5 Beginner Tips for Real Estate Photography

Real Estate photography isn’t simply a matter of aiming and shooting. The best way to grab a potential buyer’s attention is through high-quality real estate photos. After all, the photos are going to be a potential buyer’s first interaction with a home before they see it in person; High-quality photos will make buyers want to set up an in-person visit.

Whether you’re just breaking into the real estate photography scene, you’re a real estate agent, or simply a real estate photography enthusiast, understand that this type of photography is an art form that goes well beyond the simplicity of a few taps on your smartphone. Here are five tips every beginner must know and follow.

1.Plan Around the Weather and Take Advantage of Natural Light

In case you didn’t realize it, lighting is one of the most important elements in photography, and in real estate photography, it can make or break a potential sale. If a property you’re shooting has lots of windows, you want to take full advantage of the natural light shining through, as it can be a direct indicator of what a sunlight-filled room can actually look like on the inside. The best time of day to capture natural light at its best is typically 30 minutes before sunset or early in the morning, so try to get your shots of natural light at those times if possible.

Additionally, you want to pay close attention to the weather conditions when it comes time to take your photos. Conditions like snow, hail, rain and even fog can greatly impact the level of natural light that shines into a home. If the house you’re shooting is in an area that typically has rainy or cloudy weather, studio lights might be one of the best investments you can make in your craft.

2.Have Your Shot List Ready For Every Property

Of course, no two homes are the same, despite having similar physical characteristics and features. Nonetheless, as a photographer, there are going to be “go-to” shots you will capture no matter how big or small a property may be. These shots include:

A shot of the property features, such as the garage or laundry room (the features potential home buyers specifically look for in a home).

·A single photo of the bathroom, unless it’s extremely spacious or luxurious.

·A shot of the front of the home for curb appeal.

·A few shots of the backyard.

·Two to three wide-angle shots of the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.

By having a game plan in mind before you get to the property, you’ll be able to use your time more efficiently and know exactly how to capture the shot your client will love.

3.Prep Your Gear the Evening Before Your Shoot

There’s no worse feeling than getting to a shoot and realizing you forgot a piece of equipment, especially when it’s something you can even start the shoot without it. Things like your camera’s battery charger, a memory card, backup gear, and a secondary camera are all very important pieces of equipment you don’t want to forget. Create a checklist for every shoot.

4.Invest in a Tripod

A tripod ensures your pictures don’t come out blurry, as it acts as a stabilizer for your camera. A tripod also brings a bit of consistency to your photos as well by maintaining perspective in your shots. If your tripod is set at five and a half feet, then all your photos will be captured at that same height.

5.Get Insurance

Many photographers and real estate agents don’t think about insurance when going to shoots… “what could go wrong?” Well, a lot actually. You have to consider the fact that furniture may need to be moved which can cause property damage if not done correctly. Things like floors, furniture, and walls can get damaged. You could also bump into something and break it.

From keeping watch of the weather conditions to prepping your gear the night before, all of these efforts play a significant role in how your real estate photography skills will blossom as you get more advanced in your skills. However, it’s also important to understand that this niche-specific industry truly is an art form. Whether you are a real estate agent or business owner looking to capture quality photos of a home or business you want to list, hiring a beginner photographer may not be the best move professionally, especially when you’re looking to sell the home quickly

At 615 Media, we specialize in real estate photography and videography for residential and commercial properties. You can rest assured knowing that we create only the highest quality images to meet all of your marketing needs, as we work with photographers, designers, drone pilots, and stagers of high caliber. To schedule your appointment, simply give us a call or send an email!