If you’re in the business of selling property, one key to your success is the quality of your real estate photography. A beautiful set of pictures can put a potential property owner into “love at first sight,” and be convinced that they absolutely need to take this masterpiece off the market immediately.
With proper photos, you can even make the most unattractive homes attractive. With a little staging magic, you can turn an unattractive house into a picturesque cottage and sell it for top dollar. Below are some quick tips for using your camera to the max in the real estate photography business.
1. Ensure appropriate timing for the shoot
You can’t just go out and do a photoshoot whenever you feel like it. Every day, you need to research the market where your potential property is located in order to decide what time of day would be best for the shoot.
For example, if you need to take photos of an apartment in New York City, you might consider shooting it during the late afternoon. This is when the sun is not too bright, and the shadows are created more naturally. The type of sunlight and the atmospheric conditions are very important to consider when producing attractive real estate photography.
2. Use the best lighting possible
The ultimate lighting setup is a combination of natural sunlight, available electric light, and sunlight reflected on a reflective surface. This will create a perfect blend of shadows and highlights on the real estate that you want to sell.
3. Use a high-quality camera.
Using a crappy camera and missing the shot is the worst-case scenario. Every second counts when you’re struggling to get that perfect shot. You need to invest in a good camera that has an automatic focus system and a high ISO (for maximum image quality). Don’t be cheap and settle for less. While some cell phones have amazing quality cameras, you want to put for the extra money for a professional camera setup. Alternatively, you can hire real estate photographers to do the hard work for you.
4. Stage the home.
If you want that extra layer of professionalism, stage the house with furniture and props before the shoot. Put a bed and mattress on the floor in the bedroom, a dresser next to the bed, and some tables by the wall. Make it look cozy and lived-in, yet elegant.
These are just a few great real estate photography tips to help you boost your listings to the next level. Try them, and see the interest grow in your listings!