoUp - Your Partner in High-Quality Real Estate Photography
High-quality photo editing is crucial to achieving amazing real estate photography results. At PhotoUp, our skilled photo editors and virtual staging experts can help enhance your images to their full potential. From exposure correction and color adjustments to object removal and virtual staging, we offer a range of services to elevate your real estate photography.
Open a free PhotoUp account today and let us help you make your real estate photography truly amazing!
If you enjoyed these tips, be sure to check out our other resources on real estate photography lighting, shooting techniques, and photo editing techniques.